Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 169 | Friday-Monday, November 1-4, 2019

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DEAD END ALL SAINTS DAY FEATURE P7

ANOTHER DAY,

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

f

@EdgeDavao

www.edgedavao.net

edgedavao@gmail.com

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES

ANOTHER QUAKE

9 injured as condemned condo building collapses

By THE EDGE DAVAO EDITORIAL TEAM

SEE PAGE 2

Rescuers scale the 10-foot fence of Ecoland 4000 as they try to enter the building which sustained heavy damage due to the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Davao City on Thursday morning. Lean Daval Jr

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

Classes suspended until November 4th

By ADAM B. MORRELL

M

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio briefs members of the media on the updates on Ecoland 4000 after the condominium building almost collapsed due to the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on

Thursday. Also in the photo is new Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft. Lean Daval Jr

ayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered to suspend classes in all levels, both private and public schools, until November 4 following the latest intensity five earthquake that struck Davao City on Thursday morning, October 31.

The lady Mayor initially suspended classes in all public and private schools along with all government offices on October 31 but issued another declaration that the suspension of classes will continue until November 4 to allow authorities to thoroughly inspect and check the safety of the schools and public buildings.

Duterte advised school owners, administrators, teachers, and other school personnel to subject school structures to a safety inspection with a qualified engineer immediately.

Areas with structural damages are needed to be condemned and closed off from public use immediately.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the tremor felt in the entire Davao City was a 6.5 magnitude earthquake and recorded as an intensity 5 that have caused structural and electrical damage to buildings and houses.

It was capable of devastating a pioneering condominium in the city, partially damaging 27 other buildings and the main bridges of Davao City.

Meanwhile, Davao del Norte governor Edwin Jubahib and Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy also suspended classes in their respective jurisdiction on October 31 following the strong tremor.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER QUAKE

9 injured as condemned condo building collapses

By THE EDGE DAVAO EDITORIAL TEAM ine persons were reported injured in the morning and spoke the building adminisafter a portion of a condominium to trator to find out if the ocbuilding in Ecoland collapsed in cupants have evacuated. was told that most of the wake of another powerful 6.5 magni- She the occupants of the 15-20 tude temblor on Thursday morning, the units have evacuated but revealed there were still a second in two days. few who are renters of the

N

The five-level Ecoland 4000 condominium, which was already recommended for condemnation as early as Wednesday by the City Engineers Office, suffered heavy damage from the second major earthquake that struck the city and other parts of Mindanao in two days.

One of the injured was

brought to a nearby hospital after suffering head injuries while the eight others, who are tenants of the building were treated onsite.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who immediately called for a press conference after the quake, said she passed by the Ecoland 4000 building

Duterte considers quake response ‘a top concern’

M

alacañang assured that the government is on top of the situation after another strong earthquake jolted Tulunan, Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao on Thursday morning.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this assurance, stressing that the President’s “top concern” will always be to provide assistance and relief to those affected by the magnitude 6.5 quake.

“The President considers all situations arising from natural disasters that have caused widespread destruction to lives and property a top concern,” Panelo said in a statement.

“The President had directed all agencies and responsible local government units to provide the necessary assistance and

immediate relief to those affected,” he added.

Panelo said the President is currently “safe” in his home in Davao City and is closely monitoring developments.

In a TV interview, Duterte’s former aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that the President was in the bathroom when the quake took place.

He said the President’s house acquired minor damage, mostly cracks.

Presidential Security Group (PSG) BGen. Jose Eriel Nembra said the President and his family did not evacuate from their house but the damage is being assessed by engineers.

Meanwhile, Panelo said the President will no longer visit quake-hit areas as initially scheduled since concerned government

DUTERTE, P13

units who decided to stay because they do not have any place to go.

Mayor Duterte said rescue teams have been deployed to ascertain if there are people who might still be there. Cadaver dogs will be deployed to sniff any traces of humans trapped under the debris, she said, while a boom truck of the

city government was preparing to clear the rubble.

According to authorities, the ground floor where the building’s carpark is located collapsed. The facade also sustained huge cracks and glass windows broken.

The building was already badly damaged in the October 29 earthquake, but it worsened following the latest temblor.

As of this writing, rescuers have checked the rooftop to third floor of the building and found no occupants.

Mayor Duterte said she will also confer with the City Legal Office if the

building developer has any liability. She also said the city will come up with a list of all buildings inspected and the corresponding assessment.

In the light of the recent tragedy, Mayor Duterte said she will recommend the re-visit of the pending measure in the City Council to regulate the height of buildings according to the area they are built.

The city’s two major bridges--Bankerohan and Bolton--also suffered damage from the earthquakes.

Mayor Duterte also said Davao City engineers conducted inspection of Bank-

erohan and Bolton Bridge, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District engineers and have restricted Bolton Bridge to 20-Ton limit only. This is now being implemented in coordination with City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO).

Bolton Bridge suffered damage to its diaphragm.

“Beyond 20 tons dili pa kakaya ang bridge, naay damage sa diaphragm sa bridge sa downstream side,” Mayor Duterte said.

As for Bankerohan Bridge, Mayor Dutere said

ANOTHER, P13

Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte and Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte talk to the authorities as they assess the situation after Ecoland 4000 sustained structural damage due to the earthquake that hit the city on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

3

Mayor Inday Sara calls on Dabawenyos to stay calm

I

n the aftermath of three strong quakes and aftershocks that hit Davao City and several areas in Mindanao, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte called on Dabawenyos to stay calm and allayed fears of a tsunami.

“There are no tsunami warnings in Davao City,” said Mayor Sara, who now oversees the search and rescue operation at the Ecoland 4000 condominium, which collapsed following Thursday morning's 6.5 magnitude earthquake.

Sara, along with Vice Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte and first district Representative Paolo Duterte, went to Ecoland 4000 after reports that the residential unit collapsed.

Sara immediately ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC), Central 911, and other government agencies to respond and ensure the safety of the people.

The Kusina ng Bayan of the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) was also sent to serve hot meals and water to responders.

Sara assured that the city search and res-

cue team are on top of the situation to save, if there are, residents trapped under the rubble.

Nine persons were injured because of the quake. The victims were immediately treated by Central 911 medics.

“The Central 911 checked the 3rd floor until rooftop and there are no trapped residents. They will check the 2nd until the ground floor to check if there are trapped people inside,” the mayor said.

The mayor also immediately ordered the suspension of classes in all private and public schools from Kindergarten to post-graduate studies from October 31 to Monday, November 4.

“The suspension of classes is until Monday, November 4, because Friday is a holiday and the work will go back on Monday, so we do not expect building employees and school administrators to properly assess their buildings immediately,” she said.

Early on following the 6.6 magnitude quake on Tuesday, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) immediately issued an order top condemn the Ecoland 4000 residences. However, reports said residents stayed on. CIO

A grave is cleaned and painted by visiting relatives at the Davao City Public Cemetery in Madapo Hills, Davao City on Thursday ahead of the commemoration of All Soul’s Day. Lean Daval Jr

Village captain dead in Makilala quake A

By ADAM B. MORRELL barangay captain was killed in Makilala, North Cotabato after Thursday’s magnitude 6.5 earthquake.

Barangay Batasan captain Cesar Bangot was found dead after almost be-

ing entirely covered by falling debris from the structure of the nearly-collapsed

Barangay Hall.

In nearby Kidapawan City, an old hotel nearly collapsed following the powerful tremor.

In a Faebook post, the facade of the building was totally wrecked from roof to the ground.

Authorities were currently conducting operations to determine if there were casualties.

Netizens residing in the province posted in social media photos of several homes which were damaged by the earthquake.

4

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

Mindanao safe from tsunami after third powerful quake

A

third powerful earthquake that jolted Mindanao this month will not spawn a tsunami, the state seismology office said Thursday, as it warned the public to expect aftershocks.

The magnitude 6.5 earthquake cracked roads and destroyed buildings when it struck past 9 a.m. in Tulunan, North Cotabato, the same general area of the previous 2 earthquakes.

