Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 151 | Tuesday, October 8, 2019

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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BEST OPTION Reclaim land for industrial VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

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park in Davao City: DCCCII

By MAYA M. PADILLO

BASTE WELCOMES PRRD. President Rodrigo Duterte extends his hand to his son Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte who showed a gesture of respect upon the President’s arrival at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City on Sunday following his successful official visit to the Russian Federation. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

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ounded by problems in �inding available property for a proposed industrial park in the city, the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc (DCCCII) is asking the City Government of Davao to exercise land reclamation.

"It is a challenge in �inding space in the city because most of the properties are owned by private owners and the locals and also because of the very escalating prices of real property in Davao because of its attractiveness. It is quiet a challenge because the increasing prices of real proerty in Davao plus its dif�icult to convince local owners to go into a joint venture because most

of the industrial park developers want joint venture," DCCCII president Arturo Milan said in an interview during Monday's business seminar serving as one of the highlights of the recent Davao Japanese Community 100 years Anniversary held in Marco Polo Davao.

Milan said land reclamation can be an ideal op-

BEST, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) director Tanya Rabat-Tan (left, seated) and National Commission for Cultural and the Arts (NCAA) deputy executive director Marichu Tellano (right, seated) sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the P10-million grant for the building of a cultural hub in the Davao Region during a ceremony held at Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao City on Monday. Witnessing the signing were Councilor Pilar Braga,

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCII) president Arturo Milan, Department of Science and Technology 11 (DOST 11) assistant director Elsie Mae Solidum, Davao del Norte provincial tourism head Noel Daquioag and Sam Sombiro. Lean Daval Jr

Wage hike for teachers out before yearend: PRRD D

Albayalde’s fate known before his retirement

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he clamor for a salary hike for teachers will soon be realized after President Rodrigo Duterte committed to implement the increase before yearend.

Duterte divulged the news during his arrival at the F. Bangoy International Airport on Sunday.

"Their increase is coming but it's not double.

There are more teachers, my God, but it's there, it will come this year," he added.

The President said the increase could be as high as 35 percent from the prevailing rate, or more.

"I think it’s about...the last time they were discussing (it) was about 35 (percent) but it could be more. I do not know," he said.

When asked about a speci�ic timeline, he responded: "You know the government is such a very complex animal. If I give you the timeline tapos I could not make it on the deadline, I have to explain more than what is expected of government."

What is important, he said, was to grant the increase that the teachers have been clamoring for.

Rodelyn Ferniz, a public school teacher here, wel-

comed the pronouncement of the President, saying it would be a big help for them and their families.

"I pray that this will be granted," said Ferniz, who has been teaching for 16 years.

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte spearheaded an event for the World Teachers' Day Celebration on Friday (October 4), honoring thousands of teachers in this city for their dedication to the profession. (PNA)

ease which could have been prevented,” Dayanghirang said during the launch of the cleanup drive on Friday.

Apart from that, Dayanghirang also turned over two fog machines to the Public Health Of�ice to be used in case of a dengue outbreak and one spray can to each of the 11 LGUs of the province.

“These fog machines and spray cans are only temporary solutions.

What we need to do is to work together to prevent this disease from spreading,” he said.

Dayanghirang urged everyone to be responsible in cleaning their own communities and houses, especially areas that are potential breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes.

“The solution is in our hands. There should be no more incidents of

dengue in our province,” he added.

“We must all be united. Let’s make it a habit to clean up our own respective communities because that is our primary responsibility. By simply doing this small contribution, we can prevent a larger problem,” the governor said.

Provincial Health Of�icer, Dr. Herminigilda Nartates, said while there are 997 cases of dengue in the province with four recorded deaths from January to September, dengue cases have signi�icantly decreased in the latter months.

She said that while there are 105 cases for the month of July and 137 in August, cases have dropped to only nine for September.

“Although there is a decrease in the number of cases, we should not let our guards down.

Mosquitoes are small but are deadly,” she said.

“Four deaths are not just a number. These are lives that could have been saved,” she added.

She emphasized the important role of the communities in getting rid of dengue mosquitoes through cleanliness and proper sanitation.

Joeford Montejo Jr., Department of Health Regional Of�ice administrative of�icer, lauded Davao Oriental for being the only province in the region that created a Dengue Task Force.

He said this only means that the local leadership is serious enough in its efforts to make sure that everyone is safe from the vector-borne disease.

He also committed the department’s continuous support to the local government units especially in providing free dengue test kits. (PNA)

DavOr declares every Friday as province-wide cleanup day

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ll local government units, especially barangays throughout the province of Davao Oriental are now directed to conduct an intensi�ied cleanup drive every Friday.

In an interview on Sunday, Karen Lou Deloso, provincial information of�icer, said Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has issued on Friday an executive order that aims to mitigate, reduce and control the spread of dengue vector mosquitoes.

“Governor Dayanghirang issued the order due to the dengue which became a perennial problem not just in the province but also in the whole country,” Deloso added.

“Each year we spent a lot of resources for the treatment of patients with dengue. What’s worse is that people suffer unnecessary deaths due to this deadly dis-

epartment of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año assured on Sunday the result of the investigation on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde will be out before his retirement on November 8.

Año said he has started to investigate Albayalde’s alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, particularly on the so-called “ninja cops” controversy.

He said he would await the result of the Senate blue ribbon committee inquiry into the "ninja cops" before coming up with a recommendation.

“While waiting for the result of the Senate investigation, we are already reviewing the case as instructed by the President and this will be a thorough and fair review and was based on facts and including the reports of the past investigations conducted,” Año said in an interview during their arrival here from Moscow.

During his arrival

speech on Sunday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who went on a �ive-day of�icial visit to Russia, said he fully entrusts the matter to Año and would not rely on presumptions.

“Give me a clear proof that he was there on the take or was involved in the traf�icking of drugs. I could not just do it in a knee jerk.

I have to follow procedural due process and allow him to answer. The right to be heard. It’s given to the criminals, to the kidnappers. It should be given to a general of the Philippine National Police,” Duterte said.

Asked about his trust and con�idence in Albayalde, he replied, “Well, he is still there. Otherwise, I would have told him to just go out. Wala pa naman (So far, no). Just give me a proof kasi abogado ako eh (Just give me proof because I'm a lawyer).”

Duterte said the fate of Albayalde lies in Año’s hands and that he would approve or disapprove it with �inality once it reaches

resident Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said the Philippines and Russia have agreed to broaden and deepen their ties in all areas of cooperation -- from security and defense, to trade and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, and socio-cultural exchanges.

In his speech during his arrival at the F. Bangoy International Airport, he said his visit generated greater momentum for the Philippines-Russia relations.

“This is a key element of our thrust to rebalance

Philippine foreign policy towards independence, balance, and diplomatic agility. We reaf�irmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to a robust and comprehensive partnership with the Russian Federation on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and pragmatism,” he said.

He added that during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, they came up with bilateral cooperation agreements on the peaceful uses of energy,

ALBAYALDE, P9

PRRD reports fruits of Russia visit

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PRRD, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

AFP chief mulls 3rd party in review of PMA reforms

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he Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking at the possibility of bringing in a third party to help in the ongoing review of programs and systems in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), as part of the efforts to stamp out maltreatment incidents following the death of a plebe last month.

"We might get third party people that can help us look into what systems (that might) have to be changed in PMA," said AFP Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Noel Clement in an interview shortly after the �lag-raising ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday.

Clement said they are looking at reforms on training cadets and duties of of�icers assigned at the academy. "(Possible changes) are not only on how we train our cadets but probably

how the of�icers are assigned there perform their respective duties in as far as training the cadets are concerned," he said.

He said the possible composition of the third party that will do the review include members of the academe and former graduates of the military academy.

Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio died on the morning of Sept. 18, more than an hour when taken to the PMA station hospital after complaining of stomach ache and continuous vomiting.

In wake of Dormitorio's death, two ranking of�icials of the PMA, Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, the Academy's Superintendent, and the Commandant of the Corps of Cadet, Brig. Gen. Vicente Bartolome Bacarro, �iled their resignations.

At least 12 cadets and tactical of�icers were also charged. (PNA)

MinDA Chairman Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol calls for strengthened collaboration among government agencies in pursuing socio-economic initiatives for Mindanao during the 4th Joint Flag Raising Cere-

mony of the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA XI) at the People’s Park in Davao City on Monday. MinDA photo

Mangudadatu calls on feuding MILF, BIFF to spare communities P

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Maguindanao solon on Sunday called on feuding factions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to spare the communities in their ongoing gun battles in the province’s second district.

Maguindanao (2nd District) Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu made the call after the escalation of atrocities the past two days between the MILF national guards and members of the Islamic State-linked faction of Salahudin Hassan in the interiors of Shariff Saydona Mustapha municipality.

“I am appealing to our fellow brothers, especially to the BIFF, to lay down their weapons and think about the countless civil-

ians that could be affected as they trade bullets,” Mangudadatu said in a statement.

Military and police intelligence reports said seven MILF members and four BIFF radicals were so far killed in the con�lict that started Friday in Sitio Tinolusan, Barangay Dasawao, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

Three more BIFF militants were reported wounded in the skirmishes.

Duterte to consult Cabinet on nuclear agreement with Russia

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, earlier said the con�lict stemmed from a long-standing grudge between the MILF and BIFF forces in the area.

He maintained that they would only step into the fray if the MILF calls for assistance, considering that those involved in the atrocities are families and relatives divided between the warring factions.

