Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 129 | Friday-Saturday , September 6-7, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

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When we say evacuate, just do it: Baste

By ADAM B. MORRELL

PRIORITY. Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte promises to prioritize the implementation of preemptive evacuation to prevent death and injuries in times of disaster. This has stemmed from the recent floodings which the city experienced last week. Lean Daval Jr

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avao City acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte said the preemptive evacuation order of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Of�ice (CDRRMO) is the best option in times of �lash �loods as he justi�ied its implementation in last week's �looding in the city.

"When we say evacuate, you evacuate because we still don't have enough resources for an immediate equipment augmentation," Duterte said.

The vice mayor, during the Sanguniang Panglungsod media forum held on Wednesday, September 4 at the SP Lounge, said it is important to push the implementation of preemptive evacuation protocol to ensure the safety of residents especial-

ly during heavy rains that can cause �lash �loods.

Duterte appealed to the public to cooperate with the responders when asked to evacuate to avoid delays.

"Unta kapag naay mga preemptive evacuation, they have to cooperate because if they will not, we will force them, kung pwede kargahon pa namo sila kay dili nato gusto muabot sa

BEST OPTION, P8

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

BIFF leader-cum-drug pusher nabbed in Cotabato hospital

P MODEL ATLAS. Undersecretary Dr. Renato Solidum (4th from left) of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) with Davao del Sur Gov. Douglas Cagas (3rd from left), Department of Science and Techonology 11 (DOST 11) director Elsie Solidum and City

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) chief Alfredo Baliran during the unveiling of the Metro Davao Earthquake Model Atlas held at Grand Regal Hotel in Lanang, Davao City on Wednesday.

Lean Daval Jr

PDEA chief hits release of 3 Chinese drug lords T he head of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Thursday it rejected the executive clemency plea of 3 of 4 Chinese drug lords later released due to good conduct credits, which is facing legality questions.

The Chinese convicts were caught smuggling some 30 kilos of shabu inside their luggage at the country’s main airport in September 1991, said PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino.

The PDEA, in a letter to the Board of Pardons and Parole in February, opposed the executive clemency plea of 3 of the suspects due to the “gravity of their offense,” he said.

The Chinese nationals Chan Chit Yue, Kin San Ho, Ching Che, and Wu Hing

Sum - were freed due to good conduct time allowance (GCTA), Sen. Pan�ilo Lacson said last week.

GCTA allows the early release of prisoners over good conduct.

“Knowing na nag-object kami (PDEA) doon sa executive clemency, bakit napalaya pa rin sila through GCTA?” asked Aquino.

(Knowing that we objected to the executive clemency, why were they still released through GCTA?)

BARMM negotiating with 2 BIFF factions for possible surrender

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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has formed a special committee to talk to two of three factions of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to yield to government and return to the mainstream society.

This was bared by BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo during the “Kapihan sa Bangsamoro” here Tuesday.

“Only two of three BIFF factions because one of the factions have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror organization,” Sinarimbo said.

He further clari�ied that the BARMM is talking with the BIFF factions of Bongos and Karialan that are both operating in the province of Maguindanao.

“These are our former brothers in the Bangsamoro armed struggle before

and we are urging them to give the new BARMM a chance,” Sinarimbo said.

He maintained, however, that the BARMM has kept its distance from the BIFF faction of Abu Toraife that has linked itself with the ISIS. “Government military forces are currently keeping a close watch on the Toraife faction as it continues to sow terror in remote communities of Maguindanao and neighboring North Cotabato province,” he said.

The BIFF is a small breakaway faction of the MILF that remains active in Maguindanao and other parts of Central Mindanao.

In 2008, then MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato broke off with the MILF hierarchy to carry on with the �ight for self-determination after the MILF pursued its comprehensive peace overture with the government and now running the affairs of

BARMM, P8

“Medyo nalulungkot kami, hindi lang siguro kami kundi lahat ng law enforcement agencies, na inspite na ang haba ng trabahuhin namin para ma-convict itong mga drug lords na ito, and at the same time iyung objection namin, parang hindi yata nabigyan ng weight,” he added.

(Knowing that we objected against executive clemency, why were they still freed through CGTA? We, perhaps not just us but all law enforcement agencies, are sad that we work so hard to convict these drug lords and at the same time objected pardon for them, yet these seemed to have not been given weight.)

Justice Secretary

Menardo Guevarra has ordered immigration authorities to suspend deportation proceedings for the 4 Chinese convicts, Lacson noted in an interview.

Lawmakers this week started investigating the GCTA’s implementation following reports that it could bene�it Antonio Sanchez, a former mayor of Calauan, Laguna convicted in 1995 for the rape-slay of college student Eileen Sarmenta and killing of her companion Allan Gomez.

Just sacked Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Nicanor Faeldon told lawmakers on Tuesday that he signed an August memorandum recommending Sanchez’s release, which he said he

PDEA, P8

TRAFFIC SITUATION. City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) head Dionisio Abude Jr provides updates on the traffic situation in Davao City particularly in Ulas, Bangkal and Matina and

olice and anti-narcotic agents arrested on Wednesday a leader of the Islamic State (IS)– linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who moonlights as a bigtime drug peddler to fund their terror activities.

Juvenal Azurin, director for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), said authorities have been hunting Samad Masgal, a sub-leader of BIFF operating in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao the past three years until they ended up in their search for him at a hospital here.

“The long arm of the law �inally caught up with him,” Azurin told reporters hours after PDEA and police read the arrest warrant for Masgal, also known as BIFF commander Madrox.

Masgal, who was facing charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, illegal possession of �irearms and explosives and illegal drug peddling, was seriously injured in a recent clash with another group of armed men in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

He sustained a severe blast injury in his left arm that led to its amputation.

“It’s over for Masgal,” Azurin said, adding that the elusive leader was known as supplier of illegal drugs in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Military intelligence of�icials said Masgal provided funds for the IS-inspired BIFF – the Abu Toraife faction in Central Mindanao - out of his illegal drug trading business.

The PDEA, backed by soldiers and police, tried but failed to arrest Masgal during a law enforcement operation in Nabalawag, Midsayap in August 2014.

Masgal and his men killed two soldiers and a police of�icer during that operation that also forced the military to launch air and ground assaults.

However, the elusive Masgal managed to escape and allegedly hid in a community on Bongo Island, Parang, Maguindanao under a false identity.

Azurin said PDEA and other security forces received a tip from residents of Barangay Nabalawag that Masgal was con�ined at a hospital in Cotabato City.

(PNA)

Faeldon bids BuCor goodbye

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ours after he was �ired by President Rodrigo Duterte, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Nicanor Faeldon left his of�ice on Thursday.

According to Team Faeldon’s Twitter account, his �inal words to his staff were: “Do not cry, do not be sad, we were gifted with an opportunity to serve our country. Not everyone is given the gift to serve our country and people.”

Faeldon and his wife reportedly left BuCor’s Director’s Quarter past 1 a.m. on Thursday.

Duterte �ired Faeldon amid the controversy on the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law.

Calls for his resignation came after it was revealed that he signed the document that almost allowed convicted rapist-murderer Antonio Sanchez to be released from prison.

the recent special augmentation of buses due to lack of public utility jeepneys in various areas of the city during this week’s I-Speak media forum at City Hall. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

Legal action mulled vs responsible for leaking photo of dead meningo patient

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HIGH PRIORITY BUS SYSTEM. Assistant city administrator lawyer Tristan Dwight Domingo says the city government of Davao has allotted P100 million for the trial phase of the implementation of High Priority

Bus System (HPBS) which will serve Catalunan Grande-downtown and Diversion Road (C.P. Garcia Highway)-downtown routes during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Megaworld’s Davao Park District project right on track

By MAYA M. PADILLO

R track.

eal estate giant Megaworld af�irmed on Thursday their 11-hectare township project in Davao City is progressing right on

Harold Geronimo, senior assistant vice president and head for public relations and media affairs of Megaworld, said the Davao Park District project is on target.