At least 5 were killed in Tuesday's earthquake.

"There is no tsunami

threat to the Philippines," Phivolcs said in a statement.

Thursday's tectonic quake will spawn aftershocks, added Phivolcs science research specialist Mary Montion.

"Sa ganito po kalaking earthquake, i-expect na po natin na marami tayong mararamdamang aftershocks," she said.

The latest aftershocks in Cotabato measured magnitudes 3.2 and 3.5, as of this posting, according to the Phivolcs website.

PCC says SC rules on dawn raids to bolster cartel probes

T

he Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) gets a boost from the Supreme Court through its issuance of rules governing the conduct of searches and inspections, strengthening PCC’s ability to carry out dawn raids on entities suspected of violating the country’s antitrust law.

Beginning Nov. 16, the Rule on Administrative Search and Inspection under the Philippine Competition Act (PCA) shall take effect, enabling the implementation of Section 12(g) of the PCA which gives the PCC the power to conduct dawn raids upon order of the court.

The rules govern the application, issuance, and enforcement of inspection orders for administrative investigations of alleged violations of the PCA. Inspection orders will allow the PCC and its deputized agents to enter, search and inspect business premises, offices, land, and vehicles to examine, copy, photograph, record or print information to prevent their removal, concealment, tampering with or destruction.

Dawn raids or unannounced on-site inspections are widely used by competition authorities around the world to uncover evidence in aid of investigation and prosecution of anticompetitive agreements and conduct such as cartels and abuses of dominance.

“Cartels operate on clandestine arrangements or so-called gentleman’s agreements that ultimately affect prices and hurt consumer welfare. With the rules on dawn raids now in place, this will intensify PCC’s case-building, uncover anticompetitive behavior, and pin down such white-collar crimes covered by the Philippine Competition Act,” PCC Chair Arsenio Balisacan said.

Information subject to inspection include books, tax records, documents, papers, accounts, letters, photographs, as well as databases, means of accessing information contained in such databases, and electronically stored information.

Inspection orders applied at special commercial courts in Quezon City,

PCC, P12

A Task Force Davao personnel walks by Ecoland 4000 which was damaged by the 6.5 magnitude earthquake on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Collapsed condo was advised for condemnation: Mayor Sara

A

dministrators of the Ecoland Residences 4000 Condominium in Talomo here, were advised to vacate the building right before the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the city on Thursday morning.

Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, in a press briefing Thursday, said the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) visited the building on Wednesday and recommended to its administrators that it should be condemned.

She said the administrator of the building acceded to the condemnation order but claimed that some of the occupants opted to stay because they don’t have other places to

live.

Duterte also clarified that right after the October 16 and October 29 tremors, they have submitted three written notices to the Ecoland Residences 4000 administrator about the problem of their building.

“I talked to the building administrator and she said that they heeded the order of the CEO but have allowed occupants who

opted to stay,” she said.

Ecoland Residences 4000 condominium is a five-story building with 56 units though only about 15 to 20 occupants were in the area during the tremor.

As to the liability of the developer, Mayor Duterte said it will be discussed by the City Legal Office since they already submitted three written notices and have advised its condemnation.

“If we saw evidence of their negligence, we will take legal action. We have not discussed the waiver since the recommendation of the CEO is condemnation, meaning that building cannot be occupied by

COLLAPSED, P11

7 rescued as Kidapawan hotel nearly collapses

O

TOTALLY DEVASTATED. Eva’s Hotel in Kidapawan City after the 6.5 magnitude earthquake Thursday morning. Kidapawan City CIO/via Edwin O. Fernandez

people,” she added.

She also advised the occupants to seek legal counsel if they wanted to file a case against the developer of the building.

Duterte also offered the evacuation site in Los Amigos, Tugbok as a temporary place to stay for the Ecoland Residences 4000 displaced occupants.

As of press time, Duterte confirmed that nine occupants of the condominium had been injured, eight of whom were treated onsite while one was brought to the hospital.

She added that rescue operation is ongoing.

The city government also announced that a life

ne of the city’s tallest hotels here had nearly collapsed, its façade destroyed, during the magnitude 6.5 earthquake Thursday morning, forcing city’s building officials to declare it not fit for occupancy.

At least seven people who were holding office at Eva’s Hotel were rescued and were brought to the command post the city government has temporarily set up located just outside the city hall.

Reports said that since the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that occurred only two days ago, almost half of the structures erected in the city’s commercial district incurred cracks. Yellow lines were placed in each building as proof the structure has yet to undergo thorough inspection by the Office of the Building Engineer and the City Engineering Office.

These included shopping malls, grocery centers, restaurants, pharmacy stores, hotels and inns, ap-

pliance centers, banks, and hospitals. They were ordered closed for business, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Meanwhile, a barangay captain in the municipality of Makilala, also in North Cotabato, died in this morning’s quake when the beam of the barangay hall where he was holding office collapsed and fell on his back.

Authorities identified the victim as Cesar Bangot, chairman of Barangay Batasan.

Reports said Bangot was inside his office while waiting for the relief items, intended for victims of the earthquake two days ago, from the Makilala municipal government to arrive when the strong tremor happened.

The quake last October 29 displaced hundreds of families from Purok-5 in Barangay Batasan. They were temporarily housed at the barangay’s covered court but had to leave the area

7 RESCUED, P13

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

Cusi cites need to tap all energy sources

E

nergy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Wednesday underscored the importance of tapping energy from all possible sources, including nuclear, as the country lacks adequate capacity to date.

In his speech during the handover ceremony for the Official Phase 1 Mission Report of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (NIR) Mission in Taguig City, Cusi said the government is continuously looking for additional sources of capacity, especially because the supply of the Malampaya gas field northwest of Palawan is expected to be depleted by 2027.

Cusi said he and several other Philippine energy officials were in China a few days ago for the petroleum exploration meeting wherein a possible tieup is being considered to utilize resources from the West Philippine Sea. “That effort is actually in search for Philippine energy security and we would like to tap the West Philippine Sea resources so that we can be assured of energy security especially that Malampaya will be depleted by 2027. And of course, we are all looking for other sources of energy,” he added.

Among the options that are being looked into to boost capacity is geo-

thermal energy.

Cusi said such option should not be questioned because of the current situation.

The Energy chief also questioned the department’s earlier policy of putting a cap on the share of energy sources for the country, noting this is “uncalled for this time”.

He said developed countries put a cap on their energy sources because they have enough energy supply.

“But the Philippines is different. We have shortage of power. We lack capacity. We need to build capacity soon otherwise we’re going to have brownouts and we don’t like that. That’s bad for the country, bad for business, bad for our economy,” he reasoned.

Cusi further said this is the reason why Philippine officials have been encouraging foreign investors to invest in the country’s power sector, among others.

For geothermal energy, he said the national position is having a policy for this source to be included in the country’s energy mix.

“From there that we will go and make this legal framework, regulatory framework,” he added.

A law is needed for this bid but Cusi said they “will

CUSI, P12

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

A man cleans and paints a gravestone for P100 at a cemetery in Madapo Hills, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Rice prices now lower than last year’s - DTI

R

ice prices are lower this year compared with last year, the Department of Trade and Industry reported on Wednesday.

Well-milled rice is P34 to 38 per kilo while regular-milled rice ranges

from P30 to P34.

“Hindi ho tumaas ang presyo ngayon kasi kung

maalala n’yo, noong panahong ito last year, ang presyo ng bigas ay mga P48 to P50 plus. ‘Yung mga bigas ngayon na well-milled, ‘yung puti, ‘yung good quality, usually ‘yung imported, nabibili ngayon ng P40 and below,” Trade

Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Prices should even go lower because of addition supply from imported rice.

“Kung marami pang supply, dapat bumaba pa ‘yan doon pa sa mga level ng P35,” Lopez said.

