Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 136 | Tuesday, September 17, 2019

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Comelec opens 18 satellite registrations for new voters

By ADAM B. MORRELL

E

xpecting a huge turnout of new voter registrants, the Davao City of�ice of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will serve 18 satellite registrations for �irst district registrants in preparation for the 2020 Barangay and SK polls slated May 2020.

This was bared by Comelec 11 spokesperson lawyer Krishna Samantha Caballero on

Monday, Sep-

tember, 16 at the Annex of SM City Davao.

Comelec will hold the 18 satellite registrations in various areas in the �irst district of Davao City. The satellite registration formally opened last September 9 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao.

"Here in SM (SM City Davao in Ecoland) is our second out of 18 satellite

registrations," Caballero said, announcing that they will hold their next satellite registration on Tuesday, September 17, in Datu Luho, Maa in celebration of the Indigenous People (IP) week.

The Comelec of�icial stressed that satellite registrations makes it convenient for new voters who wished to reg-

ister.

"Instead na pupunta sila sa of�ice namin in Magsaysay, at least may mga areas tayo na ma cater na malapit lang sa kanila yung satellite registrations," she explained.

The Comelec of�icially opened the registration for the �irst district the second week of Sep-

tember and will end on the 30th of the month.

Caballero also announced that they will hold another satellite registration at the Ateneo de Davao University in Jacinto until further

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SATELLITE REGISTRATION. A policer officer has his data and biometrics taken at the biometrics capturing section during the Commission on Elections 11 (Comelec 11) satellite voters’ registration held at the activity center of SM City Davao on Monday. Members of the security forces are ordered to register or update their voters’ registration on or before September 20. Lean Daval Jr

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

MinDA, private sector sked Adlai, organic rice forum

T RICE DEMO FARMS. MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol during a visit in Seedworks Philippines demo farms in Digos, Davao del Sur and Mlang, North Cotabato that grow hybrid rice varieties with outstanding eating quality (Photo credit: facebook.com/MannyPiñol)

Sara: I don’t endorse officials for BARMM S everal people seeking government positions cin the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have approached Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. For her endorsement.

But in a statement on Sunday, Carpio, daughter of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, denied she’s involved in selecting the individuals who will occupy three positions in the BARMM. “Several people have approached my of�ice to request endorsements mainly due to rumors circulating that I have been given a hand in the selection of

three posts for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” she said.

Carpio said her authority only covers the city and does not extend to BARMM. “I categorically deny this and wish to reiterate that my authority is only within the area of Davao City as mandated by the Local Government Code.

Rice scientist leads agri dev’t in BARMM

The denial is true for the appointment of all other national government positions,” she said.

BARMM was established after the rati�ication of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the enabling mechanism of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, early this year after two decades of peace negotiations.

The 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority will govern BARMM, which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, until the holding

of regular elections in 2022.

The creation of BARMM sparked hopes that it would unleash the economic potential of the Bangsamoro territory.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the gross regional domestic product of the BARMM in 2018 was 7.2%, the second strongest next to Davao Region’s 8.6%.

Also, the BARMM’s output, although lower compared to the 2017 record of 7.5%, was the fourth-highest in the country. Bicol registered the highest at 8.9% and Caraga the lowest at 3.2%.. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

he Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and private groups, including an organic rice farmers’ cooperative, will host a oneday forum on organic and premium rice and Adlai farming at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City on Friday, Sept. 20.

MinDA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol in a statement issued today said the forum marks a shift in the direction of rice farming in Mindanao, as the massive in�low of imported rice has boxed out local farmers producing ordinary rice from the market resulting in very low farmgate prices, to as low as P10 to P12 per kilo in many parts of Mindanao.

The shift to premium and organic rice farming in Mindanao is expected to open a niche market for health conscious consumers, a market opportunity for rice farmers affected by the rice liberalization.

The forum dubbed as "Looking Beyond Rice Liberalization: Growing and Marketing of Premium, Organic Rice and Adlai" aims to gather farmers' groups, private companies, a local government unit and the regional of�ices of the Department of Agriculture which promotes Adlai Farming.

Adlai or Job's Tears is a wild grass with round grains, grown and consumed by tribal people as staple food. Interest in the Adlai has grown over the years because of its reputed health bene�its.

Don Bosco Multi-Purpose Cooperative which pioneered the export of

organic black and brown rice will make a presentation on organic rice farming and the different black and brown rice varieties.

As earlier reported, Don Bosco could not produce enough volume for the local market, an indication of huge demand for organic black and brown rice.

Organic farming advocates will also share their experience.

Former Congressman Eric Acuña will lecture on the bene�its of organic fertilizer called AMO which many farmers have used with positive results.

Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma, known for his advocacy on organic rice farming, will share his province's successful organic rice farming program.

Seedworks Philippines will introduce two hybrid rice varieties which could be grown organically with outstanding eating quality - Tatag TH 82 and US 88.

Secretary Piñol added that prospective premium and organic rice importers from Papua New Guinea, led by Central Province Governor Robert Agarobe, and the United States of America are expected to attend the forum, a move to link rice farmers to international markets.

At lunch, participants will be served with premium and organic rice varieties including Adlai.

The forum is open to all interested farmers but since the venue is not large enough, seats and food will be on a �irstcome-�irst-served basis, the statement said.

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

rice scientist is set to lead the agricultural development of Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as agricultural assistant secretary on BARMM affairs, a press statement obtained

by EDGE Davao said.

Dr. Sailila E. Abdula, who headed the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) for three years as its acting executive director, will also serve in concurrent capacity as Director I of the country’s rice research program branch in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar described the multi-awarded rice breeder as someone who can “harmonize rice programs in Mindanao.”

Dar even assured that the region will receive the necessary assistance from the agriculture department. “(Our department wants) to help BARMM in a big way,” Dar pointed out.

“Let’s help achieve a realistic, autonomous BARMM.” Residents of the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao voted to ratify the Bangsamoro

Organic Law last January, which paved way to the creation of BARMM. “The law was the result of a ‘comprehensive peace agreement’ signed in 2014 between the Philippine government and the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which, after demanding for independence, agreed to autonomy, recognition, and power sharing in the governance of the region,” noted veteran journalist Jose Torres, Jr., who writes for the Union of Catholic Asian News.

It must be recalled MILF broke away from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the late 1970s. It was only in the mid-1990s that the MNLF entered into a peace agreement with the government.

Abdula, who was then chief science research specialist and designated acting director of the PhilRice Midsayap branch, was personally handpicked by then Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol as PhilRice head in August 2016.

During Abdula’s term, PhilRice started the imple-

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LITTLE BORACAY. Hidden from most people because of challenges in accessibility, this fishing village in Sitio Colagsing, Barangay Tanglad in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental got the moniker of“Little Boracay”because of its white sand beach and clear blue waters. Access is via a 30-minute

pumpboat ride from Malalag, Davao del Sur or via dirt road from the Sta. Maria in the same province. Overnight accommodation is available from 700 to 1,800 pesos. Photo by JULES BENITEZ through Mindanews

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

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4 NEWS

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VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

Gov’t warns against Kapa ‘scam’ revival

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LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT. Lawyer Dinah Fuentes of University of the Philippines Alumni Association is asking for a legislative support for the plan to put up a botanical garden at UP Mindanao campus and to

establish a College of Kinetics which will help the grassroots sports development of Mindanao. Fuentes made the call during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

he Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday sounded the alarm against the resurgence of an alleged investment scam by religious group Kapa Community Ministry International.

The SEC earlier this year revoked Kapa's certificate of registration for allegedly promising its members a 30-percent return for their donations without the required government license.

Supporters recently claimed that the group would soon relaunch its operations under the name Kapa Worldwide Ministry Association, but this is not registered with the SEC, said SEC chairman, Atty.

Emilio Aquino.

"Hindi natin pinapayagan so long as pini-pursue nila iyong ganoong klaseng scheme: may pay in, may pay out; may capital donation... Iyong investment nila more than the usual

donation to a ministry," he said.

(We are not allowing them as long they are pursuin that kind of scheme: payment in; payment out; there's a capital donation.

Their investment is more than the usual donation to a ministry.)

New funds given to Kapa, he said, could be used to pay earlier investors.

SEC is preparing a second wave of complaints against the group's supporters for "peddling disinformation," he said.

The �irst case �iled by the SEC against Kapa had been submitted for resolution at the justice department, Aquino added.

Kapa denied fraudulently selling investments, saying its followers instead get "blessings."

Kapa founder Pastor Joel Apolinario went into hiding after a manhunt operation was launched against him.

mentation of peace and development. He emphasized that to prevent these rebels to recruit new members, issues that are being carried by this armed group should be addressed by concerned agencies.

“Bakit ma-prevent natin ang insurgency at recruitment ng NPA? Una pag armed component we requested them to surrender.

Yung mga issues na Gina gamit Nila Para Maka-recruit will be addressed by concerned agency. In that way we will be able to prevent possible recruitment, “ he said. “Kami ay

nanawagan sa mga NPAs to surrender Para walang buhay na masayang on both sides. Hindi po namin layunin na papatayin sila Kaya nga kami nanawagan na mag surrender sila. Hindi gusto ng mga sundalo na maki-giyera sa kaila, Kung meron man gusto ng katahimikan Yun ay ang mga sundalo.”

