Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 122 | Wednesday, August 28, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

MAKING HEALTHIER DABAWENYOS

Serving a seamless society

INDULGE A1

PUBLIC REVIEW f

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

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PNP promotion aspirants must pass public perception test

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By ADAM B. MORRELL

olice Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 director BGen Marcelo C. Morales enjoined public cooperation in the evaluation of the 1,421 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who are applying for promotion for next higher rank positions.

This after PRO 11 began promotion process for the 2nd Semester CY 2019 Regular Promotion.

Morales said anyone could provide their of�ice with background information of the PNP applicants which will serve as supplication of the citizens’ response is to make sure that all applicants are “upright citizens in character,

PUBLIC, P9

BILATERAL MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte lights a candle in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as he visits the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday night. The President will depart from Manila to Beijing, China tomorrow and expected to raise the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling in his upcoming eighth bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

BEYOND DISABILITY: OJTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME PROVE THAT THEY BELONG COMMUNITY SENSE P8

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER A THREAT TO P191-BILLION HOG INDUSTRY

AGRITRENDS P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

Workers under the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) fetch sea water that they will use to water the mangroves at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

Duterte wants GPH-MNLF T panel to convene by Sept

Gov’t eyes to register 10K for pilot run of national ID system

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avao City athletes who won in the various regional, national, and international sports competitions this year will get additional cash rewards from the city government for bringing honor and pride to the city.

Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte recently bared that giving the cash rewards is the city government’s way of thanking athletes for bringing honor to the city and the Dabawenyos in general.

He said their feat

would inspire other young Dabawenyos to channel their talents and capabilities in a good way, such as sports.

“Continue to commit to sportsmanship and aim high in your future endeavors and use sports for

social change and fairness and respect to each other,” Baste said, addressing the athletes.

“We are proud of you every time you represent the city. I am hoping that you will continue what you have started. Stay away from illegal drugs and just focus on your sports,” he added.

Baste said each athlete who won a gold medal award in international events will re-

ceive P30,000; P20,000 for silver medalists; and, P10,000 for bronze medalists.

For the winners in national sporting events, the gold medalists will receive P12, 000; P10, 000 for silver medalists; and P8, 000 for bronze medalists.

For local events, the athletes who won the gold will get P10, 000; P8, 000 for silver medalists; and P5, 000 for bronze medalists. CIO

temporary suspension as the Department of Justice forms a task force to review existing guidelines on the grant of GCTAs following the public outcry that resulted from news of the possibility of early release for Antonio Sanchez, a former mayor convicted of rape and murder.

The task force will be composed of prison authorities and will look into the guidelines within a target period of 10 days, Guevarra said earlier.

He said the task force will ask the BuCor for a

list of inmates that have already been released as a consequence of reduced sentences because of GCTAs “and determine what needs to be done.”

“Should there be any sign of fraud or irregularity, I will order a separate probe,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

As of last week, around 200 inmates have been released on the basis of shortened sentences because of GCTAs, according to BuCor spokesman Eusebio del Rosario, Jr. GCTAs are provided for

by Republic Act No. 10592, a 2013 law that amends a number of provisions of the Revised Penal Code on time allowances and credit for preventive imprisonment of inmates.

The Supreme Court declared last June that the law should be applied retroactively, or even on cases that took place before the enactment of the measure.

This led to the BuCor processing GCTAs that may be granted to thousands of inmates who have been detained since the 1990s, including Sanchez.

Cotabato, who admitted having sold smuggled cigarettes for a month now.

“They were just dropped in my stall. I don’t know who the main supplier is,” Pacal claimed, referring to the cigarettes.

A CIDG operative told media here that they received a tip from informants in Tulunan that ambulant vendors are once

again selling smuggled cigarettes in the town center.

“We responded to the call and when we arrived at the area we saw them displaying the smuggled cigarettes in their stalls,” said the operative.

The CIDG has yet to determine the total cost of the con�iscated items now placed under their custody.

On Tuesday, the CIDG

will �ile charges of violating Tariff and Customs Code against Pacal and his crew identi�ied as Elfrans Nicor, 22, and Jeffrey Orong Sanot, 23, both residents of Barangay La Esperanza, Tulunan.

Meantime, the CIDG denied reports they were extorting P100,000 cash from Pacal and his group so they would be freed from criminal charges.

he government is eyeing to register around 10,000 individuals for the pilot testing of the national identi�ication system which will run from September to December this year.

“Mga 10,000 lang muna kasi ano ‘yan eh trial so we still have to �ine-tune the process,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said on the sidelines of the 3rd Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Forum in Manila on Tuesday.

“Once it’s perfected we

can already ramp-up the registrants,” Pernia said.

The NEDA chief said the pilot testing of the national ID system will begin on September 2.

“Next year we will be ramping up as soon as the pilot test will show that we are implementing the National ID the right way,” Pernia said.

“Then we are going to ramp up so that next year, we should be doing 50 million registrants, and then the following year, 2021, another 50 million so that by the end of the administration, we would have covered virtually all Filipinos including OFWs,” he said.

BuCor ordered to suspend GCTA processing PRRD ‘ready’ to protect

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ustice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to “temporarily” suspend the processing of good conduct-based sentence reductions that may be granted to thousands of inmates.

Guevarra said Tuesday that he verbally gave the order to hold the processing of good conduct time allowances (GCTA) “as a precautionary measure and in the interest of prudence.”

The Justice chief earlier said he was considering a

Smuggled cigarettes seized in NorthCot

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peratives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) con�iscated a truck loaded with smuggled cigarettes from at least three ambulant vendors in Tulunan, North Cotabato on Saturday.

Authorities identi�ied the truck owner as Johnny Pacal, 49, from Barangay Tapay in M’lang, North

PH interests in China trip

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is ready to protect the Philippines’ interests, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, during his upcoming trip to China from Aug. 28 to 31, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said on Monday.

The former Special Assistant to the President made this assurance after Duterte said he will raise the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling in his upcoming eighth bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

“Handang-handa naman po parati si Pangulong Duterte (President Duterte is always prepared). Alam ko ipaglalaban niya. Marami siyang gustong sabihin na kung ano po ang atin ay atin (President Duterte is always ready. I know he will �ight for it. He has a lot he wants to say about what is ours being ours),” Go told reporters on the sidelines of the National Heroes’ Day

commemoration in Taguig City.

“Pilipino po si Pangulong Duterte, proteksyunan niya po ang interes po ng bawat Pilipino (The President is a Filipino. He will protect the interests of every Filipino),” he added.

Go said nothing could stop the President from raising the arbitral ruling despite calls to defer his plan as an act of courtesy.

“Wala pong makakapigil kay Pangulong Duterte kung ano man po ang gustong sasabihin ng Pangulo (No one can stop him from saying what he wants),” Go said.

Go said as long as it concerned the interests of the Philippines and Filipinos, Duterte has always been willing to speak his mind.

In 2016, the PCA released its decision nullifying China’s nine-dash line map covering nearly the entire of South China Sea, including the WPS.

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

Local florist hopes floristry in Davao City be revived

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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A trader sorts out squids from Zamboanga at the bagsakan area of Bankerohan Public Market in Bankerohan, Davao City which will be delivered to various restaurants and public markets in the city on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

here is still hope for the sagging local �lorist industry.

Despite its current dormant state, local �lorist-entreprenuer Jade Polizon remains con�ident Davao’s �loriculture industry will get a new lease of life considering that the city is abundant with many species of indigenous �lora including the rare Waling-Waling orchid.

In an interview, Polizon cited among the reasons why the industry �lorists have missed a lot of opportunities to showcase and develop their skills is due to lack of platforms and facility.

“We know that Davao City has lots of talented �lorists. I think it is lack of access to education and also the facility for this kind of industry. Unlike in Europe there are a lot of schools and organizations catering to �lorists and every now and then there are big events organized for all �lower enthusiasts. In Davao, we only have the Kadayawan sa Davao,” he said.

Davao City is known

for its Waling-Waling, cut�lowers and ornamental plants. It has also become the source of supply by other garden installers in the country.

“When I was in college I used to join competitions organized by Arlene “Jing” Puentespina of Peuntespina Orchids and Tropical Plants but eventually they are not active anymore,” he said.

