Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 178 | Friday-Saturday, November 15-16, 2019

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2 villages in Shrine Hills declared unsafe for dwelling

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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wo villages in Davao City have been declared unsafe for residents after an investigation was made last week by the City Engineers Of�ice (CEO).

Juario Village and Nacilla Village, both located at Shrine Hills, were found to be unsafe for dwelling due to traces of subsidence and threat of falling boulders.

CEO of�icer-in-charge

Joseph Dominic Felizarta said the villages' residents, numbering more or less 100 families, were advised for immediate relocation to ensure safety from the risk of landslide.

“Juario Village is not safe anymore because of the boulders. Nahulog na ang uban boulders gikan sa taas. We declared the area for immediate relocation na jud because of the steepness of the

area,” Felizarta said in an interview.

Felizarta also said that during their monitoring with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau 11 (MGB 11) and the

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Employees of the city government of Davao cover their heads while going out of City Hall as they participate in the simultaneous earthquake drill on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

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CDRRMO asks gov’t offices to create own disaster team

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City Engineer’s Office (CEO) chief Engr. Joseph Dominic Felizarta gives his assessment and instructions after CEO staff inspected City Hall, Sangguning Panlungsod building and other government buildings in the vicinity during the simultaneous earthquake drill on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

P22M allocated for Pasko Fiesta

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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usting off from recent calamities, the city is rolling out an exciting month-long Pasko Fiesta which also comes with a hefty price.

Prepped to the tune of P22 million, this year’s celebration will go by the theme “Santa’s Toy Factory.”

“This is considering that marami tayong nagastos this year because of the calamities at the same time hindi natin puwedeng pabayaan ang city.

The theme for this year is Santa’s Toy Factory kasi per mayor Sara Christmas is for kids so we want them to be happy and see all this decors this year and medyo naman matatanggal din sa isip natin ang mga nangyari this past few weeks here in the city. This is some sort of a therapy

also to make everybody happy,” Generose Tecson, City Tourism Operations Of�ice (CTOO) head told media in I-Speak.

The budget is within the vicinity of the amount bankrolled last year.

Among the highlights of the event is the Lamdag Parada (lighted parade) which is tweaked this year and is open to all Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) members and pedicab drivers only. In previous years, it was open to all types of vehicles.

“The only change this year is the Lamdag Parada ang ating iilawan this time ay mga pedicabs kasi we

are hoping that we can encourage legitimate pedicab owners that they can light up their pedicabs to go around their routes para maging makulay at kahayag sa Pasko �iesta,” Tecson said.

Each entry will showcase a lighted “pedicab” based on the theme and should carry the spirit of merrymaking.

Other Pasko Fiesta activities include Pasko Fiesta carnival, Kahayag sa Pasko, LGBT Christmas Party, Pasko Kumbira sa City Hall, Pasko Daba-Daba, Sayaw sa Pasko Fiesta, Parol sa mga Barangay, Pasko sa mga Lumad, Panaygon sa Davao, Pahalipay ni Santa, Koro sa Pasko, and Yugyugan sa Pasko Fiesta.

All weekend activities will be held in Sta. Ana Wharf.

Tecson said the city

has prepared a different Pasko Fiesta opening slated on November 22 that Davaoeños will enjoy. The opening will feature a 3D wall mapping at city hall.

“Hindi muna namin sasabihin kung ano ang mangyayari just be there.

I am also very excited kasi dream ko po pag opening ng Pasko Fiesta and dito sa façade ng city hall para makita an gating city hall and its gonna happen at pag opening tuloy tuloy po ang paglight ng Christmas Tree and we will end up in the 3D wallmapping,” she said.

Tecson said on the part of the private sector, Phoenix Petroleum already committed to fund the Torotot Festival, a festival celebrated in Davao City every New Year’s Eve which involves the blowing party horns.

terio said the city government has extended efforts to help the farmers improve their yield and practices through various training and �inancial assistance.

He said the city also created strategies to further help the local farmers lead better lives.

"This Gawad Saka Award is the biggest agricultural award. This is such a big thing for us since it shows that our farmers are really innovating," he said.