Carreon noted that military forces are on standby in the fringes of Shariff Saydona Mustapha to prevent spillover of the con�lict to nearby areas.

“I call for sobriety for both groups. Put down your arms, sit down, and engage in meaningful dialogues,” Mangudadatu

said, adding that decades of war in the province has not solved anything but has only brought destruction.

He said it is also high time for the BIFF to reintegrate themselves into society and lead fruitful, productive civilian lives like those of the decommissioned MILF members.

“They (BIFF) too can have the same privilege,” he said.

Mangudadatu encouraged the BIFF to take advantage of the government’s socio-economic programs under the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF. Part of the government’s reform package for decommissioned MILF members is for them to hone their desired live-

MANGUDADATU, P9

resident Rodrigo Duterte will consult members of his Cabinet concerning the agreement that the Philippines signed with Russia to explore the possibility of constructing nuclear power plants here.

Duterte told reporters in a press conference shortly after his arrival from a �ive-day of�icial visit to the Russian Federation that the agreement signed between two countries was a “broad outline and nothing specific yet,” and that he has to consult his cabinet secretaries to factor in the issues on constitutionality that may arise from the possible construction of nuclear technology.

“The constitution does not, would not like it. It is prohibited. That’s why, I have to talk to the govern-

DUTERTE, P10

PRRD's approval rating down to 78% from 85%

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Sand carrier are gathered as a sand miner collects sands from Davao River in Brgy. Waan in Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

ment. I cannot af�irm nor deny that because it is part of the proposals. The hardline would come after I shall have consulted everybody concerned, including the people of the industry affected. If it’s food, then it’s agriculture, if it’s energy, then secretary (Energy Secretary Alfonso) Cusi,” he said.

He added he would particularly consult his administration’s legal team, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra “because if there is something in the agreement that will require the consent of congress then you have to go to Congress” to argue the executive body’s position on nuclear power.

“Solar is very expensive.

It is not a guarantee that it can solve our needs, that

resident Rodrigo Duterte's approval rating went down from 85% in June to 78% in September, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey.

Based on the results of the pollster's September 2019 Ulat ng Bayan Survey released on Monday, Duterte's nationwide rating went seven notches down compared to the previous 85%.

A decrease of 13 points in the presidential performance rating in Luzon may also be noted.

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III got 72%—�ive points lower than his previous approval rating.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, on the other hand, received 64%.

Vice President Leni Robredo's previous 55% approval rating also decreased by �ive points in the recent survey.

Chief Justice Lucas Ber-

samin got 42%, one point higher than his previous rating.

The nationwide survey was conducted from September 16 to 22, 2019 using face-to-face interviews with a sample of 1,200 representative adults aged 18 years old and above.

It has a ± 2.8% error margin at the 95% con�idence level.

Subnational estimates for the geographic areas covered in the survey have the following error margins at 95% con�idence level: ± 5.7% for Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Pulse Asia noted that during the conduct of the survey, issues such as the good conduct time allowance (GCTA) mess, polio outbreak, hazing incident in the Philippine Military Academy, and African swine fever outbreak were being discussed by the public.

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

Japanese company to construct biomass power project in Butuan

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Mall goers get a chance to taste authentic Japanese food during the Davao Japanese Community 100th year anniversary trade expo held at the atrium of SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr

PH-Russia MOUs to help Filipino tuna producers

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hree Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signed between Philippine tuna producers and their Russian counterparts at a business forum attended by President Rodrigo Duterte during his �ive-day trip to Russia should pave the way for greater business opportunities for the country’s USD400-million tuna industry.

This according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who on Sunday said the MOU between Century Paci�ic Food and Russian partners Magnit Food Retail Chain and LLC Dalpromryba is part of government efforts to deliver on its commitment to Philippine tuna producers to �ind new markets like Russia.

The President together with members of the Cabinet witnessed the signing.

“The trip of the President was very productive, and this agreement is one of many that will bene�it Philippine business interests, especially those that

are based in Mindanao,” Nograles said.

Nograles pointed out that the Philippine �isheries industry has shown promise in 2019, with �isheries output up by 1.51 percent in the �irst six months of 2019. Of the seven major species caught

by Filipino �ishermen, four major species exhibited production growth: roundscad, tiger prawn, tilapia, and yellow�in tuna -- with yellow�in tuna posting the biggest growth, at 33.4 percent.

“As a son of Mindanao, I consider the MOUs a big win not just for tuna producers, but for Mindanao,

as the region is the source of 90 percent of tuna produced by our country. This is an industry that creates jobs and annual direct revenues of USD400 million. In General Santos City alone, the industry directly employs 25,000 workers,” stressed the former congressman from Davao.

According to Nograles, even before the country’s of�icial delegation left for Russia, one of the priorities of the government was to explore business opportunities for the country’s growing tuna industry.

Nograles revealed that in the 21st National Tuna Congress in September, members of the Soccksargen Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) requested assistance in �inding export partners for their products, speci�ically Russia.

“That was on top of the SFFAII’s agenda, which is why their request was immediately relayed to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Mon Lopez, who made sure

that this would be included among the trade initiatives to be pitched by the Philippines,” Nograles explained.

Nograles said the government expects the whole Philippine tuna industry, not just Century Paci�ic Food, to bene�it from the trade agreements, as “the ultimate objective is to open the door, to enter a new and promising market.”

“Today, the Philippines is the top tuna-exporting country to Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Collectively, we export 171,452 metric tons of tuna to these three markets each year, the equivalent of USD492 million,” Nograles said.

“Russia has the 6th largest economy in the world and a population of 146 million people, so the potential is there. The Philippine tuna industry will pro�it immensely if we are able to maximize our entry into the Russian market, and one of the immediate bene�iciaries will be Mindanao.” (PR)

statement.

HR 412 mentioned the Economic Bulletin issued earlier by the Department of Finance calling for the removal of quantitative restrictions (QR) on sugar imports.

Barrera said “sugar producing countries worldwide, not just the Philippines, have measures that effectively protect their sugar industries against subsidized sugar in the world market.”

He noted that major sugar exporting countries can afford to dump their excess sugar production in the world market because they provide subsidies and other forms of protection such as domestic and ex-

port support prices to their sugar farmers and industries.

The United States, a champion of liberalization and globalization, also has an existing policy to regulate sugar importation to effectively protect its farmers from the rise and fall of prices in the world market, he cited.

The Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc. (Confed) also acknowledged the move by legislators for opposing the liberalization of sugar imports.

"We in Confed have never been prouder of our champions in the House of Representatives for feeling the sentiments of the sugar

producers, including millions of others who in one way or another are dependent on the sugar industry for their day-to-day needs," said Raymond Montinola, national spokesperson of Confed.

The legislators believe that import liberalization will be detrimental to farmers, farm workers, their families and communities across the 28 sugar producing provinces of the Philippines.

The resolution was signed by Representatives Francisco Benitez, Joseph Steven Paduano, Noel Villanueva, Arnulfo Teves Jr., Jocelyn Limkaichong, Leo Rafael Cueva, Gerardo Val-

Millers hail resolution opposing sugar imports liberalization

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ugar stakeholders hailed the passing of House Resolution 412 which opposes the liberalization of sugar imports for the purpose of safeguarding the welfare of farmers and mill workers across the country.

“We are grateful for the support given to the sugar industry. They (legislators) have defended us from the time we were �ighting for the passage of the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA), and for the increase in excise taxes on sweetened beverages using imported high-fructose corn syrup,” said lawyer Cocoy Barrera, Executive Director of Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) in a

MILLERS, P10

apanese �irm engaged in the construction of bridges and renewable energy projects has partnered with the City Government of Butuan to construct a 2.5-megawatt biomass energy facility that will turn rice husks into fuel this year.

In an interview on Sunday, the 3rd day of the 100th year anniversary celebration of the Davao Japanese Community held at the SM Lanang Premier, Chodai Philippines Corporation vice president Toshimichi Hosoya said the company is just waiting for the approval of the government to commence the construction of the renewable energy facility, one of its major projects in Mindanao.

He said rice husks could be a good source of biomass for Mindanao since the island has several hectares of rice farms that produce throwaway rice husks, suf�icient enough to run the turbines of the biomass facility that produces power.

He said the company estimates the project, considered as one of the major renewable energy projects of Chodai in partnership with a local government in Mindanao, would be completed in one year.

“Mindanao has a lot of rice farms. That’s why we can get the rice husk easy.

It has so much potential for renewable energy projects — a lot of potential. We know the rice husk project before it’s just garbage but we are trying to make that into fuel. That is a biomass project,” he said.

Biomass energy projects are common in Japan as the country, known in the world for its clean environment, is trying to further cut carbon emissions from coal-�ired power plants, which are “costly” and “not good for the environment,” he said.

Mindanao has a huge potential for renewable energy projects, among them hydro energy projects, because of its rich natural

resources, according to Hosoya.

He said Chodai had already completed three hydropower projects – the two-unit eight-MW Asiga River Small Hydropower Project and four-MW Taguibo Small Hydropower Project in Agusan de Norte, and 23-MW Wawa River Small Hydropower Project in Agusan del Sur. Chodai was one of the Japanese �irms that participated in the three-day Davao Japanese Community’s 100th Anniversary Business Seminar held Wednesday to Firday at the Marco Polo hotel, to look for possible business ventures in the city.