Polizon is a curator-business proprietor who has built a name for himself and for his Cameo brand as among Davao’s best �lorists and event designers. He has worked in countries like Saudi Arabia and Europe.

During the Kadayawan sa Davao, Polizon was given the opportunity to showcase his �lower installation for Waterfront Insular Hotel’s Visual and Wearable Art Exhibition along with artista Elenita Dumlao and accessory designer Kathryn Fanlo.

For his Kadayawan installation titled “Tahama-

Dapat mas mababa kasi useless din if same price at mabawasan ang layer for the bene�it of our producers and consumers,” the Secretary stressed out.

Following this, Sec Piñol will meet of�icials of Mindanao fruits farmers’ organizations and airline executives this Wednesday in Davao City to discuss supply volume, logistical and �inancing requirements, and a special air link arrangements to sustain the said project.

“Given the turnout, sig-

uro 15 tons of durian, 15 tons of pomelo and tingnan namin ang capacity ng mga commercial airline companies to carry fruits from Davao to Clark.

We will haggle with them the cost of transport as the limiting factor,” he explained.

Secretary Piñol and Mayor Magalong are set to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MinDA and the City Government to formalize partnership in the conduct of the project.

LOCAL, P9

1st MinDA fruits festival generates P1.1 M sales; Sec. Piñol to meet fruit farmers, airline officers

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he 1st MINDA Fruits Festival in Baguio City generated an estimated sale of PhP1.1M pesos following the selling of some Mindanao fruits last 24 – 25 August 2019 at Session Road, according to the City Government.

“I am amazed by the interest shown by the people of Baguio. In fact, nahiya nga ako eh dahil mukhang hindi lahat makakatikim.

Na-underestimate namin ‘yung acceptance ng mga tao sa programa. But I would like to apologize and I would like to assure the constituents of Baguio

that this will be a continuing program. Mas marami pong prutas ang dadalhin namin dito,” said MinDA Secretary Manny Pinol.

The event was able to generate 200,000 foot traf�ic in four hours, from 6-10 AM of Aug 25.

A total of 22 tons of assorted fruits carried via

Lawmakers want to ban homework for students

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f Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas and House Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero will have their way, homework for students could be a thing of the past.

Vargas has �iled House Bill 388, which he wants to be passed as the “No Homework on Weekends Act of 2019".

The proposed law seeks to ban all elementary and high schools from allowing teachers to give homework or assignments over the weekend.

Violators will face a �ine of P50,000 and jail time of up to 2 years.

In his explanatory note, Vargas cited a 2018 study in Western Cape Province, South Africa that states that national discussions on homework re�lects on how homework is perceived,with scholars arguing that homework is a burden for children and

parents, that family time has declined and that it undermines learning interest.

“In addition, a few landmark studies have suggested that homework does impact upon family life, in some cases, in a negative way (Dudley Marling, 2003 Xu and Corno, 1998) yet in general it is positively associated with academic achievement (Carmichael and MacDonald, 2016; Cooper, Robinson and Patall, 2006)” Escudero, meanwhile, �iled House Bill 3611 which promotes a no-homework policy for kinder to grade 12 and barring the taking of textbooks out of the school for kinder to grade 6 students in all public and private schools.

Section 4 of Escudero’s bill says that all basic education schools shall make sure that their re-

LAWMAKERS, P9

air freight from Davao to Clark, travelled via land trip and sold last Sunday in Baguio. These fruits were durian, rambutan, mangosteen, lansones, and pomelo from Davao and SOCCSKSARGEN regions.

“Ang objective nito is to be a weekly event. But siguro bigyan niyo muna ako ng two weeks para ma-improve ang sistema. Aayusin natin lahat.

Magiging trading partner na natin ang Mindanao.

Kaya nga itatayo natin as

suggestion of Secretary Manny ang Economic Enterprise Of�ice para sila na mismo ang magha-handle ng trading activities natin with Mindanao and also Visayas tulad ng carrot, potato, and strawberry,” Mayor Baguio City Benjamin Magalong pointed out.

The project aims to offer the fruits at 20-30 pesos lower and the eradication of trading layers. “Ang presyuhan at tiers of trader and middle men dito ang main objectives natin.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairman Emmanuel Piñol will meet with airline executives from the different airline companies to negotiate for cargo allocation for the fruits from Mindanao on their Davao-Manila-Davao, Davao-Iloilo-Davao, and Davao-Clark-Davao flights. Lean Daval Jr

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

PCSO to STL operators: No compliance, no operations

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mall town lottery operations have yet to resume in the country even after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the suspension order against the numbers game, a Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Of�icial said Tuesday.

STL operators have yet to comply with the conditions earlier set by government, PCSO General Manager Royina Garma told members of the House Committee on Games and Amusements.

"We have not yet issued any certi�ication for them to resume their operations. Walang STL dapat na nag-o-operate dito sa ating bansa," she said.

In July, Duterte suspended all games under the PCSO due to alleged corruption in the agency, particularly in the operations of STL and "Peryahan ng Bayan."

The suspension against STL was lifted last week, but operators have to comply with several conditions before they can receive a new permit from the government.

The conditions are as follows: 1. The authorized agent corporations (AACs) must deposit with the PCSO a cash bond equivalent to 3 months of PCSO’s share in the guaranteed minimum monthly receipts (GMMRR) on top of their existing cash bonds.

2. Upon failure to timely and fully remit their receipts during the duration of their operations, the agency’s cash bond equivalent to 3 months of the PCSO’s share in the GMMRR shall be automatically forfeited in favor of PCSO without prejudice to the other remedies that may be exercised by the government.

3. Each AAC shall execute a written undertaking that it shall comply with its obligations under the agency agreement and will not institute any claims monetary or otherwise against the government and/or apply for TRO or injunction from any court to prevent government from exercising its rights and prerogatives.

4. The STL agency agreement shall automatically be terminated upon violation of conditions of their franchise and/or any of the above conditions without prejudice to the other remedies that may be exercised by the government.

The PCSO earlier said it is eyeing the possibility of automating STL operations to curb illegal payoffs and kickbacks from the game.

"We’re going into automation to be able to get the exact sales and we are studying the possibility [of] how we will implement this the soonest possible time," Garma said.

OPEN HOUSE. A realtor speaks with clients during the Pre-Kadayawan Open House of Aeon Luxe Properties, Inc. Clients were in for a special promo and 50k appliance gift certificate upon purchase of a condo unit at Aeon Towers during the event.

Halal protocols pushed in making Davao chocolate

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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chocolate processor with processing plant in Bunawan, Davao City is instilling Halal protocols to farmers in producing Halal chocolates and other chocalate products.

Neil Santillan, CEO and Managing Director of MS3 Agri-Ventures Corporation told Edge Davao that members and farmers of the Davao City Chocolate

ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND GOVERNANCE GRADUATE BUSINESS AND GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS Calling all interested researchers, academicians, practitioners and students to attend a PUBLIC SEMINAR on Friday, August 30, 2019, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - at the Multi-purpose Room, Miguel Pro Learning Commons, 2nd Floor Community Center of the First Companions, Ateneo de Davao University, Jacinto Campus, Davao City. For the purpose of soliciting feedback, comments and opinions, the following candidates from the School of Business and Governance will present the concept of their proposed dissertation/thesis: Non-Cognitive Measures of Emotional, Social, and Grit Intelligences as Predictors of Work Performance Among Information Technology Employees in Region 12 By: Esther Lyn M. Tagoon Candidate, Doctor of Management – Human Resource Management Adviser: Victor G. Quimbao, Jr., DM, PhD Determinants of Investment Decisions of Cooperatives in SOCSKSARGEN Region By: Catlyn B. Ontoy Candidate, Doctor of Business Administration Adviser: Emraida L. Ali, DBA Market Penetration Strategies and Business Growth: Examining Agri-Tourism Industry in SOCSKSARGEN Region By: Glaiza S. Ondoy Candidate, Doctor of Business Administration Adviser: Sheila M. Bayquin, DBA Factors affecting Unbanked Marginalized Income Earners (MIEs) Intention Towards Bank Services: Davao Region By: Paul Vincent P. Jimenez Candidate, Doctor of Business Administration Adviser: Christhoffer P. Lelis, LPT, PhD Determinants of Financial Security of Overseas Filipino Workers Dependents (OFWDs): An Analysis of OFWDs Remittance Management in Region 12 By: Wilma A. Mercado Candidate, Doctor of Business Administration Adviser: Sheila M. Bayquin, DBA

Processor Association which he organized are now being imparted with the protocols of Halal. ”Our association have different clusters that

were taught how to properly ferment to be Halal compliant para at least walang contamination.