Gawad Saka is the

highest form of recognition given by DA annually to deserving farmers and �isherfolk in the country who have excelled in the various sectors of agriculture.

Around 4000 farmers have so far bene�ited from the programs that the city offers for the development of various crops such as cacao, corn, and tilapia and bangus �ingerlings for the �isherfolk sector.

It has been almost a decade since the city last won the most prestigious

award that the DA gives out to farmers and local government units.

Leuterio said helping the city government in improving the lot of farmers is the Urbanized City Agricultural and Fisheries Council (UCAFC).

"The organization helps us bridge the programs to the farmers, especially in the most important things that the farmers need. They are made up of all the industries. The closer we are with them, the more we

Davao City bags 2019 Gawad Saka Award

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avao City earned another feather on its cap after the Department of Agriculture (DA) cited the city government's programs supporting the farmers and �isherfolk.

DA conferred Davao City this year's National Gawad Saka Award for its contribution to the development of agriculture and the �ishery sector. The city also received P50,000 as cash incentive.

City Agriculturist Of�icer (CAO) Leo Brian Leu-

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o ensure that all bases are covered and no one will be caught off guard when emergencies happen, various of�ices of the city government are encouraged to create their own disaster team.

Lyndon Ancajas, administrative training chief of City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) told media that they are directed to conduct a survey in various of�ices starting next week to check if each government of�ice has a trained disaster team with emergency kit.

“This is to enhance and intensify disaster preparedness. Tuyukon namo tanan of�ices starting next week. Every government of�ice must have a trained disaster action team so that if there is an actual scenario and there are patients, trained disaster team from the City Hall will be available to provide �irst aid,” he said in an interview after the simultaneous nationwide earthquake and �ire drills conducted yesterday.

Ancajas also said that employees of the city always take earthquake and �ire drills seriously this is based on the participation in the nationwide simultaneous earthquake and �ire drill that aims to boost disaster awareness and preparedness in the country.

Ancajas noted that

despite the very short notice employees of the city hall participated well in the drill. At exactly 9 in the morning yesterday in the cue of the alarm, city hall employees came out covering their heads and packed in Quezon and Rizal Parks.

“I think the full participation is one good sign that the City Government of Davao is participative and resilient. The participation of city is high when it comes to drills. In today’s drill we followed the process ang uban natingala nganong dugay kay gipatuyok pa sa CEO and inspect thoroughly the buildings. Tama pud ang atoang protocol na dili derecho musulod kay kung tinuod na linog ni still unsure sa atong structure sa building maong gitagaan nato ug enough time for complete assessment of the buildings,” Ancajas said.

He cited that a memo was issued by the city for a monthly �ire and earthquake drills being implemented since March this year. He added that they were ordered by the Of�ice of the Administrator to conduct an earthquake drill due to the recent earthquakes that rocked the city and Mindanao.

Communities in the city’s various barangays also participated in the said drill. By Maya M. Padillo

Balay Mindanaw to file complaint vs SWAT team

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taste of Martial Law.” That was how Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig, Chairman Emeritus of the Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. (BMFI) summed up what happened Wednesday afternoon at the Balay Mindanao Peace Center when a police SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team barged in and conducted what he described as an “illegal search” that traumatized its employees and young participants from Marawi who had just completed a two-day training on trauma healing and forgiveness.

The Balay Mindanaw Peace Center in Bulua houses the of�ices of the BMFI and its training center.

The 23-year old peace and development NGO will �ile a complaint against the police, Manlupig said.

According to Manlupig, uniformed armed SWAT policemen with K9 dogs “barged into the Balay Mindanaw Peace Center without asking permission, without even saying anything. They hurriedly left, again without saying a word.”

The SWAT team’s vehicle, which had no plate number, was photographed as it left the Center.

The SWAT team searched their lobby and the bags of Moro youth from Marawi who had just �inished a two-day Training

of Facilitators for Psychosocial Support.

The training had 20 youth participants from Marawi.

Manlupig said the youngsters, survivors of the �ive-month Marawi Siege in 2017 who are volunteers in providing psychosocial support, had checked out of their rooms and had placed their bags at the lobby of the Peace Center when the SWAT team arrived.