April Marie Dayap, head of the Davao City Investment and Promotion Center (DCIPC), said participants were mostly interested in manufacturing, agri-tourism and environment-related projects.

“Among those investors who expressed their interest in the city are those in the manufacturing industry, agri-tourism, waste composting companies, and tourism. We further want to bring them here and hopefully develop investment here,” she said.

Dayap said the event was a big opportunity for the city to expand its foreign investment portfolio and generate more employment for Dabawenyos.

Japanese Consul General Yoshiaki Miwa said manufacturing will be the next big thing in Davao City, especially that several Japanese manufacturing �irms are interested to venture in the city.

“Manufacturing industry has a very wide range.

We can start at a level that will match the level of industry in the city. We just have to create a strategy. I understand that the DCIPC and DCCCII know about this and are thinking about ways to accommodate the manufacturing sector,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Solon wants P8k financial help for hog raisers affected by ASF

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lawmaker is hoping that the Department of Agriculture (DA) would increase to at least P8,000 its �inancial assistance to hog raisers whose livelihood was affected by the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

Quezon Representative Wilfrido Mark Enverga, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, pointed out that while ASF-affected hog raisers receive a P3,000-indemni�ication fund from DA, it is not enough to compensate for their losses due to the illnesses that targeted their swines.

The House agriculture panel last week held a motu proprio inquiry into the outbreak of ASF in several areas in the country.

"Nabanggit ni [AGAP party-list] Cong. Rico Geron dito, hindi sapat 'yung halaga na ito. Sapagkat kapag nagpalaki tayo ng baboy ay halos P14,000 ang halaga

ng bawat isa," Enverga said.

"Ang P3,000 ay parang napakaliit. Medyo nakikita raw ni Cong. Rico Geron na gagawa at gagawa rin ng paraan ang Pilipino upang mabawi naman nila ang kanilang na-invest," he added.

Enverga said Geron was hoping that such �inancial help would be increased.

"Hindi naman tatapatan dahil medyo malaking halagang pera ito, pero para naman madali natin masuway 'yung mga tao na pakisamahan ang programa ng gobyerno ngayon," he said.

Enverga estimated that at least P8,000 worth of indemni�ication fund may be enough to compensate the hog raisers.

"Sabi nga ni Cong.

Rico Geron, baka kapag sa P8,000 to P10,000 na maibigay natin sa ating mga magbababoy, lalo't higit sa backyard raisers, baka

SOLON, P10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

ECONOMY 5

Peso outlook ‘neutral' with strong fundamentals as buffer: Fitch

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he near-term outlook for the Philippine peso remains “neutral” as the country’s strong fundamentals offsets risks such as from the US-China trade war, an analyst said Monday.

The peso opened slightly weaker at P51.75 to a dollar on Monday, from P51.73 on Friday.

The Philippines’ foreign reserves, strong foreign direct investment (FDI) in�lows and recent monetary policy easing are “real positive story for the peso,” Fitch Solutions senior country risk analyst Michael Langham said.

“I think the near term

outlook for the peso is broadly neutral...We really see �iscal policy being a key driver in infrastructure investment over the coming quarters,” Langham said.

“It’s not going to be a strong outperformer this year… but neither is it as vulnerable as say as the Indonesian Rupiah,” he added.

Credit growth is expected to pick-up in the fourth quarter until 2020, he said.

The BSP cut interest rates thrice this year, which brought the overnight borrowing rate to 4 percent from 4.75 in 2018.

PH's payment startup PayMongo secures Sillicon Valley funding

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ilipino payments startup PayMongo said Monday it secured a $2.7 million (P140 million) funding from Sillicon Valley investors to grow its business.

Investors include PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and digital company Stripe, PayMongo said.

PayMongo, which competes with platforms like Dragonpay, aims to integrate all options to its platform including credit cards, e-wallets and cash, its CEO Francis Plaza said.

"More and more people are adopting online payments...We’re build-

ing this highway, the analogy is where every car can pass through because it’s an ecosystem play, we want to support all these methods," Plaza said.

Using the platform is free, enabling small sellers who cannot negotiate with banks, Plaza said.

Businesses needing an invoice can generate one using the PayMongo platform. A link with different payment options will be sent to consumers, he said.

In less than 4 months, PayMongo's partners grew to 1,700 from 10.

It aims to hit a total of 10 million transaction by mid-2020, Plaza said.

Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) director Tanya Rabat-Tan presents the Davao Region tourism accomplishment report for the first semister of 2019 during a news conference at Seda Abreeza Hotel on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

DOT 11, NCCA sign MOA on Mindanao cultural hub

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Tourism 11 (DOT 11) and the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) on Monday ushers in the development of a masterplan to create a cultural hub in the Davao Region.

DOT 11 Regional Director Tanya Tan and NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu Tellano led the MOA signing held at Seda Abreeza.

The DOT-11 is a grantee of a funding from the NCCA worth P10 million following the approval of its proposal to create a regional cultural hub masterplan. The funding from the NCCAA will allow for the drafting of the masterplan containing cultural pro�iles and inventory, architectural and engineering designs, feasibility studies, and activities and programs that would sustain the establishment of cultural hub.

Tan said they are now working on the masterplan that will support the proposal of a cultural center.

"This is our priority to really focus on culture and its values. Our region is a niche in traditions, expressions, and this is something that is really uniquely Davao Region. This is our

identity as Davaoeños and sets us apart from other parts of the Philippines and regions," she said.

Tellano, for her part, explained that NCAA is not only looking at culture in an entertainment perspective but as an enabling force for development not only at a national level but importantly at a local level.

"When culture is included in the Philippine Development Plan it is a recognition of national Governance for the role of culture for development.

We partnered with the different national councils Para hanapin Kung ano ang pangangailangan ng local na Puwede g masagutan ng government at Isa sa mga articulated needs during the consultation is how we wished like a cultural center and museums in Manila Para hindi na pupunta Yung mga tao sa Manila to access resources that is the idea of the regional cultural hub," she said.

Tellano said they are hoping that the complete plan would be in by March 2020.

"We are expecting that it is really a professional planning, study, and even the design. In general when we thought of a cultural hub there are basic elements that we are looking

into that but the host and the locality can have more spaces than the initial elements that we thought, " Tellano said.

The Arts and culture hub will serve as a venue for regular arts-related activities and cultural events, repository of collectons of traditional and contemporary arts and archival materials, center for knowledge-management and skills sharing, host of an engaging program for cultural exchange, and a convergence of cooperatng agencies to build a network of programs on heritage management and conservation.

The Arts and culture club is a complex that will include state-of-the-art theaters, concert halls, cinemas, conference, exhibition halls, museums of contemporary art, museum for BIMP-EAGA culture, and resource center (library and archive center).

"We really want that there is a theater of at least 1,000 seats maybe. Museum or exhibit area or a gallery. There will be studios for different art forms. We thought that a black box maybe a good idea so that you can have some theater showcase," Tellano said.

Tan said they have iden-

DOT, P10

2nd week of fuel price rollbacks set today

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otorists can expect another drop in pump prices of petroleum products this week, marking the second consecutive week of fuel price rollbacks.

In an advisory, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said it will reduce the price per liter of gasoline

by P0.80, diesel by P1.00,

and kerosene by P1.15.

The changes will take effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 for Shell.

Cleanfuel earlier announced similar price adjustments which took effect at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 06.

Other oil companies have yet to announce

similar adjustments.

Data available from the Department of Energy (DOE) showed the tally of all fuel price adjustments from the beginning of the year until October 1 was a net increase of P6.41 per liter for gasoline, P5.22 for diesel, and P2.76 for kerosene.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

EDITORIAL Rewarding teachers with better pay The relationship between quality education and quality graduates are directly proportional. And then there is the bridge in between--the teachers.

While the government continues to pour resources to improve the quality of education, there is a similar degree of necessity in upgrading the quality of teachers and this goes beyond training, continuing education and skills. It’s about compensation which is directly proportional with the intangibles in teaching like dedication and enthusiasm. The sense of security that adequate compensation brings with the profession, as would any profession requiring the same amount of training, is a key in the bigger picture of elevating education standards in this country.

No sooner, teachers will be receiving salary adjustments with the commitment made by President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday during the commemoration of the World Teacher’s Day to implement the increase before yearend. The President bared this good news during his arrival at the F. Bangoy International Airport from his recent visit to Russia.

The increase could be as high as 35 percent from the prevailing rate, or

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ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

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KENNETH IRVING K. ONG NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN MEGHANN STA. INES FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Correspondent CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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

maybe even more.

Based on Salary Grade 11 of the 3rd tranche of Salary Standardization Law (SSL) in 2018, public school teachers are paid a minimum of P20,179.

The current rate is inadequate given the profession-related expenses teachers cough up like transportation and living expenses when assigned in far-�lung areas (which is not uncommon especially for newly-hired teachers), teaching paraphernalia, teaching aids, and contributions.

There are also the ‘extraordinary’ expenses like voluntarily helping impoverished children and their families. Teachers, especially when assigned in remote rural areas, are the go-to persons for help when students are in need and the family cannot support. Teachers also reach out to students for some after-school visits to check on their students being the second parents of these young minds.

If there are any professionals in the country that need some additional compensation, no doubt, teachers are up there in the list.