Ibig sabihin ng Halal ay para sa lahat at kung paano ginagawa ang produkto na walang contamination,” he said.

Santillan said they need to instill Halal protocols to the farmers whom

they source their ingredients. He said they also �inanced the facilities like solar dryer and fermentation box that will be used by the farmers. ”Kailangan namin ng ingredients at sa farmers kami kumukuha. We manufactured halal and local products. Hindi lang

Saturday that he proposed to leaders of the industry that there be a 50-50 sharing agreement between government and banana stakeholders to establish the research center as the DA is also constrained with limited budget.

“One commitment once the research program is developed, what will follow is the setting up of a research center for banana, 50% from government and 50% from them,” he said.

The secretary hopes big players can help the small ones so that the concept of “big brother-small brother working together” will be realized in the banana industry.

“The department will only come in if the two groups will work together.

And what are these two groups? These are the big players, PBGEA, and smaller banana growers. We have to work as one,” he said.

Antig said earlier the center might cost P500 million because it is envisioned to feature topnotch laboratory “where we can do tissue culture and develop new varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases.” He added that other top banana-producing countries like Taiwan, Belgium, Mozambique, and Ecuador have laboratories supported by the government because these are costly to run.

A resolution was passed

during the National Banana Congress at the SMX Convention Center in 2016, endorsing the establishment of a Philippine Banana Research and Development Center.

The resolution said the country’s banana industry is facing serious challenges that threaten its viability such as climate change; diseases including Fusarium Wilt, Black Sigatoka, Banana Bunchy Top and Moko; and competition from other banana-producing countries that are devoting much resources to research and development of better varieties and more ef�icient and advanced farm technologies.

It said the research and development center is essential in providing scienti�ic, technical and environment-friendly technologies and processes to promote the development of the industry from pre-production to post-harvest and from farm to market.

Antig said the industry players are hoping the facility will be established immediately as the competitiveness of the Philippines in the world market is eroding every year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that banana exports from January to June 2019 reached $983 million, higher by 57.5% compared to $624 million recorded in the same period last year. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

HALAL, P9

PBGEA: Research center should be at no cost to banana industry players

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he Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) maintained that the establishment of the Banana Research and Development Center should be at no cost to banana industry stakeholders.

Reacting to the proposal of newly installed Agriculture Secretary William Dar that the government will pay half of the cost while the other half will be shouldered by the banana players, PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig said on Monday that the government should fund the project without counterpart from them as it will be the small and medium-sized growers who bene�it most from it.

“No. It should be the government – 100%. The ones who will bene�it the most are the small and medium-sized growers,” he added.

Antig said he is waiting for the Department of Agriculture in the Davao Region to set another meeting with other banana players to “work on the details and the mechanism” because “PBGEA is not the only stakeholder in the banana industry.”

But Antig said they would study the concept paper to be drafted by the agency �irst to see if “there is a way to raise the stakeholders’ counterpart without burdening them.”

Dar told reporters last

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

Public perception

Public perception will now be a part of every police personnel’s life and in a very signi�icant way, it will decide if one deserves a promotion or not.

Yes, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will include a public review for PNP promotion aspirants where the people are encouraged to full take part in the promotions process by giving their perception and review of the candidates for promotion. The process calls for citizens to provide their of�ice with background information of the PNP applicants which will serve as supplication of the citizens’ response. This will help ensure that all applicants are upright citizens in character, gentle in manners, and are still equipped to serve the public. The public can share their knowledge or complaints on the involvement in any illegal activities, particularly illegal drugs of any of the promote-ables whose names are posted on the social media sites.

In Davao Region, complainants may be called or texted directly to the Regional Director’s Hotline numbers 0998-967-4145, 0933-823-2535, tel no. (082) 232-8064 and on these social media accounts ( RPPSS Rehiyon Onse and Orphrdd Proeleven Facebook Page). All information will be treated with con�identiality in the evaluation of the region’s 1,421 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who are applying for promotion for next higher rank positions.

Participation in this campaign is envisaged to transform organization into a professional force with integrity and with passion for true public service.

PNP personnel who will be reported will be subjected to validation and monitoring upon proof of evidence, will be automatically not included in the promotion list and will be subjected for administrative sanction, depending on the gravity of the case/ complaints against him/her. In addition, an oversight committee (members of the Promotional Board for PCO and PNCOs) is tasked to study applications for promotion

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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

to ensure that those deserved of�icials will be promoted to the next higher rank.

Traditionally, police performance has been largely assessed in terms of statistics such as crime rates and, more recently, community satisfaction. However, while these major approaches can provide an indication of what police may spend their time on, they do not directly inform the people of what they do spend their time on. The process is known in other jurisdictions as “activity measurement”, an approach that serves as a signi�icant management information tool.

In the past, data on reported crime rates and other related crime indices were used to justify the establishment of police services and to gain community acceptance of police. However, these ratings only serve as critical indicators of performance.

Because of the complex nature of policing in this country, police work is dif�icult to measure. These measures have historically constituted the main form of information for evaluating police services. However, the main limitation of these traditional police performance indicators is that they are essentially social indicators. This means it is dif�icult to determine the true nature and extent of the impact of police activity on the intended result. As a result, it is often dif�icult to �ind consistent “improvement” in police performance using these indicators.

In our jurisdiction, the police undertake a broad array of work which means that other than the than the traditionally-assigned tasks of pursuing, arresting and charging criminals, preventing crime from occurring, and dealing with traf�ic-related offences and accidents, the police are likewise expected to resolve various con�licts in their communities, reduce or prevent social disorder, and construct and maintain community relations.

To members of the PNP who are poor in social skills and community relations, this is a wake up call.

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 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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DENNIS R. GORECHO KUWENTONG KULE

FINDING LOLA, THE MISSING COMFORT WOMAN STATUE There are “shadows forcing Lolas into silence.”

“LOLA”, the statue of Filipino comfort women and those forced into sexual violence by Japanese invasion and occupation troops during World War II, is now missing.

Artist Jonas Roces was commissioned by Tulay Foundation Inc., to make the 2-meter-high “Lola” statue, an unnamed woman wearing a traditional Filipino dress, blindfolded, with hands clutched to her chest.

Even if it is a reminder of a painful past, the “Lola” statue honors the memory, courage and resilience of these Filipino women .

On September 18, 1992, Lola Rosa Henson decided to come out with her story, and to tell everyone what happened to her, with the hope that such an ordeal will never happen again to any woman. She was the �irst such Filipina to tell the world about this inhuman practice of the Japanese during the war.

The LOLA statue represents Filipino women’s dignity and stands as “a reminder that wars of aggression must always be

opposed, and that sexual slavery and violence should never happen again to any woman, anywhere at any time.”

Four months after its installation in December 2017, the statue was dismantled under cover of darkness on April 27, 2018 by the DPWH, allegedly for a drainage improvement project, but seen as submission to protests from Japan.

The Japanese embassy lodged its of�icial regrets over the existence of the statue to Manila’s city hall, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Issues of historical revisionism and the government’s submission to Japanese policy were raised by concerned groups led by the Flowers-for-Lolas as they condemned the removal of the statue. President Duterte earlier remarked the state would not want to “antagonize” other countries.

Tulay Foundation again commissioned Roces to make the necessary repair, thus “Lola “ was placed under his custody for safekeeping until the Flow-

ers-for-Lolas �ind her “home”.

And her new home should have been the Redemptorist Church in Baclaran.

Despite the absence of the statue, a new metal historical marker dedicated to the Lolas was unveiled Sunday at the Baclaran church , over a year after a similar memorial was removed due apparently to Japanese pressure.