“We are on track for Davao Park District. Everything that has been planned are already built.

We only have 11 hectares so it would be easy to �ill that up,” Geronimo told Edge Davao.

Located along the S.P. Dakudao Loop which used

to be the Lanang Golf and Country Club, Davao Park District is envisioned to be Davao City’s central business district (CBD) and a major center for information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) in Mindanao.

First to rise in the township was the 15- storey Davao Finance Center designed for business process outsourcing (BPO) companies and other corporate of�ices.

“We already have lo-

Group advocates to boost organ donation in region 11

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ith the alarming increase of patients diagnosed with kidney failure in Davao Region, organ donation remains the best solution to address the problem, a group said on Wednesday.

Dr. Ma. Theresa Badang, nephrologist and head of Southern Philippines Medical Center-Human Advocate and Retrieval Effort (SPMC-SHARE), said organ donation is surgically removing an organ or tissue from one person (who is brain dead) and placing it into another person.

"A person who is declared to be brain dead is legally dead and is an eligible donor. We the SHARE would like to promote a culture of donation among Davaoeños, that there is still life after death," Badang said during a press conference here.

She said transplantation is necessary if the re-

cipient's organ has failed or has been damaged by disease or injury.

"We, the SHARE, seek the help from the city government of Davao City to promulgate an ordinance and appropriating funds to promote public awareness regarding deceased organ donation and to honor the deceased organ donor," she said.

The proposal also includes recognition for the deceased donors as heroes, as well as providing them medical and burial assistance. However, Badang clari�ied that no assistance will be given to the donor's family to in�luence their consent, and that any SHARE will only assist in facilitating post donation care.

Bad-ang said SHARE sees the need for mainstreaming organ donation as Davao Region ranked third in the most number

GROUP, P8

cators and there are new locators in Davao coming in. There is one big locator BPO Manila-based to locate in Davao Finance Center,” Geronimo said.

He added that they are very careful in selecting the products that they are gonna offer there. He said a big chunk would be for the residential because there is a big demand for residential in Davao.

Recently, Suntrust Properties Inc (SPI), a wholly- owned subsidiary of property giant Megaworld topped off the �irst tower of One Lakeshore Drive.

One Lakeshore Drive is

a four-tower development within Megaworld’s master-planned smart township development called Davao Park District. All in all, the four towers will carry 1,200 units and each tower houses 300 units.

Each tower has a total of 19 �loors with ground �loor for commercial component, two �loors (one above the commercial and basement) are for the parking, and the 16 �loors for residential.

Geronimo said they are opening the commercial area of the Davao Park District in the next two years.

MEGAWORLD, P8

BUNTIS CONGRESS. City Health Office technical division chief Dr. Julinda Acosta discusses the measures to prevent acquiring meningococcemia and leptospirosis while promoting today’s ‘Buntis Congress’

he management of Brokenshire Hospital Integrated Health Ministries Inc. said it is eyeing legal action against the person who leaked on social media the gruesome photo of a four-year-old boy who succumbed to meningococcemia last Friday.

Dr. Jack Estuart, the patient’s attending physician, said the leaked photo was “totally unacceptable,” assuring the boy’s parents that it did not come from the hospital.

He said the hospital is working with the government to track down the person who shared the photo online.

The photo, shared over the weekend contained misleading information which alarmed Dabawenyos, prompting the hospital management and the Department of Health (DOH) to issue separate statements to dispel misinformation about the disease.

“We would like to assure, the hospital respects and strictly follows the data privacy. We are very sensitive to the patient’s privacy.

We are strict on that and we are very, very sad that this thing happened. We are taking appropriate action,” Estuart said.

He added the hospital management is investigating how the photo leaked to social media.

“Currently, we are investigating how that happened and we are coordinating with the appropriate government agencies to track how that happened,” he added.

DOH-Davao regional director Annabelle Yumang added there is no need to panic as she explained that the bacteria causing the meningococcal disease is not easily transmitted.

Yumang said post-exposure prophylaxis was immediately administered to the pupils and teachers of a pre-school where he studied, family members and emergency room staff

of the hospital.

“A team from the department visited the school and met with teachers and parents of other children to alleviate fears and ensure that they have correct information about the disease,” she said.

A briefer released by DOH-Davao said bacteria can spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing foods, drinks and utensils.

It added patients who have contracted the bacteria will manifest the following signs and symptoms: fever; cough, sore throat, and other respiratory symptoms; the appearance of pinpoint rashes (map-like and bruise-like patches) on legs and arms that become wider; severe skin lesions, which lead to gangrene; untestable vital signs; and may or may not have signs of meningitis, such as the stiff neck, convulsion (in some cases), delirium, altered mental status and vomiting.

It said early recognition of meningococcal infection and prompt treatment with penicillin will greatly improve the chances of survival of the patients.

Patients who show signs and symptoms of the infection are also advised to immediately consult a doctor, especially in areas where there are reported cases of meningococcemia.

It said people are also encouraged to consult their doctors if they suffer from fever and manifest symptoms after visiting the places with reported cases in the past 10 days.

They are advised to get themselves immunized with the meningococcal conjugate vaccine if they live in a high-risk community, avoid crowded places, avoid close contacts with meningococcemia patients, increase resistance by having a healthy lifestyle and

LEGAL ACTION, P8

in World Palace in Ecoland during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

PH inflation rate further slows to 1.7% in August

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he country’s in�lation rate decelerated further to 1.7 percent in August 2019, its slowest pace in almost three years, as prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to decline.

In a press brie�ing Thursday, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said last month’s �igure is the lowest in�lation since October 2016’s 1.8 percent.

This brings the year-todate in�lation for 2019 to 3

percent.

In�lation in July 2019 was higher at 2.4 percent, and in August 2018 at 6.4 percent.

Mapa said other commodity groups posted slower annual rates in August, which include housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; health; recreation and culture; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services.

“Unless there is a shock (in the coming months), we expect continuing decline or stabilizing at that level,” he told reporters. (PNA)

The Philippines’ decision to implement stricter environmental policies and regulations is projected to hamper the nickel mining sector’s growth, but Fitch Solutions Macro Research believes the sector can get a relief from Indonesia’s nickel ore export ban.

In a report, the unit of Fitch Group that provides credit and macro-intelligence forecasts a “modest growth” for the medium and long term for the local nickel mining sector given the current administration’s stricter environmental regulations and declining ore-grades.

In 2016, former Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez ordered the closure of 23 mining operations around the country and suspension of some, noting these are operating in functional watersheds.

An audit was also conducted in 2018, wherein some companies failed to secure permits to continue operation.

The government said the review will be conducted every other year to ensure that mining operations adhere to regulations and standards.

Fitch Solutions expect the industry to post better results this year, as operations starts anew.

“As mines begin to restart over 2019, we believe there is room for an aggregate increase in production when factoring in the increased production at current operations already,” it said.

The report said domestic nickel mine production has been declining in recent years from about 554 kilotonne (kt) in 2015 to around 340kt in 2018.

Citing Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) data, however, it cited that nickel production in the �irst quarter of 2019 rose by 2.5 percent year-onyear to 2.97 million dry metric tonnes (mdmt).

This increase, it said, “led to an 11.7-percent increase in tonnes of nickel content to 38.1kt from 34.1kt previously.”

Another boost to the sector is the fast-tracking of Indonesian government’s ban against nickel ore export starting January 1, 2020, two years earlier than the originally scheduled 2022.

This “has created an opportunity for Philippine nickel miners to alleviate the impending supply shortfall in Indonesia -the largest nickel producer globally,” it said.

“We believe nickel smelters in China, which currently import the majority of their ore from Indonesia, will likely look to the Philippines as an alternative source of supply, due to its proximity and substantial nickel mining capacity,” it said.