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

Visiting relatives buy flowers outside a private cemetery along Circumferential road in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

PAMPI directs members T not to buy local pork

Samsung third-quarter net profit slumps 52%

T

he Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday said it will intervene in a row between hog raisers and meat processors over the purchase of local pork and pork products amid the presence of African swine fever in the country.

In a forum, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said that he plans to meet with members of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG,) a hog raisers’ association, and the Philippine Association of Meat Processors, Inc. (PAMPI) after PAMPI’s announcement that it will stop buying local pork and pork materials while there is still African swine fever in the country.

“Pinagharap na namin

'yung dalawa. Maganda na sana 'yung cooperation,” Lopez said.

Lopez said he will try to meet the two groups before he leaves for official business abroad on Wednesday.

“Kailangang mag-usap ulit yung dalawa. We’ll try to intervene kasi hindi naman puwedeng hindi na sila bumili. On the other hand, hindi naman puwedeng sabihin din ng hograisers na ‘o, infected ang mga processed

meat dito.’ So parang nagkakaroon sila ng pasahan ng sisi. Kailangan lang mawala yon,” Lopez said.

PAMPI suspects SINAG of leaking reports that branded processed meat products are positive for ASF, while SINAG blames a member of PAMPI for supposedly bringing in ASF-infected meat from abroad.

The Trade secretary, however, believes that the conflict between the two groups will not affect the supply and prices of processed meat products in the country.

“May ibang sources din sila e. Siguro hindi naman makaapekto sa supply and price. But we just hope, kasi ang tinatrabaho rin namin

ni [Agriculture] Secretary [William] Dar talaga, 'yung linkage. Linkage ng agricultural produce, gagamitin ng mga processors. Dapat yun ang ma-strengthen,” Lopez added.

In the end, consumer safety remains the DTI’s primary concern.

“Basta tayo doon sa food safety, safety ng consumers. Kailangang ma-certify ang mga raw materials na ginagamit nila. And in fact, we encourage DA [Department of Agriculture], the NMIS [National Meat Inspection Service] to go to all the plants ng mga meat processors. Again to double-check, double-audit the materials they use,” Lopez stressed.

in September.

This compares with the 6.3% growth in August to P11.877 trillion, and the 9.7% growth in September 2018 to P11.179 trillion.

"Demand for credit remained the principal driver of money supply growth," the BSP said in an accompanying statement.

Domestic claims grew by 7.5% in September from the revised 7.1% in August, on the back of the growth in credit to the pri-

vate sector.

Loans for production activities were driven by lending to key sectors such as real estate activities; financial and insurance activities; construction; electricity, gas, steam, and airconditioning supply; and wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, and motorcycles.

"Loans for household consumption increased due to the growth in motor vehicle loans, credit card

loans, and salary-based general purpose consumption loans during the month," said the BSP. Net claims on the central government during the month likewise grew by 6.0%, faster than the 2.4% in August, and reflecting the increased borrowings by the national government.

"The BSP will continue to monitor domestic liquidity dynamics to en-

Money in circulation up 7.7% in September - BSP

D

omestic liquidity (M3) grew at a slower pace in September versus the same month last year, but still faster than the previous month, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday revealed.

Central bank data indicated that the M3 — the broadest measure of money circulating in the financial system — expanded by 7.7% to P12.037 trillion

MONEY, P12

he world's largest smartphone and memory chip maker Samsung Electronics saw net profits slump by more than half in the third quarter, it said Thursday, hit by an enduring downturn in the global chip market.

Net profits in the three months to September were 6.29 trillion won ($5.40 billion), it said in a statement -- down 52 percent year-on-year.

"Earnings from the memory business slumped significantly year-on-year as memory chip prices continued its downward trend," the company said.

The firm is the flagship subsidiary of the giant Samsung Group, by far the largest of the family-controlled conglomerates known as "chaebols" that dominate business in the world's 11th-largest economy.

But in recent months it has been battered by falling chip prices as global supply increases.

Samsung also faces challenges from the US-China trade war and tough export restrictions imposed by Tokyo on key supplies as part of a dispute with Seoul over wartime forced labor.

The South Korean tech titan leads the global smartphone market with a 23 percent share, trailed by Chinese competitors Huawei and Oppo, with Apple

in fourth place, according to sales tracker IHS Markit.

The premium smartphone market has grown fiercely competitive and overall sales have cooled as a lack of major innovation has seen buyers waiting longer before upgrading to new models.

But Samsung said profits in its mobile division had been boosted by strong sales of the Galaxy Note 10 and its A series devices, along with bigger margins for mass-market models.

"The business also expanded its 5G product offerings and launched the Galaxy Fold, demonstrating Samsung's technology leadership," it added.

'SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE' Samsung released its top-end S10 5G smartphone earlier this year after South Korea won the global race to commercially launch the world's first nationwide 5G network.

But in April it was embarrassingly forced to delay the release of the hotly anticipated Galaxy Fold after reviewers provided with early devices reported screen problems within days of use.

In another setback, earlier this month it also acknowledged a major flaw with its fingerprint system allowing non-users to open other people's top-

SAMSUNG, P12

7 FEATURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

DEAD END Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

here was a woman named Elena Frings, who was only in her 20s when her doctor informed her that her heart was so weak that she had only six months to live.

Hearing those words, she decided to leave her office job in Santiago, Chile, and worked as a volunteer community organizer among the city’s slum-dwellers. “That way, I will die happy,” she told a friend.

Frings worked so effectively that she was invited to New York to give talks about the program.

As fate would have it, she met an American surgeon who successfully operated on her defective heart.

With a new lease of life, she returned to her hometown, still helping the poor who live on the margins of society. It was her expectation of death – not the operation – that gave new meaning and direction to her life.

Now, if you were given six months to live, what effect would the news have on your own life?

The way each of us responds to that question is actually our answer to the question, “What is death?”

“Every true story,” famous American novelist Ernest Hemingway said, “ends in death.”

Jesus Christ died in a cross. Princess Diana perished in a car crash.

Both Jesse Robredo, John Denver, and Buddy Holly died in plane crash.

John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln were assassinated. Breast cancer snatched the lives of Marilou Diaz Abaya, Liezel Martinez, and Ingrid Bergman.

There are those who died in some strange ways. King John of England was such a glutton that he eventually died

of dysentery, caused by too much fruit and cider.

Atilla the Hun died of a bloody nose. Flamboyant dresser Isadora Duncan broke her neck when she went for a ride in a sports car and her long scarf got caught in one of the rear wheels.

French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully was conducting his orchestra so vigorously that he stabbed himself in the toe with his baton. The injury became infected, but he would not allow his doctor to amputate the toe.

After a few weeks the doctors told him they would have to amputate his entire leg in order for him to survive, but he refused that as well. He died soon after.

What where the words spoken by some of the world’s famous people before they died? “I am not the least afraid to die,” said scientist Charles Darwin. “I’m bored with it all,” whispered British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Before he closed his eyes, Napoleon Bonaparte said, “Josephine…”

Joseph Wright, a linguist who edited the English Dialect Dictionary, said before he died: “Dictionary.” Blue singer Bessie Smith died saying, “I’m going, but I’m going in the name of the Lord.”

When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside, Lady Nancy Astor wondered: “Am I dying or is this my birthday?” Dramatic Eugene O’Neill was more dramatic: “I knew it. Born in a hotel room – and God damn it – died in a hotel room.”

Generally, writers had creative words to say before exiting this world.

Victor Hugo said, “I see black light.” James Joyce

asked, “Does nobody understand?” Edgar Allan Poe begged, “Lord help my poor soul.” Emily Dickinson stated, “I must go in, the fog is rising.” H.G. Wells urged, “Go away.

I’m all right.” Jane Austen had given up: “Nothing, but death.”

American president Andrew Jackson was sure of what would happen to him: “Oh, do not cry – be good children and we will all meet in heaven.”

Showman Florenz Ziegfeld commanded: “Curtain! Fast music! Light!

Ready for the last finale!

Great! The show looks good!” Thomas Alva Edison seemed to agree: “It is very beautiful over there.”