Consider it a recognition for the ‘extra mile’ that they do.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA AND THE 2019 TEN OUTSTANDING MARITIME STUDENTS OF THE PHILIPPINES The West Philippine Sea issue was one of the questions I asked to the aspirants for the 2019 Ten Outstanding Maritime Students of the Philippines (TOMSP) in line with the 24th National Seafarers Day (NSD).

They were also asked what single personal item they will save if they were on board the damaged Filipino �ishing boat FB Gem-VIR that a Chinese vessel rammed on June 9, 2019 near the Reed (Recto) Bank.

Some of the answers given cellphone, rosary, bible, family pictures, and notebook with prayers.

Out of the 25 hopefuls, the following students were declared the winners: D/C Ma. Toiza Boriba Gorantes and D/C Ryan Anthony Bretana both from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) Arevalo; E/C Peter Matthew Bibera of JBLFMU Molo and D/C John Kevin Buenaventura and D/C Zayber Araya of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (JBLCF Bacolod).

D/C Keith Aiken Pajarillo and D/C Aldrin Ulep both of Maritime Academy of Asia and

the Paci�ic – IMMAJ Campus; D/C Christian Khen Torreliza of Baliwag Maritime Academy; D/C William Catacutan of University of the Visayas ( UV Main Campus) and E/c Dustin Ryan Veridiano, of University of Cebu (Lapu Lapu/Mandaue).

The chosen students are seen as the embodiment of the “ideal seafarer,” displaying “integrity, passion, assertiveness, dependability and camaraderie” that will allow them to become globally competitive Filipino seafarer.

The search gave recognition to students for being academically excellent, highly competent in practice, in good moral standing and active in their respective communities.

From 2011 to 2019, ninety students have received the TOMSP award.

The largest number of winners came from JBLCF – Bacolod with �ifteen students.

They are followed by eleven students from Maritime Academy of Asia and the Paci�ic (MAAP) IMMAJ Campus and another eleven 11 from from MAAP CGSO

campus.

Ten winners came from JBLMU– Arevalo.

Seven students came from Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA)-Zambales while another seven came from University of Cebu (UC) – Lapu Lapu and Mandaue.

Five students came from JBLMU – Molo.

Four students came from Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation.

Three students each came from Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS), Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Manila and DMMA College of Southern Philippines.

Two students came from Malayan Colleges Laguna.

One student came from each of the following schools: Baliwag Maritime Academy, Colegio Dela Purisima Concepcion Roxas, Lyceum International Maritime Academy Batangas, Manuel Enverga University Foundation, Inc., NAMEI Polytechnic Institute, Philippine Merchant Marine School (PMMS) Las Pinas, Southwestern University Maritime Regiment, Univer-

sity of Perpetual Help System Dalta, and University of the Visayas.

With this year’s NSD theme “Marinong Filipino-Kababaihan: Palakasin sa Industriya!”, nine female students were awarded since the TOMSP search begun in 2011 wherein four came from the MAAP , one each from University of Cebu, PMMA, Colegio De La Purisima Concepcion-Roxas, JBLCF Bacolod and latest winner from JBLMU-Arevalo.

Higher maritime education usually consists of 4-year college degree programs for either marine transportation or engineering. Most commonly, the students go through a 4-year structure (3 - 1) which stipulates 3 years of academic study prior to onboard job training in the �inal year. An alternative approach is a 2 – 1 – 1 structure which schedules the onboard job training for the third year. After the one year job training, the students go back to school to �inish their last year.

Maritime schools annually produce some 40,000 graduates while a 2018

study by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) showed that an average of about 18% of enrollees manages to complete the full academic three years.

Former president Fidel V. Ramos issued on July 9, 1996 Proclamation No. 828 declaring Aug. 18 as NSD aimed at giving due recognition to the vital role of Filipino seafarers towards the development of the Philippines as a maritime country. Later, Proclamation No. 1094 was issued in 1997

by President Ramos which moved NSD to every last Sunday of September every year.

The Apostleship of the Sea (AOS) Philippines was tasked to coordinate with the public and private sectors in activities related to the celebration of said event. The Sunday masses all over the country were offered to the Filipino seafarers. *** Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email i n f o @ s a p a l ove l e z . c o m , or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

PNP IMAGE SCATHED, SCARRED FOR LIFE Like Pandora’s box, the PNP saga opened a can of worms.

The expose’ that began quietly from a seemingly standard review of the BUCOR’s abuse of Good Conduct Time Allowance led, as if inevitably, to the sensitively hot illegal drugs traf�icking issue.

The Senate hearings chaired by the ever-prepared Perry Mason-like questioning of Richard Gordon should receive public commendation if only to separate what the general public thought was the mere grandstanding acts of legislators when they are before the cameras from who they are revealed when performing their of�icial duties.

Still, the burden of governance remains with the higher authorities that lead right up to the doorsteps of Malacanang.

I can’t just imagine why problems of this magnitude that need outright resolu-

tions from those who should render them are �irst conveniently swept under the rug and then when the stink slowly seeps out and smelled, the of�icials who quietly retired into semi-oblivion surface to clarify the muddied situation.

The bitter and sarcastic exchanges that consequently arose between the retired former CIDG chief-now-Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong and the incumbent PNP head Director General Oscar Albayalde during the hearings demonstrated the protectionist tradition among ‘mistahs’ of the Philippine Military Academy, a tradition that is not congruent with the application of justice and penal laws.

While it now appeared during the question-and-answer period that Albayalde made a quiet phone call to “inquire” about the fate of his former comrades, still the question in my mind pricks me to ask: Why was

the shabu raid conducted in Pampanga in 2013 when Albayalde was provincial director and all its attendant whos, whys, hows and wherefores, did not come to a complete resolution during the Noynoy administration and why did the PNP execs at that time keep quiet?

Today, the backlash of that police in�idelity is hammering hard against the PRRD government even when the latter had absolutely no hand in the polemics.

It is even made to appear by some “knowledgeable” members of the mainstream Manila-based media that the incumbent leadership committed a big mistake by designating a sullied of�icer to lead the huge national police force.

From his successful state visit to Russia, PRRD is going to be greeted home by a wave of exasperating scandals that he needed to resolve ASAP. It may look burdensome

but the usual strategy for Malacanang to get around the bush is to persuade people trapped in such uneasy situations to make a graceful exit via “optional retirement.”

There is no other way for the din and dust of the controversy to settle down unless the protagonists are told to keep quiet and obey the command.

As far as this corner is concerned, Albayalde – to a certain degree - has been able to hold the PNP reins with relative success, thus �illing the big shoes of his predecessor, the newly-elected senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who pursued a much-intensi�ied illegal drugs to champion the Duterte administration cause.

The eerie silence that Magalong exhibited after his retirement (according to the grapevine, his appointment as the next PNP chief was derailed because of his

decision to indict Noynoy as at fault during the grim Mamasapano raid that snuffed the lives of 44 SAFs) is something to ponder.

Did he shut his trap because he feared his retirement funds would not be released by Pres. Noynoy whom he has alienated and whose enmity he incurred?

Why did not Magalong come out then as he strongly came out now to disclose the controversial relations Albayalde had quite successfully hidden?

As elders usually say, don’t point accusing �ingers at other people because while you point one �inger at them, your own three �ingers are also pointing back at you.

Albert Einstein said: “Anyone who doesn’t take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.”

Disappointing, isn’t it?

(Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8

EDGEDAVAO

ENVIRONMENT

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

Of bats and mosquitoes

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

M

The author at the front gate of Monfort Bat Sanctuary

osquitoes are considered as public enemy number one. In fact, they are deadlier than serial killers. They can kill a person or do mass execution all at once.

Every year, mosquitoes kill 725,000 people, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO).

Beating their wings 300 to 500 times a second produces that distinctive whine that novelist D.H. Lawrence described as a “small, high, hateful bugle” in his ear.

Mosquitoes have been around since time immemorial.

While the dinosaurs had become extinct, these blood-sucking creatures are still with us. Much as we want to exterminate them, they keep on coming back.

They may be small but they are deadly. They transmit serious diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, and Japanese

encephalitis. In recent years, they have been in the news for carrying a whole host of new deadly blood-borne diseases.

Unknowingly, mosquitoes have predators called bats. While most people also think of bats as pests, some bats are actually pest controllers eating thousands of insects every night. “A single bat can eat up to a thousand mosquitoes in just one hour,” said a fact sheet published by Philippine Bat Conservation, Inc (PBCI). “A single large bat colony can eat up to half a million pounds of insect pests in one night.”

In the United States, scientists have concluded that insect-eating bats save American farmers a minimum of 3.7 billion dollars each year by reducing crop damage and limiting the need for pesticides.

Bats play essential roles in keeping populations of night-�lying insects in balance

worldwide, according to the Bat Conservation International (BCI). “The millions of Mexican freetailed bats from Bracken Cave in Texas, the large bat colony in the world, eat up to 200 tons of insects nightly,” it said.

Unknown to many, bats are the frontline warriors against climate change. “They are pollinators,” said Norma Monfort, the founder and president of Monfort Bat Cave and Conservation Foundation, Inc. “They maintain so many species of plants, trees and fruits that are habitats for other important species. If we lose them completely, we stand a great chance to never again enjoy the wonderful fruits and plants we have today.”

In the wild, important agricultural plants, from bananas and guavas to cashews, dates and �igs, rely on bats for pollination and seed dispersal.