“This sudden increase in demand could lead to an acceleration of nickel mine development and increased investment into current operational projects, aimed at increasing production in 2020,” it added. (PNA)

PH mining sector to benefit from Indonesia’s nickel export ban

NEW ROUTE. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan bares that TigerAir, an international budget

airline based in Taiwan, is expected to start flying through chartered flights to Davao next month. Lean Daval Jr

Tiger Air to start chartered flights to Davao City: Milan

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By MAYA M. PADILLO

nternational budget airline TigerAir is expected to start �lights to Davao City through chartered carrier next month.

This was con�irmed

by Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (DCCCII) President Arturo Milan in an interview with media. “That is their timeline. That will be sometime last quarter of this year. They will start a charter �light in October. Their plan is after two chartered �lights, they will start their commercial operation, I really dont know what’s after that. I havent talked to them (TigerAir) yet,” said Milan.

He said the attractive-

ness of Davao City is what Tiger Air considered in opening the said �light.

“Even the Taiwanese are looking at the attractiveness of Davao,” he said.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pushing for direct �lights between Davao City and Taiwan. Last month, the regional of�ice of the Department of Tourism (DOT 11) had welcomed Taiwanese travel agents and a representative from Singapore’s Tiger Airways, who visited to explore the

popular tourist spots of the city.

Apart from TigerAir, DCCCII is also working for the Davao-Japan direct �light.

Milan shared that DOT Undersecretary Art Boncato made an analysis of the four direct �lights during their meetings.

“What they are up to and coming. Also what they expect for the airlines in terms of the inbound and outbound. It was more of a market intellignece for our tourism stakeholders to appreciate it use it to their own advantage. Even AirAsia was surprised because Air Asia was there,” he said.

Another carrier Garuda Indonesia has scheduled on September 27, 2019 its initial �light from Manado to Davao using a 70-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft.

The �light is in support of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) to strengthen linkages, good relations, trade and economic partnership.

“We have to appreciate also the effort being done by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia because of their commitment to BIMP-EAGA which is a very noble endeavor for me,” Milan said.

NFA rice to be given to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) bene�iciaries nationwide in lieu of the PHP600 monthly rice cash allowance.

He said the DSWD is open to the idea of giving away rice bought from local farmers.

“Last week, we have been in touch with the DSWD Secretary, (the proposal is) why not give rice this time around? And they’re open,” Dar said.

This change to the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program could start as early as next quarter.

government agencies to buy rice for their respective employees directly from farmers groups and cooperatives.

The agriculture chief said he will also urge multinational corporations to adopt the “big brother-small brother” strategy, where they will buy rice for their employees and families directly from farmers groups and cooperatives.

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will also implement a new inventory �inancing program for rice traders, farmers’ cooperatives, local government units, and other stakehold-

ers.

The DA, in partnership with the LGUs, will be reviving and set up new Kadiwa stores to sell rice in metropolitan areas.

Meanwhile, Dar said he has formed a Crisis Management Task Force on Rice to facilitate implementation of identi�ied measures in relation to the drop of palay prices, and other appropriate measures.

While farmers have blamed the rice tarif�ication law (RTL) for the drop of palay prices to as low as PHP6-PHP10 per kilo, he

PR Congress puts spotlight Dar bares more interventions to help affected rice farmers he Department of Ag- of Social Welfare and DeLikewise, the DA will ers to enable them to buy on PR practice in Vis, Min riculture (DA) will be velopment (DSWD) to buy convince other national palay directly from farm-

H

ow PR is practiced, what trends in�luence campaigns, what challenges PR and communication practitioners deal with. These and other issues pertaining to PR practice in the Visayas and Mindanao take the spotlight for the �irst time at the upcoming 26th National Public Relations Congress.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), the country’s premier organization for PR professionals, gathers together communication practitioners from the Visayas and Mindanao Sat

this year’s congress set for September 24 and 25, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The session titled “Crossing Borders: Understanding PR Practice and Trends in Different Regions in the Philippines” will provide PR and communication professionals insights on what communicators from other areas in the country do and what they can adopt for their own practice. It will look into gaps and try to explore where standard practices can be adopted.

The little—or lack of--understanding of the

PR CONGRESS, P8

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implementing more interventions to help rice farmers affected by a decline in palay prices.

In a media brie�ing in Malacañang on Wednesday, DA Secretary William Dar said the National Food Authority (NFA) will speed up the “turnaround” of palay-rice stocks by up to four times, which will create a multiplier effect.

He also tasked the grains agency to focus and intensify palay-buying on areas where prices are low.

Dar also divulged that the DA will be forging a memorandum of agreement with the Department

DAR, P8

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

EDITORIAL

Educating people on emergencies

Between life and property, what weighs more?

It’s both an easy and difficult question especially when it involves one who has to choose between saving lives including one’s very own and saving one’s property. That’s exactly the choice people had to face at the height of the flashfloods that hit Davao City last week affecting nearly 4,000 households.

When the city’s disaster operations center sounded the alarm and called for preemptive evacuation, residents were caught in quandary whether to seek safe refuge amidst high waters and leave their homes unattended or to stay in their property for fear of losing them either to floods or to looters.

Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte explained the call for preemptive evacuation as the best option for people to be safe and secure. Over and above anything else, life is more precious. That is why the young city official said it is important for people to heed the order to evacuate during emergency situations as those responsible for sounding the alarm are trained to assess the situation when it is time to

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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

evacuate. The problem during last week’s flooding was there were people who were hesitant to leave their belongings and would rather take the risk staying in their homes than leaving.

Stubbornness has no place in emergency situations and it will cause even more damage.

In the light of last week’s experience, it is imperative that the city government conduct disaster management information drive to residents of areas prone to flooding. Residents must be trained how to respond to emergency situations and to be inculcated with the safety-first mindset. People must also be taught how to assess their areas whenever calamities like floods hit them and to be able to familiarize with the easiest escape route out of their locations.

Finally, the city can invest with more calamity response equipment like more rubber boats, personal flotation devices, rescue throwbags and other tools.

It is when people are ‘armed’ that they need not have to pick between life and property during emergencies.

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)

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE RELIGIOUS ORDERS FOR NUNS There are little-known facts about Catholicism that lovers of Davao history are not familiar with. Two of today’s growing congregations of nuns, the Teresian Daughters of Mary (TDM) and the Apostolic Daughters of Mary (ADM) were founded in Davao City and both Orders are involved in educational endeavors aside from spiritual and pastoral missions.

Founded on September 15, 1974, the feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows, by Msgr. Antonio Ll. Mabutas, the TDM started with an initial of only 16 aspirants, half of these eventually became professed.

Amid the hardships that come with religious life, the congregation’s membership dramatically expanded to 50 in just over a decade.

The principal mission of the religious institute, with a Generalate House at Matina, Davao City, is by responding to the immediate needs of the local Church in pastoral engagements and educational apostolate. Initially, the sisters

were assigned in the Bishop Thibault Media Center and the Archdiocesan Liturgy Center but overtime their involvement expanded to other engagements, among them the John XXIII Catechetical Center and Caritas.

TDM’s in�luence would expand to academic institutions, such as Saint Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary (Davao City), Holy Cross of Davao College, Assumption Academy (Peñaplata), three Maryknoll High Schools(Asuncion, New Corella, and Manay), four Holy Cross Academy campuses (Agdao, Babak, Bunawan and Matanao), St. Mary’s Academy (Agoo, La Union), and St. Therese Learning Center (San Enrique, Iloilo). One of the nuns even served as religious coordinator of the diocesan Catholic schools in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Born in Agoo, La Union on June 13, 1921, TDM founder Msgr. Mabutas was ordained priest on April 6, 1946 and appointed bishop of Laoag on

June 5, 1961; he received his episcopal investiture on July 25, 1961. Later, he assumed as coadjutor archbishop under Most Rev. Clovis Thibault, PME, JCL, DD, the �irst archbishop of the Archdiocese of Davao.

He also served as titular archbishop of Valeria on 25 July 25, 1970 and succeeded the archbishopric on December 9, 1972 after Msgr. Thibault passed away. Another milestone in Msgr. Mabutas’ episcopal ministry was when he served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (1981-85).