“Happy” was the last word Italian artist Raphael said. Before Sir Isaac Newton died, he delivered a long statement: “I don’t know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself now and then in finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than the ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”

Love, even in death, is popular. “Nothing, only ‘love one another,’” said William Henry Seward, architect of the Alaska Purchase, answered when asked if he had any final words. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sarte turned to his partner, Simone de Beauvior and said, “I love you very much, my dear Beaver.”

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories, died at age 71 in his garden. He turned to his wife and said, “You are wonderful,” then clutched his chest and died. Australian composer Percy Grainger also told his wife, “You’re

the only one I like.”

Hollywood actor John Wayne also had the same kind of last words to his wife: “Of course I know who you are. You’re my girl. I love you.” Marie was also the recipient of football coach Vince Lombardi’s last words: “Happy anniversary. I love you.”

But to those who are still alive, death is not a welcome visitor. “No matter how ready a person seems to be, death provokes anxiety,” notes Dr. Ma. Jocelyn G. Gayares, an adult psychiatrist.

Even Jesus Christ himself was afraid that he requested for company as he faced death. Mat-

thew 26:37-38 recorded: “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’”

Indeed, death is a mysterious thing. It’s one of those subjects that most people don’t want to talk about. “People are always serious about death,” Bob Harrington quipped. “I never met what you call tough people when they were dying.” To which American winning actor-director Woody Allen argued, “It’s not that I’m afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”

“Even in psychiatry, death is an unknown occurrence,” said Dr. Gayares. “No one knows his time of death nor what happens after death.

Waiting for death could be like waiting for the result of a licensure or board examination. One experiences sleeplessness, anxiety, shortness of breath and various body pains.

The unknown always elicit fear and anxiety.”

Is death the end of life itself? Baron de Montesquieu reminds, “We should weep for men at their birth, not at their death.” Death, after all, is part of the equation called life.

“Around us everyday, we see many examples

of death bringing forth life,” Frank Mihalic points out. “A kernel of corn is buried and it grows into a tall cornstalk. The ice cube dissolves and it cools the water. A match burns itself out to light a fire.

Water gets itself dirty to clean you. A battery goes dead giving you music and light. Wood burns itself out to cook your food.

Animals and plants die to give you your food. By dying, all these things rise to a higher life.”

But if a man dies, the patriarch Job asked, will he live again? Christians believe they will. The apostle Paul promises in I Corinthians 15:52: “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

The poet John Donne defies death by proclaiming, “Death be not proud, though some have called thee… / One short sleep past, we wake eternally, / And death shall be no more; death thou shalt die.”

In a cemetery in England, this epitaph was written: “Remember man, as you walk by, / As you are now, so once was I, / As I am now, so shall you be, / Remember this and follow me.”

To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone: “To follow you I’ll not consent, / Until I know which way you went."

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

EDITORIAL Substandard school buildings In the wake of the recent tremors that struck Davao City, most of the buildings that suffered damages were public school buildings. The list submitted by the Public Safety Office of the city government after the October 29 quake showed this worrisome fact.

A student died in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur died after she was hit by falling debris when part of the Kasuga National High School collapsed.

Are public school buildings not structurally up to standard? That is the question that must be addressed by government agencies involved in the entire process of bidding, building, inspection and acceptance of school buildings.

The damaged school buildings only reflected substandard construction. There is a need for the Department of Education to assess all school buildings with the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways. The safety of students and teachers

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

inside places of learning must not be compromised.

But more than that, it is high time that a review of building standards for public schools be made. Ditto with the contracts for public works.

The history of corruption in the bidding process for public contracts have always resulted in substandard projects from roads to buildings.

Another concern are the old school buildings. A survey made several years back found structural defects in 80 percent of public school buildings inspected by the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Public Works and Highways. These old buildings were constructed as far back as the 1960s and 1970s, with their defects attributed to age and use over the years.

It’s time these old buildings are condemned and replaced with new. And given the constant problem on school room shortage in the country, this problem is not going to come cheap and easy.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Correspondent

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. ADAM B. MORRELL DR. MAURO L. PUYOD CHRISTIAN JAY H. RAFAL CHA MONFORTE Cartoonist Layout/Cartoons Correspondent 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

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

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

9

MUJAHID NAVARRA UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

LIFE AFTER DEATH All Saint’s Day and All Souls’ Day are two celebrations that Muslims do not participate in as these two are religious celebrations that Muslims should not have any form of participation whatsoever. But Muslims do not disregard these two solemn holidays because we do not see remembering and preparing for our own deaths as insignificant. It is just a mere observance of what a Muslim is allowed or not allowed to do or participate with. Muslims, actually are more meditative with regards to death and the Afterlife that we do not need a special holiday for it.

PHILOSOPHICAL BASIS OF AN AFTERLIFE For most people, it is easy to deny any kind of an Afterlife or life after death as most of the evidences presented about these have something to do with belief of some kind in a religion, a scripture or a supreme being which are not really popular especially among the materially driven people of today. People who do not believe in afterlife may not necessarily call themselves atheists or agnostics as most of them simply do not care.

Any talk about the afterlife is immediately dismissed by these people as mere fiction or a de-

lusion that some enterprising people were able to sell as real and just plain waste of time to talk about.

But the belief in life after death could be deducted despite our own finite understanding of the world around us. This could be reached by using the principle of pairs. The principle of pairs states that everything in the universe operate in the universal principle of having something that is direct opposite pair that repels each other or a complementary pair that pulls each other.

Atoms, for example, are composed of both negative and positive charges, living beings reproduce by having male and female species while magnets work by having a south pole and a north pole. It is therefore not totally crazy or unacceptable for man to believe that beyond this finite world, there is an infinite parallel world in the afterlife where absolute justice, harmony and never-ending life could exist for those who deserve it according to the designs of its creator – God. People who believe in a religion call this place as Paradise.

The only place where humans could fulfill their infinite desires that could never be fulfilled in a

finite world where we grow old and weak and we could only acquire so much material possessions until we find ourselves in conflict with the others.

Prophet Muhammad said, “If the son of Adam had two valleys of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam’s son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to Him.” Narrated

by Imam Al Bukhari. Therefore, Paradise is the ultimate destination that the human could wish for and strive for if he wanted his dreams to be really fulfilled as there is only too much that we could achieve in this finite world using our finite abilities.

On the other hand, there is another part of this parallel world that is reserved for those who will not be deemed deserving of the eternal blessings of living in Paradise especially those who have built their Paradise here on Earth. Prophet Muhammad said, “The world is a prison-house for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer.”

Narrated by Imam Al Bukhari.

We know this place as Hell.

Another philosophical basis is the cause and effect theory that states that nothing in the universe exists except that there

is a reason or purpose in its creation and this further validates any form of belief in an Afterlife. Since God is the designer of humans as He is the creator, he created humans and put them on Earth for a purpose – to be tested in this finite world and be rewarded in the infinite world.

THE MUSLIM’S MODERATE VIEW OF LIFE AND AFTERLIFE Muslims literally remember death and prepare for it, each and every day of their lives. In a prophetic narration, Abdullah bin Omar reported “Allah’s Messenger took hold of my shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.” The sub-narrator added: Ibn `Umar used to say, “If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and take from your life for your death.” Narrated by Imam Al Bukhari Muslims are ordered in this narration to make the most out of their lives in enjoying that which they could enjoy of the wholesome, allowed and good things in life and yet they are made to remember death often and treat each moment as if it

was their last. This makes Muslims on the path of moderation in terms of their worldly life and their afterlife. There are people who have shunned every kind of material possession in order to focus on acts of worship while some people focus themselves on worldly matters exclusively without even looking at the possibility of an afterlife. Muslim come in between these two.