The broken mosaic tiles that adorn the pavement at the base of the “Lola” statue symbolize the broken lives of many lolas (grandmothers) but at the same time made whole and beautiful again because of their courage to share their experiences and tragedies, and the world’s efforts to recognize and honor them and their struggle for justice.

However, despite several follow-ups on the formal turnover of the LOLA statue back to Tulay for its reinstallation initially on August 18 then August 25, 2019, Roces failed to do so. Until he recently told Tulay that the Lola statue was taken by unidenti�ied men from his art studio in Cainta Rizal.

There are “shadows forcing

Lolas into silence”.

“Nothing happens in a vacuum, the missing lola is another event that highlights the comfort women issue,” said Teresita Ang See of Flowers-for-Lolas.

The statue of a young woman with �ists resting on her lap has been removed from the Catholic-run Mary Mother of Mercy shelter for the elderly and the homeless in San Pedro, Laguna, only two days after its unveiling last January.

At present, a lifesize statue of two women still stands on the property owned by the family of women’s rights activist Nelia Sancho at Barangay Caticlan, Malay town, Aklan that greets Boracay bound tourists. “The ‘lolas’ are dying and we didn’t want the issue to die with them, ” Sancho said adding that the issue should be remembered and resolved, not buried and forgotten.

One of the surviving comfort women, Lola Narcisa Claveria, said “Ang giyera, walang pinipili.

Ayaw naming maranasan ng bagong kabataan ang dinanas naming kalupitan.”. She is living proof that the quest for justice remains alive today.

The 8:00 a.m. mass at the Baclaran church is offered for the elders. To many, the memories of World War II are dim, made dimmer by the passing on of the lolos and lolas who lived through the horrors of that war.

Sadly, the LOLA statue is now missing.

It has been more than 70 years since the war ended on August 15, 1945, and yet the Japanese government refuses to recognize its of�icial accountability to the victims of sex slavery. Justice has not been given to women such as Rosa Henson.

Their �ight for unequivocal public apology, accurate historical inclusion, and just compensation continues up to this day.

Help us �ind the missing LOLA statue. *** Kule is the monicker of Philippine Collegian, the of�icial student publication of UP Diliman. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho is a junior partner of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

CHRISTIANITY AND KARMA “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” – Randy Pausch in The Last Lecture *** When I started my career as a writer, I received a lot of rejection slips (which most aspiring writers these days don’t experience anymore). But it didn’t deter me to keep submitting features and articles to publications with a minute hope that one or two of them would be published.

Mod Magazine did. When my very short feature, “Children Tell What Doctors Do,” came out, my mother bought a lot of copies (which she gave to some of her friends). I was also very proud of myself for having accomplished such feat.

I thought it was the beginning of my luck. But I was wrong.

More rejections followed after that. I decided to submit some of the articles to other publications.

Since I am from faraway Davao del Sur, I won’t be able to compete with those writers based in Manila. So, I changed my strategy; I wrote topical features: Valentine’s Day, Christmas, anniversaries, weddings, graduation,

and other events.

Magazines commenced using some of my features: Woman’s Home Companion, Focus Philippines, Expressweek, Philippine Panorama, Philippine Free Press, Philippine Graphic, Mr. & Ms., Money Asia, Woman Today, Green�ields, and AgriScope. Most of these publications are now defunct but there were articles that appeared in some of them that earned me journalism awards, including the Hall of Fame in science reporting from Philippine Press Institute and Journalist of the Year from the Rotary Club of Manila.

Had I quit when I received those rejection slips, I won’t be what I am today. But I persevered. I didn’t quit when it seemed there was no future for me in writing. And I was glad that I didn’t allow myself to be swallowed by the strings of failures that came my way.

It is only now that I came to realize what Leigh Micthell Hodges said.

“Failure,” she pointed out, “is often that early morning hour of darkness which precedes the dawning of the day of success.”

American inventor Thomas Alva Edison had the same view in mind. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up,” he once remarked.

In fact, history is replete with people who never let challenges – failures, obstacles, hardships, and poverty – stop them from being successful in life. “History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed,” Scottish-born American �inancial journalist B.C. Forbes said.

“They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.”

Let’s take a closer look at some of these people. Sylvester Stallone – known around the world for his Rocky and Rambo roles in movies – was expelled from 14 schools. He dropped out of college to pursue acting.

He went on thousands of auditions and still couldn’t get work.

When he was evicted from his apartment, he had to sleep in bus stations for weeks.

He was so desperate for money that he even appeared in a porn movie. After watching a boxing bout, he went home and wrote a script that would change his life completely. Some producers wanted to buy the script but turned down the offer. He wanted to star in the �ilm. One producer made a gamble with him. Shoot with a tight budget and in black-and-white at that, Rocky earned Stallone an Oscar nomination and the �ilm itself was declared Best Picture win-

ner.

What about Harrison Ford, also known for his two movie roles: Hans Solo and Indiana Jones? He was bitten by the acting bug not because he wanted to become popular but as a way to overcome his painful shyness.

But he could only get bit parts for over 10 years.

His appearance in his �irst �ilm was so unimpressive that a studio executive told him bluntly, “You’ll never make it in this business.” He pursued his dream while working as a carpenter to support his family. In fact, he came to the Philippines as a carpenter for the set of Apocalypse Now. When director Francis Ford Coppola reportedly needed some soldiers, he approached Ford to be among them.

But it wasn’t until he accepted the role of Hans Solo in the Star Wars saga that he became a box-of�ice hero. The Indiana Jones series even sealed his fate as among the highest-grossing actors in American �ilm history.

Howard Schultz, the man behind Starbucks, grew up living in city housing projects. He worked for years selling photo copiers and coffee machines. He was turned down 217 times for a loan to open his �irst café.

He was laughed at for believing people would pay more than 50 cents for a cup of coffee.

Making no money, he was tempt-

ed to give up his dream while his wife was 7 months pregnant.

But he persevered and now he is a multi-billionaire business legend and cultural icon.

There are also women who believed in perseverance. Poverty did not dissuade Oprah Winfrey to become the US queen of all media. So poor was she as a child that she wore a dress made of potato sacks. She ran away from home at 13 after years of sexual abuse.

By the time she was 14, she became pregnant. Unfortunately, the son died shortly after birth. Those experiences brought her depression that in her late 20’s, she wrote a suicide note. Emotional turmoil in her early 30’s led to weight gain and crack cocaine abuse.

But she all passed all the obstacles in her life. Now, she’s a living example of a self-made multi-billionaire.

“Let me tell you the secret that has led to my goal,” Louise Pasteur, the French biologist, microbiologist and chemist said.

“My strength lies solely in my tenacity.”

Benjamin Disraeli surely would agree. “Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure,” said the British politician who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

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COMMUNITY SENSE

BEYOND DISABILITY:

OJTs with Down syndrome prove that they belong

By LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

DSAPI Davao Branch and Anflo Group of Companies Hospitality and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) President and Coordinator Maricris Brias

O

ne in every 800 babies born in the world each year is a child with Down syndrome. This maybe a recent change because it used to occur in about one per 1,000 babies born in a year. In 2015, Down syndrome was present in 5.4 million individuals globally and resulted in 27,000 deaths, down from 43,000 deaths in 1990.

While the �igures are out of our control, the best control measure is in the mind. That is to believe that disability is just a matter of perception.

According to Wikipedia, there is no cure for Down syndrome, but “education and proper care have been shown to improve quality of life, Some children with DS are educated in typical school classes, while

others required more specialized educated. Some individuals graduate from high school, while others attend post-secondary education.”

With this inspiring facts, 11 members of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. (DSAPI) – Davao Chapter, challenged the disability perception by honing their skills instead.

An�lo Management and Investment Corporation (ANFLOCOR) and the Don Antonio O. Floirendo Foundation (AOF), in partnership with DSAPI – Davao Branch held a touching culminating activity for its Work Exposure Program for People with Down Syndrome last August 14 at the Siamesa Hall, Hotel Tropika. This is already the program's

second batch.

“The most sincere and heartfelt thank you to the people who provided us all guidance and precious life lessons to our children --- Thank you, An�locor, AOF Foundation, Pearl Farm and Tinalak Homes. We appreciate everything,” one of the graduate’s mother expressed during the gathering.