“The K9 handler focused on inspecting the bags. They hurriedly left, again without saying a word,” he said.

Manlupig said the SWAT team did not introduce themselves and did not present a search warrant to the staff of BMFI. “The police of�icers conducted the search without saying any word. It traumatized all of our staff and the volunteers,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Mindanao’s 27 provinces and 33 cities under martial law on May 23, 2017, Day 1 of the Marawi Siege, supposedly only for 60 days but he asked Congress for three extensions, the last one to expire on December 31 this year. Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana, concurrent martial law administrator, earlier this week recommended the lifting of martial law and the strengthening of the

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Gov’t agencies to launch Mindanao solar-powered water supply project

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Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) technical adviser for special concerns Matias Regis discusses during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday some details of Vice Mayor Sebatian Duterte’s

China trip next week which will mainly focus on business meetings with Chinese investors. Lean Daval Jr

Chief reshuffled BARMM cabinet

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hief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim announced changes in the Cabinet of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) effective November 11, among them his serving in a concurrent capacity as Finance Minister.

The BARMM Bureau of Public Information on Tuesday said Ebrahim, who served in a concurrent capacity since February as Minister of Public Works has taken over the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MBFBM) from Eduard Guerra, a licensed architect who will now serve as Public

Works Minister.

Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, had served in a concurrent capacity as Public Works Minister since the BARMM took over from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on February 26 this year.

Ebrahim, who made the announcement during

Next PRRD-Misuari meet set on December 6: Go

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resident Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari will meet again on December 6, Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Go said the President and the MNLF leader have yet to �inalize their meeting place to discuss their resolve to put an end to the decades-old con�lict in Mindanao.

“So sa December 6, magkakaroon sila ng panibagong meeting, along with the MNLF of�icials and on the part of the government of the Philippines (So on December 6, they will hold another meeting, along with the MNLF

of�icials and on the part of the government of the Philippines),” Go, Duterte’s former special aide, said on the sidelines of an event at Malacañan Palace.

“Usapan nila, palitan, Manila, Davao and even Zamboanga. Sabi ni Pangulo, kung saan sa tingin ninyo, convenient on both parties, kung saan sila pwedeng mag-usap (They agreed to hold the meeting either in Manila, Davao, and even Zamboanga. The President said the meeting place should be convenient for both parties who will talk peace),” he added.

The national government and the MNLF are expected to �inalize the creation of a peace coordinating committee in De-

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a Cabinet meeting on Monday, said Abdulraof Macacua, who was appointed Environment Minister in February, will now serve as Executive Secretary aside from being Environment Minister of the nine-month old BARMM. Before he was named to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and the BARMM Cabinet, Macacua was Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

Macacua replaced Mike Pasigan as Executive Secretary.

BARMM comprises the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, and the

cities of Marawi, Lamitan and Cotabato City, and 63 villages in six North Cotabato towns. Cotabato City and the North Cotabato villages voted yes to inclusion in the BARMM during the plebiscites in January and February but these local government units have yet to be turned over to the BARMM. When they took over from the ARMM on February 26, Ebrahim, head of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that is governing the BARMM until June 30, 2022, vowed a government that will “really be free of all the ills of governance.”

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Residents who evacuated to the town center of Makilaa, North Cotabato following quake-induced landslides in their hinterland villages are evacuees twice over as their makeshift tents in the evacuation camps collapsed or were destroyed by a hailstorm on Monday, November 11,

arious government agencies will launch the Mindanao Water Supply and Irrigation Systems Project here on December 6, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said on Wednesday.

In a press statement, MinDa said the project will be launched in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and selected Mindanao local government units (LGUs).

“We want our LGUs to access funding for the establishment of solar water supply and irrigation systems not only to provide potable water for their remote villages but also to prepare them for the expected El Niño next year,” MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.

Piñol said the project aims to provide sources of safe drinking water for the off-grid villages in Mindanao and Palawan, while at the same time give farmers access to irrigation water for their crops, particularly rice.

“We cannot let the 2,000 barangays in Mindanao to still live without safe sources of

drinking water. More so we have to assist LGUs to irrigate their 100,000 hectares of rice farms to counter the El Niño next year,” he said.

The Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) is a brainchild of Piñol during his stint as secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

The SPIS has been proven to increase farmers’ productivity, allowing them to plant rice twice a year and increase their yield.

“Since we cannot grant the program fully free to the farmers, we can secure the help of DBP by providing loan assistance with signi�icant low interest through their LGUs,” he added.

Piñol said he met with DBP president Emmanuel Barbosa to ensure that LGUs with small Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) shares will be given lower interest rates.

He added that DILG Secretary Eduardo Año also requested MinDA to provide counterpart support for the LGUs. The governors and mayors from Mindanao and Palawan are expected to witness the said launching. (PNA)

DepEd needs P3B to rebuild quake-damaged schools

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he Department of Education said it needed some P3 billion to replace thousands of classrooms damaged by a series of strong quakes in Mindanao last month.

The 3 October quakes destroyed 1,000 classrooms and caused "major damage" to 1,300 other rooms, mostly in Davao and Soccskargen regions, and parts of Northern Mindanao, said DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan.

The P3-billion fund needed to replace these rooms in roughly a year excludes the cost of learning shelters that will be tempo-

rarily used by students, he said.

"Titingnan natin kung may naiiwan pa tayong contingency funds for this year at mao-obligate pa... We are also in touch with Congress already because we are at level where the budget is under deliberation," he said.

(We will look at whether or not we still have contingency funds for this year or obligated funds.)

The 3 Mindanao quakes, whose magnitudes all measured above 6, left at least 28 dead and sent some 28,000 people to evacuation centers, said the national disaster agency.

2019. They were evacuated to the Makilala National High School covered court, in modular tents provided by the Marikina local government, while their tents are being fixed in their designated evacuation centers.

MindaNews photo by GEONARRI SOLMERANO

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PH gov't boosts commitments to improve reproductive health

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Davao City Tourism Operations Office head Generose Tecson bares during I-Speak media forum at City Hall on Thursday that the budget for the scheduled activities of this year’s ‘Pasko Fiesta’ is about P22 million. Lean Daval Jr

Uy buys out Chevron from Malampaya consortium

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ennis Uy’s Udenna Corp. has bought all the shares of Chevron Malampaya LLC in the gas-topower business equivalent to a 45% stake in the Malampaya gas �ield in offshore Palawan.

Udenna signed on October 25 a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 100%

of the shares of Chevron Malampaya, which holds a 45% non-operated interest

in Malampaya.

“At Udenna, we believe in the bene�it of promoting natural gas as an essential fuel to support the country’s growing energy needs and economic growth,” said Udenna chairman and CEO Dennis Uy. “The acquisition of Chevron’s interest in the Malampaya gas �ield marks

an important milestone for Udenna, �itting strategically with our long-term ambitions of developing a sustainable clean energy business in the Philippines,” he added.

Udenna did not disclose the transaction details other than saying that the deal remains subject to regula-

Hence, we support the government’s initiative in closing tax leakages through the fuel marking program that is being piloted. We look forward to its full implementation in February 2020 to redress such unfair practices. It is also imperative that we observe a more stringent enforcement of regulations governing bonded warehouses and a rigorous crackdown on non-compliant players to improve industry volume and tax collections,” said Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Of�icer Henry Albert R. Fadullon.

In line with the Company’s strategic priorities, retail growth accelerated to 22% on the back of new station openings and regular retro�itting programs, which to date has been implemented in over 80% of

stations have been opened nationwide as of September 2019.

Non-fuel retail revenues were also up on higher total chain sales of FamilyMart, increased revenues from Posible, and additional rent income from retail locators.

FamilyMart has a network of 76 stores as of end of September, with 18 more in various stages of planning and construction.

LPG volume year-todate was higher by 20% supported by the sustained growth in VisMin and rollout in Luzon. The Company continues to optimize its LPG value chain from its trading desk in PNX Petroleum Singapore down to its marketing activities in high growth, underpenetrated markets such as the Philippines and Vietnam.