SYSTEMATIC WAY OF ACHIEVING A GOOD AFTERLIFE But Muslims do not simply hope for a good life in the Hereafter in a haphazard, random manner as if he is betting on a lottery. Allah has clarified the methodology on how humans could reach Paradise with nothing left out to chance whether a person shall enter Paradise or not. God’s design is perfect and any chaos that we observe in this world is part of His plan of making this world a testing ground for His creation which gives this chaos purpose. Everything that people undergo through is designed to test whether he or she will remain faithful to God or be among those who shall be thankless and proud in worshipping God alone without partners according to the way He wished to be worshipped.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

UFO SIGHTINGS IN DAVAO SKIES Unidentified flying objects (UFO) and other terrestrial sightings associated with ethereal events and celestial phenomena are a global subject that has drawn attention even for the most conservative sectors of the scientific community.

Testimonies about alien abductions, sightings of flying machines, and testimonies of contact with strangers from the otherworld thrive in many claims that generated bizarre interpretations than factual investigations.

In missionary chronicles, similar reports can be found. On February 24, 1891, Jesuit priest Fr. Juan B. Llopart was surprised during a night trip when his cabin crew shouted: “Flames in the sky!” At the time they were travelling from Burutburut harbor (west of Cape San Agustin) and were sailing for Sigaboy (now Gov. Generoso town), Davao Oriental.

The priest, in his May 31, 1891 letter to the Mission Superior written while in Mati (now a city), said he hurried outside the banca and asked where the flames were and was directed

to the sky. He saw “two shining disks on the eastern horizon, at a sufficient distance from each other, one in the north, the other in the south,” adding: “We sailed on, watching the phenomenon. About 30 0r 40 minutes later, we suddenly heard two loud explosions from the east, one after the other. It seemed as though the meteors had exploded, not in the upper sphere, but on the slopes of those mountains close by. I thought hey cold have been aeroliths.”

(An aerolith is “a meteorite consisting mainly of stony matter.”)

The explosions were not only heard from where they started their trip. Upon reaching Sigaboy for a brief respite, the residents, who were obviously scared at what they heard, told the padre about what they had experienced about the blasts. Fr. Llopart wrote: “In Sigaboy, the frightened people described the same phenomenon, although some said they had heard three detonations, others four, and still others two. They added that after the explosions, a loud heavy noise reechoes through the mountains.

It could be the echo of the same detonation. We ourselves heard two explosions, nothing more.

Here in Mati, people also noted the same detonations from the same direction.”

The ‘verdict:’ the two shining discs seen by the missionary were “flying saucers” as they are known today among UFO researchers, hunters, and enthusiasts. In recent decades, such sightings have been documented in local publications and witnessed by credible persons.

For instance, at eight o’clock in the morning of April 1, 1979, Ron E. Krupa, an American Peace Corps volunteer assigned with the Philippine Eagle Center (now a foundation) at Baracatan, Toril, Davao City, reporting seeing a ‘bright star’ in the sky. He later submitted his own narrative on the incident to the Philippine Center for Aerial Phenomenon Studies (PCAS).

Embellishing Krupa’s eyewitness account was a story that appeared in a local publication dated October 1979 which added details like claiming six hundred other people had observed the phenomenon and that it sup-

posedly “landed afterwards in a nearby barrio in full view of the villagers present for about 20 minutes.”

Krupa’s notes about the incident mentioned that “the antenna (of the flying object) could be seen, the vertical one had a strobe like light that flashed (ineligible) at 20 second intervals…

[The] clear translucent bubble phase out like a light dimmer turning down the light intensity. It turned itself off and disappeared. It never moved nor did it land.”

Nine years later, in 1988, at around 7:30 in the evening, a witness known by his alias, Stargazer, claimed that while going home that Saturday night from a visit to his aunt’s place just next door, he felt an urge to look up to the sky. He narrated: “Something compelled me to look up and about 10 seconds later I saw a white light, which at first, I thought was one of the stars because it wasn’t moving, at first. Then it flashed and moved upward, at great speed. It then stopped, flashed and moved upward again, at the same speed.

It did the same thing, once

more… [f]lashed and sped upward, before it disappeared into the night sky. Whatever it was it wasn’t manmade. No manmade craft can stop and sit on the air like that, then move that fast and disappear into the outer atmosphere.”

Only one other witnessed was reported to have observed the phenomenon, which transpired in Davao City. Stargazer’s narrative was not specific as to the shape of the object.

On July 7, 2014, again in Davao City, another similar incident but was reported online indicated that the phenomenon was witnessed by fifteen persons and the object had a disk shape.

At the time of the occurrence the weather condition was partly cloudy.

Of course, the list of ‘eyewitness accounts’ of other reported incident is long. Most of the extraterrestrial sightings were associated with round discs, strobe lights, high speed, and disappearance. It was only in the priest’s report that explosions were reported, presumably as a result of aerial crashes that reverberated even from a distance.

10

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

Signify lighting wins big in 2019 Sustainability Business Awards

M

ANILA, PHILIPPINES – Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, honoured with 5 awards in the recently held 2019 Sustainability Business Awards (SBA). Lauded by top sustainability industry leaders, Signify Philippines was recognized in four major categories: “Best in Strategy and Sustainability Management”, “Best in Energy Management”, “Best in Climate Change”, and “Special Recognition in Waste and Material Productivity”. These recognitions led the SBA to award Signify as one of the overall winners in sustainability in business, with Ayala Land receiving the same award.

Global Initiatives, primary organizer of the awards, said that the accolades aim to recognize outstanding leadership in sustainable business practices. The awards also show the commitment of various businesses in the Philippines towards sustainability through various sustainable initiatives and services.

Signify Philippines country manager Jagan Srinivasan said that the recognition affirms the company’s leadership in sustainability. “Our compa-

ny vision is putting sustainability in our business DNA. By changing the way we create and use light, we can improve lives and provide a positive impact in this planet,” he added.

In 2016, Signify launched its “Brighter Lives, Better World” program which aims to set targets for sustainable revenues and sustainable operations leading up to 2020. These commitments include 80% of its revenues will be sustainable and to be one of the first carbon neutral companies in 2020.

Examples of reusable water containers

Signify being at the forefront of promoting sustainable and smart lighting technology in the Philippines has also started partnerships with Ormoc City and Puerto Princesa City to install smart lighting systems to accelerate both cities’ transformation as smart and sustainable cities in the Philippines.

Aside from local initiatives, Signify continues to walk the talk as the leader in energy sustainability.

Recently, Signify chief executive officer Eric Rondolat called for governments and organizations to join the “Three Percent Club.”

According to Rondolat, this is a group of governments and organizations that will commit to driving an increase of 3% energy efficiency each year using existing, cost-effective technologies and policy instruments.

Rondolat argues that if an increase of 3% energy efficiency is driven by 3% increase in renovation rates of buildings, including a 3% increase in use of renewables per year, carbon neutrality can be achieved in 2050. “I am optimistic that once we introduce the Three Percent Club initiative of our CEO, more Philippine companies will join

SIGNIFY, P12

Signify Philippines country manager Jagan Srinivasan (right most) receives five major awards from Global Initiative and PricewaterhouseCoopers Philippines.

Green Groups urge Undas travelers, cemetery visitors to bring water in reusable containers

I

n a bid to reduce the consumption of disposable plastic bottles, two zero waste advocacy groups urged those embarking on their Undas journey and those visiting the tombs of their deceased relatives to bring their own water in reusable containers.

Through a joint statement, the EcoWaste Coalition and the Mother Earth

Foundation (MEF) urged the public to go for reusable water containers, which can be re-used countless times, to curb the mounting plastic waste that is polluting the environment, including the oceans.

“Opting for water in reusable containers instead of throw-away plastic bottles, which are petrochemical products, will be hugely

beneficial for the environment and the climate,” said Sonia Mendoza, Chairman, MEF. “As our nation and the entire planet wrestle with the negative impacts of chemical and plastic pollution and climate change, we urge everyone to go for reusable containers and fill them with clean tap water or, if needed, with boiled or

ior Vice President Peter Maquera make the partnership between Phoenix Petroleum and Globe Business official.