Down syndrome (DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is usually associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and characteristic facial features.

The 11 on-the-job trainees (OJTs) were assigned to three different companies: An�locor, Pearl Farm and the Tinalak Homes at the Abreeza Ayala Mall Davao. The OJTs rendered six productive months for the company they were assigned.

For An�locor, Michelle C. Mirafuentes, Aurain Marizz D. Inso, Ivy Christie Escalante, Louiselyn Camay A. Sevilla, Sheng Jean M. Montes and Kert Gryan C. Samoranos worked as OJTs. Pearl Farm had Sarah Angelick L. Gantala, Pauline Mae C. Hipolito, Kim Lorenz B. Laniba and Benra�il T. Omar while Michael D. Redoloza was assigned at the Tinalak Homes.

“First time naming maka-encounter na may kasamang special sa workplace. His (Michael) presence gives us inspiration to go to work everyday,”

Tinalak Homes’ Ana Aguinaldo said.

DSAPI Davao Branch and An�lo Group of Companies Hospitality and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) President and Coordinator Maricris Brias said the program itself is a breakthrough. “Since this was launched only last year, it has since opened many doors and has gained a lot of support from the other companies and agencies like the City Government,” Brias said.

Founded in 1991, DSAPI is a non-stock, non-pro�it organization dedicated and committed to offer support to families who have a child with Down Syndrome. DSAPI believes that the initial reactions of new parents that typically bear disappointment, sorrow, fear, guilt, confusion and anger can be replaced with positive attitudes of warmth, love, understanding and hope.

Lanie Vergara of the DSAPI – Davao Branch also expressed her gratitude to the program for allowing trainees with down

syndrome work and experience the real world. “Nalipay mi because the program allows the members to work and gain on their own. Dili lang kay mag-depend sa ginikanan but that despite their disability, pwede sila mag-work in a regular company with regular colleagues,” Vergara added.

The culminating activity was received with much love and affection from everyone who attended the event. The 11 OJTs rendered an energetic dance number that highlighted their love for entertainment. Also during the event, each of the interns presented an art piece to the company they served.

"Ang akoang ikasulti, mahalon lang gyud. Kanang rason sila na nabuhi ta. Isa sila sa mga rason ngano nabuhi ta. Ato silang atimanon kay gihatag sila.

Mao dyud nga ang pinaka-importante. Naa man gyud ubang mga ginikanan na nag-question ngano naa sila'y mga anak na ingon ana. Dili dapat," Angela B. Lanida, mother of Kim Lorenz B. Lanida.

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EVENT

MAKING HEALTHIER DABAWENYOS A

fitness gym is man’s new best friend. And the relationship is just getting warmer.

365 days and counting, Arcadia Fitness Gym has become the go-to friend among fitness buffs as well as the starting-

to-get-into-the-fitness thing bunch.

It’s not just bandwagon. Like any relationships, it’s something really amazingly ‘complicated.’

Arcadia Fitness Gym, located at the lobby of Davao’s new event and dining mecca Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center, has

brought in the best in fitness equipment and training.

For the fitness rookies, the gym looks complicated with all the imposing equipment. The faclity boasts of the Technogym brand, known in fitnesstopia as the “Rolls Royce” of gym equipment.

Once inside the vibe is infectious. The intensity meter ranges from low to high and the camaraderie at peak levels.

One doesn’t get the intimidated feel common in many gyms.

Instead, you get amped.

From pumping irons to group workouts, to resistance training and aqua fitness, Arcadia takes fitness to a different level.

No wonder, many Dabawenyos are now discovering fitness the Arcadia way. Exactly the point why this facility was built by the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) which does not only build quality residential estate but also ensures Dabawenyos engulf the fitness culture.

Arcadia is couched across Esdevco’s signature real estate project Matina Enclaves along Col. Emilio Escandor Street in Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

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EVENT

HONEY’S SPARKLY NIGHT

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

A MOTHER’S DREAM is to make her lovely daughter’s 18th birthday celebration extra special. That’s how Hannah Marie’s mother, Honey, made everything fall into place to make her big day a memorable one.

Hannah Marie Denila sparkled her way to adulthood with her family and close friends at Davao’s finest event destination, The Royal Mandaya Hotel, on June 29, 2019.

The Royal Mandaya Hotel (TRMH), has always been one of the top choices for milestone celebrations like debut parties because of its sumptuous meal choices, accessible location and great service.

Its well-decorated Ballroom was even more elegant with midnight blue and diamond touches courtesy of event organizer Miss Ailleen Abadilla of

Pretty Little Parties.

“I would like to thank the hotel staff for accommodating and assisting Miss Ailleen as they were making the décor works at the Ballroom,” Honey, mom of the debutant expressed.

Everyone were at awe when they finally saw Hannah as she ramped and danced in harmonic tune in her beautiful midnight blue dress.

“A big thank you to God for making this night remarkable wonderful. The guests were delighted of the delicious food the hotel banquet prepared for them,” Honey said.

Plan your debut party with The Royal Mandaya Hotel. For packages and inquiries call the Hotel’s Banquet Events Supervisor, Michelle S. Sollano, at (82) 225-8888 loc 6179, (82) 244-6603 or at 0956-136-3840. You may also send an e-mail at banquetevents@theroyalmandayahotel.com or visit The Royal Mandaya Hotel, J. Palma Gil Street, Davao City.

AN EXCHANG FOOD AND CU THEY CAME, they saw and they were conquered, figuratively.

They were the Chinese delegates, 13 of them, who attended the home economics training at the University of Southeastern Philippines.

The delegation was headed by the school president, Hui Fan. The twelve members were Liping Zhang, Hailong Li, Quiling He, Jie Wu, Shuhua Zhang, Chenchen Han, Xin Li, Wen Wang, Peiling Shen, Zhaoju Li, Fengming Guo, and Ying Zhang.

A few days before they were heading home, they had an opportunity of meeting the officers and members of the LTB Association of Chefs in Davao Philippines at the Salomes Garden Restobar.

LTB stands for Les Toque Blanches, an association of chefs around the world which branched out in the Philippines.

“Thanks for inviting us tonight,” said Hui Fan in his message. “We have learned so many things during our stay here in Davao City, which we would bring when we get back to our city.”

He mentioned about the people (“warm and hospitable”), the climate, the food, the culture and the camaraderie. He also looked forward watching the other activities since the training happened on the 34th Kadayawan sa Dabaw, the mother of all festivals here in Mindanao.

In response, Chef Salome San Jose, the LTB Davao chapter president, welcomed the Chinese delegates with much appreciation. She thanked them for accepting their invitation as a way of friendship between two nationalities. “This is just the beginning of our partnership,” she said.

The LTB Davao started in 2015 with Chef San Jose as the founding leader. Since its existence, the LTB

Davao has staged the most prestigious culinary event in Mindanao – the Davao Culinary Cup. Most of the members, however, are from Davao Region: 25 culinary and hospitality schools, over 15 hotels and restaurant establishments, and 70 individuals (who are self-employed or working in hotels, restaurants, catering and hospitality business).

Among the member schools are Lyceum of the Philippines University Davao, University of Immaculate Conception, University of Mindanao (Davao and Tagum), Holy Cross College of Davao, Davao Central

College, Assu Gabriel Tabo Technical Sch of Digos, Igac and DMMA. Other mem ICHEF, Chip kings, Good Health Davao Hotel, Park In Next mont bers of LTB D under the inv delegates who “We hope we will learn the Chinese c

EDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT URBANISSIMO A4

GE OF ULTURE

umption College, orin College, St. Albans hool, Cor Jesu College cos State College, USEP . mbers include JIB, ppens Restaurant, ViFood, Department of o, Water Front Insular nn, and a lot more. th, some of the memDavao will visit China vitation of the Chinese o came to Davao. that during our visit, n something about culinary cuisine and

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

culture,” said Raffy Yroma, the association’s vice president. “We also envision to have further partnership and linkages with them aside from sharing our future plans and activities.”

During the tour, the group hopes they get to understand better the Chinese traditions and history, Yroma pointed out.

The other officers of LTB Davao are Eda Psalm Castigon, secretary; Don Jae Bontia, assistant secretary; Bambi Lim-Bangwa, treasurer; Glinda Galgo, assistant treasurer; Gypsy Mae Casurao, auditor; and Ginalyn Yretarino, assistant auditor.