Company announced a partnership with Singapore-based Hengyi Industries International Pte. Ltd. (HYII) for an LPG offtake venture in Brunei. This is expected to improve the Philippines’ overall supply security as it shortens delivery time and diversify product source. A cargo has already made its �irst voyage earlier in November.

Aviation volume year-todate was up 11% driven by new customer wins. In addition to fuel, the Company provides high-value services to airline companies including leasing of storage space, hauling, and into-plane services. It is currently present in 18 airports, including fast-growing regional airports such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Cebu.

rest will be shouldered by its partner, Dim Sum Pte Ltd. Jollibee said it would own 60 percent of the venture, which would be registered in China. The joint venture will also sign a franchise agreement with Tim Ho Wan Pte Ltd, the master franchise holder of Tim Ho Wan in the Asia Paci�ic.

"The Tim Ho Wan deal provides JFC with

an excellent opportunity to operate and expand one of the known Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant chain brands," Jollibee said in a disclosure.

Jollibee said in July that it would buy Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in a deal worth a total $350 million (P18 billion), adding specialty coffee and tea to its stable of brands that include Chowking,

Greenwhich and Mang Inasal.

The Tim Ho Wan venture in China will not have "immediate material impact" on sales as Jollibee "is not planning for an aggressive expansion in 3 to 5 years," according to the disclosure.

The joint venture will focus on "developing and building the store model and economics" in the �irst few years, it said.

he Philippine government has reinforced its international commitments to improve programs in reproductive health in the country, and presented the milestones and policies already in place leading to real outcomes.

“We are one with the world in renewing with rigor our commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Agenda,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who heads the Philippine delegation, said in the opening of the statement of commitment for the ICPD Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.

“This is in line with our efforts to realize the aspirations of the Filipino people of a stable, peaceful, secure, and comfortable life,” he said, adding the connection of the commitments with the AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippines’ long-term vision for all Filipinos.

He also enumerated the milestones on commitments the Philippines have reached in recent years.

“The Philippine economy is closer to achieving upper middle-income country status. There are fewer Filipinos living in poverty, fewer mothers dying while giving life, and more couples and individuals are able to achieve their desired number of children. As well, we are seriously coming to grips

with the issue of teenage pregnancies,” he added.

Pernia said the principles of ICPD have also been the basis of the country’s population and family planning programs.

“This has been supported by the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, and further bolstered by the President’s Executive Order no.

12 on Zero Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning.

We want to ensure that every pregnancy and birth are wanted and that every Filipino is able to contribute productively to national development,” he said.

These, Pernia said, are all spelled out in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the �irst of four medium-term plans towards achieving the AmBisyon Natin 2040.

On migration, he cited the UN General Assembly’s action in reaching broad agreement on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).

“Our un�inished business is thus our call for safe and orderly migration, as well as reuni�ication of families on return migration,” he added.

The Summit for the 25th year of the ICPD is taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, Naroibi, Kenya from November 12-14, 2019.

A total of over 10,000 participants from all over the world are expected to attend the event. (PR)

DA implements stricter SPS Phoenix Petroleum operating income up 10% as of Q3 '19 import clearance on rice hoenix Petroleum post- against the informal market. the network. A total of 650 Last September, the

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ed year-to-date operating income of ₱2.47 billion in 2019, higher by 10% from the same period in 2018. Year-to-date revenues reached ₱73.17 billion, up 13%. Higher costs from increased fuel premiums weighed on the volume and margins, in particular of MOGAS and fuel oil, resulting in a lower net income of ₱918 million.

Overall volume was 16% higher year-on-year. Volume derived from foreign operations, which consist of the Singapore and Vietnam businesses, grew 34% and accounted for 30% of total sales.

“The Company continued to face headwinds during the quarter as the passed-on impact of TRAIN I and II taxes put pressure on our competitiveness

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Jollibee to 'expand, operate' Tim Ho Wan brand in China

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ollibee said Thursday it formed a joint venture to "expand and operate" the Tim Ho Wan brand in China, as it took another step at expanding its global footprint.