GREEN, P12

Phoenix, Globe Business, provide free mobile calls

P

(L-R) Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. General Manager for VisMin Evelyn Gerodias, Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. President Henry Fadullon, Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert de Larrazabal, and Globe Business Sen-

filtered water,” added Mendoza who is also an Adviser to the EcoWaste Coalition.

According to studies in the US, “bottling water releases 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually and takes 17 million barrels of oil to produce a year’s supply, which is enough to fuel 1.3 million cars for the year

hoenix LPG Philippines, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc., now offers free mobile calls to its SUPER LPG delivery hotline #SUPER (#78737) powered by Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe Telecom.

This mobile solution allows fast and easy access to delivery services for anyone who needs a Phoenix SUPER LPG whether in Metro Manila or in the provinces.

To avail of free calls, customers just need to press the hashtag (#) key before dialing 78737 on their cellular phone, regardless of the mobile service provider.

“We would like to thank Globe Business for further strengthening Phoenix Petroleum as a trusted LPG provider,” said Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. Presi-

dent Henry Fadullon. “Our credible and efficient green alternative fuel for home cooking is now a convenient call away through #SUPER. We could not be happier that more people can now discover the joys of cooking as we give modern Filipinos the freedom to master their kitchens.”

To this, Globe Business Senior Vice President Peter Maquera responded, “We are honored to have been chosen by Phoenix as their partner for this endeavor.

Globe Business always aspires to provide Philippine enterprises opportunities to elevate service delivery and customer-centricity, and that is why a growing number of the country’s top companies have and are partnering with us to avail of the #Hashtag ser-

PHOENIX, P12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

11

PRRD orders immediate help for Mindanao quake victims

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte has directed all concerned government agencies to expedite the delivery of assistance to the victims of the destructive earthquake that once again shook parts of Mindanao on Thursday morning.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured the quake victims that the national government’s response teams from disaster risk management agencies are already “on top of the situation”.

“He (Duterte) has ordered all government agencies to check and submit a report about the Mindanao earthquake, to ensure government buildings and public school buildings are safe, and to make sure evacuees are located in a safe area,” Andanar said in a statement on Thursday.

“President Duterte has

also instructed agencies with specific tasks with regards to their functions,” he added.

Andanar said the President has already instructed the Social Welfare and Health departments to be in charge of relief and medical assistance.

The Department of Energy has been directed to check power interruptions in quake-hit areas, while the Department of Public Works and Highways has been tasked to monitor whether roads or highways are passable or not, Andanar added.

Andanar likewise noted that the Department of Labor and Employment

DUTERTE... FROM2

has been asked to report job displacements of workers in affected areas and provide the necessary assistance.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 rocked some areas in Mindanao on Thursday morning, the second tremor to jolt the region this week.

The strong quake was felt 33 kilometers east of Tulunan town in Cotabato province at around 9:11 a.m., Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in its bulletin.

On Tuesday (Oct. 29), a 6.6 magnitude earthquake also rattled Tulunan, Cotabato, leaving at least eight people dead.

Quake victims told to check updates from ‘legitimate’ sources Andanar urged local chief executives to closely coordinate with national agencies to ensure immediate help to quake vic-

agencies are already on top of the situation.

“The President, however, deems it appropriate to refrain from personally inspecting the disaster-stricken areas and directing actions in response to the catastrophe as there are already ongoing operations by the responsible local government units, and they have so far effectively responded to the current critical situation,” Panelo said.

However, Panelo said the President will still push through with his trip to Bangkok, Thailand on Friday afternoon to participate in the 35th

ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Before he leaves for his foreign trip, the President will visit the grave of his parents in Davao City.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake struck 33 kilometers northeast of Tulunan, North Cotabato at 9:11 am, just two days after a magnitude 6.6 tremor hit the same area, killing at least 8 people.

The Philippines suffers regular tremors as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. (PNA)

detector machine from the disaster volunteer “Knight Hawk Group” has been offered to help the rescue team determine the possibility of any survivor trapped in the collapsed building.

“Coast Guard cadaver sniffing dogs are also helping the rescue operations. Our rescuers did not hear anybody from the collapsed building asking for help,” Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte has suspended classes at all levels in the city both in private and public schools from October 31 to November 4, 2019.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) confirmed that there is no reported fatality and missing persons in the city and that the Ecoland Residences 4000 is the only reported severely damaged infrastructure.

(PNA)

his hand against name and game former champions in Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Roman Gonzalez and Carlos Cuadras.

But first, he must get through Rodriguez (21-1, 15 KOs), a 24-year-old fighting for the first time outside of Mexico. Rodriguez is coming off a TKO

win in June against Felipe Orucuta, who lost by decision to the hard-hitting Estrada in 2018.

“Rodriguez was really impressive in his last fight,” said Ancajas. “We’ve prepared hard for this fight. As a fighter, it is my job to put on a good fight and make it entertaining.”

numerous players and coaches joining in. Towns appeared to throw a punch as the players hit the floor. After an extensive review by league officials, Embiid and Towns both were ejected.

Philadelphia had a 92-78 advantage after the third quarter.

Korkmaz knocked down a 3-pointer and later added a dunk and

the Sixers quickly pulled ahead 97-80 with 8:27 remaining in the fourth.

The Timberwolves missed their first nine shots of the fourth and fell behind 102-80 thanks to a 10-0 Sixers run.

After Minnesota closed within 104-89, Josh Richardson responded with a trey to extend the Sixers lead back to 18.

COLLAPSED... FROM4

ANCAJAS... FROM15

EMBIID.. FROM15

tims.

To avoid panic, Andanar called on the public to continue monitoring “legitimate” advisories and announces from the government.

“We sympathize with the people who have been affected by the series of earthquakes that have struck Mindanao in the past couple of weeks,” he said.

“While the government is doing its part, we urge the residents and individuals in the affected areas to stay safe and remain vigilant of possible aftershocks; and to report to the authorities unsafe damaged structures,” he added.

PCOO’s ‘Laging Handa: Earthquake Update’ activated The latest tremor prompted Andanar to activate the “Laging Handa: Earthquake Update," an initiative that will inform

the public of the government’s response and other actions.

Andanar tapped PCOO Assistant Secretary Joseph Lawrence Garcia to lead the over-all Laging Handa operations in Davao City.

The PCOO’s monitoring of the situation in earthquake-hit areas will involve state-run People’s Television, Philippine News Agency, Philippine Broadcasting Service, Bureau of Communications Services, Philippine Information Agency, and Radio Television Malacañang, Andanar noted.

“We remind everyone to stay compassionate and considerate to each other in these trying times.

While we're at it, let us pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao and for their quick recovery and return to normalcy,” he said.

Amendment to National Building Code sought

The 6.5-magnitude quake destroyed several buildings and roads in affected areas.

The massive damage to infrastructure following the quake convinced Andanar that it was "high time" to amend Republic Act (RA) 6541 or the National Building Code of the Philippines.

Andanar was optimistic that Congress would pass a measure that will introduce amendments to RA 6541.

“We are also calling on the legislature to amend the National Building Code to avoid further structural danger during natural disasters,” he said.

“It's high time to revamp and tighten this outdated law as its current framework is very lax. Let us not wait for a disaster to happen before we become strict in granting building permits,” Andanar added.

(PNA)

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

12 EDGEDAVAO PCC... FROM4

Manila, Makati, Pasig, Cebu City, Iloilo City, Davao City, and Cagayan de Oro City shall be enforceable nationwide. Other special commercial courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

Any person or entity who fails or refuses to comply with an inspection order may be cited for contempt of court that may result in fine, imprisonment, or both.

“The PCC extends its profound thanks to the Supreme Court for strengthening our armory of investigative tools to detect, investigate and prosecute

anti-competitive agreements and conduct. The rules strike a balance between due process and public interest in enforcing the competition law,” Balisacan said.