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier mandated the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to use all available air assets, �ire support, arsenal, and �ield artillery to put an end to the insurgency.

Number of NPA rebels in Davao dwindling: AFP

By MAYA M. PADILLO

T

he 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has declared that the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Davao Region has gone down to just a little over 500.

From January to September this year, the military disclosed that the NPA’s strength has gone down from its original strength of 3,000. Army’s 10th ID spokesperson Capt. Jerry Lamosao disclosed to Edge Davao that based on their record there are 242 surrenderees (armed) from January to September this year.

“There are about 500

remaining rebels all over the region from thr previous 2,000 to 3,000 members. Ngayon more than 500 na lang tapos kalat kalat pa sila. Medyo mahirap silang hanapin dahil nasa mga boundaries sila. But with the help of the people. Ang iba nag-surrender pero Yung iba natatamaan during encounter,” Lamosao said.

The surrenderees, ac-

Dabawenyos may report ASF cases to welfare desk

W

ith the utmost threat of African swine fever (ASF), authorities here urged Dabawenyos to utilize the Animal Welfare Desk in various police precincts to report cases in connection to the disease.

Noel Provido, Department of Agriculture- Region 11 (DA-11) Regional Agri-Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) chief, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Sunday that all concerns pertaining to ASF can now be reported especially cases of sick and dead pigs.

The �irst in the Philippines, the animal welfare desk was established in each police precinct in the city in July last year.

“It will address issues of animal violence in the city and eliminate the trade of dog meat, but this time, it would also cater reported cases in relevance to ASF,” Provido said.

In a statement sent to the media on Sunday, Agriculture Secretary William

Dar appealed to backyard swine raisers to report sick and dead pigs to their respective municipal or city veterinarians, who will in turn coordinate with the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) to determine the cause of sickness or death.

He made the appeal in the wake of dozens of pigs found �loating in Marikina River and a creek in Quezon City.

“It was utterly irresponsible on the part of the backyard raisers as they did not only violate current laws, but their misdoing also spread the disease pathogens much faster,” Dar said.

Dar said sick animals deserve proper care and adequate treatment.

Should they eventually die, he said, there are strict protocols on how they should be disposed of.

“The DA through the Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)

DABAWENYOS, P9

cording tohim, are mostly hiding in the hinterlands of Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte.

The Army spokesperson also said they recovered more than 100 high powered and 67 lowpowered Firearms during encounter and pursuit operations. He said 100 high-powered �irearms and 96 low-powered �irearms were surrendered by the rebels. More than 400 rebels also re-af�irmed their allegiance to the government.

He attributed the increasing number of sur-

renderees and the diminishing numbers of the NPAs to the efforts not just by the military but the stakeholders and the participation of government agencies.

“Military addresses the armed component of the NPAs. We belong to the cluster of peace and development that involves military action to achieve peace particularly armed confrontation,” he said.

Lamosao said they partnered with the Local Government Units (LGUs) and non-government agencies for the imple-

PEACE MONTH. Michael Sibbaluca (right) of Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) says the only way to stop the insurgency problem in Mindanao’s conflict areas is to bring the government’s services, projects and programs such as education and livelihood especially to the people from hard to reach in the country’s

rural areas. Sibbaluca, together Mindanao Peace Council secretary general Vince Molejon and Arlene Lozano of Brahma Khumaris, has promoted the Mindanao Peace Council month during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

Oil prices soar by 10% plus after attacks of Saudi plants

O

HIJO CENTRAL. Hijo Central first vice chair Rosanna Tuason shares the history of Hijo Central, a 132-hectare development inside the Hijo banana plantation in Madaum, Tagum City, during the launching of the project on Sunday. Lean Daval Jr

il prices surged more than 10 percent Monday after attacks on two Saudi Arabian plants that slashed output in the world’s top producer by half, with Donald Trump blaming Iran and raising the possibility of a military strike on the country.

West Texas Intermediate jumped 10.68 percent to $60.71 and Brent climbed 11.77 percent to $67.31 in early Asia trading following the blasts at facilities run by stateowned giant Aramco.

The attack by Tehran-backed Huthi rebels in neighboring Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is bogged down in a �ive-year war, effectively shut down 6 percent of the global oil supply.

Brent soared almost 20 percent at one point on Monday, while WTI surged around 15 percent before

DOF orders shutdown of tax-evading POGOs

Hijo Central seen to generate T $10 billion economic activity just for technology. It is about building an ecosystem of smart people, smart place and smart planet.

From. A farm to a smart city with Hijo Central at the core of it all,” Fores said.

Hijo Central will include a digital agricultural marketplace, which is a disruptive platform that connects farmers to global customers.

In partnership with Kitchen Israel, Hijo Central will establish a food innovation hub where entrepreneurial ideas are exchanged, laboratories are available to test these ideas and academe and private support for commercialization to maximize value a growing food market.

For his part, Ramon Segismundo, president and chief operating of�icer of HRC, said in his message that Hijo Central will support agricultural modernization with farm initiatives, agricultural indus-

trialization with the more than P600 million state-ofthe-art banana and Coco sugar manufacturing facility.

Segismundo said they will also establish a digital agriculture in partnership with the IP farmers to uplift the lives of Filipino farmers.

Through a grant from the Department of Science and Technology (Dost), HRC is coming up with an app that will help farmers to get enough yield and quality of bananas. He said with the help of Israeli experts and in partnership with DOST they will be forming an agri start up that incubates agri ideas and commercializes practices in agriculture.

“If there is a silicon valley, there will be a DavNor Valley in agriculture. Hijo Central is the �irst smart and sustainability city in Tagum and part of the vast growing region in the Philippines, Metro Davao. We contribute to restore and rebuild the corals and mangrove in our ecosystem and all of these would not be possible without our proGod, pro-poor, pro-environment leader Rossana

Fores,” Segismundo said.

With a masterplan of 10 years, development of Hijo Central will be done in four phases.

Dr. Sujata S. Govada, CEO and managing director of Urban Design Planning International, the masterplan partner of HRC for the project said they have yet to �inalize what should be done in the �irst phase.

“But land development has already started,” Fores said.

Fores also assured that the environment aspect will be protected as well as the rivers and the forest.

In fact, 49 percent of the development will be devoted to green spaces while 51 percent is for saleable spaces.

“People, place, and planet concept is a smart City framework. Hijo Central will have a lot of space,” said Govada.

The HRC site is classi�ied as Planned Unit Development Zone (PUD-Z) by the City of Tagum Comprehensive Development Zoning Ordinance. HRC was founded by the late Atty. Jose” Boy” Tuason Jr who acquired Hijo Plantation Inc.

he Department of Finance (DOF) has ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to shut down Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and their service providers that fail or refuse to pay taxes of their foreign workers.

The development comes following reports of slow collection from select operators whose tax liabilities amount to P21.62 billion despite the issuance of 130 letter-notices, the department said in a statement.

"Why don't we start closing them down so they will answer these assessments.

Those who don't pay or respond to your assessments, clamp them down," Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said in an inter-agency meeting last Friday.

The BIR said it has so far collected P1.4 billion from POGOs from January to August 2019.

POGO service providers paid P175 million in withholding taxes in 2017 and P579 million in 2018, it added.

The bureau said it has coordinated with the Labor department, the Bureau of Immigrations and the Philippine's gaming agency in implementing the order.

At least 58 offshore gaming �irms have licenses to operate in the Philippines.

Some 138,000 foreign nationals are working in POGOs, an inter-agency body earlier said.

Some 12,000 foreign nationals were also found

sa amin, nami-meet nila ('yung commitments) at 'yung pagkuha ng site acquisition, ito nga parte ito," DICT Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said on Super Radyo dzBB news radio.

Dito Telecom, formerly known as the Mislatel Consortium, was declared the new major player (NMP)

in the Philippine telecommunications industry by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on November 19, 2018.

Dito was awarded its permit to operatelast July 8.

With a minimum speed of 27 megabits per

second and capital and operating expenses of P150 billion, the consortium led

by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy vowed to achieve a nationwide coverage of 37.03 percent in its �irst year of operations.

"Ang commitment nila for the �irst year is 37 percent of our population

will be reached by their services, more or less this means around a little less of 3,000 cell sites," explained Rio. "So they are to put up at least 2,500 cell sites in one year before July 9, 2020."

In its �ifth year of operations, Dito vowed to attain 84.01 percent nation-

By MAYA M. PADILLO ijo Central, the newly-launched township project of Hijo Resources Corporation (HRC), is expected to generate around US$10 billion economic activity in Mindanao.

H

Launched Sunday, Hijo Central will be developed in a 132-hectare block within the sprawling 1,054 hectares HRC property in Madaum, Tagum Davao del Norte.

HRC Vice Chair and Chief Executive Of�icer Rosanna Tuason-Fores told media they see huge potential in the project due to the economic activities seen to be generated from port and logistics, leisure and tourism, agribusiness, property development, and renewable energy components of the project.

Fores added they are currently looking for locators and boutique investors to locate in Hijo Central. She added they are partnering with sustainable partners for power, water provider and telecommunications.