The four public information officers are Armando Mortejo, Leomar Jay Oblianda, Jessica Alfonso, and Mylen Callata-Cano. There are also four business managers: Jason Molina, Raymond Minoza, Suzette Quico, and Raul Ian Gempesaw.

After a very short program and “meet and greet,” a sumptuous merienda followed (with fruits Davao is known for being served).

Just when all those present during the party were full, dinner was ready for taking.

Galley Raphael owner, Mr. Joaquin Teotico, shared his Davao connection, living five years of his early life in the City. His son Nicholas Teotico explains “Davao has always been a top choice for the gallery’s operations. It has been in the radar as far as the gallery is concerned. Setting up the 3rd gallery in Abreeza Mall in Davao has been the next step in fulfilling it’s primary objective which is for art to be accessible to everyone. The intention is to eventually set up a permanent space to showcase its currently represented artists and celebrate the work of local artists from Davao.”

The elder Tiotico also notes that Galerie Raphael is also an opportunity to meet Davao and Mindanao artists and be in a position to display the chosen whors as part of the gallery’s collective exhibit. “We intend to explore diverse talents and we pride ourselves in representing the best artists from the country. As such, we would like to strengthen ties with artists from the South as well.”

“The Exquisite Collection: Davao”, an exhibition of works hosted by Galerie Raphael, is at the Abreeza Mall, Bajada, Davao City and will run from August 15 until September 15, 2019. For inquiries, contact Galerie Raphael at (+62) 998.888.1531 or email galerieraphaeldavao@gmail.com.

KADAYAWAN WITH AIRASIA. AirAsia, the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 11th consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, made the Pamulak sa Kadayawan parade last Aug 24, 2019 more colourful with its own floral float. Wowing parade-goers, the float featured Davao’s icons such as the durian, indigenous tribes, Philippine Eagle, and orchids aboard AirAsia’s Airbus A320. AirAsia flies direct from Davao City to Cebu, Clark and Manila. For the latest AirAsia news, activities and promotions, follow AirAsia on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia), Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsiaPH) and Instagram (instagram.com/AirAsiaFilipino).

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AN EXQUISITE AFTERNOON OF ART IT was an exquisite afternoon at the Abreeza Mall as Galerie Raphael, one of Metro Manila’s top gallery, opened its first pop-up exhibit.

Already known to showcase works of modern masters such as Juvenal Sanso, Raul Isidro, Ramon Orlina, and Mario Parial; National Artists Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Abdulmari Imao; genre artists such as Michael Cacnio, and Dominic Rubio; as well as sought-after artists Ram Mallari, Marge Organo, Ombok Villamor, Aileen Lanuza and Vincent de Pio; in their galleries at Serendra and Shangri-La Plaza.

Their Davao pop-up is no exception with the opening exhibit “The Exquisite Collection Davao” bringing together eighteen artists celebrating excellence in art. Seeing the

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exhibit for the first time at the opening reception, I was awed by the exquisite works that were present and on sale. From the serene doll-like figures of Dominic Rubio, the flowers and landscapes by Juvenal Sanso, to the images of Davao life by Kublai, the exhibit seduces the viewers with its diverse expressions of beauty, dignity, and a place of oneness in everyday life.

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VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

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gentle in manners, and are still equipped to serve the public.”

“The public can share their knowledge or complaints on the involvement in any illegal activities, particularly illegal drugs of any of the promote-ables whose names are posted on the social media sites,” Morales said.

Complainants may call or text directly to the Regional Director’s Hotline numbers 0998-967-4145, 0933-823-2535, tel no.

(082) 232-8064 and on these social media accounts ( RPPSS Rehiyon Onse and Orphrdd Proeleven Facebook Page).

“All information will be treated with con�identiality,” he added.

Morales also said this is in line with their monitor-

ing in the implementation of the PNP Internal Cleansing Program. “We are now social media active. Your participation on this campaign will help a lot in transforming our organization in to a professional force with integrity and with passion for true public service,” Morales emphasized.

PNP personnel who will be reported will be subjected to validation and monitoring and once there is evidence, he/she will be automatically not included in the promotion list and will be subjected for administrative sanction, depending on the gravity of the case/ complaints against him/ her.

Likewise, an oversight committee (members of the Promotional Board for PCO and PNCOs) is tasked

to study applications for promotion to ensure that those deserved of�icials will be promoted to the next higher rank. However, the DPRM has not still released the approved quotas for every region to �ill-up the vacancies for each rank from Police Commissioned Of�icers and Non-commissioned of�icers.

“All of them have to undergo immutable process of evaluation to meet the quali�ication standards such as education, experience, training and eligibility before they are promoted to the next higher rank.

Aside from the impressive credentials, he must have a good character. Aanhin mo ang magaling, kung hindi naman maayos makitungo sa tao at tamad magserbisyo,” Morales said.

He added that he is imposing transparency and integrity in the administrative processes to eliminate possible opportunities for unwanted and irregular practices like undue in�luence, favoritism, fraud and corruption.

The conduct of promotion is to give honor and recognition to deserving uniformed personnel as well as boost the morale of the police force.

The list of candidates for 2nd Semester CY 2019 Regular Promotion for PCOs and PNCO’s will be posted on these PRO 11 Of�icial social media sites (for Facebook: Pulis Rehiyon Onse II, Police Regional Of�ice 11 FB Page, RPPSS Rehiyon Onse and Orphrdd Proeleven Facebook Page and Police Regional Of�ice 11 Website).

ling Ug Mahomanay”, he paid homage to the ‘Diwata’ of Philippine Flowers: Hamali and the Malumanay of the Bagobo Tribe.

“It was a �lower arrangement interpreting the diwata of �lowers where I used different techniques for �loristy like tubes that I learned from a London-

based school. I highlighted the Waling Waling and used other endemic �lowers and foliage I got from the mountains and remote parts of the city,” he said.

Although, he is in the industry for 15 years already but it was the �irst time that Polizon did an installation in Davao.

“I was really fortunate that Jennifer Romero of Waterfront Insular Hotel has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent,” he said.

Polizon also does seminars and demonstrations such as basic bouquet arrangement.

“I’ve seen and realized

that some �lorists in Davao who have been in the industry for the longest time they lack basic knowledge and elements on bouquet making,” he said.

He also wants to raise the ante in �loristry in Davao and Mindanao as the industry has becoming underrated.

spective teachers will not give homework assignments to Kinder to Grade 12 students by conducting all lessons and activities in school.

Section 5 says that all basic education schools shall ensure that all Kinder to Grade 6 students shall deposit and leave their textbooks in school and no

textbooks shall be brought home to prevent the adverse effects of carrying heavy bags to and from school.

Section 6 will require

schools to have lockers for the storage of students’ books.

Unlike Vargas, Escudero’s bill has no provisions for penalties.

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chocolate kundi iba’t ibang crops. For us chocolate producer hindi na mabigat sa amin kasi yung post-harvest binigay na with my protocol at sinusunod nila,” he said.

MS3 Agri-Ventures Corporation, the MS3 was awarded bronze award Philippines Best Cocoa Producer 2017 during the Asia Halal Brand awards held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, was established as a livelihood project for OFW partners. Mr. Santillan, who was a former OFW in Qatar left his work to manage the plant here. MS3 is a food manufacturer of �lavoured dark chcolates, chocolate nibs, cacao tear, and cocoa butter.

“Nagtayo kami ng livelihood project dito sa Pilipinas as an investment of OFWs. Para pag-uwi nila sa Pilipinas may investment sila. May mga kasamahan kami na Kristiyano at ibang tribu. Nagkakaisa kami dito para makatulong sa mga farmers,” he said.

He said they saw a big opportunity in Halal chocolates that they developed from raw materials to the end product.

“Bilang Muslim kailangan naming mag produce ng Halal na pagkain kasi kakaunti lang ang nag produce ng Halal na pagkain dito sa Pilipinas. Kahit tingnan mo sa iba’t ibang supermarket mahirap hanapin ang Halal na chocolate pero kung pupunta sila sa MS3, Halal ang chocolate naming. This is

9

the only Halal chocolate in Mindanao. Bilang Muslim obligasyon naming na introduce ang Halal at alam naming ang proseso ng Halal. Alam naming yung sistema ng Halal assuring quality system from harvest to post-harvest to end-product,” he said.