The rules were drafted by a special committee with SC Justice, now Chief Justice, Diosdado Peralta as chair; Justice Alexander Gesmundo as vice-chair; and Court Administrator Midas Marquez, PCC Commissioners Amabelle Asuncion, Johannes Bernabe and Macario de Claro, Jr., as well as lawyers Rigor Pascual, Genevieve Jusi and Gifany Tongohan as members. (PR)

go in phases” such as the survey of a third party to address gaps.

Results of the survey, which was presented during the event Wednesday, showed that the country is committed to a systematic approach to finalizing its nuclear power strategy and is completing the associated infrastructure development.

Cusi said they will meet with officials of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by December to submit the country’s action plan on how to close the gap.

He said measures toward the move to tap geothermal energy have been delayed for three years because this is a complicated process.

He is optimistic that approval of policies and regulations will be finished within the Duterte administration, but not the materialization of the power plant itself.

The country has an existing nuclear power plant, known as the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, although it was never used. It was constructed in the 1980s in Morong, Bataan to secure capacity following the 1973 oil crisis.

Originally, the plan was

to construct a power plant with two nuclear reactors but only one reactor was constructed costing about USD2.3 billion.

The plant was mothballed on fears of similar incidents following the 1979 Three Mile Island accident in the United States and the Chernobyl disaster in what was then the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

There were also myths about the plant’s location that energy officials have denied.

These myths include that the plant was constructed on top a fault and it was built on eruptive products on the flanks of Mount Natib, which is a dormant volcano.

“Had we adopted nuclear, the nuclear that the Philippines envisioned then, in the late 1960s or the early 70s, the Philippines economic landscape would have been different,” Cusi said.

“The project has been demonized and up to now, that is affecting us, that’s making life difficult for us.

But as I’ve said before all the accusations, all the allegations about the nuclear or the BNPP have been answered by time. And we have proven them wrong,” he added. (PNA)

sure that overall monetary conditions remain in line with maintaining the BSP's

price and financial stability objectives," the central bank said.

or power 190,000 homes.”

“As not all reusable water containers are the same, we advise the public to select safe substitutes to disposable plastic bottles.

If metal-based containers such as vacuum flasks are preferred, please pick those that are not coated with lead paint as we have detected dangerously high lead levels on some painted flasks being offered for sale in local stores. Also, shun those are not certified free of Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disruptor,” said Thony Dizon, Chemical Safety Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

“If buying water in disposable plastic bottles cannot be avoided, we ask Undas travelers not to toss the used ones out of the car windows, throw them on

the sidewalk, or burn them along with other discards in cemeteries. Dispose of empty bottles in recycling bins or hand them over to waste recyclers please,” added Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

Studies indicate that “reusable bottles are a safe, less wasteful and eventually more cost-effective alternative to disposable ones,” the groups said.

“By opting for reusable bottles, we help in reducing the volume of plastic waste that gets burned, dumped or spilled into the oceans, cut hazardous chemicals production, use and pollution, protect animals, especially marine life, and their natural habitat, and save money, too,” the groups emphasized.

CUSI... FROM5

MONEY... FROM6 GREEN... FROM10

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

SAMSUNG... FROM6 end smartphones.

But Tom Kang, research director at Counterpoint Research, noted Samsung's flagship Note 10 device had sold far better than previous models -- and that the firm would benefit from restrictions imposed by Washington on its key Chinese competitor.

"From September, Huawei's devices have been unable to have Google mobile services," he told AFP. "This is also likely to continue giving Samsung's mobile phones a significant advantage."

Increasing availability of 5G services next year in the US, Japan and China is likely to boost Samsung's sales, added Mia Huang, an analyst at Taipei-based market intelligence firm TrendForce.

"There is a good chance that 5G smartphones will occupy up to 10 percent of Samsung's product lineup, compared to around one

percent this year," she said.

Operating profit plunged 55.7 percent to 7.8 trillion won in the third quarter, the firm said, while sales fell 5.3 percent to 62 trillion won.

But analysts voiced optimism for the coming months, noting that falling inventory levels for semiconductors -- which account for more than half of Samsung's profit -- will help stabilize chip prices after double-digit drops this year.

Adding to the firm's difficulties, the retrial of its vice chairman Lee Jaeyong began last week over a sprawling corruption scandal that could see him return to prison.

He is not being held in custody during the trial, but it is expected to last for months and a guilty verdict could deprive the firm of its top decision-maker.

Samsung shares closed unchanged in Seoul on Thursday.

SIGNIFY... FROM10 the club as we work handin-hand to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050,” Srinivasan said.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Philippines’ risk assurance partner Paul Chester See said that people are now more insistent in demanding companies to do business responsibly towards both community and the environment.

“More than ever, stakeholders want to know about an organization’s sustainability performance and how it is accurately reporting on its activities to support

climate change, resource scarcity and socially responsible investing,” See expounded.

Srinivasan said that these awards recognize Signify as one of the leading companies that deliver sustainability in every aspect of its business. “Signify is committed to be a longstanding partner of the Philippines to achieve its sustainable development goals before 2030. Our promise remains as the brand that brings brighter lives towards a better world,” he ended.

vice.”

Globe Business enables large corporations to catapult their business towards success. Combining its homegrown knowledge of the Philippine market with the latest innovations, they are able to provide the right technology, infrastructure, and know-how to business-

es from a wide range of industries. By doing so, Globe Business creates positive impact not only for enterprises, but also for the entire country.

To know more about Globe Business and how it can move your digital future, visit http://business. globe.com.ph.

PHOENIX... FROM10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

NATIONALS... FROM15

ANOTHER... FROM2 a re-assessment is being made by the DPWH after cracks were found.

Mayor Duterte has called off all classes in public and private schools in Davao City—from kindergarten to post-graduate studies—and work in government offices in Davao City.

The City Tourism Office also came up with an advisory to tourists that all bus terminals, seaports and airports in Davao City are operational and all tourism establishments are continually checking the worthiness of their buildings.

The tectonic tremor struck 33 kilometers northeast of Tulunan town, which was also the epicenter of Tuesday’s magnitude 6.6 quake and a magnitude 6.3 temblor last Oct. 16.

President Rodrigo Duterte was in Davao City when the quake struck as confirmed by the presidential daughter.

“Wala lang ko kabalo kung nakalakaw na siya pero I already reported to him that we are on top of the situation so that he can focus with other areas affected,” she said.

According to the Phil-

again when the structure collapsed during this morning’s quake.

None among the evacuees was injured, according to Sonny Fontanilla, of the Makilala Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

The evacuees decided to transfer at the back portion of the covered court, which they believe was a safe place.

Meantime, the bridge in Barangay Bulakanon, which connects Makilala town to Bansalan in Davao del Sur incurred damages.

Traffic enforcers ordered the vehicles to use only one lane while workers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have yet to rehabilitate the damaged struc-

ture.

Kidapawan Mayor Joseph Evangelista has yet to determine the quake’s impact to the city’s economy or how much income was lost because of the tremors.

The Oct. 29 quake led to the deaths of seven people in North Cotabato and one in Davao del Sur, reports from the Cotabato Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said. Two deaths were recorded in Barangay Lanao Kuran, Arakan; two in Makilala; and one each in Tulunan, M’lang, and Carmen, reports added.

In Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student died when he was hit by fallen debris last Oct. 29. (Malu Cadelina Manar / MindaNews)

7 RESCUED... FROM4

13

ippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the third powerful earthquake that jolted Mindanao this month will not spawn a tsunami but warned the public to expect aftershocks.

Phivolcs reported that Thursday’s earthquake was felt, at a depth of 2 kilometers, in the following areas: Intensity VII - Tulunan, Cotabato; Kidapawan City; Bansalan, Davao del Sur Intensity VI - Matanao, Davao Del Sur Instrumental Intensities: Intensity VII - Kidap-

awan City Intensity V- Malungon, Sarangani Intensity IV- Kiamba and Alabel,Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; Koronadal City; General Santos City Intensity III - Gingoog City; Cagayan De Oro City.

In Digos City, two workers were injured after a portion of the ceiling and canopy of a store here collapsed. The workers were doing inventory when the latest tremor rocked the city. They were retrieved from the rubble and were rushed to the hospital.