A smart city and hubs for food tech, bio tech, and agri tech are part of the plan.

“Smart cities are not

paring the gains.

Trump said Sunday the US was “locked and loaded” to respond to the attack, while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: “The United States will work with our partners and allies to ensure that energy markets remain well supplied and Iran is held accountable for its aggression.”

Tehran denies the accusations but the news has revived fears of a con�lict in the tinderbox Middle East after a series of attacks on oil tankers earlier this year that were also blamed on Iran.

“Tensions in the Middle East are rising quickly, meaning this story will continue to reverberate this week even after the knee-jerk panic in oil markets this morning,” said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

illegally workingfor POGOs, it added.

In August, the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp.

(Pagcor) suspendedthe acceptance of applications for new POGOs, saying some concerns needed to be addressed.

Almost P4 billion has been collected from POGO operations this year, while the target revenue for 2020 operations is between P9 billion and P10 billion, Pagcor said.

Meanwhile, labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has urged government to create a coordinating body in managing and controlling POGOs amid Cambodia's recent move to ban online gaming.

“Government agencies have limited authority and they cease to function on area that is beyond their mandate. The dis-coordination between and among these agencies might cause government to entirely lose control of the industry," TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said.

"We have to learn from the Cambodian experience speci�ically in the aspect of government control over the entire aspects of the growing industry that has the potential to our economy."

The proposed coordinating body will be attached to the Of�ice of the President and composed of concerned state agencies and labor and business sector representatives, the group said.

DICT says Dito Telecom on track to meet commitments by July '20

D

ito Telecommunity Corporation was on track to meet its commitments to the government by July 9, 2020 - the �irst year of its operations, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Sunday.

"Sa kanilang report

wide coverage, 55 Mbps minimum speed, and capital and operation expenses of P27 billion.

Just last week, the company inked an agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)to build cellular towers inside military camps across the country.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

Mindanao’s wish

Mindanao business leaders are one in saying that the Mindanao Railway project will be the most crucial government project that will chart the course of the country’s so-called “land of promise.”

Hence, it is understandable of the common denominator among Mindanao’s economic players’s minds these days is to see that project through knowing that the best opportunity to have it realized is now when the President is from Mindanao-the �irst in the history of Philippine politics. So cashing in on this notion while the man sitting in Malacañang is “one of us” is pretty much understandable. Historically, government priorities change everytime a new leader comes.

That is why business leaders want to get the project going before President Duterte’s term ends and the budget is ‘realigned’ as was practiced in past administrations.

Given that mindset, the administration is poised to deliver the project “whatever it takes.”

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Whatever it takes meant tweaking the project and downgrade the plan. So from a dual track and electric train system, the project has been demoted to single track, diesel.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) said costs were adjusted upward for the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1 due to the need to traverse rolling terrain, while the rail line was downgraded to single track and non-electric to speed up implementation. The reason is that the approved project cost more than doubled to P82.9 billion from P35.9 billion previously because earlier studies had assumed that the rail line would cross �lat terrain.

The downgrade, according to DOTr, is to ensure the ball is rolling soon and that the project may be ‘revised’ in the future.

Hopefully, the downgrading of the project for purposes of just getting it going will not be a costly change in the long run.

Otherwise, Mindanao will just end up with a second-rate railway system which may not be sustainable.

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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VANTAGE POINTS

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MUJAHID NAVARRA UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

THE TESTIMONY OF FAITH There are many different ways through which one’s faith is exhibited. In some religion, penance is a way of expressing one’s faith by voluntarily letting one’s self suffer different kinds of pain through �lagellation, cruci�ixion or denying one’s self of some of life’s basic comforts. Some religions have far more painful ways of penance than the others.

But in Islam, faith could be expressed in as simple as mentioning a sentence containing a few words. In fact, it is the �irst step in identifying yourself as a Muslim. It is by saying, in Arabic, Ashhadu An La Ilaha Illallah wa Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah; there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

Muslims recite it in the call to prayer, after performing ablution, in their �ive daily obligatory prayers, and as a form of remembrance of God. Non-Muslims who wish to enter the religion of Islam recite this as a con�irmation of his faith.

ENTERING ISLAM In Islam, non-Muslims who wish to enter this religion do not undergo elaborate ceremonies such as baptism or other religious

rites. It is as simple as saying these words, in Arabic, Ashhadu An La Ilaha Illallah wa Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah; there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

But saying these does not mean that this should be done as mere lip service. The testimony of faith has to emanate from a heart that is puri�ied from the worship of any other god other than Allah and that his body should be prepared to dedicate itself in the service of Allah by worshipping Him alone without partners and in the service of this religion. In fact, humans could not really �ind peace in this world except through the realization that we have been created

by God to worship Him alone and without partners.

COVENANT WITH ADAM Allah said in the Quran, “And remember when your Lord brought forth from the Children of Adam, from their loins and made them testify concerning themselves saying: ‘Am I not your Lord?’

They said: ‘Yes’” Quran 7:172.

This verse states that Allah has hard-wired upon every human being the desire to worship Him alone without partners. The

covenant that humans had with Allah is that they should not recognize anyone or anything other than Him as their Lord. This also meant that they will not worship any other god besides Him. Because the Muslim that testi�ies that there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah knows that the air he breaths, the food he eats, and everything that he bene�its from, all come from Allah and he should be thankful for it and be mindful of it all the time.

THE ULTIMATE REMEMBRANCE One of the best ways to remember God is mentioning the testimony of faith. Muslims mention the testimony of faith when they are amazed, having dif�iculty, or even when their happy. La Ilaha Illallah, there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah is a remembrance for all season. There is no particular occasion that limits the time that it could be said, but rather, this could be mentioned all the time, as it is one of the best ways of remembering Allah.

But La Ilaha Illallah, there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah, is never recited as a remembrance the same way Hindus or Buddhists recite their mantras. La ilaha illallah is

recited with heart-felt expressions that emanates from the deepest parts of the human spirit and in fact la ilaha illallah, there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah is best mentioned upon once time of death.

THE LAST WORDS FOR SALVATION It has been common knowledge that has been shared by people who have been through near-death experiences, that upon their seemingly inevitable death, time seems to slow down and they are reminded of everything they cared about all their lives. Most people mentioned remembering their loved ones and feel sad that they are about to lose them. Some people mentioned remembering upon their imminent death that they have things that they regretted, wished to have done or loved the most.

That is why people, in their death beds say the weirdest things there is, but not for a pious Muslim. For the pious Muslim, since he has lived his life in the service of Allah, the most beloved thing for him other than his family is God himself. The pious Muslim in his deathbed or upon his death will remember Allah �irst and fore-

most.

Muslims have a tradition called the ‘talqin’ or encouraging the dying Muslim in saying, la ilaha illallah, there is no god worthy of being worshipped except Allah.

Prophet Muhammad said, ‘Exhort your dying ones of saying la ilaha illallah.’ Narrated by Imam Muslim.

It is because for the dying Muslim, it is best that he remember Allah the most during the time when his soul is about to be snatched away from his body in order for him to repent to Allah with all sincerity. Saying la ilaha illallah upon one’s death is also a sign of a good death as Prophet Muhammad said, “If a person’s last words are Laa ilaha illallah, Paradise will be guaranteed for him.” Narrated

by Imam Ahmad.

It is a sign of a good death upon the religion because the dying Muslim remembered Allah in his last breath. It is also because it was Allah who inspired and guided the person to remember Him with his dying breath. Therefore, Paradise is a �itting reward for such a person because no person would die in the state of saying la ilaha illallah except those who lived in the principles of la ilaha illallah.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THEY WHO DARE TO CARE “Want to keep Christ on Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.” – Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Re�lections on Life and the Human Experience *** They may be wealthy and famous but it doesn’t mean they don’t care about other people. In fact, they lend their names and even share their time and talent to help the needy and those who need compassion.

That is what martial arts actor Jet Li has been doing since his near-death experience during the devastating tsunami in 2004.

“Up to then, I had spent the �irst 41 years of my life thinking of Jet Li: Jet Li number one. But now I thought, ‘However, powerful, however, famous, in that moment it cannot help you,” he told Reader’s Digest, which has chosen him as its Asian of the Year 2009.

Li, if you care to know, got his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name (Li Lianjie) was too hard to pronounce and people may not remember it.

Three years after the harrowing tsunami incident in Maldives, the actor launched his own non-pro�it foundation called The One Foundation. And it was for this reason why the prestigious international magazine handpicked him over several other contenders.

“The One Foundation supports international disaster relief efforts in conjunction with the Red Cross as well as other efforts, including mental health awareness and suicide prevention,” Wikipedia stated. It has been involved with recovery efforts in seven disasters, including the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and Typhoon Morakot in Taiwan.

“We have always strived to put out ordinary people on a pedestal and pull celebrities back down to earth,” wrote Jim Plouffe, who was then the editor-in-chief.

“Recognizing Li as our Asian of the Year lets us do both.”

Another Chinese actor who is doing the same thing is Jackie Chan, one of the most recognizable and in�luential cinematic personalities in the world. In fact, the Forbes magazine named his as one of the top 10 most charitable celebrities.