On November 6, 1996, at the compulsory age of 75, he retired as archbishop of Davao. A few years later, after serving as a priest for 53 years, he died on April 22, 1999. His remains are buried at the underground crypt of San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City.

The Apostolic Daughters of Mary (ADM), in contrast, was founded on August 22, 1989, the feast day of the diocese. Its main apostolate is

working with the poor, particularly in humanitarian works and extension of relief assistance in times of disasters.

The congregation’s objectives re�lect in large measure the advocacies of its founder who was known for his anti-poverty campaigns and strong criticisms on the economic policies of the government under several administrations. Based in the Home of the Clergy Compound in Digos City, the Order is also academically connected with Holy Cruz of Sulop, in Davao del Sur, and is very active in vocation campaigns.

Born in Leon, Iloilo, on November 22, 1931, ADM founder Most Rev. Generoso C. Camiña, PME, DD, the only Filipino member of the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec (PME), a religious congregation for men, took Philosophy at San Jose Seminary, Quezon City, before going to Canada to study Theology. He took his masters course at the Ateneo de Manila University and also earned a masters in Catechism

from Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada.

Bishop Camiña was ordained priest on June 30, 1959 in Davao City and was �irst assigned in Babak (196263). In later years, he was installed rector of the Holy Cross of Davao College (1967-70), Saint Francis Xavier Seminary (1972-76), and San Pedro Cathedral (1977-78). On May 24, 1978, Pope John Paul II later appointed him auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Davao and as titular bishop of Pauzera.

In 1979, he was installed as �irst bishop of the newly founded Diocese of Digos, a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Davao. He resigned from the post in 2003 due to health issues. He died on February 1, 2007 from liver cancer.

Digos City is the capital of Davao del Sur, one of �ive provinces in southern Mindanao. Created on November 8, 1979 by Pope John Paul II, San Isidro Labrador is the titular patron of the diocese, with Mary Mediatrix of All Graces as patroness of its cathedral.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

SAVING THE LAST GREAT FRONTIER “Our oceans are primary sources of air, food, livelihood, and wealth for us Filipinos and people across the globe. I appreciate that we have now strengthened our efforts to protect marine life and resources, but we need to urge our leaders and citizens a bit more to integrate ocean health protection into our consciousness and behavior.” – Senator Loren Legarda *** From the objectivity of space, the earth is overwhelmingly composed of water. Land appears almost as an afterthought.

“Oceans cover nearly 71% of the earth’s surface, and their deepest trenches plunge farther below sea level than Mount Everest climbs about it,” wrote Peter Weber in a feature published by Washington, D.C.-based Worldwatch Institute. “They contain 97% of the water on earth, and more than 10,000 times as much as all the world’s freshwater lakes and rivers combined.”

Since the dawn of life on earth, oceans have been the ecological keel of the biosphere. But their seminal contribution to the planet was life itself. Scientists believe that the very organisms were bacteria that developed in

the depths of the seas some four billion years ago. These were the evolutionary forerunners of all subsequent organisms, and helped create the conditions under which life as it is now known could evolve.

“Only around one-tenth of 115 million square miles of the sea �loor has been explored and chartered,” pointed out the late Don Hinrichsen, an award-winning journalist and author of Coastal Waters of the World: Trends, Threats, and Strategies.

Some marine scientists estimated that the sea �loor alone may contain up to 10 million species, the majority of them undiscovered. “But no one knows for sure,” Hinrichsen said. “The ocean is our last great frontier.”

The United Nations, however, calls the oceans as the “lungs of the earth,” as they generate most of the oxygen people breathe. “Oceans produce oxygen through marine plants such as phytoplankton, kelp, and algal planktons,” said Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim in a press statement released a few days before the commemoration of World Ocean Day (June 8). “These plants produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.

“The world’s oceans provide

food and clean water,” Dr. Lim, executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity added.

“Containing 97% of the world’s water, oceans are home to millions of marine species that provide humans with at least a sixth of the animal protein they eat, as well as the ingredients for our medicines.”

Science tells us that oceans cover 70% of the world’s surface, and transport heat from the equator to the poles, regulating our climate and weather patterns. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce climate change impacts.

“Aside from these life-supporting products and services, oceans provide wondrous recreational areas and limitless inspiration to millions of people,” Dr. Lim reiterated. “Clearly, oceans play an essential role for life on earth.”

Unfortunately, the oceans are now littered with garbage, particularly plastics.

Nearly 270,000 tons of plastic, which is enough to �ill more than 38,500 garbage trucks, is �loating in the world’s oceans. This was based on a study done by 5 Gyres Institute, an organization that aims to reduce plastic in the oceans.

These plastics are most like-

ly to stay in the oceans. “Plastics persist for up to 50 years and, because they are usually buoyant, they are widely distributed by ocean currents and wind,” the Washington, D.C.-based World Resources Institute, noted.

Oil is another widespread pollutant in the oceans. In the Philippines, the sinking of a Caltex oil tanker in Limay, Bataan in 1990 comes to mind. Although it was much smaller proportions – when compared to the 11 million gallons of oil spilled from the Exxon Superlaner Valdez in Alaska in 1989 – it gave Filipinos a preview of the potential hazards of oil spills.

Continued over�ishing is serving to further undermine the resilience of ocean systems, and contrary to some claims, despite some improvements largely in developed regions, �isheries management is still failing to halt the decline of key species and damage to the ecosystems on which marine life depends.

“For the �irst in this century, world marine �ish catches are declining,” deplored Greenpeace, the international environmental organization. “Many of the world’s formerly productive �isheries are seriously depleted, and some have collapsed due to over-

�ishing.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Lim pointed out that “saving our oceans is not the responsibility only of our governments and marine scientists.” She said that all of us can do our share to protect our rich marine heritage.

She suggested the following things each of us can do: (1) learn about the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected; (2) mind your carbon footprint and reduce energy use; (3) buy sustainably sourced seafoods; and (4) properly dispose wastes, especially hazardous materials.

Other suggestions include: using fewer plastics or reusable ones and dispose them properly, joining coastal clean-up activities, planting native species of mangrove trees and protect their natural stands, reporting illegal activities that are harmful to marine life, supporting organizations working to protect our oceans, and in�luencing change in your homes, schools and communities.

“By working together, we can protect our shared oceans,” Lim said. “Let us keep in mind that oceans are our life!”

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

BEST OPTION... FROM1

punto nga ma stranded ang mga tao," he explained.

His appeal came after personally witnessing the dangers of the �lash�lood when he visited one of the said areas in Bangkal last week.

"Dangerous jud siya kay since �lash �lood man siya.

Dili nato malikayan naay ma kuryentehan ba, ma anod, o malumos so mao gyud na akoang gina emphasize karon ang preemptive evacuation," Duterte said.

He, however, understands the people's sentiments who feared of losing their property left unattended upon evacuating.

But Duterte insisted to follow the authorities as they only want to impose the safety of the people.

Duterte, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude to all the responders of the recent �lood.

He also reminded the people to be vigilant, cooperative and prepared for calamities to come.

of dialysis patients in the country based on Renal Disease Control Data of the Department of Health (DOH).

"About 3,000 cases were recorded in Region 11 and the number continues to increase at 10 percent every year," she said.

She added that a huge portion of �inancial resources is being channeled for patients on dialysis despite the fact that "kidney transplantation is the best treatment option for renal failure however it is severely underutilized."

Bad-ang said only six donors donated last year where there were about 280 patients who are eligible donors who refused to donate.

"Without a donor, transplantation is not pos-

sible therefore there is a need for an intensi�ication of public awareness on organ donation especially to the barangay level," she added.

She said most of the cases that lead to renal failure involved diabetes and hypertension.

Bad-ang said SHARE supports a pending measure before the City Council that seeks to promote "brain dead organ donation" in the city, which is already in the �irst reading at the legislative body.