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.EVELYN B. ARCANGEL 2.EVELYN B. ARCANGEL 3.EVELYN B. ARCANGEL

CFP NO. NNN112419685 NNN707265168 613928-1

CONTRACT NO. 1003582 1003519 86848

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

Nov. 4,11,18/19

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

son, added another run in the eighth and then put the game out of reach with a two-run ninth inning before closer Daniel Hudson retired the side.

The game marked the first time in any American professional sport where the road team went 7-0 in a best-of-seven games series.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 8, Davao City

IN RE: IN THE MATTER OF ADOPTION OF THE CHILD MICHELLE ALDEA BARBA,

SP. PROC. NO. R-DVO-19-04672-SP EDGARDO A. ROJAS and MYRNA B. ROJAS,

Petitioners, -versusLOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY

x---------------------------------------------------/

ORDER This is a verified petition for the adoption of minor Michelle Aldea Barba and consequently, for her change of name to Michelle Barba Rojas.

Petitioners are directed to furnish the Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines (OSG) with a copy of his petition and its annexes, within three (3) days from receipt of this Order, and to submit proof thereof to the Court, thereafter. Upon receipt thereof, the OSG is directed to enter its appearance in this case within fifteen (15) days from receipt hereof.

The verified petition being sufficient in form and substance, the presentation and marking of petitioners’ exhibits proving compliance with the jurisdictional requirements is hereby set on February 5, 2020 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, before the branch Clerk of Court.

The marking of Petitioners’ other exhibits in support of this Petition, including all the documents intended to be attached to the petitioner’s and their witness/es’ respective judicial affidavits is hereby set on March 4, 2020 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, before the Branch Clerk of Court.

The said judicial affidavits, together with the duly-marked attachments, shall be filed in Court not later than March 14, 2020.

Set the presentation of evidence for the petitioners to March 19 and 20, 2020 both at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

Social Worker Ms. Loreli C. Basillote is hereby directed to submit separate child case study and home case study reports to address, particularly, the following: i. the availability of the minor for adoption; and, ii. the qualifications of petitioners, pursuant to Republic Act 8552, otherwise known as the “Domestic Adoption Act of 1998”, within thirty (30) days from receipt of this Order.

Petitioners are hereby directed to cause the publication of this Order at their expense, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation, which has been selected after raffle, in the City and the four (4) provinces of Davao and submit proof of compliance thereof, within ten (10) days from receipt of this Order.

Any person interested or who seeks to oppose the instant petition may appear to state why said petition should not be granted.

SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines October 10, 2019. (sgd.) GLENN DC. AQUINO Presiding Judge Oct. 21, 28 and Nov. 4, 2019

NOT DONE YET A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Mats College of Technol- by JMC Kings (2-0), Asian ogy (MCT) Navigators at International School of 6:00 pm.

Aeronautics and TechnolAt 7:00pm, the un- ogy (AISAT) (1-1), Atebeaten University of Min- neo de Davao University danao (UM) Wildcats Knights (1-2), Mannywill Pacquiao(Addu) says evenBlue at 40, he is not finished yet. stake its clean slate against BCD (0-1), UM Penaplata DMMA College of South- (0-1), and Rizal Memoern Philippines (DMMAC- rial Colleges (RMC) SP) Mariners to wrap up Bulldogs (0-2).

Saturday's quadruple header sponsored by The

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO 14 12 14 EDGEDAVAO

(CSL) Escandor Cup resumes at the Davao City Recreation Center. Escandor Cup/CSL photo VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 21,2019 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13,

SEE STORY ON P11

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE55 21• SUNDAY-MONDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY,MAY APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 26-27, VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

A4 INdulge!

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

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

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019

15

Women’s World Boxing Championship gold medalist Nesthy Petecio of Davao del Sur lifts the Southeast Asian Games during Wednesday’s torch run from Davao City ushering the country’s hosting of the biennial sports meet.

Lean Daval Jr

Ancajas eyes T unification in 115

Nationals beat Astros, win maiden World Series title

D

abawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas has held the IBF junior bantamweight title since 2016 and will look to defend it for the eighth consecutive time when he takes on Jonathan Javier Rodriguez on Saturday as the co-featured attraction to the Miguel Berchelt-Jason Sosa fight at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

Ancajas (31-1-2, 21 KOs) is excited to use the national platform that’ll be provided via ESPN to show

his skills and make statement as he eyes for a unification fight in 2020.

“I’m expecting this fight to be a challenge. Rodriguez is a traditional Mexican fighter who comes forward to fight. His heart is there.

I’m sure he is prepared and will show his best,” Ancajas told BoxingScene.com. “I’m expecting this fight to be a challenge. I will do my best to put on a big fight for bigger things to come.”

The 115-pound Filipino fighter still plans on campaigning in the divi-

Embiid, Towns ejected in Sixers’ win over Wolves

J

oel Embiid scored 19 points in 20 minutes before being ejected for a third-quarter brawl with Karl-Anthony Towns to lead the host Philadelphia 76ers past the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-95 on Wednesday night.

Embiid led six Philadelphia players in double figures. Tobias Harris scored 18 points, Furkan Korkmaz had 17 and Ben Simmons added 16. Al Horford scored 12 points and grabbed 16 rebounds and the Sixers improved to 4-0, joining only the San Antonio Spurs as the league’s undefeated teams.

James Ennis had 11 rebounds off the bench for the Sixers, who last won their first four games during the 2000-01 season.

Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 19 points, Jeff Teague added 15 and Towns had 13 before being ejected. Shabazz Napier also had 13 for Minnesota, which suffered its first loss in four games.

The Sixers were active on both ends of the court and built a 22-point lead in the first half before cruising to a 62-43 halftime advantage. Embiid led the Sixers with 13 points, including a deep 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left.

Towns paced the Timberwolves with 13, but they were outrebounded 32-13 in the first half.

The game turned ugly with 6:42 left in the third when Embiid and Towns became entangled and wrestled to the floor with

EMBIID, P11

sion. He said that although he’s a 10-year pro at 27 years-old, making the junior bantamweight limit is not an issue.

Ancajas is looking to have a shot at a unification fight between titleholders Kazuto Ioka (WBO) Khalid Yafai (WBA) and poundfor-pound WBC champion Juan Francisco Estrada.

“The plan is to win and unify the titles. We are looking for Estrada,” said Ancajas. “For me, I still want to remain at 115 and face the best of the best in

this weight class. I want to take risks and beat the champions.”

An immediate fight between Ancajas and Estrada seems unlikely, especially since Estrada has his sights set on Matchroom stablemate Yafai. Estrada co-promoter Fernando Beltran was planning for a December fight between them until Estrada experienced hand pain that forced a delay into the first quarter of 2020.

Ancajas can instead try

ANCAJAS, P11

he Washington Nationals stunned the Houston Astros 6-2 in a winner-take-all Game Seven on Wednesday to secure their maiden Major League Baseball World Series title.

The Astros got a dominant outing from starting pitcher Zack Greinke and took a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning but that was where the visiting Nationals finally struck back, grabbing a lead they would not relinquish.

When the final out was recorded, Nationals players streamed onto the field from the dugout and bullpen, tossing their gloves into the air with arms raised in celebration while the orange-clad crowd inside Houston’s Minute Maid Park watched in si-

Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns were ejected after a scuffle. Reuters.

lence.

READ: Nationals top Astros in Game 7 to win 1st World Series title For the Nationals, who began playing in the U.S. capital in 2005 when the Montreal Expos moved there and changed their name, the win put the finishing touches to a stunning turnaround after they began the season with a miserable 19-31 record.

Anthony Rendon kicked off the Nationals rally in the seventh with a solo shot off Greinke, and Howie Kendrick came up with a go-ahead two-run blast off Astros reliever Will Harris two batters later.

The Nationals, who faced elimination five times during the postsea-

NATIONALS, P13

16 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 169 • FRIDAY-MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1-4, 2019