When he was born in Hong Kong, his refugee parents from the Chinese Civil War couldn’t afford the hospital bill or food for him. In fact, he was almost sold to a British doctor for US$200.

“I was born into a poor family, and I stayed at an opera martial arts school for ten years,” he recalls. “Every month, the Red Cross would come, and we would wait in line for clothes, shoes or milk powder.”

One day, a priest gave him some milk. He thanked the priest, who replied with these words: “Don’t thank me. When you’re grown up, you will help other people.”

In 1988, Chan founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation which offers scholarship to young people of Hong Kong and provides aid to victims of natural disasters or having health problems. In 2005, he created the Dragon Heart Foundation to help children and the elderly in remote areas of China by building schools, providing books, fees, and uniforms for children. It also provides for the elderly with donations of warm clothing, wheelchairs and other items.

Wikipedia shares this information: “(Jackie Chan) has championed charitable works and causes. He has campaigned for conservation, against animal abuse and has promoted disaster relief efforts for �loods in mainland China and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.”

In the United States, one of Hollywood actors who launched his own foundation is Oscar-winning Leonardo DiCaprio. “Clean air, water and a livable climate are inalienable human rights,” said the environmentalist actor who’s a vegetarian. “And solving this crisis is not a question of politics, it is a question of our own survival.”

Perhaps not too many knew that the American actor worked with 24 orphaned children from the SOS Children’s Village in Maputo, Mozambique during the �ilming of Blood Diamond. In 2010, he donated US$1 million to relief efforts in Haiti after the earthquake. He also donated US$1 million to the United Way

Harvey Recovery Fund through his foundation after Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Another environmental activist who also happens to be an actor is Harrison Ford as he is the vice-chairman of Conservation International (CI). Its intent is to protect nature. In 2002, the famed entomologist Edward O. Wilson named a new ant species Pheidole harrisonfordi in recognition of the actor’s work as vicechair of CI. “Since 1992, Ford has lent his voice to a series of public service messages promoting environmental involvement for EarthShare, an American federation of environmental and conservation charities,” Wikipedia reports. “He has acted as a spokesperson for Restore Hetch Hetchy, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring Yosemite National Park’s Hetch Hetchy Valley to its original condition.”

Multi-awarded Meryl Streep, who received 21 Academy Award nominations and winning three Oscar trophies, is involved in various charities and foundations.

Just to name a few: American Foundation for AIDS Research, Artists for Peace and Justice, Equality Now, Girl Up, Healthy Child Healthy World, Heifer International, Stand Up to Cancer, The Rainforest Foundation, and Women in the World Foundation.

Among the causes Streep fully support include abuse, cancer, children, creative arts, disaster relief, education, environment, health, human rights, hunger, lit-

eracy, poverty, rape/sexual abuse, slavery and human traf�icking.

“I try not to buy plastic bottles anymore,” she told OnEarth Magazine. “When I do, I look at the bottom to see if it’s recyclable.”

In the Philippines, we have Dingdong Dantes, who believes that a simple act of kindness can ignite a movement that in the future could change the world. It was this belief that made him to establish YesPinoy Foundation, Inc. in 2009.

In the beginning, the main focus of the foundation was “to bridge resource gaps in education and help out-of-school youth and children of fallen soldiers.” Today, the foundation “has evolved and focuses on a larger scale causes,” according to a Philippine Star feature. It now called YES, which stands for Youth, Empowerment and Service to the country.

“This is the issue we want to address; we want to make the youth as heroes kahit na bata pa sila,” Dantes was quoted as saying by Philippine Star. “Paano nila mapagtatanggol ‘yung kapatid o kaibigan nila kung ‘yung sarili nila hindi nila kayang ipagtanggol.”

Nathan C. Schaefer said it well: “At the close of life, the question will be: not how much have you got but how much have you given? Not how much you have won but how much have you done? Not how much have you saved but how much have you sacri�iced? It will be how much have you loved and served, not how much were you honored?”

8 EDGEDAVAO

RICE SCIENTIST... FROM2

mentation of the seed component of Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Construction of Crop Biotech Center and Germplasm Resources Laboratory were also built during his time.

“Leading the country’s premiere (rice) research for development institution is a prestigious opportunity,” Abdula said. “I will always be grateful to be gifted with the chance to serve not with the highest position of PhilRice, but in capacity that would allow me to make positive and desirable difference… in the lives of rice stakeholders.”

Abdula, a recipient of the Gawad Saka Outstanding Agricultural Researcher for Central Mindanao, is known for his achievements in rice science. He is credited for the development of the tungro-resistant varieties such as NSIC Rc120 and Rc226, which help manage the disease in Southern Mindanao. He is also the man behind for the breeding of the ‘Sigue-sigue’ variety “whose performance is comparable to expensive hybrid seeds developed by multi-national and large seed companies.”

For his contribution to

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) , Mortgagee, - versus EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,483-19 EDELBERTO S. CATOLINAN married to VINA E. CATOLINAN, Mortgagors.

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NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND against EDELBERTO S. CATOLINAN, married to VINA E. CATOLINAN, with postal address at LOT 19 & 21, BLK. 41, DECA HOMES RESORT RESIDENCES SUBD., BARANGAY TUGBOK, MINTAL, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness in the total amount of Php=1,291,046.97, Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charges as of July 31, 2019, plus attorney’s fees equivalent to 10% of the total indebtedness and other legal expenses incident to foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on OCTOBER 17, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with all the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017020493 “A PARCEL OF LAND XXX (LOT 19, BLK. 41, XXX PCS-11-003470 , XXX) SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY TUGBOK, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.” TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2017020494 “A PARCEL OF LAND XXX (LOT 19, BLK. 41, XXX PCS-11-003470 , XXX) SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY TUGBOK, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. XXX CONTAINING AN AREA OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS.” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on NOVEMBER 14, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, SEPTEMBER 09, 2019.

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

the development of ride industry,” he was given the ASEAN Rice Science and Technology Ambassadors Award. He considered the award as “more than just an achievement” but also “a challenge for me to continue doing researches to help our farmers.”

“Aside from being a rice breeder, Abdula led and implemented a collaborative project on rice-based farming system technology transfer for Mindanao, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in partnership with PhilRice and the local government

units in ARMM,” Philippine Star reported.

Abdula obtained his PhD in agriculture, major in plant genetics, from Chungbuk National University in Korea is 2012. He started working as a junior researcher at PhilRice in 1996, a year after �inishing his BS Agriculture (cum laude) from the University of Southern Mindanao. His master’s degree in plant breeding was from University of the Philippines at Los Baños while his Master in Development Management was from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

NOW HIRING!!!

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511 For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND (HDMF) Mortgagee, - versus EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,477-2019 NOEL G. BATAC, Mortgagor/s.

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,474-19 MARIO RESPONDO married to EDITH RESPONDO, Mortgagor/s.

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NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by mortgagee HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND OR PAG-IBIG FUND against the mortgagor NOEL G. BATAC, with postal address at Lot 07, Block 12, Phase 10, Deca Homes Resort Residences Subd., Brgy. Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of May 15, 2019 amounted to ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED THIRTY SIX THOUSAND EIGHTY THREE PESOS and 87/100 (Php 1,236,083.87), Philippine Currency, inclusive of interest and penalty charge and other legal expenses incident to the foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on OCTOBER 17, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder for CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below with all the improvements found thereon, to wit; TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2016011465 “A PARCEL OF LAND (LOT 7, BLOCK 12 OF THE SUBDIVISION PLAN PSD-11-107053, BEING A PORTION OF LOT 49, PCS-3076 AMD.), SITUATED IN THE BARANGAY OF TACUNAN, CITY OF DAVAO, ISLAND OF MINDANAO. CONTAINING AN AREA OF EIGHTY (80) SQUARE METERS, MORE OR LESS XXX.” All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the abovestated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on NOVEMBER 14, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property/ies and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019.

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against the mortgagor/s MARIO RESPONDO, married to EDITH RESPONDO, with postal address at #54 Jade Street, Lot 11 Blk. 6, Doña Luisa Village, Matina, Davao City, the indebtedness of the mortgagor as of July 01, 2019 amounts to Three Million Three Hundred Forty One Thousand Thirty Four Pesos & 42/100 (Php=3,341,034.42), Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on October 17, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-123212 “A parcel of land (Lot 11, Blk. 6 of the consolidationsubdivision project, Pcs-11-000781, being a portion of Lots 1-23-, Block 1;1-3, Block 2; 1-17, Block 3; 16-17, Block 4; 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27 & 43,Blk. 6; 1-30; Blk. 7; 1-20, Blk. 8; 1-8, Blk. 9; 1-21, Blk. 10; Road Lots 1-7 & 10, all of Pcs-11-000239), situated in the Barrio of Matina, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on November 14, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, September 11, 2019.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(sgd.) JOSEPH T. CASTRO, JR., Sheriff IV

(sgd.) SUNNY D. MAURILLO Sheriff IV

(sgd.) JAY C. ESPERANZA Sheriff IV

Sept. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 2019

Sept. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 2019

Sept. 17, 24 & Oct. 1, 2019

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11TH JUDICIAL REGION OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF COURT-SHERIFF Davao City

BDO UNIBANK, INC., Mortgagee, - versus EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,442-19 SPS. RAMIL AZARCON PRADO and JONALYN BAQUIANO PRADO, /Debtors/Mortgagors.