Tequila is produced from

OF BATS, P10

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VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF DAVAO’S JAPANESE COMMUNITY THE Consulate General of Japan celebrated 100 year anniversary of the Davao Japanese community in colourful fashion at the Atrium of SM Lanang Premier last October 4, 2019, with a ribbon cutting and ceremonial “Kagami biraki” or braking of the sake barrel.

Week-long expo with focus on business, tourism, food and culture actually started starting Wednesday, October 2 with a business conference at the Marco Polo Davao where Japanese companies from Mindanao, Manila and Japan participated.

The conference presented the business prospects as well as the current peace and order situation in Davao and Mindanao. There was also a business matching among the participants and a tour of the facilities and companies in Davao to give Japanese businessmen an idea on what the Mindanao has to offer.

The Consul General of Japan in Davao, Yoshiaki Miwa said the business conference aims to strengthen the relationship

Guest of honour Davao City mayor Sara Duterte (third from right) joins Consul General Miwa (second from left) and VIP guests to perform the traditional Kagami Biraki. as well as introduce linkages FUN FESTIVITIES FOR between Japan and the MindEVERYONE anao business community.

From October 4 to 6, MallAside from the government goers at SM Lanang Premier and business sectors of Davao were also treated to an exhibit City, the Consulate General showcasing Japanese and Filialso invited the local governpino companies. JICA, Japan ments of Butuan, Cagayan de External Trade Organization Oro, Digos, General Santos, (JETRO), Japanese tourism Tagum and Zamboanga to agencies and organisations participate in the seminar since assisted by the government of these major cities play imporJapan. While at the SM Lanang tant roles in the development of Premier Fountain Court, a Mindanao as a whole.

Japanese Food Market organised by the Davao Japanese

Community can be enjoyed and proceeds from their sales will go to charity. The highlight of the event is a “Bon Odori” or Japanese Festival Dance at the SM Lanang Fountain Court to cap the grand weekend celebration.

And what is a Japanese celebration without any Japanrelated entertainment? Over the weekend of October 4 to 6, a series of Japanese cultural shows featuring performers and artists both here and from Japan were held at the SMX Convention Center Davao, with a classical music concert, cosplay events, martial arts demonstrations, bonsai exhibits, and even animator and karaoke contests with cash prizes.

JAPANESE FILM WEEKEND From October 11 to 13, Japanese culture and film fanatics can enjoy the Japanese Film Weekend at SM Lanang Premier Cinema where five critically acclaimed Japanese films will be screened to give the local audience a glimpse of the Japanese life, dreams

Taiko performers from Mindanao Kokusai Daigaki and Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School open the program.

Mr Senju Einojo performs a Ameno Goro, a traditional Japanese cultural dance.

The Hibiki Goheta Nayashi performers from Kitakyushu City showcase a percussion number using barrels and wood. and culture. The Japanese Film Weekend is presented in partnership with the Japan Foundation Manila. All films will be screened with English subtitles.

Seats are on a first-come, first served basis and admission is free. The free tickets will be released otne hour before the scheduled screening.

“The holding of the centennial celebration is not only to observe the Davao Japanese Community’s 100th anniversary but also serves as an opportunity for both Filipinos and Japanese to look back on our past and envision what more can be done to further strengthen our friendship in the next 100 years.” shared consul general Miwa.

There is much to be said about the unique friendship between the people of Japan and Davao and with the recent upgrade of the Consular office here into a full-fledged Consulate General of Japan, there is even more opportunity for both Japanese and Dabawenyos to learn from each other through a friendship and understanding.

EDGED

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TRAVEL

A WORLD WITHOUT WASTE: IT’S TIME TO STOP POINTING FINGERS PART 1

The waste this proble

CLOSING the loop and making the Philippines sustainable one community at a time.

If you’ve been going around the islands in the Philippines or even just in Davao City, you’re familiar with the plastic nightmare we’re living. If you read a few of my stories last year after visiting Balabac in Palawan and surfing different spots around Mindanao, our trash problem is getting worse.

Remember my barbecue stick fiasco? It turns out I’ll have to deal with the pain and swelling on my left foot from time to time for the next three months because puncture wounds take THAT long to heal. I can’t help but think what if people knew how damaging and life-threatening leaving trash lying around could be. If humans could get sidelined by a mere barbecue stick puncture wound (and this is ‘biodegradable trash’) how much more would marine creatures or any other creature be at risk when people carelessly and irresponsibly throw trash or leave them lying around?

It’s not enough to hold cleanup drives every week but see the same area littered by probably the same people. It’s not enough to call out businesses and corporations who still keep producing plastic products or use single-use plastic in their day-to-day operations.

Don’t get me wrong, even little efforts to do something, like even saying no to plastic straws, are commendable and we should continue to refuse

to use single-use plastic at all costs. I will admit, against the bigger giants that create plastic, to begin with, there was a point that it felt like a hopeless case— nobody listens.

For some time the case had always been a cycle: the few eco-warriors pointing fingers at the big corporations who create plastic products, mindless consumers who don’t care about where their waste ends up in, and it’s always the minority of surfers and nature lovers (or those who call nature their home or playground) end up doing the dirty work—picking up trash anywhere they are whether walking on the beach or while surfing out in the water.

But hope is here! There are a few who have heeded the call and are doing something about it. A few days ago, I got invited back to Siargao for the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup. I found out Coca-Cola Philippines partnered with the local government of Siargao to take its World Without Waste vision to its shores. I was curious and personally invested in finding out how Coca-Cola would make this campaign sustainable throughout the years.

By championing sustainable

Gen Luna Mayor Yayang Rusillon during the ceremonial pledge of the World Without Waste campaign. tourism and environmental protection of the island, CocaCola Philippines believes that it’s possible to have a litter-free Siargao. In recent years, Siargao has faced a major boom in tourism and along with the spike in visitor arrivals arises a need for the development of an improved waste management system for the island.

“We are firm in our World Without Waste goal of collecting and recycling every single bottle or can we sell, because it is unacceptable for us that our packaging ends up littering places like the shores of Siargao. This is why we are working very closely with local government, and also hopefully with local NGOs, to assist with the environmental conservation and sustainability efforts and strengthen recyclable PET plastic bottle collection in

the island,” shared Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. Corporate and Regulatory Af- Jerome Cubillan of Siargao’s Sun Crew having a fun su fairs Director.

Coca-Cola aims to advocate tion of what the recyclable PET prod the responsible travel and proper plastic bottles can be when and packaging waste management they are correctly disposed of, It’s h among tourists and locals by refreshed and given new lives. fing helping strengthen the recyclaI’m personally glad that the toge ble PET plastic bottle collection campaign didn’t end there. on the island. To start, CocaLike what Coca-Coal did in reac Cola deployed recyclable PET La Union, they’re also providing plastic bottle collection bins ing a state-of-the-art surf rake ernm in the Cloud 9 area – Siargao’s for Siargao. The tractor-towed prime surfing spot. With the beach-cleaner is one of the best seve and help of the local government, in the world and is a safe and cay, recyclable PET plastic bottles efficient way of clearing SiarDav deposited into the containers gao’s beaches. loca will be properly turned over We know that the plastic DAV to the LGU’s local recycling problem is an inescapable partner. nightmare that we have to face. to co 800k Tables and benches made The way to solving it is beyond will from recycled PET plastic the scope of any individual or the bottles will also be installed in company. It’s our problem as L the area— a visual representaa whole, we may be either the

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VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

GLAMOUR AND RIVALRY ON GMA AFTERNOON PRIME’S NEWEST SERIES, ‘MADRASTA’

Jay-r Esquivel flying high during the recently concluded Siargao National Surfing Cup. Photo by Choy Ramingue.

e problem is real. It’s high time for us to wake up and do something about it because lem needs everybody’s help. Photo by Sun Crew.

Shirley, greedy mother of Katharine who exploits her daughter for her own materialistic goals; Phytos Ramirez as David, Sean’s best friend who secretly fancies Katharine; Kelvin Miranda as Barry, Audrey’s younger brother who fakes his social status so as not to taint his image as a self-proclaimed influencer; Divine as Debbie, Audrey’s close confidant who sticks up for her through ups and downs; Faye Lorenzo as Joan, Audrey’s friend who coaches her about the ins and outs of working in the medical field; and Ms. Gladys Reyes as Elizabeth, strict but caring mother of Sean who at first suspects Audrey’s true intentions for helping her son.

Madrasta also highlights the spe-

cial participation of Isabelle de Leon as Judy, two-faced friend of Audrey who stole George from her; Ahron Villena as Gian, Katharine’s one great love and the reason for her decision to leave Sean; Anjo Damiles as George, Audrey’s ex-boyfriend who cheated on her.

Audrey (Arra) is a nurse who dreams of working abroad to provide for her struggling family. Determined to lift her family out of poverty, she applies for a working visa in Canada and gets approved. Just as things are looking up for Audrey, she gets deported back home for illegal documents and her world crumbles. In her lowest point, she crosses path with cosmetic surgeon Sean (Juancho) who helps her get back on her feet by hiring her to work in his clinic. Later on, Audrey discovers that Sean’s wife Katharine (Thea) is cheating on him and she eventually leaves him for another man.

This time around, Audrey becomes Sean’s rock and romance blossoms between the two. With Katharine gone, Audrey supersedes her as the mother of Sean’s children and earns a special place in his heart. Fate plays cruel tricks when Katharine returns and reclaims her position in the lives of Sean and their children.

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.

For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.