She said the proposed ordinance also seeks to address the proliferation of illegal sale of organs.

Organ and tissue donation in the country is governed by the Republic Act No. 7170, or the Organ Donation Act of 1991. (PNA)

brand and media dynamic, business landscape, psychosocial factors and other communication trends in the Visayas and Mindanao regions post a great challenge to many PR professionals, in particular when rolling out a nationwide campaign. For one, crafting a message that resonates with audiences from these regions requires not only a deep understanding of regional communication nuances but also insights on current sociopolitical and even economic narratives that audiences might relate to or engage with.

Although PR practitioners now have access to new tools such as social media listening applications to gain insights on audience behavior and sentiments, industry experts assert the need to understand, if not adopt, regional strategies.

“Technology helps us have a better grasp of audience perception and sentiments in regions and areas outside Metro Manila. Nonetheless, it is signi�icant that we hear directly from PR professionals from these regions on best practices in dealing with various communication channels such as regional media and in�luencers,” sad Ana Pista, PRSP vice president-external and congress chairwoman.

In addition to understanding PR trends and challenges in areas outside the National Capital Region, the congress session on regional PR hopes to help promote the indus-

try in these regions. While Metro Manila continues to host the bulk of PR agencies primarily because it is the country’s business center, many areas across the country are experiencing strong economic boost along with thriving SMEs and MSMEs. In 2017 alone, micro, small, and medium enterprises represented 90 percent of all Philippine enterprises, according to the 2017 Philippine startup survey titled “Off to a Great Start: The Philippine Startup Ecosystem” conducted

by PricewaterhouseCoopers, a multinational professional services network.

“Start-up companies and entrepreneurs, especially those from the Visayas and Mindanao, would need all the help they could get to promote their growing brands nationwide.

Giving the �loor to PR professionals who have been operating in the Visayas and Mindanao is signi�icant not only because it is time that we understand the state of PR practice in these regions but also because we want entrepreneurs to see the value of public relations,” said Andy Saracho, APR, PRSP president.

The 26th National Public Relations Congress offers discounts to PRSP members, students, members of the academe, government employees, NGOs, senior citizens and PWDs. Please contact Monique Galza through moniquegalza.prsp@ardent.com.ph or 631-0511 for more information.

GROUP... FROM4

Distributors of Phoenix Gas Vietnam pose in front of Tuan Chau International Marina in Quang Ninh Province with Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. Founder, President, and CEO, Dennis Uy and his family (center), and select company executives during an appreciation event for business partners in the country.

Phoenix strengthens partner relations in Vietnam with three-day function

P

hoenix Petroleum, the leading and fastest-growing oil company in the Philippines, organized a series of activities across Vietnam on August 14-16, 2019 to show appreciation for its lique�ied petroleum gas (LPG) business partners in the country. Phoenix Gas Vietnam LLC (PGV LLC), a subsidiary of Singapore-based unit Phoenix Energy International Holdings Pte. Ltd., treated its 68 distributors in Central and South Vietnam with a three-day gathering that featured tours in different spots in the country, including Yen Tu Mountain, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh.

“This endeavor has been a great opportunity to get to know better and show support and appreciation to our partners in Vietnam as we strengthen our ties in the country.

We want the Vietnamese market to experience the full bene�its of our growing LPG business, while it expands across Asia Paci�ic, and building these valuable local relationships is pivotal in achieving that. By strengthening our network of partners in the country, we are paving the way towards

the homes and businesses of customers who would enjoy the excellent quality of Phoenix products and services,” said Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Of�icer Henry Albert Fadullon.

The activities also included a business partners’ night where ventures under the UDENNA Group, the parent company of Phoenix Petroleum, were introduced, and the top 5 LPG distributors of Phoenix Gas Vietnam were recognized.

Phoenix Petroleum expanded its LPG operations to Vietnam earlier this year when it of�icially completed the acquisition of 75% of Origin LPG Vietnam LLC, which was later renamed Phoenix Gas Vietnam. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, with presence in Central and South Vietnam, the business is involved in LPG trading, storage, warehouse, port and LPG tank servicing, and other services, including repair and maintenance of LPG supply systems, LPG transportation, and LPG warehouse and storage leasing. It has established branches in Da Nang, Long Thanh Rural District, Nha Trang, and Cam Ranh.

BARMM. In 2010, Kato formed the BIFF with an estimated 300 �ighters to continue resisting the presence of military forces in Maguin-

danao and the rest of Central Mindanao.

When Kato died due to a lingering illness in 2015, the BIFF has split into three factions. (PNA)

noted that hoarders have manipulated rice prices.

“When the RTL was being �inalized, that season binagsak na nila ang presyo ng palay. Paano mo ma-a-attribute sa RTL yan? (they already dropped the price of palay. How can you attribute that to the implementation of RTL),” Dar

said.

“May nagsasamantala (There are some taking advantage) and we will apply the full force of the law,” he stressed.

“That’s the major direction by which we are looking at. We are still looking at our data and information,” he added. (PNA)

BARMM... FROM2 DAR... FROM5

NOTICE OF AUCTION The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO Sasa Maa Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DAVAO Sandawa Matina Ulas

March 0131, 2019

March 0131, 2019

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION September 13, 2019 (Fri.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sandawa Branch VGM BLDG. Sandawa Road, SIR, New Matina Davao City July 23, 2019 (Tue.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Matina, Branch VGM BLDG. Km.06,McArthur H-way,Matina, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT Sept. 6,9,10, 2019

PDEA... FROM2

stopped “because I believe he is not entitled.”

Faeldon said he also signed last month release orders for 3 men convicted in the rape-slay of Marijoy and Jacqueline Chiong in

1997.

Duterte on Wednesday �ired Faeldonand ordered hundreds of heinous crime convicts freed under the GCTA to surrenderto authorities.

The medical component of the project, Lanang Premier Doctors Hospital

Inc., is also looking at the possibility to do the soft opening this year.

avoiding alcohol, maintain clean environment, and avoid sharing utensils used

by an infected person. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

MEGAWORLD... FROM4

LEGAL ACTION... FROM4

PR CONGRESS... FROM5

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A SEA OF WONDERS AT THE OSAKA AQUARIUM

The Osaka Aquarium is famous for its massive tank which is home to two whale sharks, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and skates.

I

have always been fascinated by the ocean and the creatures that dwell in it. This is why when I travel, I try to visit an aquarium whenever I can to cool down, relax, learn and take in the beauty of the undersea world. My trip to Osaka was no exception, especially since it is where the Osaka Aquarium “Kaiyukan” can be found.

Kaiyukan is one of Japan’s most spectacular aquariums, world-renowned for its innovative presentation. The aquarium shows the denizens of the Pacific Rim at their most vibrant and dynamic, by recreating the natural environment of their habitats.

At Kaiyukan there are over 15 large tanks, each recreating a specific region of the Pacific Rim, taking visitors on a virtual tour of the Pacific Ocean. The tanks include, “Japan Forest,” which recreates a sunlit, beautiful Japanese forest; the icy, snow-clad “Antarctica;” and the centrepiece of the aquarium, “Pacific Ocean,” a massive nine-metre deep, 34-metre long tank containing 5,400 tons of water, serving as the

At the jellyfish exhibit.

An encounter with Arapaima.

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A piece of the 30 centimetre thick acrylic which is used to make the Pacific Ocean tank.

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UP AND ABOUT

MISS WORLD MEGAN YOUNG IS THE NEW FACE OF LENOVO MISS WORLD MEGAN YOUNG, NOW THE FACE OF LENOVO. Actress, model, and Miss World 2013 Megan Young has just been named the official brand ambassador of global technology leader Lenovo. Known as a techie and online game streamer, Young will get to treat her fans to exclusive content and special appearances at Lenovo’s events. IN PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Lenovo Philippines’ Joey Nocom, Consumer Product Manager for YOGA & IdeaPad; Tristan Gonzales, Consumer Product Manager for Legion & IdeaCentre; Michael Ngan, Country General Manager; Megan Young, Brand Ambassador;

Sally Yu, Consumer Segment Lead; Anna Abola, Marketing Communications Manager; Mutya Syling, Operations Lead.