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus EJF-REM CASE NO. 17,437-19 HELEN C. NAD, married to VICENTE P. NAD, Mortgagor/s.

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

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Upon extra-judicial petition sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the above-mentioned mortgagee against SPOUSES RAMIL AZARCON PRADO AND JONALYN BAQUIANO PRADO with postal address at: 1.) UNIT 523 BUILDING 1, VERDON PARC, ECOLAND DRIVE COR. PEACOCK STREET, ECOLAND, BARANGAY MATINA, DAVAO CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR & 2.) LOT NOS. 3 & 28, BLOCK 4, BARANGAY CENTRAL, MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL and 3.) DON LUIS VILLAGE, POBLACION MATI, DAVAO ORIENTAL, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness as of July 15, 2019, the Subject Obligation has amounted to PESOS: THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY SIX and 01/100 (Php3,879,456.01), Philippine Currency, including interests and penalties and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or Manager’s Check and in Philippine Currency, the following real property with all its improvements found thereon particularly described below, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. 146-2018001498

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee Social Security System against HELEN C. NAD, married to VICENTE P. NAD, with postal address at LOT 21, BLK. 9, #5921 CASOY ST, STO. DOMINGO VILLAGE II, PAMPANGA, DAVAO CITY, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of May 31, 2019 amounts to Php=2,392,132.68, Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale, the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property/ies mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-124478 “A parcel of land (Lot 21, Blk. 9, xxx, Psd-11-019040), situated in the Barrio of Pampanga, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED FIFTY (150) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT NO. UNIT AREA BALCONY/GARDEN AREA/LEDGE SERVICE AREA TOTAL AREA OWNER ADDRESS

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

:UNIT B - 2BR INNER UNIT : 523 : 52.63 : 4.37 : 3.60 : 60.60 : SPS. RAMIL AZARCON PRADO AND JONALYN BAQUIANO PRADO : UNIT 523, MARTEL BUILDING, VERDON PARC, ECOLAND DRIVE CORNER PEACOCK ST., ECOLAND SUBD., DAVAO CITY

All sealed bids must be submitted to the undersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on OCTOBER 24, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the herein above-described and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, August 19, 2019.

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on October 24, 2019 without further notice.

Prospective buyers are hereby enjoined to investigate for themselves the title of the above-described real property and encumbrances thereon, if any there be.

Davao City, Philippines, August 19, 2019.

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

For ATTY. FRANCISCO M. CAMPANER – the OIC Clerk of Court & Ex-Officio Prov’l Sheriff

(sgd.) JULITO J. ANGGOT Sheriff IV

(sgd.) NICOLAS L. SUMAPIG Sheriff IV

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 54, Davao City IN RE: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD DANIEL ROSARIAL a.k.a ANTONIO SEBASTIAN BASAN, ANTONIO FLORES BASAN, Petitioner,

R-DVO-19-02534-SP

FOR: PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD etc.

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ORDER Petitioner filed a verified petition praying that he be allowed to adopt as his own son, DANIEL ROSARIAL also known as ANTONIO SEBASTIAN BASAN, minor, who was born on April 17, 2008 in Digos, Davao del Sur, that the proposed adoptee was living with the Petitioner since the former was eleven (11) months old; In the Case and Home Study Report previously filed by Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat/Grace Marie R. Canoy – Social Welfare Assistant dated August 7, 2019, she favorably recommended the adoption of the said child by the petitioners.

WHEREFORE, let the petition be set for hearing on November 18, 2019 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning at which date and time, all persons concerned may appear to show cause, if any, why the prayer in the petition shall not be granted.

The Preliminary Conference for the marking of exhibits is on October 23, 2019 at 2:30 in the afternoon before the Branch Clerk of Court.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and three (3) provinces of Davao, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks.

The Petitioners are further directed to furnish the Solicitor General with a copy of the petition and the latter is directed to appear for the State.

Notify all parties concerned and the Solicitor General through this Order.

SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines, August 7, 2019. (sgd.) DANTE A. BAGUIO Presiding Judge

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

My room at RedDoorz Premium at Guadalupe Village.

EASY AFFORDABLE STAYS EVERYWHERE WITH REDDOORZ IF you were to be more observant, I am sure you are curious with the slew of huge signs on small hotels and accommodations in bright red spelling out the word “RedDoorz”. My curiosity was finally answered at a recent staycation event hosted by the people behind RedDoorz.

So what is RedDoorz? To quickly answer the question, RedDoorz is Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing hotel management and booking platform that is present in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Technically, RedDoorz is a chain of hotels providing finest affordable stays for its customers by providing them standardised services across all its branches.

Now you may recognise that many of the RedDoorz hotels used to be small budget, busi-

The RedDoorz Philippines Country Marketing Manager Raenald De Jesus and Country Head, Stefanie Irma .

The RedDoorz amenity kit.

At the RedDoorz staycation experience event.

Irma, RedDoorz Philippines Clean and comfy linens ensure a good night’s rest. Country Head. ness or boutique hotels. This “Because RedDoorz stanSo what can a guest staying is because RedDoorz partners dardizes hotel accommodations at a RedDoorz hotel expect? with these small unbranded across the country with fine, My stay at the RedDoorz Prehotels, rebranding them and affordable and quality accommium at Guadalupe Village in providing them with state modations, we are able to open Lanang hit all the boxes of the of the art technology, online up the travel experience to RedDoorz service guarantee presence and trainings to their more and more people across list: free WiFi, cable television, staff, ultimately improving their a wide social strata. By helpspotless linen, hot and cold incomes. ing our partners grow, we also shower, an amenity kit complete RedDoorz currently has over help increase the knowledge with toothbrushes, comb, and 200+ hotels located in 20+ difand skills of people who work a shower cap, and bottled water ferent cities in the Philippines, in the hospitality industry, and (although at the RedDoorz Guaand is committed to providing thus support both domestic and dalupe, I had to get my bottled a standardised hotel experience international travel - and as for water from a common water for domestic and international RedDoorz, our company, being dispenser). “These amenities are travellers staying in a RedDoorz visible in the third largest city in not commonly associated with hotel. In Davao, there are over the Philippines (Davao), it will affordable hotels but come stan20 RedDoorz properties provid- not only bring colours to Davao dard at any RedDoorz,” shared ing over 500 rooms servicing tourism and the nearby islands Country Marketing Manager locals and tourists in this city of but also bringing in more jobs Raenald De Jesus.

“The number of RedDoorz 1.7 million people. for them as well, “said Stefanie

hotels available coupled with the diverse locations at any city with a RedDoorz hotel also allows guests the freedom to chose where they want to stay.”

Raenald added.

Looking for, and booking a room at RedDoorz is easy with RedDoorz mobile app and digital platform. Both for booking and paying is simple and regular users can take advantage of RedDoorz’s RedCash rewards system where they can redeem points for their next booking.

So the next time you are looking for clean, affordable, no-fuss accommodations in Manila, Boracay, Bohol, or Cebu why not check out RedDoorz. com or search on their app for the perfect room that fits your budget.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

A DIGITAL NOMAD’S OFFICE I’VE been working remotely and travelling for a little over two years, not counting the quick stint I had in corporate last year. Since I move around a lot and bring my work with me, it’s essential to have your office with you everywhere you go.

Being a digital nomad is fun yet not without its challenges. You have the freedom to do your job, anytime and anywhere in the world. The problems that might prove overwhelming at times, such as finding cheap airfare, reliable WiFi connection and the cost of living in your next destination.

Sometimes, it’s even finding a suitable location to focus on your work. As a surfer, I’ve come to realise that working in front of a surf spot isn’t the most conducive environment for me; I usually end up surfing instead.

If you’re considering bringing work while travelling or curious how digital nomads actually work, here’s a list of my essentials for work!

LAPTOP The most precious machine of them all. My livelihood is dependent on this equipment so I cannot travel without it. It’s always a good idea to invest in a quality laptop, one that has a great battery life, lightweight and gets your work done fast.

If you’re not into heavy-duty applications, a tablet will suffice, especially if you’re mostly into writing like I am. I haven’t made the switch to just owning a tablet yet because I still need my laptop for various media applications.

Recommendations? All based on my experience for the past seven years, I’ve been using Apple, I’m going with a MacBook Pro. The newer models are lightweight and have seriously long battery life. Again, it’s not about the brand but the quality and if this piece of equipment gets your work done.

SMARTPHONE The ease of having everything you need in all your devices is why I needed to pair my MacBook with an iPhone.

I used to be a Samsung user for three years. I realised that I’ve been stressing myself too much trying to find ways to have everything I need on my laptop on my smartphone.

The newer iPhone models have drastically improved battery life and cameras. Since then, I’ve made the switch back to having everything Apple again.

Synching is so easy, I wondered why I even tried making my life difficult.

As a writer, I found it essential to have a device on-the-go that you can compose from. Paper notebooks aren’t the best. They’re still added weight, and if it gets wet, you’re doomed because you probably haven’t backed it up in your laptop yet.