In July this year, Santillan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a holding company Halal Malaysia that will market Halal chocolates and other products of MS3.

“I signed an agreement there na sila ang magtitinda sa Halal na produkto na gagawin namin sa Pilipinas,” he said.

Santillan said members of the Malaysia Chamber of Commerce even visited their factory in Bunawan.

He also said the Malaysian investors also offered to certify his products as Halal compliant.

He added that the MOU he signed was also for a joint venture agreement wherein Halal Malaysia will replicate his processed chocolate using their ingredients but will still use the brand MS3.

“Halimabawa dadalhin namin yung blocks of processed dark chocolates doon, it will be melted there using their local ingredients but still the brand is MS3,” the industry leader said.

In terms of volume of processed dark chocolates that will be brought to Malaysia have yet to be �inalized according to Santillan.

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AGRITRENDS

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER A THREAT TO P191-BILLION HOG INDUSTRY

T

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

he swine production is a whopping P191-billion industry, the largest among the livestock and poultry industries in the Philippines. But there’s a looming threat to it in the form of African swine fever (ASF).

“The threat is real and it could affect an industry which bene�its millions of families, mostly small backyard farmers, who raises 15-million heads of hogs every year,” wrote Emmanuel Piñol in his social media account when he was still the secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

So much so that when there was a reported “abnormal swine deaths in backyard farms” in Rizal and Bulacan provinces, according to Taiwanese intelligence, it created quite a stir in the livestock industry.

As a response, the agriculture department “immediately ordered the investigation of affected farms and collection of blood samples.”

According to affected backyard swine farmers, the pigs showed loss of appetite, recumbency, vomiting, skin hemorrhages, dark discoloration in the extremities, and sudden death.

“Several diseases can be associated with said clinical signs,” experts from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said in a daily bulletin issued by the agriculture department.

As such, “further con�irmation is needed from a recognized foreign reference laboratory in Europe.”

It may take two weeks or three months before the results could be obtained. “We are waiting for �inal con�irmation before we explain things to avoid panic,” BAI director Ronnie Domingo told Manila reporters.

“We don’t have ASF yet in the Philippines,” assured Dr. William Dar, the new agriculture secretary, in a press conference held in Davao City recently.

In an earlier television interview, Dar said that the mass death of pigs in Luzon was not caused by ASF. “It is a virus, but no name yet,” he was

quoted as saying. “I came from the science and development world, you have to be properly informed to make good decisions.”

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so goes a saying. So, while waiting for the results, the agriculture department is doing the 1-7-10 principle to control the spread of any animal disease in an area known to have the disease infection.

The 1-7-10 principle has these features: · One kilometer radius, also known as quarantine zone, is an area set to contain infection within one-kilometer radius from the affected farm by limiting animal movement and employing mandatory test and destruction of all infected animals. · Seven kilometer radius, or what is called as surveillance zone, is an area set within 7-kilometet radius intended to detect the extent of the infection through surveillance activities, disease reporting and limit the movement of live animals, animal products and by-products movement. Every movement outside this zone needs the required documents such as veterinary health certi�icates and shipping permits. · Ten kilometer radius is the control zone. Here, an area set at 10-kilometer radius intended to detect infection at an early stage through mandatory disease reporting.

ASF is a viral disease of pigs and wild boar that is usually deadly; mortality rates are high as 100 percent. Unfortunately, there are still no vaccines available to treat the disease; even worse is that it cannot be cured. “For this reason, it has serious socio-economic consequences in affected countries,” the website of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warned.

ASF is caused by a unique virus which is distinct from that of classical swine fever and which infects only domestic and wild pigs and a variety of soft bodied ticks. The virus, endemic in Africa, circulates between warthogs and the soft bodied ticks which inhab-

it their burrows, according to the website, thepigsite.com.

The ticks transmit it through all stages of their life cycle and perpetuate it.

“ASF virus is relatively tough and can survive in the environment and in pig carcasses for a long time,” thepigsite.com states. “Curing and smoking pork products does not destroy it. Its main method of spread from country to country is via waste uncooked pork products fed to pigs.

It adds: “Its spread between herds within a country is by direct and, to a lesser extent, indirect contact between pigs. Indirect contact usually involves contamination from dead pig tissues and secretions.”

Humans are not susceptible to the disease. “The typical signs of African swine fever are similar to classical swine fever, and the two diseases normally have to be distinguished by laboratory diagnosis,” EFSA explains.

Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, lack of energy, abortions, internal bleeding, with hemorrhages visible on the ears and �lanks. Sudden death may occur. Severe strains of the virus are generally fatal (death occurs within 10 days).

Animals infected with mild strains of African swine fever virus may not show typical clinical signs.

The agriculture department said ASF is not a zoonotic disease. ASF is endemic in sub–Saharan Africa. In Europe, it has been endemic in Sardinia for several decades. In 2007, outbreaks occurred in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the European part of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Late last year, outbreaks of ASF was reported in China.

In recent months, however, the disease is already affecting the pig herds in some Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Because of this, Filipino swine raisers are advised to strengthen and strictly implement farm biosecurity measures.

“We strongly require that movement and trade of live

animals, meat and processed p ro d u c t s can be accompanied with appropriate veterinary health certi�icate, shipping permit and meat inspection certi�icate,” the agriculture department bulletin urged.

“Let us all help the swine industry by reporting any unusual swine mortalities in your area to the nearest government veterinary of�ices so that immediate action can be undertaken,” it added.

As of July 1, 2019, the Philippines is home to 12.70 million heads of swine, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Among the regions, Central Luzon recorded the highest inventory of 2.21 million heads. This was followed by CALABARZON and Western Visayas with stocks of 1.53 million heads and 1.23 million heads, respectively.

“The combined stocks of these three regions accounted for 39.1% of the country’s total swine inventory,” the PSA said.

About 71% of the swine population are raised in backyard farms while 29% are in commercial farms.

In almost every rural household in the country, swine raising is a very popular enterprise, according to Jethro P. Adang, the director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. After all, no other backyard animal has the same versatility as the swine. In the past, a farm family almost always invested their wealth in a pig. After all, out from pigs you can get pork, bacon, and sausage. They also acted as refuse bin, eating all the scraps and family’s leftovers. When

asked if the head of the family has any money, the usual reply is: “I don’t have. All my money is in the pig.”

When people stopped raising pigs, they made a replica where they could “put their money in.” In the time, the practice of saving money in a pig came into existence and was called as “piggy bank.”

Filipinos have been eating pork since time immemorial.

“The Philippines, before it was even called the Philippines, has always favored pork,” wrote Gela Velasco, author of an article, The History of Meat in the Philippines: Why Our Markets Carry Chicken, Beef and Pork but Not Horse or Crocodile.

“Pig meat was often raised as offerings to the gods to curry their favor,” Velasco further wrote. “Pigs are also considered indigenous to our lands, with the Tagalog word ‘baboy’ also having variations in the Indonesian ‘babi’ and ‘bawi’ in Malayan. The existence of these similar words in neighboring countries is important because they con�irm that pig was a pre-colonial food source in Southeast Asia.”

A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said that an average Filipino consumes about 14.2 kilograms of pork (2 kilograms more than the world’s average pork consumption).

Despite being almost exclusively without government

subsidy, the swine industry is the second leading contributor to Philippine agriculture – after rice. A position paper said: “The strong growth in demand for pork has the potential to increase income opportunities and alleviate poverty among rural and agricultural households in the Philippines, where rural poverty remains high.”

Although swine raising is a pro�itable venture, there are still other problems that beset the industry.

“Despite being dynamic and technologically advanced, the local pig industry is still confronted with inef�iciency of production due to low sow productivity, high mortality due to inef�icient diagnostic tool, and lack of native pig genetic resource conservation, improvement and utilization initiative,” said a position paper circulated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

But still there is a bright future for swine industry. A position paper obtained by this author stated: “The strong growth in demand for pork has the potential to increase income opportunities and alleviate poverty among rural and agricultural households in the Philippines, where rural poverty remains high.”