Actress, model, host, Miss World 2013, and now, the newest face of global technology brand Lenovo. Yes, Megan Young is definitely on a roll, with her latest achievement allowing her to flaunt her techie side for the world’s leading PC developer.

Used to the limelight by now, Young will be gracing Lenovo events and supporting the company’s advocacies. She’ll be giving fans sneak peeks of current and upcoming Lenovo products and devices and engaging them with exclusive content. At present,

Young has 2.4M followers on Instagram and her official Facebook page has 2.1M likes, which she leverages for her Beauty With A Purpose projects and personal advocacies.

“We’re very excited to have Megan Young represent Lenovo this moment in our history when we are solidifying all efforts to maintain our position as the world’s number one PC maker.

She embodies Lenovo, with her sophistication, elegance, style, and, more importantly, vibrant personality and flexibility, allowing her to adjust to any situation or role, key qualities we are integrating into our consumer devices. With her influence and

large social media following, Megan can help bring our products closer to consumers,” said Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan.

THE SIMPLE TECHIE AND CASUAL GAMER While more popularly known for her TV and film stints, Young is also closely associated with technology, revealing she is a gamer at the Miss World Philippines 2013 pageant. She admits that technology played an important part of her lifestyle growing up and until now, with her various commitments.

“I’m what you can call as a simple techie. I may not be as

into it as others who research and compare specifications of various products but I approach it as an art and what I look out for the most is performance and programs. I actually grew up being involved with technology.

I didn’t go out that much when I was young and I was on my computer instead playing games. My computer was my outlet when my parents were out working, and during the moments when Dad was home, he even taught me coding in HTML. As a matter of fact, when I won Miss World, my gift to myself was a laptop,” Young said.

A self-confessed casual gamer, Young shares her gaming experience to the public via online streaming. Her latest gameplay to date, which saw her playing Stardew Valley, has been viewed by at least 57,000 times on Facebook. Last year, she was able to display her skills in League of Legends by taking part in a celebrity showmatch held at Conquerors Manila sponsored by Lenovo and Globe. The match was able to raise P134,000 for charity.

“I’m delighted with my partnership with Lenovo because it

KADAYAWAN REVELERS, SMART JOIN HANDS TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

PLASTIC WASTE pollution continues to be one of the major environmental challenges of the world.

Recognizing this, PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications brought their #PlanetSmart campaign to Davao City to benefit attendees of the Kadayawan Festival.

Through #PlanetSmart waste collection vendo machines, residents and revelers were able to dispose of their plastic bottles and cans in exchange for Smart load. Vendo machines were in installed in two festival areas— Kadayawan Village, Magsaysay Park, and Sta. Ana Garden Park.

Among the Dabawenyos who actively participated in the campaign was Christine Joy Ruiz, a senior high student and a resident of Matina, Davao City. The 16-year old Davaoena got curious when she saw the reverse vendo device and collection bin, so she approached the Smart team to see how the device worked. She dropped 15 plastic bottles.

“Nakahulog na ko og 15 ka mga plastic bottles pero isa ra gyud akoa didto, ang uban ato kinaha ra nako to sa akong mga nakita na plastic bottles sa Magsaysay Park (I dropped around 15 plastic bottles. Actually, I only used one bottle, the rest

were bottles I collected from the park),” she said.

She underscored that the #PlanetSmart initiative was a fun and innovative way of garbage collection.

“Aside from getting free Smart load from this activity, the best part is we can help make our community greener and cleaner,” she added in vernacular.

Smart Community Partnerships Senior Manager Nova Concepcion said this initiative was part of Smart’s efforts to promote environmental awareness and to encourage adoption of the city’s “no single-use plastic” campaign.

“Mismanaged waste threatens public health and the environment. Our #PlanetSmart program helps address this by harnessing technology for environmental protection. This initiative helps achieve two things: raise environmental awareness and incentivize the process of waste management,” Concepcion said.

“Through this program, we want waste segregation and recycling to be everyone’s lifestyle.

We want people to get used to it

and make it a habit,” she added.

HOW IT WORKS The #PlanetSmart reverse vendo machines are powered by electronic sensors that send out SMS messages each time plastic bottles and empty cans are deposited into the recycling bins.

These messages trigger the free load given to the subscriber who deposits the plastic bottles.

Collected items are then turned over to a recycling facility.

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ALDEN RICHARDS: ON TOP OF HIS GAME

will definitely help elevate my streaming experience. I started streaming around February and that was also the time when Lenovo first approached me. The situation is timely for me since I’m starting to really get into PC games,” said Young.

Asked what she likes the most about Lenovo’s products, Young said it’s how the devices are able to combine power, performance, and a premium look and feel into one. Her Legion Y740, for example, fits well at meetings and in coffee shops because of its sleek, business-like look. Another of Young’s favorites is the Yoga S940, with its impressive nearly bezel-free display.

These products are part of Lenovo’s consumer lineups which recently underwent a premium refresh on their designs. Previously bulky and rugged-looking, the latest IdeaPad, Yoga, and Legion laptops are now sleeker, thinner, and lighter.

Expect to see more of Lenovo’s consumer devices with Megan Young at the forefront. For more updates, follow her on Facebook (@MeganYoungPage) and Instagram (@meganbata).

“The local office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is currently our recycling partner.

We turn over the PET bottles to them during festivals and they forward it to recyclers. In the future, we plan to partner directly with plastic recyclers,” Concepcion said.

The #PlanetSmart recycling machine is a homegrown innovation of PLDT employees. It was the winning entry during the 2018 MVP Geek Olympics, the PLDT Group’s annual innovation competition across all employees of the MVP Group.

The competition is a brainchild of PLDT Innolab, the group’s incubator for startups and developer communities that want to scale extensible partnerships.

Apart from the #PlanetSmart activity, Smart also led the #LearnSmart educational apps exhibit that aims to promote literacy in the mother tongue. Festival revelers were also treated to free Wi-Fi, charging services, games, and prizes at the Smart Hub at Sta. Ana Garden Park.

PLDT and Smart also provided connectivity support during the festival.

ASIA’S MULTI-MEDIA STAR Alden Richards is right where he deserves to be – on top of his game.

The Kapuso homegrown talent is one of the country’s premier actors, a top celebrity endorser, a successful businessman, a highly-talented host, an award-winning performer, a chart-topping recording artist, and a record-breaking box office star. But it is his genuine dedication towards excelling in his craft that sets him apart.

Recently, Alden received the ‘Asian Star Prize’ from the Seoul International Drama Awards 2019 at the Kyunghee University in South Korea and the first-ever ‘Celebrity Icon Award’ from the Okada Manila 2019 Icon Awards – two more accolades added to his growing list of accomplishments in the industry.

Despite all his feats, Alden remains an inspiration to the people around him and his legions of fans for his humility and passion in acting. As he renewed his contract with GMA Network yesterday, September 3, Alden attributed his success to his home network for almost a decade.

“Since I started in GMA up to this point of my career, sila ‘yung sumusugal sa’kin. They gave me huge projects, huge opportunities and regardless kung successful or hindi, hindi sila tumitigil. Hindi nila ako pinabayaan. They kept on believing, kahit na minsan wala ng angle to believe in. Hinawakan nila ‘yung kamay ko through ups and downs, hindi ko nakita ‘yon with others,” he said.

Throughout his years as a Ka-

puso, Alden has proven his versatility by portraying several formidable roles. In his upcoming primetime drama, The Gift, he is taking on another challenging role as a visuallyimpaired fruit vendor named Sep. “In my nine years of stay in GMA, I keep on discovering something new about myself and my craft.