BACKPACK As a digital nomad, your office has got to fit on your back. Having a durable, weatherproof, and theft-proof

The best Everything a digital nomad needs, all office an inside one pack. Photo by Dean Pugh. backpack protects your livelihood, aka money-making tools.

The size of your pack depends on how long you’re on the road for. I’ve been using a 20L backpack that can hold my whole nomad office and the few essentials (clothes for the road and toiletries).

I usually place the rest of my clothes in my surfboard bag, which still has space and also serves as an additional layer of protection for my surfboard.

Watch out for the continuation of this article next week as we dive into the rest of a digital nomad’s essentials.

CEBU LANDMASTERS ACQUIRES ABACA RESORT MACTAN, TO EXPAND CEB Leading property developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) recently announced the expansion of its resorts development with its acquisition of the Abaca Resort Mactan property.

The all-suite Abaca Resort Mactan is a luxury resort in the Punta Engano area of Mactan island that has received the highest ratings from global travel experts. With a footprint of 4,328 sqm., the property is one of the few remaining prime properties in the area with an attractive oceanfront and just a short drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport. CLI envisions the Abaca Resort Mactan to expand to a 100room all-suite luxury development from its current nine rooms, to be completed in 2023, disclosed Jose Soberano III, CLI chairman and CEO. CLI also signed a hotel management

agreement with The Abaca Group, owners of the resort and a chain of top-end Cebu restaurants. This will ensure that the Abaca Brand of uncompromising quality and high-end, personalized service will continue in the new Abaca Resort Mactan.

“CLI and The Abaca Group will create world-class synergies that will allow us to maximise tourism opportunities in Cebu, a booming growth area supported by large-scale infrastructure development projects such as Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport,” Soberano highlighted.

The Abaca Group founder Jason Hyatt said, “With Cebu being our adopted home, it has always been our vision to contribute to the growth of Cebu’s tourism and hospitality industry on a much larger scale, especially the Abaca Resort and

Hotel brand. We have been approached by several developers to expand the brand but the thoughtfulness and commitment to quality that Cebu Landmasters brought

to the table was undeniable and made the decision easy.”

“Having this unique partnership and opportunity to manage a premier property

developed by the r oper is a significan of breaking out as grown luxury hot

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ENTERTAINMENT

ALDEN RICHARDS SPARKS HOPE AND FINDING PURPOSE ON GMA’S THE GIFT

Backpack in tow, carrying my whole life and office is the common state I find myself these days. Photo by Mottie Santos

t backpack is one that can carry your whole nd life with you. Photo by Josiah Weiss.

Work happens wherever you and your machine are. Photo

by Content Pixie.

The best tools a digital nomad needs are these.

Photo by Dhe Haivan.

BU’S TOP-RATED RESORT

region’s premier develnt step towards our vision s the country’s top hometel group,” added Hyatt.

Soberano disclosed that a reputable foreign architect will be tapped to design and masterplan the redevelopment of the luxury resort. Both CLI and The Abaca Group envision an iconic and sustainable resort tower that will showcase Mactan’s very first Sky Villas. Abaca Resort Mactan will close its doors in February 2020 to give way to the ambitious redevelopment.

Cebu Landmasters is the leading developer in the VisMin area with a total of 58 projects in various stages of development in seven key cities of the region. Aside from the Abaca Resort Mactan, CLI has also recently acquired the 2-hectare Lowaii Marine Cebu Resort which is located on the southern side of Mactan Island. The listed company was recently named by PropertyGuru as the country’s best developer in 2019.

A glimmer of hope will shine through in the midst of darkness with GMA Network’s inspirational drama, The Gift.

The original primetime soap is headlined by no less than Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards as the street-smart and high-spirited Sep, a visually-impaired vendor in Divisoria who will be blessed with the gift to perceive past and future events.

Alden, who has undergone blind immersion training to be able to fully understand the culture of the visuallyimpaired people, shared his realizations upon accepting the challenging role.

“Sometimes we take things for granted, normal lang na nakakakita tayo but once na mawala siya, parang that really got me. Actually, nalungkot ako ng ma-experience ko kasi ang hirap mawalan ng paningin. After that immersion, I interviewed people who can see before sila nabulag and nainspire ako sa kanila na tipong ‘what can be my contributions to society now that I’m blind? Iyon ‘yung gusto kong mabaon ng mga manonood sa The Gift - bibigyan natin sila ng peak sa mundo ng mga taong hindi nakakakita para mas maintindihan natin sila,” he said.

Playing important roles in the life of Sep are the members of the Marcelino family: Christian Vasquez as Javier, Nadia’s unfaithful second husband who is a shrewd businessman and a controlling father to his son whom he aspires to be a politician; Martin del Rosario as Jared, son of Nadia and Javier who is always out to please his father and will make use of Sep’s gift for his personal interests as a young politician; Ysabel Ortega as Sabina, brat but goodnatured daughter of Nadia and Javier; Betong Sumaya as Asi, the trusted assistant and driver of Javier and Jared; Tetay as Tonya, Nadia’s best friend and Javier’s wealthy cousin; Rochelle Pangilinan as Francine, Javier’s feisty and entitled executive assistant and mistress; Luz Valdez as Puring, Javier’s doting grandmother who took care of him when his parents passed away.

Giving life and meaning into Sep’s journey are: Elizabeth Oropesa as Lola Char, Sep’s adoptive grandmother who saved him from an attempted kidnapping in Quiapo when he got lost as a kid; Victor Anastacio as Andoy, comical leader of young delinquents in Divisoria who adores Amor; Mikoy Morales as Bistek, outgoing friend of Sep and Amor who sells anything under the sun in Divisoria; Thia Thomalla as Faith, fancied by Sep and dubbed as the ‘Prin-

cess of Divisoria’ for her beauty and for being the daughter of a wealthy fabric store owner; Mikee Quintos as Amor, a spunky vendor who secretly admires Sep; Jo Berry as Strawberry, Sep’s adoptive and overprotective mother who doesn’t let her disability get in the way of providing for her family; and Ms. Jean Garcia as Nadia, Sep’s biological mother who loses her faith in God after the death of her first husband and the disappearance of her son.

The Gift also features the special participation of TJ Trinidad as Gener.

Joseph or Sep is not your average vendor along the buzzing streets of Divisoria. He uses his undeniable charm and enthusiasm to get through the tough days. Together with his adoptive mother, Strawberry (Jo Berry) who sells fruits for a living, and adoptive grand-

mother, Lola Char (Elizabeth Oropesa) who is a self-proclaimed fortune teller in Quiapo, Sep continues to find the silver lining amidst the harsh realities of life. Although struggling to make ends meet, all seems well in Sep’s simple life not until that fateful day when he got in a near-death experience and woke up in literal darkness. At the expense of losing his vision, Sep has been given the gift of ‘clairvoyance’ or the ability to see things beyond the naked eye.

Will Sep’s God-given talent be of blessing to others? Or will this ignite another misfortune in the already complicated life of Sep? Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

WHOLESOME HEALTHY HEARTY BOWLS

By KENNETH IRVING ONG DAVAO may me known for food offerings like smoky babyback ribs, grilled tuna, and other hearty options, Park Inn

by Radisson Davao is bucking the trend of unhealthy eating by offering delicious and nutritious, no-guilt options at the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, RBG Restaurant, Bar & Grill.

Called “Hearty Bowls”, the four new meal-in-a-bowl options, are the ideal diet for health-concious diners or someone who wants to dine without too much guilt riding in their bellies. Diners can choose from a Salmon Bowl, a Beef Bowl, Chicken Bowl, and

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

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Veggie Bowl. Each bowl is a healthy mix of meat, veggies or greens, and brown rice, black rice or quinoa. For the calorie counter the bowls range from 294kcal to 681kcal only.

To pair with the bowls RBG

Bar & Grill’s Healthy also offers Sip Pairs; Lemon Punch with lemon grass, calamansi, celery, and honey; Zesty Cooler with calamansi, ginger and Lipton Yellow Label Tea and, Mint Detox drink with mint leaves,

VOL.12 VOL.12 IS

calamansi, and cucumber. The ing September 1, 2019. Both are drinks are sure toISSUE provide available and served daily VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE 9484 •you FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6,dur2019 with a revitalising feeling. ing lunch and dinner. Power The RBG Hearty Bowls and through the day with the RBG Healthy Sip Pairs are availHearty Bowls at Php450 net per able in Park Inn by Radisson bowl, and Healthy Sip Pairs at Davao’s RBG BarISSUE &ISSUE Grill Php120 per drink.

VOL.12 VOL.12 94start84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO

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Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18th City Council 15th Regular Session Series of 2018 PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor ABSENT:

Bernard E. Al-ag - Presiding Officer Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Maria Belen S. Acosta Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Carmelo J. Clarion Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic April Marie C. Dayap Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Jimmy G. Dureza Councilor Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Leah A. Librado-Yap Councilor Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Rene Elias C. Lopez Councilor Halila Y. Sudagar Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado IIII

- On Sick leave Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos - On Domestic Emergency Leave Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan - OB – Officer-in-Charge, City Mayor Pilar C. Braga Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte ORDINANCE NO. 0748-19 Series of 2019 AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE RELEASE OF FLYING BALOONS AND LIGHTED SKY LANTERNS IN THE CITY OF DAVAO

Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE – This Ordinance shall be known as the “Flying Balloon and Lighted Sky Lantern Ordinance of Davao City”.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – The General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code states that “Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants”.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS – As used in this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean: a. b.