KOREAN GROUP MOMOLAND IS NOW A KAPAMILYA

urf session with the kids of Pacifico. Photo by the Sun Crew.

ducers or consumers, but at end of the day, we all live d breathe on the same planet. high time to stop pointing gers and just start working ether.

To date, the company has ched 12 locations, partnerwith different local govment units, and NGOs on eral pilot plastic collection d recycling programs. BoraBaler, La Union and even vao City are one of those ations where the most recent VRAA meet they were able ollect and recycle approx. kgs of PET bottles which l be turned into benches for parks around the city.

Little action is better than no

BEGINNING October 7, the fiercest and most glamorous rivalry ensues between the wife and the present love as they vie for a spot in the life of one man on GMA Network’s Afternoon Prime series Madrasta.

The original soap introduces the Newest Gem of Drama Arra San Agustin as Audrey, an optimistic nurse and a responsible daughter who tries her luck abroad but gets swindled instead by an illegal recruiter; this unfortunate turn of event steers her into the life of a man whose children she will nurture as her own.

Arra, who takes on her first title role, reveals that she has poured her heart and soul in embodying her character as a madrasta.

“Challenging siya pero sobrang nae-enjoy ko. It’s something new. Ito ‘yung nag-push sa’kin para mas lalo pa akong lumabas sa comfort zone ko. I like how it feels - it’s oddly unsettling kasi siyempre panibagong experience pero masaya siya kasi may bago, hindi nagiging dull ‘yung nae-experience ko. May mga bago akong gustong iexplore,” she said.

Adding color to Audrey’s journey are: Manilyn Reynes as Grace, doting mother of Audrey who is against her daughter’s relationship with a married man; Thea Tolentino as Katharine, ambitious and cunning wife of Sean who only uses the latter to satisfy her lavish lifestyle; Juancho Trivino as Sean, cosmetic surgeon and owner of RejuveNation Aesthetic Clinics who is a loyal husband; Almira Muhlach as

action at all. No one individual or brand alone can change the world as fast as we want to, but if we all do a little bit, the effect goes a long way.

For surfers, the ocean is more than just a playground; it’s also home. I’ve written a lot of stories about the plastic horror I’ve witnessed around the islands in the Philippines both in and out of the water.

And I’m so pleased to share more good news in the next few weeks.

Stay tuned for the next part as we talk a little bit more about the details of the company’s plastic collection and recycling programs and Siargao’s Sun Crew, Coke’s Barkada Awardee.

POPULAR Korean girl group Momoland is now a certified Kapamilya as ABS-CBN signed a groundbreaking partnership with management company MLD Entertainment to co-manage the Korean idols’ career in the Philippines last Friday.

According to Laurenti Dyogi, the ABS-CBN Head of TV Production, Momoland is a great addition to the Kapamilya network’s powerhouse roster of stars, and Pinoy fans should watch out for huge surprises that await them.

“This is part of ABS-CBN’s going global. You will see Momoland in a lot of our programs, in future collaborations with our artists, and in other projects that will involve our Kapamilya stars, including Star Music and Star magic artists,” said the ABS-CBN executive.

Also present in the signing were ABS-CBN chairman Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO for broadcast Cory Vidanes, head of treasury Rick Tan, Star Hunt business unit head Raymund Dizon, head of ABS-CBN Music Roxy Liquigan, and MLD Entertainment official Lee Hyoungjin.

Momoland was formed in the reality-talent show “Finding Momoland” and debuted in 2016. The group became a household name with its hit dance crazes “Bboom Bboom” and “Baam” that gained international fame, including in the Philippines. Only three years in their careers, the allgirl group already bagged numerous awards from various award-giving bodies within and outside of South Korea.

EDGEDAVAO

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EVENT

MARCO POLO DAVAO CELEBRATES NAMESAKE WITH ASSOCIATES APPRECIATION MONTH

THE Marco Polo Davao’s commemoration of Italian explorer, Marco Polo’s 765th birthday continues for a whole month with a series of events full of fun, bonding and special appreciation for the employees and associates of the Heart of Davao.

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every associate was able to feel the gratitude that Marco Polo is portraying by letting them showcase their hidden talents, VOL.12 VOL.12 IS experience the exquisite lunch meals matched with an gigantic chocolate red velvet cake with lavish chocolate toppings, let them lounge and have their Movie Marathon Day, a long line of sizzling barbeque, a day of relaxation offering VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6,free 2019 these hard-working people, massage and nail care, numerwe wouldn’t be where we are ous days of fun-filled Filipino today”, says Marco Polo Davao games and the most special day General Manager Colin Healy. for everyone is re-living the The one-month birthday Filipino streetJULY food in 5-6, the walls VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 19-20, 2019 celebration was a blast that of the hotel. PR

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

A4 INdulge!

“The premium standard services that Marco Polo personify is not because of the brand alone, but it’s how the associ-

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

ates carries the name with their 5-star quality guests services

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE and they are the beating heart of the house that without

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

BEST...

FROM 1 tion the City Government of Davao can be explored for the establishment of an industrial park in Davao.

"The ideal is for the city to look into one is kung walang property if there is none its either the city will buy a property and make this an industrial park that can be done or the national government will buy the land and make this as an indsutrial park dahil they have the resources to buy and the other one is to reclaim kung wala. We can do reclaimation and convert it just like what Cebu this they reclaimed then convert it into industrial park," he said.

The need to establish an industrial park was strengthened after some Japanese investors expressed interest of setting up manufacturing plants in Davao City.

In an interview with Miwa Yoshiaki, consul general of Japan in Davao,he said there are Japanese companies who want to start their business in Davao and that he asked them to come in the city frequently.

Yoshiaki said there are many potentials that include construction and manufacturing of some metal and plastics. He also said car industry is an ide-

FROM 2 his of�ice.

“You know, there is a legal maxim which we have to follow. Guilt is personal. That is why you have to hear before you condemn.

It cannot be transferred from the lowest to the highest ranking or the highest ranking to the lowest unless there is a conspiracy which then the rule applicable is

al business investment but not viable as of the moment compared to motorcycle manufacturing.

"Manufacturing industry also is a very wide range such as heavy machinery that also very hard than a simple machine. So for you can start the level of the industry in Davao.

I understand that DCCCII think that manufacturing is very important and I agree. If we can �ind a very adequate Japanese company we can pursue but of course agri-business is also important such as processing agriculture," he said.

Milan said the need is the space and the foreign partners will bring the equipment and technology together with local partners who have the agri resource. "We will just marry the two and put them in an indsutrial park where we can process that is the ideal to help the farmers. This is not only for the food items like also in wellness example herbal medicines can be process and make its as a wellness and beauty. We just need the technology."

He clari�ied that they would not like Davao City to go into heavy industries that is why he is recommending for small high value like semi-conductor

which is not very pollutant but create a lot of work and value. "Maliliit lang such as manufacturing plant for cellphone chips," he said.

The chamber have been in discussion with the Semi-conductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines Incorporated (SEIPI), which is looking at Davao as their future expansion area.

"Only that we don't have industrial park at mas gusto nila na established na industrial park para pupunta na lang sila kaysa maghahanap pa sila ng area. An industrial park is like a one-stop-shop and the incentive is already bundled in the offering," Milan said as he expressed hope that the government will spearhead for the establishment of an industrial park because it promises value adding such as generate a lot of jobs for the locals, revenue for the government, revenue and foreign exchange for export oriented industries and stabilizes the peso -dollar exchange.

"I still believe we can have it very soon. It just a matter of time dahil marami ng pumapasok dito sa Davao its either a foreign company can buy the land or the city government can reclaim," he said.

the act of one is the act of all,” he added.

Albayalde’s name surfaced after Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, accused him of allegedly intervening to stop the dismissal of his former men at the Pampanga Police Of�ice involved in a drug

bust in Mexico, Pampanga in 2013.

Albayalde was the Pampanga provincial director in 2013.

Based on the investigation of CIDG then, the drug bust led to the con�iscation of 200 kilograms of shabu, but members of the raiding team only reported 38 kilos.

(PNA)

lihood skills under the guidance of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The decommissioned MILF �ighters also receive aid packages and cash

grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Mangudadatu said the cycle of violence has long plagued the province, stunting its growth and

making life miserable for the affected communities.

“I pray to Allah (God) to make us all instrumental in ending this. Let us break this chain together,” he said. (PNA)

avert a shutout.

ADDU capitalized on their speed and shooting accuracy to shut down the dynasty of the perennial champions.

ADDU long-time coach-

es Cyrielle Ramintas and Claire Sosoban had the luxury of shuf�ling a deep lineup composed of Kate Buenaventura, Rozie Amatong, Kristel Babatid and Phoebe Mariano to nail the title.

The champion teams took home P10,000 and a trophy courtesy of SBP Davao headed by regional director and presidential adviser on sports Glenn Y. Escandor.

ALBAYALDE...

MANGUDADATU... FROM3

BREAKTHROUGH... FROM12

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

Accounting Clerks Qualifications: • BS Accountancy / Accounting Technology Graduate or any business related courses • Male/Female • Can work with minimum supervision • With or without experience

Account Executives Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be trained

Social Media Lead Qualifications: • Candidate must be creative and enjoys social media • Experience in creating social media post for news, business and organization • Good command of English • Experience in graphic design is a plus Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

PSC... FROM11

"This is the �irst time that we really got full support and we thank the good senator for his efforts. We will not waste the help he extended to us and his dream to help the Filipino youth athletes," he said.