Project after project, it gives me more hunger to do more and inspire more people through my works and the things that I do. Pag may

lumalapit sa’kin and sasabihin nila, ‘Alden sobrang ganda ng ginawa mo, nabago ‘yung buhay ko.’ Sobra akong namo-move to be appreciated by these people by the thing I love to do most. I want projects that could touch lives - that’s my ultimate goal as an artist. Ang sarap kasi noong nakakapagpabago ka ng buhay ng ibang tao kagaya ng pagbabago ng GMA sa buhay ko. I also want to be a vessel to help others.”

Present in the contract signing

were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon; President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Chief Risk Officer and First Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Program Support Department Regie C. Bautista; Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno; Vice President for Business Development Department III Darling de JesusBodegon; Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz; Vice President for Regional TV Oliver Amoroso; Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara; Assistant Vice President for Business Development Department II Bang Arespacochaga; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer; Senior Program Managers Helen Rose Sese, Ruth Mariñas, Mae Zambrano, Mildred Natividad, Cecille de Guzman, Ian Roxas, and Charles Koo.

JAKE ZYRUS REINVENTS HIMSELF ANEW IN LATEST ALBUM JAKE ZYRUS reemerges in the limelight by being the finest version of himself yet, as he chronicles his progress not only as a proud transman but more importantly as a music artist in his latest album, “Evolution.”

“The “Evolution” title is not just about my transition, but the evolution of my life.

It’s kind of like the theme song of every chapter of my life. Everything connects with my life, with my voice, hence, evolution,” Jake said on the reason behind the album’s title.

Produced under Star Music, the album boasts of various tracks that will surely highlight Jake’s distinctive ability to croon listeners.

“I always ask him where he is creatively, emotionally, and what he wants to say with the lyrics. So all of it—the creative direction and the personal stories behind the songs— are from Jake’s direction,” added Star Music audio content head Jonathan Manalo.

In September 2018, he released “Diamond,” the first single in the album which he described as his survival anthem. Aside from this, his fans can also look forward to other original songs such as “DNM,” “Love Even If,” and “Tapestry.”

The audacious singer carries a newfound confidence through his noticeably deeper voice evident in the seven-track “Evolution” album, proving that his talent in singing will never fade away and can only get so much better.

Jake is part of the distinguished roster of versatile artists under Star Music—a known home to many of the best OPM music of today from the country’s leading media and entertainment company, ABS-CBN. Go forward with Jake in his newest album “Evolution.” Check its tracks on digital stores.

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A close encounter with the ocean sunfish.

home of whale sharks, the largest fish species in the world.

My virtual journey around the Pacific started at the top of the aquarium where a rainforest environment greeted me, taking the spiral ramp all the way from the 8th floor to the 4th floor, I slowly left the land of terrestrial animals and found myself stepping into the sea all the way to the ocean floor, discovering marine life from a multitude of perspectives.

From huge schools of fish to the wonderfully strange world of the deep sea, it was a wonderful journey where time quickly passed.

Aside from the different tanks, visitors to Kaiyukan can also learn about environmental protection and also interact with the denizens of the deep at the aquarium’s new spaces designed to offer sensory experiences of the natural environment, including touching sharks and rays.

Although I have been to other aquariums before, the Osaka Aquarium is definitely on the top of my list. With 30,000 creatures encompassing 620 species—including otters, sea lions, penguins, dolphins, whale sharks, rays, and jellyfish, to name just a few, a visit to the Kaiyukan is truly a deeply rewarding experience.

There is even a penguin colony at Seals at the polar exhibit. the aquarium.

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Learning to care for the environment is part of the aquarium’s advocacy.

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VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 5-6, 2019 At the Kaiyukan’ s19-20, interactive pool.

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

Republika Ng Pilipinas Lalawigan Ng Compostela Valley PAMAHALAANG BAYAN NG COMPOSTELA TANGGAPAN NG SANGGUNIANG BAYAN 19th COUNCIL 75th Regular Session May 7, 2018 ATTENDANCE: Present: Hon. Reynaldo Q. Castillo, Presiding Officer Vice Mayor Hon. Alan M. Calalas SB Member Hon. Levi S. Ebdao SB Member Hon. Wilfredo C. Ang SB Member Hon. Danielo B. Pelegrino SB Member Hon. Rogelio P. Econar SB Member Hon. Miguel G. Vargas, Jr. SB Member Hon. Myrel V. Bangcasan SB Member Hon. Elmo A. Estandarte SB Member Hon. Harry C. Cabiling, Liga ng mga Barangay President SB Member Hon. Ernesto C. Bondan, IMPRepresentative SB Member Absent: None Municipal Ordinance No. 2018 – 498 Sponsored by: Hon. Myrel V. Bangcasan AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE ANNUAL CONDUCT OF KASALAN NG BAYAN/MASS MARRIAGE CEREMONY EVERY MONTH OF FEBRUARY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF COMPOSTELA, COMPOSTELA VALLEY WHEREAS, the 1987 Constitution recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation and all that the State shall protect and strengthen the family as the basic autonomous social institution; WHEREAS, the Local Government of Compostela, Compostela Valley acknowledges the family as the basic unit of society and plays an important role in development, it recognizes the roles of couple and future parents in shaping the future of the family and it undertakes to uphold that parenting, as a basic responsibility of parents, should be strengthened as well as to reaffirm its commitment to promote the value of family, it shall pursue and implement programs, projects and activities that are responsive to the needs of its constituents especially the couples; WHEREAS, a significant number of unmarried couple in the Municipality of Compostela cohabiting as husband and wife begets children that are considered illegitimate; WHEREAS, to address the long-standing problem of legalizing the union of unmarried couple and legitimizing their children in consideration to their rights, it is necessary for the Local Government Unit of Compostela to enact an ordinance for the Annual Conduct of Kasalan ng Bayan to promote the Family Welfare Program of the Municipality; NOW THEREFORE; Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Bayan of Compostela, Compostela Valley in session assembled that; ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1.

TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as “ the Annual Conduct of Kasalan ng Bayan in the Municipality of Compostela, Compostela Valley”.

Section 2. GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT OF KASALAN NG BAYAN. To carry out the conduct of the Annual Mass Marriage Ceremony for the would–be couples the following guidelines are hereby adopted, to wit: a. The Municipal Civil Registrar’s Office shall undertake in formulating the rules and program among the marriage applicants; b. The Municipal Social Welfare Office and Municipal Health Office shall provide the marriage applicants with complete and accurate information on marriage and relationship, maternal and child health, responsible parenthood, home management, Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) Law and policies on family relations; c. The would-be couple shall undergo the Pre-Marriage Counselling; and d. The would-be couple must fill in the Individual Voluntary Statement Form, a document duly signed by the marriage applicants, and attested to by the Barangay Captain or In-Charge of the barangay declaring their free will to marry each other.

ARTICLE II QUALIFIED APPLICANTS Section 3. Qualified applicants refer to the indigent would-be married couple who cannot afford to pay the processing fees required by the Municipal Civil Registrar’s Office.

Section 4. Those applicants compliant to the requirements specified by Municipal Civil Registrar other than fees.

Section 5. The couple who would like to avail the program requires to coordinate with their respective Punong Barangay to obtain the certification that would make them qualified for its application.

Section 6. Those applicants coming from marginalized areas of the Municipality of Compostela should be prioritized to avail the Mass Marriage Ceremony.

ARTICLE III PAYMENTS, FEES AND DUES Section 7. All fees to be collected due for the processing of Marriage License and other fees required shall be waived in favor of the would-be couple.

Section 8. Only the payment for Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) shall be borne by the would-be couple to be assisted by the Local Civil Registrar’s Office.

ARTICLE IV APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS Section 9. The following requirements shall be submitted before the Municipal Civil Registrar’s Office: · Certificate of No Marriage from PSA for both contracting parties; · If 18-20 years old, there must be parents’ consent; · If 21-24 years old, there must be parent’s advice; · Family Planning Seminar; · Pre-Marriage Counselling; and · Cedula of the contracting parties.