Flying Balloon – a nonporous bag of light material that can be inflated especially with air or gas; such as a bag that is filled with heated air or gas lighter than air so as to rise and float in the atmosphere; Sky lantern – a lantern designed to float up into the air when lit, typically consisting of a rice paper shell over a bamboo, wire frame, or other materials, illuminated by a small candle or other naked flame at its open base which also causes the lantern to rise by heating the air inside the shell.

SECTION 4. COVERAGE – This Ordinance shall cover all flying balloons and sky lanterns within the territorial jurisdiction and airspace of Davao City with the exemption of those used for research purposes in the field of science and technology and hot air balloons intended for transportation and recreation.

SECTION 5. PROHIBITED ACT – Any act of intentionally releasing flying balloons and lighted sky lanterns is prohibited.

SECTION 6. PENALTY CLAUSE – Any violation of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be punished as follows, without prejudice to the prosecution of other criminal actions: • 1st Offense - P3,000.00 fine • 2nd Offense - P3,500.00 fine • 3rd Offense - P5,000.00 fine SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE – Any Ordinance, local issuances or rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified, accordingly.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof which are not affected therby, shall continue to be in full force and effect.

HUGE... FROM1

notice.

She added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police (AFPPNP) also requested to host satellite registration in their premises to serve uniformed personnel.

"We will cater as many as we can," Caballero said.

As much as 900 registrants are being recorded by the Comelec 11 each day. Caballero said it because of new registrants and transferees.

Despite the running protests in the congress on postponing the Barangay and SK Elections to 2023, Comelec 11 will continue its preparation until the bills �iled will be

passed and implemented.

Caballero recently explained that as long as the bill isn’t passed yet, the poll body will �irmly follow the existing law.

“Resolution pa naman po siya. Habang hindi pa po siya batas, yung existing law po talaga ang susundin namin,” she said.

-- in partnership with the private sector particularly with commercial hog raisers’ groups, local government units, the PNP and military -- has taken all the necessary measures to

manage, control, and contain the possible spread of African swine fever and major swine diseases,” Dar said.

The secretary added that the irresponsible

dumping of dead pigs simply adds scare to the public, and should not be tolerated. “The perpetrators must be punished in accordance with the law,” Dar added. (PNA)

fruit, mangosteen, durian, marang, and rambutan. Macadamia and chest nuts are

also planted in the park.

There is also a �ishing village, where guests and vis-

itors can bond with their family or friends as you experience the thrill of �ishing in an upland environment. Sumptuous tilapia and hito are the prized catch for the �ishers.

Davao del Sur has two well-known agritourism destinations. Even before agritourism became popular, the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Kinuskusan, Bansalan has been one of the most popular destinations when it comes to farming.

Most people come to the for the upland farming technologies and sustainable gardening schemes. The center is also known as the goat center of Davao del Sur. It has been the source of purebred Nubian and other dairy goats.

Other livestock raised in the farm include sheep, rabbits, and swine.

MBRLC also raises ducks, chickens, and tilapia. During its season, fruits also abound: durian, mangosteen, rambutan, lanzones, santol, and mango. Cacao and coffee are also grown in the farm.

Another good thing about the center is that people who come to the place can undergo actual training: farm management, harvesting, plant propagation, livestock raising, and even spiritual upliftment. The training is called HOE (hands-on-experience): 25% lecture and 75% actual demonstration.

Not far from the center is the Lao Integrated Farm, Inc in barangay Eman. It is also one of the town’s top farm tourist attractions. People come to the place to learn how coconut sap is turn into sugar and syrup. Today, the farm is exporting its produce to other countries.

Benjamin Lao, one of the country’s outstanding farmers who owns the farm, practices organic farming in his farm. He also employs several people, mostly neighbors, to be his co-workers at the farm.

DABAWENYOS... FROM4

AGRICULTURE... FROM10 NOTICE

Please be informed that your request dated August 22, 2019 to conduct survey in your area over Lot 16-N, Csd-112508-020481, portion of mother lot 16,Cad-289 claimed by FELISA Q. DIPUTADO located at So. Manaul, Brgy.

Central, Manay, Davao Oriental is granted, the schedule will be set on September 24-26, 2019.

Be informed further, that the said lot is REVERSED and SET ASIDE and DECLARED as PUBLIC LAND as per Recommendation of the Office of the Solicitor general, Bernard G. Hernandez, Asst. Solicitor General and Lenie L. Layug-Delfin State Solicitor 1 at Makati City for Cagayan de Oro City dated July 6, 2017.

In line with this as per RA 2259, as amended by Sec. 35 of PD No. 1529, under paragraph “a & b” to publicize the conduct of survey in the Official Gazette/newspaper for publication and circulation of the said undertaking.

9/10/17/24

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon approval, posting and publication in a newspaper of local circulation.

ENACTED, on the 23rd day of April 2019, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT:

ATTESTED:

(sgd.)BERNARD E. AL-AG Vice Mayor Presiding Officer cns/ror

ATTESTED:

(sgd.)ATTY. ZULEIKA T. LOPEZ City Administrator

(sgd.)CHARITO N. SANTOS Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Government Department Head II)

21 MAY APPROVED: ______________, 2019

(sgd.)SARA Z. DUTERTE City Mayor

9

JASKIN PAWNSHOP

Notice of Auction Sale All Jewelry and other items pawned at Jaskin Pawnshop San Perdo Street, Davao City during the months of March to May 2019 if not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on September 20, 2019 at our pawnshop premises.

September 17,18,19

NADAL. FROM11

the world and attack his many millions of followers to consider coming to WA.” Perth: Group B – Spain, Japan, Georgia. Group D – Russia, Italy, USA. Brisbane: Group A – Serbia, France, South Africa. Group F – Germany, Greece, Canada, Australia.

Sydney: Group C – Switzerland, Belgium, Great Britian. Group E – Austria, Croatia, Argentina.

10 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

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AGRICULTURE AS NEW INNOVATION

IN TOURISM

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

The most important effect of promoting farm tourism is the economic benefit it will bring to the farmer and to the immediate community. The rural lifestyle and cultural traditions are appreciated by guests, and the environment is sustained.”

– Mina Gabor, former secretary of tourism When Berna Romulo-Puyat was appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Tourism, she announced that farm tourism would be her �lagship strategy. It is a sound direction as she came from the Department of Agriculture and the Philippines is an agricultural country with two-thirds of the population involved directly and indirectly in agriculture.

“Farm tourism sites can help (boost) agriculture (in the country,” Puyat said. As per record of the tourism department, there are now 105 accredited farm tourism sites – and still counting. “(Farm tourism is like) killing three-birds with one stone,” Val Turtur, president of Davao Farm Tourism Association, was quoted as saying the state-owned Philippine Information Agency, during the regional farm tourism convergence held in Davao City last year.

“Once you are engaged in farm tourism, you see it that you will maintain your farm, you clean it and make it presentable to tourists,” Turtur explained. “By maintaining the farm, you will increase its production and third you have additional income from tourists who are willing to pay for your produce.”

Republic Act No. 10816, otherwise known as the Farm Tourism Development Act, de�ines farm tourism as “the practice of attracting visitors and tourists to farm areas for production, educational and recreational purposes.”

Farm tourism involves any agricultural- or �ishery-based operation or activity that brings to a farm people who want to be educated and trained on farming and its related activities, and provides a venue for outdoor recreation and accessible family

outings.

“I have seen farm tourism in other countries,” said Senator Cynthia Villar, author of the Farm Tourism Development Act and chair of the Senate committee on Agriculture and Food. “It ranges from very nice tourist farms to very simple tourist farms.

And I tell the farm owners in the Philippines (that) you can be very expensive tourism far, if you have a capital, you can be a small tourist farm if you have less capital. It’s just the same; it’s about being creative.”

Foreigners usually picture the Philippines for its �ine beaches and white powdery sands. “Visually stunning, they (islands) offer a plethora of dreamy golden beaches, shimmering azure waters, cerulean skies, and gently swaying verdant palms, with the sun an almost constant companion,” wrote Lindsay Bennett in Philippines.

But those are not the only things this country can offer to them. The day has �inally come for the Philippines to show how Filipinos produce cereals, crops, fruits, livestock, and �isheries in their farms.

Name it and the Philippines has it. There are many ways Filipinos can promote farm tourism, according to Dr. Maria Celeste H. Cadiz, an expert on farm tourism from the Laguna-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

Among those that can be included in farm tourism are as follows: farm-to-table (gourmet), pick-and-pay (harvest what you want and pay for them), farm tours, farm animal interaction, �ish feeding, farm stays, educational trips, and special products of sale (soaps, coconut sugar, etc.).