Meanwhile, PSC com-

missioner Charles Raymond Maxey told the Philippine News Agency on Saturday that the support extended by Go to PSC and its programs will boost the con�idence of their athletes in bringing pride to the country.

“We hope to reciprocate his generosity and trust by implementing sports programs that will bene�it our athletes, and for our people to enjoy the kind of service they truly deserve from government,” Maxey said.

(PNA)

1996 and 2013.

“We decided to go with a veteran group, again because generally veterans are easier to coach shortterm. They pick up things faster than the young guys.

This is all about speed and

ef�iciency that we’re trying to do.”

In the last 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, Gilas Pilipinas was led by a mixture of professional and amateur players to win the gold.

Cone is back with the national team for the second time after coaching the Philippine Centennial squad in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. That team settled for a bronze medal.

FERNANDEZ... FROM11

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with Deed of Absolute Sale

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GENEROSO A. SALUMBRO, JR. who died on December 12, 2017 at Davao City has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AMONG HEIRS WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.409; Page No.83; Book No.179, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PATRICK NICHOLAS E. CORPUZ who died on January 24, 2016 at SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES MEDICAL CENTER, Davao City, Philippines has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.403; Page No.83; Book No.179, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY.FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROGELIO A. ROBLE who died on November 16, 2016 at Davao City has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE with Deed of Absolute Sale executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.461; Page No.94; Book No.179, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN.

10/8,15,22, 2019

10/8,15,22, 2019

10/8,15,22, 2019

10 EDGEDAVAO SOLON... FROM4

i-surrender pa nga nila ang kanilang mga baboy dito," he said.

The DA Agricultural Credit Policy Council has earlier allocated an amount of P60 million to a livelihood loan assistance program for hog raisers hit by the African swine fever.

Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management has released P82.5 million to cover the funding requirements for African swine fever pre-

PRRD...

FROM 2 scienti�ic research, health, culture, and foreign policy consultations.

“These areas are important and therefore part of our comprehensive roadmap to build a partnership with a friend and to secure the Philippines’ strategic interests,” he said.

He bared that more than PHP620 million in business deals were signed during the Philippines-Russia Business Forum in Moscow which he said would generate more jobs and economic opportunities for many Filipinos.

Duterte also stressed that the reinvigorated friendship with Russia started to bear fruits, citing the accreditation of two additional Philippine �ishery establishments done by the Russian government.

ventive measures.

The Quezon City government said last month it allocated some P10 million for the �inancial assistance of hog raisers who would voluntarily surrender their pigs for culling.

In an emailed statement, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the local government would provide P3,000 per pig to raisers, amid the recent outbreaks of ASF in Bulacan and Rizal.

“This will allow Filipino �ishing companies to export our tuna and other products to Russia and the larger market of the Eurasian bloc,” he added.

However, the President said that the surge of Russian tourists and investors in the country would not come early, but remains optimistic of various exploratory visits from the Russian government.

“This is only the beginning. The horizon is wide.

There is room for significant growth. The gains we have made in this visit bring us a step closer to our objective of a stable, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos. That is my vision for and bounden duty to the nation and I will do everything to achieve that towards that end,” he said. (PNA)

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS. AURELIO POLBERA JAVILLES and ROSARIO C. JAVILLES leaving a parcel of land with TCT Number T-219075 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.254; Page No.52; Book No.III Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. SUZETTE H. TAN 9/24,10/01,08, 2019

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ANTONIO N. CALUNGSOD who died on November 22, 1993 at Matina ,Davao City, leaving a parcel of land with TCT Number CARP2018000194 has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.260; Page No.53; Book No.III Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. SUZETTE H. TAN 9/24,10/01,08, 2019

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

MILLERS... FROM4

mayor Jr., Juliet Marie Ferrer, Manuel Sagarbarria, Julienne Baronda, Janette Garin, Janice Salimbangon, Vincest Frasco, Lucy Torres Gomez, Lorenz Defensor, Emmanuel Billones, Manuel Zubiri, Eduardo Gullas, Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, Wilfredo Caminero, Ma. Theresa Collantes, Greg Gasataya, Carl Nicolas Cari and Juan Pablo Bondoc.

In a related development, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has �iled a resolution urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to convert the “A” sugar to “B” sugar, saying that the country’s production target is way lower than the consumption, which is estimated to be at 2.4 million metric tons (MT).

“If we avail of the US TRQ (tariff-rate quota), this will leave us with 1.99 million MT available for domestic consumption and short of more than 400,000 MT, which the country has to import to �ill the domestic consumption,” Zubiri said.

He also pointed out that with the current domestic

price of sugar at PHP1,500 per 50-kilo bag and exports to US priced only at PHP1,100 per 50-kilo bag, this in effect will result to the domestic consumers subsidizing the price of sugar export to the US. Confed agrees with Zubiri’s proposal that the “A” allocation should have been kept as “B” or for domestic use “since we fall short in our sugar production to accommodate and supply the local demand.”

“This allocation could have provided better prices for our local farmers who are in a quandary as to the marginal farm gate prices of sugar in the past three years,” Confed said in a statement.

It is also Confed’s position that only beverage companies will be allowed direct access to sugar imports as they have preferred standard for their soft drink manufacture (bottler's grade -- re�ined sugar), but it must be emphasized that this should be under the direct supervision of the SRA for a calibrated, timely and transparent import program.

(PNA)

FROM 5 ti�ied areas in Mintal and near Malagos for the location of the cultural center.

"This is also the clamor of Davao del Norte to come up with a cultural center but as discussed by Director Tanya among us the �ive provinces we agreed that the facility will be built here in Davao City as Davao is a gateway," said Noel Daquioag, Provincial Tourism Of�icer of Davao del Norte.

The said masterplan will be a pre-requisite to

succeeding funding requests for the actual construction of the infrastructure as envisioned for the hub.

The establishment of the hub also answers Chapter 7 of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and the Regional Development Plan (RDP), which commits to the "Promotion of Philippine Culture and Values."

To date, NCCA has a similar plan for a cultural hub in Bohol.

our needs can be met by this kind of arrangement.

Kung kaya lang eh di matagal na natin ginawa yan (if it could, we would have done that a long time ago),” he said.

He said he would decide “what is to the best interest of the country, that is the number one rule there, pro�it that is second, or whose favor and what company, that will come last.”

The President announced that he came back from Russia with 620 million pesos in business deals signed between the two countries.

“We reaf�irmed Philippines’ strong commitment to robust and comprehensive partnership with the Russian Federation on the basis of mutual respect trust and pragmatism and working with Russia we

have achieved much,” Duterte said.

In his bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Duterte said they agreed to “broaden and deepen our ties in our areas of cooperation, from security and defense, to trade, and investment, agriculture, energy, science and technology, socio cultural exchanges.”

“We signed bilateral cooperation agreements on the peaceful use of energy, scienti�ic research, health, culture, and foreign policy consultations. These areas are important and therefore part of our comprehensive roadmap to build a partnership with different and to secure the Philippines strategic interest,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

DOT...

DUTERTE... FROM3

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT: PH NAME 1.MARITES P. CANSING 2.ARTURO Y. PATRIMONIO

CFP NO. 1005200 1005506

CONTRACT NO. 32945-8 1003786

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void.

Oct. 1, 8 & 15, 2019

OF BATS... FROM8

agave plants that in the wild rely on bats as their primary pollinators.

The Monfort conservation foundation manages the millions of bats residing in a cave with �ive openings at barangay Tambo, Babak District of the Island Garden City of Samal. These bats, Monfort said, play a big role in durian production in Davao Region. The �lower buds of durian reportedly open for one hour during the night, which allows the fruit bats to pollinate them.

“I will not stop until the (Davao) region gives the long overdue credit for these bats because you guys are so ambivalent up to now,” she told the environmental journalists who recently visited her place. “You eat durian, you eat the fruits, you eat everything, you look at the weather and everything, bountiful harvest, no one thanks the bats, because you think they are pests.

They are not. They’re just wonderful.”

Bats are always associated with Dracula, the prince of darkness who sucks blood from his victims. In movies, they are part of evil creatures.

“There are so many misconceptions about bats,” Monfort told the visiting journalists. “Many people think bats are blind, dirty and carriers of rabies virus. Those are myths. Bats are not blind and do not become entangled with human hair.”

Most people feared bats because of rabies, a deadly disease. “All mammas can contract rabies; however, the vast majority of bats do not,” informs the BCI briefer. “Bats that contract the virus die from the disease, usually quickly, and pose little risk to people who do not attempt to handle them.”

As for sucking bloods, there are only three bat species that do that: the common vampire bat, the rarer hairy-legged vampire bat and the whitewinged vampire bat. “The common vampire bat is often seen feeding on the blood of horses and cows while the latter two prefer birds,” the briefer stated.

Researchers are studying an anticoagulant found in vampire bat saliva as a possible new treatment for human stroke patients.

Bats can be found almost anywhere in the world except the polar regions and extreme deserts, defenders.org states.

They �ind shelter in caves, crevices, tree cavities and buildings. Some species are solitary while others form colonies of more than a million individuals.

More than 1,330 species of bats account for about 20% of all mammal species, BCI claiWms, thus making bats the second largest group of mammals in the world. For their body size, bats live longer than any other order of mammal. On average, the maximum recorded life span of a bat is 3.5 times greater than other mammals of similar size.