Section 9.1. For marriage under Art. 34 of the Family Code: · Contracting parties must be 23years old and above, and has been living together as husband and wife for 5 years; · Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the PSA for both contracting parties; · Affidavit of the contracting parties; · Affidavit of Two (2) disinterested persons; and · Cedula of the contracting parties.

Section 9.2. ADDENDUM. Birth Certificate of the contracting parties needed for the application of marriage license.

ARTICLE V SOLEMNIZING OFFICER Section 10. The Local Chief Executive shall be the solemnizing officer of the Mass Marriage Ceremony.

ARTICLE VI FINAL PROVISIONS Section 11. APPLICABILITY CLAUSE. Mass marriage ceremony/Kasalan ng Bayan shall commence/ be conducted on February 2020, and on the same month of the succeeding years in the Municipality of Compostela, Compostela Valley.

Section 12. ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTY CLAUSE. All government employee/s who fail to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance shall be penalized in accordance with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations Section 13. REPEALING CLAUSE. All other ordinances, resolutions, memoranda, orders, and other issuances inconsistent with the provision of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.

Section 14. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If for certain reasons some provision of this Ordinance are found to be invalid or unconstitutional, all other provisions hereof not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 15. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. This Ordinance shall take effect upon approval, and after due compliance with publication requirements.

Enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan of Compostela, Compostela Valley this 7th day of May, 2018.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED BY: (sgd) ELIZABETH N. LEGITIMAS Acting Secretary to the Sanggunian

(sgd) ATTY. REYNALDO Q. CASTILLO Vice Mayor / Presiding Officer

APPROVED BY HER HONOR : (sgd) LEMA P. BOLO, CPA Municipal Mayor

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Manny Pacquiao says even at 40, he is not finished yet.

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Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat with the 9 athletes who won medals in the recent Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Mati medalists get incentives

C

ity of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat turned over cash incentives to 9 athletes who won medals in the recently concluded 2019 Batang Pinoy National Games in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

In a courtesy call to

the City Mayor’s Of�ice on Thursday, September 5, the nine medalists and their coaches presented to Mayor Michelle the 2 silver medals and 5 bronze medals the City of Mati delegates won in the annual sports competition

for athletes aged 15 years old and under.

The silver medalists were Maria Jaden Orquia and Jonamil Prado of tennis, and Merry Joy Tero in athletics’ 400-meter hurdle. The bronze medalists were James Lemente and

Ian Calub of Taekwondo, Filmorn Gorospe of Karatedo, Cyhrea Ruth Atog of chess, and Orquia and Prado of tennis.

Mayor Rabat lauded the young athletes for a job well done despite sending a lean delegation

of 23 athletes and 9 coaches who took part in athletics, lawn tennis, chess, karatedo, taekwondo and sepak takraw.

Mayor Rabat hopes that in the years to come, with the proper support from the city government,

local athletes would be more productive and win more medals. The mayor assured the athletes that next year there will be more support coming from the city government under her administration.

(CIO MATI)

OSHAN, China—There is a glimmer of hope for the Philippines' Gilas national basketball team to make it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

This after China suffered another defeat in the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Wednesday night, relegating the host nation to the classi�ication phase.

China lost to Venezuela, 72-59, in Beijing, giving them a 1-2 win-loss record in Group A and sending them to the classi�ication phase for 17th to 32nd places in the tournament.

Had China won, the team would have advanced to the second round and secured its spot in next year's Olympic Games as the best Asian team in the tournament. Japan, which currently has a 0-2 record in Group E, has clinched its berth as the host.

With China's defeat, however, the Philippines can still wind up as the b e s t - p e r fo r m i n g Asian team in the

World Cup. But Gilas Pilipinas cannot afford anymore losses, and must beat Iran and Tunisia in its Group N games to keep its bid alive. Moreover, the Filipinos must hope that the other Asian countries in the classi�ication phase — China, Jordan, Iran, and South Korea — also drop their matches.

If the Philippines does not end up as the highest-ranked Asian team in the World Cup, Gilas can still compete for a spot in Tokyo through an Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

To do so, Gilas Pilipinas can �inish no lower than second in Group N, as only the 16 best remaining teams in the World Cup will be assured of spots in the OQTs. Otherwise, Gilas will need a wildcard berth to one of the four qualifying tournaments.

The four OQTs

will be held in June 2020, with the winners joining Japan and the

quali�iers from the World Cup to the Olympic Games.

In 2016, the Philippines hosted an OQT at Mall of Asia Arena but failed to win a single game.

France wound up punching its ticket to the Rio Olympics via the Manila quali�ier.

Bencic reaches Gilas’ Olympic hopes still alive first ever semis F B elinda Bencic reached her �irst-ever Grand Slam semi-�inal on Wednesday, fending off Donna Vekic to win 7-6(5) 6-3 in their US Open lasteight clash on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The pair appeared evenly matched through most of the �irst set, as Switzerland's Bencic struggled for consistency on serve, �iring off �ive aces but committing four double faults.

The 13th seed took command of the match in the second set, committing just four unforced errors compared to 17 in the �irst.

Croatian Vekic �ired 28 winners during the match but failed to save critical break points against her, as an elated Bencic reached a new milestone in an injury-plagued career.

"Sometimes you all take it a little bit for granted," said the 22-year-old, who stunned world number one and defending champion Naomi Osaka earlier in the week.

"When you can’t play you miss it so much.

"For me it’s a perspective change and I am enjoying playing tennis so much now."

Bencic next plays either Canada's Bianca Andreescu or Belgium's Elise Mertens, who face off under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium later on Wednesday.

"For sure Andreescu has a lot of variation in her game. Mertens is more like a wall-type of game. She's a great counter-puncher," said Bencic.

"De�initely I'm very curious who is going to win and adapt to the opponent in the semi-�inals."

Belinda Bencic of Switzerland is through to the US Open semifinals after defeating Donna Vekic 7-6(5) 6-3.

Kiefer Ravena failed to hit the game-tying heave and was disappointed in the loss to Angola.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 129 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2019

YOUNG HEROES GOLD MEDALISTS. Davao City's Lora Micah Amoguis (swimming), Robert Avanceña (karatedo) and Pietro Requiza (swimming).

Baste lauds Batang Pinoy athletes

By ADAM B. MORRELL

D

avao City Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte lauded the Davao City delegation for lifting the city to its best �inish yet in the history of the Batang Pinoy National Championships.

"Gusto nako i-congratulate ang mga atleta nato for giving their best in sporting competitions like this. Dili lalim mag compete labi na sa ingani na level maong congratulations for making the Davao City proud," the acting mayor of the city said during the Sanguniang Panglungsod media brie�ing held at the SP Lounge Area on Wednesday, September 4.

After skipping the event last year, Davao City soared to third overall in this year's Batang Pinoy 2019 National Championships which formally closed last August 31 at the City Coliseum in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

With sterling performances in swimming, arnis, wushu, karatedo and rugby football, Davao City harvested 31 golds, 30 silvers and 41 bronze medals behind only back-to-back overall champion Baguio City and perennial powerhouse Cebu City.

Putting premier on the safety of her people, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio mandated the Davao City delegation to skip last year's

edition of the multi-sporting event in Baguio City considering the entry of typhoon "Ompong" days before the opening program.

The younger Duterte, who is also an avid sportsman, assured that the government of Davao City will continue to support its athletes in their future endeavors.

"Sports is one of the way para mapalayo atoang kabataan sa droga, that is why rest assured that we are always here to support you," the presidential son said.

The third place �inish granted Davao City a whopping P2 million incentive from the PSC in the form of sports equipment– something that the next generation of Davao athletes can utilize.

Recently, the City Government of Davao gave away P4.135 million cash incentives for Batang Pinoy Mindanao Leg 2019, 10th BIMP-Eaga Friendship Games (Brunei Darrusalam) and Arafura Games 2019 (Darwin City, Northern Territory) medalists.

Traditionally, Davao City allocates cash incentives for outstanding athletes to repay the effort and dedication they exerted to bring pride and honor to their hometown.