There are several bene�its that can be derived from farm tourism, according to Dr. Cadiz. For one, it provides additional income to the community. For another, local products and the culture of the people are well-appreciated by people who come to the farm. But most importantly, environmental problems like cutting of trees, monoculture, and the use of chemicals, among others, are addressed.

But like other enterprises, farm tourism has also its share of problems, particularly from the point of view of the operator. Among the challenges cited are as follows: dif�iculty in �inding good farm labor, whether to go organic or conventional farming, thinking of something new to offer to guests, undoing one’s mistakes, peace and order, physical infrastructure, availability of internet connection, garbage facilities, good roads, and climate change.

But the good news is: the Philippines is now among top agri-tourism destinations in the world, according to Rose H. Libongco of the Hotel Sales & Marketing Assn Int. (HSMA) said during a Global Farm Tourism Summit co-hosted by SEARCA. “Farm tourism sites have boosted Philippines’ tourism potential as the country is now a top agri-tourism destination with foreign visitor arrivals growing by 10.24%,” said a press statement circulated by Growth Publishing for SEARCA. The bulk of foreign tourists came from Korea and Japan, 22.2% and 8.68%, respectively. Tourists from the following countries also �locked the country for farm tourism: Australia, 3.79%; Canada, 3.43%; Taiwan, 3.19%; United Kingdom, 2.83%; Singapore, 2.39%; and Malaysia, 1.92%.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries considered to be top agri-tourism destinations were Taiwan, Hawaii and California (both in United States), Tuscany (Italy), Grenada (a sovereign state in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea), Mallorca (the largest island in the Balearic Islands), and Brazil.

Libongco cited several reasons why the Philippines has become one of the world’s top agritourism destinations. For one, it is rich in natural resources and biodiversity. For another, its farming heritage is re�lected in folk songs. Most importantly, Filipinos have innate hospitality and openness to welcoming visitors.

The press release said organic farms, nature-friendly farms, and health and wellness farms are among the top farm tourism destinations in the Philippines.

In Mindanao, the Malagos Farm in Davao City is a case in point. It all started with the durian and coffee farm in Tagakpan. This was fol-

lowed by lanzones, pomelo and orchid farms in Cabantian. It then constructed in 1994 a small restaurant and swimming pool and in 1997 an overnight accommodation and resort facilities.

Malagos Farm offers agriculture training – daily module, cacao module, and solid waste management. It planted narra trees for the bees and bignay to give habitat to birds. It offers a showcase of cultural events and experience tourism including tractor ride around the farm, Malagos farm fair, and interactive bird show.

Tourists are able to bring home farm products: orchids, tableya from cacao, virgin coconut oil, bignay wine, and dairy goat and cow products.

In Toril, there’s the Eden Nature Park and Resort. The once-barren piece of land now provides a relaxing alternative to the bustling city life of Davao with its cool weather and unpolluted air.

But what makes is its vegetable gardens and greenhouses.

Tomatoes, cucumbers, and

spices are grown organically.

Several varieties of lettuce are grown using the state-of-theart hydroponics technology.

Some of these are harvested and served fresh at the Vista Restaurant.

Not to be missed: Lola’s Garden. This area is cooler as it is situated in one of the park’s upper portion; it also the best place to see the panoramic view of Davao City. If you’re done with that, have your picture taken on top of a carabao statue. There is also a wishing well, whose water is decorated with various colors of gumamela �lowers.

There are other places you can visit. Those who are interested about trees and �lowers can go to its nurseries. There is a nursery that houses hundreds of thousands of seedlings of pine, eucalyptus, teak, narra, molave, mahogany, and other trees.

Another nursery is home to various ornamentals.

Just across the tree nursery is a collection of fruit trees, among them dragon

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HIGH-TECH FITNESS. As Dabawenyos are getting even more conscious about their health and physique, Arcadia Fitness Gym inside the Arcadia Active Lufestyle Center boasts of the top-of-the-line gym equipment and offers the topnotch training featuring latest techniques. Arcadia offers a Buddy Weekend for non-members to sample the facility with a partner member on Saturdays and Sundays.

PH begins journey R to World Cup 2023

Nadal in Perth, Federer in Sydney for ATP Cup

T

he Philippines, Indonesia and Japan formally received the FIBA �lag from China on Sunday night, at the half of the gold medal game of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Beijing.

Yao Ming, the chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, turned the �lag over to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, who attended the ceremony

along with representatives from Indonesia and Japan.

The three countries will co-host the 2023 edition of the World Cup. “We’re on our way, and we’re bringing home the FIBA �lag 2023 with us,” Pangilinan said in a statement. “The journey begins tonight.”

Pangilinan said hosting the World Cup is “a huge honor and privilege for SBP, and a great pride

for our people.”

“Thank you so much to all of you for your support - you inspire us, and give us the energy and spirit to keep trying,” he added. “In particular, my thanks to President Duterte for his kind encouragement and presence to Gilas and our hosting.”

SBP had initially tried to win the hosting rights for the 2019 World Cup, but China won the bid instead. Undeterred, the

China's Yao Ming turns over the World Cup banner to SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan. SBP photo

federation tried again for 2023, this time with help from Indonesia and Japan.

“Now, the work begins – starting with the Local Organizing Committee, the Steering Committee with Japan and Indonesia, and the Gilas Team 2023,” said Pangilinan.

“In bringing all this effort to fruition in 2023, and in showing what we Filipinos can offer the world, I ask for your prayers and help for the SBP.”

afael Nadal is locked in for a WA visit, with the 19-time grand slam winner set to play at RAC Arena in this summer’s ATP Cup. The Spanish superstar was this morning con�irmed to head to Perth, along with US Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev and Japan’s Kei Nishikori, after their countries were drawn in the WA section of the inaugural tournament in January.

It will mark US Open champion Nadal’s �irst trip to WA. Joining Spain and Russia in Perth will be Japan, Georgia, Russia, Italy and the USA in the Western Australian section of the tournament.

The draw of USA to Perth means we are likely to see John Isner, while Italy will likely bring over Fabio Fognini, who is a rising star of world tennis.

Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth said it was massive to have Nadal heading to Perth.

Groth admitted he was a little disappointed not to have Australia playing in WA, wanting to see Nadal and Nick Kyrgios.

“I really like Group D. Everyone is wanting to see Rafa but tennis fans who want to see some talent will like Group D,” he said.

Roger Federer will play in Sydney, while world number one Nojak Djokovic will start his campaign in Brisbane after Serbia was drawn there.

Australia were drawn in Group F, meaning they will head to Brisbane to take on the likes of Germany.

More than $22 million in prize money and ATP ranking points will be on the line for the inaugural tournament, which will

kick off the 2020 world tennis season.

A total of 19 teams have been con�irmed, with the �inal �ive to be decided in November.

The tournament replaces the now-defunct Hopman Cup as WA’s premier tennis event.

Premier Mark McGowan said the main bene�it of having the event in Perth was it would attract tourist to WA in January to provide jobs and �ill hotels.

“And hopefully people will take a holiday around our state as part of that,” McGowan said.

Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said Nadal and Medvedev were big drawcards to help tourism of�icials sell the State to the rest of the world.

Papalia would not say how much WA had paid for the event to be held in Perth.

“It’s a very competitive environment, every state in the country wanted to be part of this, there’s only three cities it is fantastic that Perth is part of it,” Papalia said.

He said it will have been the �irst time Nadal will have been to Perth and the State would use him the best way it could to promote the local tourism industry.

Papalia did not buy into suggestions WA was happy to have drawn Nadal over Federer, as the Swiss champion had already been in too many quokka sel�ies.

“Roger Federer is a fantastic person and he’s a great talent and a wonderful promoter of the State and he’s really helped us,” Papalia said.

“It’s now an opportunity to get Rafa to help us sell Western Australia to

NADAL, P9

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 136 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

SAMBO QUEEN

Sydney Tancontian rises to become Asian Sambo champ

By ADAM B. MORRELL

F

lying away from home only with her virtual backpack of strong fundamentals and unquestionable will, Sydney Tancontian of Davao City proudly returns home with an "Asian champion" tag before her name.

The 19-year old Tancontian made her mark after she bagged the gold medal in the Asian Sambo Championship held at in New Delhi, India over the weekend.

Fresh from winning a bronze medal in the World Sambo Championships held

in Korea, the 2017 Southeast Asian Games judo bronze medalist subdued Arailym Abenova of Kazakhstan in their gold medal encounter in the women's youth senior division of the event where the best of the best sambo athletes in Asia converge.

Tancontian is among the elite athletes of Pilipinas Sambo who is actively competing overseas to showcase the Filipino's brand of the sport.

Her younger brother Chino, on

the other hand, won the bronze medal in the juniors men 82kg division of the same event in India.

Meanwhile, the Tancontian siblings will banner Pilipinas Sambo's colors in the upcoming SEAG 2019 Philippines along with Asian Games wushu gold medalist Rene Catalan, URCC undisputed champion Mark "Mugen" Streigl, striking savvy Patrick Manicad, Patrick Dos Santos, Helen Aclopen, Jedd Kim, NiĂąo Lucero Mondijar and Marrian Mariano.

Sydney Tancontian bagged the gold medal in the 2019 Asian Sambo Championship held at in New Delhi, India over the weekend.