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 122 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2019

11

Swimmer Aubrey Tom of Cainta

Gymnast Yulo, tanker Tom continue Batang Pinoy reign

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UERTO PRINCESA, Palawan—Gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo of Manila emerged with a �ive-gold haul even as tanker Aubrey Tom of Cainta snared her fourth gold medal on Tuesday in the National Finals of the Batang Pinoy.

Yulo, younger brother of World Championship bronze medalist Carlo, went �ive of seven in the boys Class Two division with wins in the mushroom (9.600), parallel bars (9.600), vault (9.550), �loor exercise (9.150) and individual all-around (47.400) events.

He wound up with just a couple of silvers in the high bar and team event with Williard Pasana and John Timothy Manalon.

While it was a slight letdown from his seven-gold harvest last year in Baguio, it was still enough to blow away the competition at the Puerto Princesa Coliseum in this event that is being supported by Milo.

“I did a more advanced and dif�icult routine and I’m still satis�ied with my per-

formance,” said the 11-yearold Yulo.

Over at the Ramon V Mitra pool, Tom, 12, was equally impressive at the pool as she took her fourth gold by ruling the 50-meter butter�ly in 31.41 seconds ahead of Sta. Rosa’s Ysabelle Jean Alcazar (33.38) and Iligan’s Chelsea Mamugay (33.42).

The International Learning Academy seventh-grader also won in the 200m individual medley, 100m freestyle and 50m backstroke the day before.

She hopes for gold No. 5 in the 50m free today that should put her in prime position to become the best performer at the pool.

“Hopefully, I can win one more,” said Tom. Paranaque’s Mark Bryan Dula joined Tom in the quadruple gold medal group by reigning supreme in the 50m �ly, 200m back to add to the two he copped in the 50m back and 100 �ly on Day One. Other pool winners on Day Two were Cotabato’s John Alexander Talosig

Davao belles go different ways P

(boys 15-under 400m IM), Davao City’s Liaa Margarette Amoguis (girls 15-under 400m IM), Negros Occidental’s Earl Jude Buncio (boys 13-15 50m �ly) and host Puerto Princesa’s June Pearl Daganio (girls 13-15 50m �ly).

Bago City’s Kate Julianne Martinez became the �irst double-gold winner in centerpiece athletics after she captured the girls’ shotput with a heave of 10.76m ahead of Camarines Sur’s Rechelle Barbin (10.72m) and Pangasinan’s Gennalyn Estrada (10.43m).

Also coming through at the track were Zambales’ Mariel Abuan (girls’ high jump), Pangasinan’s Rufo Aidan Raguine (boys’ long jump), Cebu Province’s Gio Beguna (boys’ shot put), Tagbilaran’s Vincent Al Nino Sarabia (boys’ high jump), Davao City’s Lyka Catubig (girls’ 2000m walk), and Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte’s Aaron Gumban (boys’ 5000m).

In cycling, Pangasinan’s Rosalie dela Cruz topped the individual time trial for

girls’ 12-13 years old while Malaybalay’s Eleora Caelle Avanzado was the fastets in the girls’ 11 years old and under.

Dasmarinas, Cavite struck in chess where it pocketed two of the four golds staked in the rapid event courtesy of FIDE Master Mark Jay Bacojo and Jerlyn Mae San Diego in the boys and girls 13-15 divisions, respectively.

Ghian Michael Aleria of Dipolog City denied Dasmarinas a third gold after he beat Kyle Johann Ylanan of Gov. Generoso, Davao Oriental in the seventh and last round and then edged Dasmarinas’ Gio Troy Ventura and Cainta’s Al Basher Buto via tiebreaker.

Cagayan de Oro’s Ruelle Canino, the reigning ASEAN champion, won �ive straight games on her way to snaring the girls’ 12-under crown.

By ADAM B. MORRELL

UERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN--Same mission, different fortunes.

That is how it went for Davao City's girls volleyball teams in the ongoing Batang Pinoy 2019 National Championships here.

While Davao's beach volleybelles kept their hopes alive, their indoor counterparts will have to say goodbye to their medal-�inish mission.

On Tuesday, August 27, the beach volleyball team kept an unblemished slate after posting a 21-15, 21-15 victory over Tanauan at the Blue Palawan Resort.

The win came after a huge 30-28, 21-15 edge over Mandaluyong on Monday in the same venue.

The Dabawebya beach

ballers will have two tough assignments in their next outings as they face General Santos City on Wednesday followed by another gruelling game against host city Puerto Princesa on Thursday.

The indoor squad, unfortunately, bowed out from the competition after losing to Talaingod 23-25, 21-25, at the PSU Manolo covered court yesterday.

Their match against Talaingod was a must-win game as they already lost to Negros Occidental 13-15, 2519, 10-15, in last Monday's opener.

Major setbacks foiled the girls' campaign but they still have a non-bearing game left against Mariveles on Wednesday.

Davao City volleyball players march in during the opening day parade.

Gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo of Manila

12 SPORTS EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS LITTLE MERMAID

VOL.12VOL.12 ISSUE 122 ISSUE • WEDNESDAY, 78 • THURSDAY, AUGUST JUNE 27, 28, 2019

Amoguis splashes to 2 golds as Davao City soars to no. 2 overall

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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UERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN-- her motivation to win.

Looks, indeed, can be deceiving.

Amoguis credited her coach Haroon Behind the tamest of faces is a Cali for honing her for this competition. beast of a competitor out to unleash a “He trained me hard. He even trained monstrous performance. me in the morning and after school,” the That ought to aptly describe12-year 11-year-old tanker who will try to cap old Liaa Margarette Amoguis, the Davao her stint with two more gold medals in City swimming prodigy who locked two the 100m butter�ly and relay events set golds in swimming on Day 2 of the ongo- Wednesday, August 28. ing Batang Pinoy 2019 National ChampiWith the two gilts hanging on her onships on Tuesday, August 27 at Ramon neck, Amoguis boosted Davao City as V. Mitra Sports Complex here. it currently placed second in the overLike a pocket rocket, the Dabawenya all medal tally with 6-2-7 (gold-silvermermaid went for a double kill to prove bronze) as of 2:00pm Tuesday, August that size doesn’t matter in the pool.

27.

Unsatis�ied with her silver and bronze Liaa’s older sister Lora Micah Amogu�inish on Monday, the Palarong Pamban- is, meanwhile, copped the �irst swimming sa record holder swam her way to the top gold medal on Monday after dominating to capture the girls 15 and under 400m the girls 13-15 years old 200m IM event.

IM, and 15 and under 200m freestyle, reOver the track oval, Lyka Catubig spectively. prevented a gold medal shutout for the In the 400m event, Amoguis checked Davao City tracksters by seizing the girls in at 5 minutes and 4.26 closely followed 2,000m walkathon on Tuesday.

by Thea Diane Canda of General Santos Jollah Barvis and Robert Avanceña, on (5:30.05) and fellow Dabawenya Julianna the other hand, completed Davao City’s Marien Villanueva (5:30.01), who occu- six gold medals in the second day of the pied the next two places. national sporting conclave of the counAmoguis also reigned supreme in try’s best of the best under 15 athletes. the 200m freestyle by clocking 2:21.43, Barvis ruled the boys traditional inoutlasting Laguna’s Qaantreuelle Light dividual Anyo single weapon of the arnis Wangkay (2:25.43)Manny and Pacquiao Renavive Rontestournament the Robinson’s SEEatSTORY ON P11 Place says even at 40, he is not finished yet. held sa Subida of Dasmariñas City (2:27.71), while Avaceña shone the brightest in the who placed second and third, respective- boys 13-15 kata of the karatedo event ly. hosted in SM City Puerto Princesa.

“I wanted to make my parents proud.

Meantime, Laguna Province led i got silver and bronze the other day and the medal race with 6-8-2 (gold-silverI wanted to get more golds,” Amoguis on bronze).

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO

NOT DONE YET A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO 14 12 EDGE

VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 21,2019 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13, VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 55 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 26-27,

GOLDEN DOUBLE. Liaa Margarette Amoguis swam to a golden double performance on Tuesday at the Batang PInoy National Games.