Bat species are known to eat �ish, frogs, birds, spiders, and small mammals like mice or other bats.

According to BCI, frog-eating bats identify from poisonous frogs by listening to the mating calls of the males. Frogs counter by hiding and using short, dif�icult-to-locate calls.

“A single large bat colony can eat up to half a million pounds of insect pests in one night making them the most effective natural insect controllers,” said the Philippine Bat Conservation, Inc. There are more than 1,100 bat species in the world. The Philippines is home to 26 indigenous bat species – more than any other country. Unfortunately, most of these bats are threatened, if not facing extinction.

“The threat to bats in the Philippines is quite serious considering that very little literatures and researches have been published about them,” Monfort lamented.

The Garden City of Samal, for instance, has about seventy caves, which used to be inhabited by bats. Most of these caves are now empty.

Two of the major threats identi�ied during the cave assessment in 2006 were bat hunting for food and excessive entry to caves for guano mining.

Guano is one of Mother Nature’s most effective natural fertilizers due to its exceptionally high content of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium. According to Monfort, a kilogram of guano can fetch a price of P10,000.

Bats are also killed because of rumors that they are supernatural evil creatures like aswang and mananangals. Others die because of the destruction of bat habitats like forests (for megabats) and caves (for microbats).

Another reason for their vulnerability: bats are among the slowest-reproducing mammals on earth due to their size.

Most produce only one pup per year. “At birth, a pup weighs up to 25% of its mother’s body weight, which is like a human mother giving birth to a 31-pound baby,” defenders.org says. “Offspring typically are cared for in maternity colonies, where females congregate to bear and raise the young.

Male bats do not help to raise the pups.”

Meanwhile, Monfort is trying to save the bat cave – now home to 2.5 million bats, making it to the Guinness Book of World Records – she has been taking care since she inherited the land from her parents.

“Many have done wonderful features (in magazines, newspapers and television) on what we are doing but I am wondering why it hasn’t generated the wished query from any sector to ask: how can we help?” wondered “Mama Bat,” who earned the moniker for her love for the nocturnal creatures.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

11

Custodio, Cabatit rule Plaridel Cup

M Ana Noelle Wahleithner is set to compete in the Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, in January. From Ana Noelle Wahleithner’s Facebook account

ajor Wilvin Custodio and Kim Cabatit romped off with top honors at the recent 5th Plaridel Golf Cup at the Camp Aguinaldo golf course where media golfers and guests jostled for prizes and giveaways.

Major Custodio from the of�ice of Defense Sec. Del�in Lorenzana emerged Low Gross Champion while Cabatit of the Manila Times was Low Net Champion.

Other winners include: Class A – champion Ruben Figueroa, runner-up Mel Bergado Class B – champion Nel Lacson, runner-up Edward Madlambayan Class C – champion Joel Lacsamana, runner-up Rey Eñano The 5th Plaridel Cup was sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, First Orient International Ven-

tures Corp., Sogo Hotels, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Paci�ic, Steel Asia, Ayala Land, Globe Telecommunications, Reyes Haircutters, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., GMA Network, ABS-CBN, Sen. Cynthia Villar, SL Agritech Corp. (Doña Maria rice), City of Dreams, Asia Brewery and Manila Water Company.

Media partners are Manila Standard, Manila Bulletin and Manila Times.

Other special category winners are: Maj. Custodio - most accurate drive; Maj. Nel Lacson – longest drive; and Ysmael Bergado – nearest to the pin.

The Plaridel Golf Cup is an annual sports event of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc.

Davaoeña skier ices 2020 Fernandez confident of golden finish in basketball Youth Olympics berth

A

na Noelle Wahleithner scored a career breakthrough when she became the �irst Filipina to qualify for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, ABS-CBN Sports reported on Monday.

According to the report, Wahleithner, 16, the youngest of two children

by Lady Angela Reynado Wahleithner and James K. Wahleithner, amassed points in various International Federation of Skiing (FIS) sanctioned races this year. She is both a Philippine and American citizen.

The FIS is the sport’s world governing body.

In an exclusive interview, Angela Wahleithner provided a brief timeline of how her daughter quali�ied for the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics, which will be held in Lausanne, Swit-

zerland, in January.

“When she turned 15-and-a-half in 2018, she became an athlete registered under the Philippines with an FIS license.

She became the youngest female alpine skier to represent the country and the license allows Ana to race in international competitions,” said Angela Wahleithner, who hails from Davao City.

Ana’s �irst international alpine skiing competition was in Cardrona, New Zealand, in July 2018 that paved the way for her to represent the Philippines

PSC lauds Go’s all-out support for PH sports

T

he Philippine Sports Commission lauded the efforts and help of Senator Christopher Lawrence Go in pushing for the approval of the budget for all the programs proposed

by PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez for next year.

Go, committee chair of health and sports, divulged that they have passed the budget needed by PSC last Monday.

"My support for sports is tight because my heart is into it," Go said.

Go added that the PSC needs to strengthen its programs since more and more Filipino athletes are gaining ground around the world for their skills.

He stressed that sports activities for the youth would keep them away

from drugs.

“In sports activities, we also instill in the youth the discipline, responsibility and most of all the love for our homeland. If a young person is healthy and enjoys the sport, they will become active citizens and they are free from vices like alcohol and drugs,” Go said.

He also added that the funding allotted to PSC would encourage athletes in the country to participate in international competitions.

"We need to raise the capacity of our youth by promoting and supporting the country's sports program," Go added.

Ramirez said he was very pleased with the support provided by the senator.

PSC, P9

at the 2019 Alpine Skiing Junior World Championship (JWC) back in February in Val Di Fassa, Italy.

“Ana was the �irst Philippine female alpine skier to successfully �inish this competition. Participating in and �inishing the JWC competition in February quali�ied her to race in the 2020 Winter YOG. The POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) was noti�ied by the FIS that the Philippines had a female alpine skiing slot in June 2019. The POC con�irmed that the spot is allocated to Ana last October 5,” Wahleithner revealed.

The proud mother acknowledged that the chance to become the �irst Filipina to represent the Philippines was added motivation for Anna.

“Having a goal to rep-

resent the Philippines in an international winter sports event is an honor,” said the proud mother, who added that Ana also tried other sports such as gymnastics, indoor soccer, and snowboarding.

In preparation for the 2020 Youth Olympics, Ana continuously trains yearround on and off the snow.

She will be training with the Sugar Bowl Academy Team in Saas Fe, Switzerland, this month. In November, she will be training in Vail, Colorado.

She will be participating in alpine ski races through this entire 20192020 season including races after the Youth Olympics.

“Ana exceeded our expectations, and our entire family is very proud of her,” ended the proud mom.

A

fter the unveiling of the Philippine men’s basketball pool for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez is con�ident that newly-appointed national coach Tim Cone will get the job done.

Fernandez, a member of the silver-winning Asian Games team in 1990 Beijing, believes the Philippines could win an 18th overall men’s SEA Games basketball title since 1977.

The men’s basketball competition will be held on December 1 to 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

“He (Cone) knows what it takes to win in the Southeast Asian Games. It can be done with an allpro lineup and even with a mix collegiate stars,” said Fernandez, a four-time

Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player.

Cone formed recently the Gilas Pilipinas 15-man SEA Games pool headed by six Barangay Ginebra San Miguel players — Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, Scottie Thompson, LA Tenorio, Art Dela Cruz and Stanley Pringle.

Other players selected were June Mar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Christian Standhardinger, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Jayson Castro, Vic Manuel and Matthew Wright.

“We don’t want to lose this one. This is our home court. This is not the best talent, but we are trying to be the best team that we can,” said Cone, the winningest Philippine Basketball Association coach with 21 titles highlighted by grand slam crowns in

FERNANDEZ, P9

The Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao emerged boys division champion in the just-concluded Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 Under 18 Regional Finals after beating Ateneo de Davao University last Saturday at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena. (SBP 11 photo)

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 151 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2019

BREAKTHROUGH ADDU, Sakya nail first WINS ever SBP 11 3x3 titles

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

he Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao (PASD) Dragons and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Lady Blue Knights achieved milestones for their schools after capturing the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 Under 18 Regional Finals division titles last Saturday, October 5, at the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Petro Gazz Arena.

More than the worthiest trophies, the conquests came with an all-expense-paid trip to the National Finals slated October 29-30 at the Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.

In only their �irst appearance, the PASD Dragons surprised the competition to win the boys division title over ADDU 11-9, in the championship match. Te Dragons were steered by former Assumption College of Davao (ACD) veteran

coaches Rollie Sancho and Tristan Ruzer Balino.

Francis John Dagpin �ired six markers in an all-out performance to lead the Dragons past the more seasoned Blue Knights.

Dagpin was ably backstopped by Wilfredo Khim Remollo, Prince Urbiztondo and Kurt Magbanua.

Coaching a neophyte team, said Sancho, was never an easy task.

He said the team only banked on the resources they have to survive the grueling competition. He was pertaining to their defense and stamina which will be their aces in the national �inals in Luzon.

The ADDU Lady Blue Knights, meanwhile, played their hearts out to stun arch-nemesis ACD Lady Warriors 9-8, in the girl's division �inals to

BREAKTHROUGH, P9

The Ateneo de Davao University Lady Blue Knights won the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 3x3 Under 18 Regional Finals girls division last Saturday at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena. SBP 11 commissioner Atty. Francis Calatrava awards the prize. (SBP 11 photo)