The Philippines' largest fast food operator said its unit, Golden Plate Pte Ltd, would account for $7.8 million (P397 million) of the total $13 million investment in the joint venture, while the

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he Department of Agriculture (DA) will be implementing stricter sanitary and pythosanitary (SPS) measures on the issuance of import clearance to address the huge entry of imported rice and curb poor quality rice imports.

“I have signed it (guidelines on the issuance of SPS) yesterday, so this will be implemented immediately,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Wednesday at the sidelines of the 11th World Rice Conference held at Makati Shangri-la Hotel.

Dar said the government will be strict and will “continue to elevate our measures before we issue the SPSIC (pythosanitary measures on the issuance of import clearance).”

In January to October this year, the country’s rice imports ballooned to 2.99 million metric tons (MT), which was 150 percent higher in the previous 10 years, he said.

The DA chief further said the “seemingly abnormal shoot up” of rice imports re�lects the total rice imports in the country for the year even before the implementation of the rice tarif�ication law.

“We need to keep rice production pro�itable and rice prices affordable to a growing consumer mar-

ket. It is imperative to make our rice production systems more ef�icient, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board member Bruce Tolentino, for his part, said the rules for the issuance of SPS should be agreed upon with trading partners.

“This is the way the trading system works, it is reciprocal. Kung pahihirapan natin sila, pahihirapan din nila tayo (If we cause dif�iculties to them, they will do the same to us),” he said.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said rice tarif�ication should be viewed as an “opportunity to revolutionize the agriculture sector and help farmers become more competitive in the global economy.”

“We are now reaping only the initial harvest of the Rice Tarif�ication law. The Duterte administration is determined to bring this historic reform measure to full fruition,” Dominguez said at the conference.

Short-term “transition challenges,” such as the drop in palay farmgate prices in several areas, are being decisively addressed by the Duterte administration through several mea-

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Fortified iron rice feeding program set in BARMM

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otabato City (November 13, 2019) - The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Education and the United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) launched Tuesday, November 12, a feeding program designed to improve the health and school attendance of children in the region.

The program dubbed ‘Forti�ied Iron Rice for School Feeding’ was launched at Mao Elementary School in Datu Abdullah Sangki municipality in Maguindanao.

It aims to help improve the school attendance and performance of children in BARMM by serving them iron-forti�ied rice during school feeding.

Moreover, it is also expected to bene�it local farmers as the WFP will source the rice from them.

The program will be piloted in Maguindanao where it will initially target sixty-nine (69) schools in the twelve (12) municipalities in the province.

It is also in pursuance to R.A. 8976 or the Food Forti�ication Law and the newly signed R.A. 11037 or An Act Institutionalizing National Feeding Program for Undernourished Children in Public Day Care, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools to Combat Hunger and Undernutrition Among Filipino Children.

Iron is a nutrient that is essential to a child’s growth and development.

Studies show that iron

de�iciency can adversely affect a child’s health, and, consequently, their ability to attend and perform in school.

Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said they will ensure “that no child in the Bangsamoro gets left behind. We need to guarantee that they are not only well educated, but also in good health.”

He underscored that they are not only focusing on interventions that cater to the intellectual, moral and and spiritual development of the children, but also to their physical and mental growth.

The regional government, he said, is investing in a comprehensive health program in schools as part of its 12-point priority agenda.

Dr. Mishael Argonza, head of WFP Cotabato, urged the government of�icials and the farmers to help each other to achieve total development in Maguindanao and the BARMM in whole.

Argonza said, “ito yung kauna-unahang forti�ied iron rice na pasado sa standard ng government of the Philippines.”

He said they “are also being challenged to work harder to organise the farmers.”

For her part, Maguindanao Governor Bai Meriam Sangki-Mangudadatu expressed her gratitude to the BARMM and the WFP for selecting her province as the pilot area of the program in the Philippines. (Bureau of Public Information)

VACCINE. A Lumad child laughs away the pain of vaccine injection, during the 2nd Whole-of-Nation Service Convergence Camp in the isolated IP community of Sitio Tapayanon. Nobags

Isolated Lumads hail gov’t attention, care D

By NOEL BAGUIO

avao del Norte – Residents of an isolated indigenous people community are grateful to the care and attention that the government is giving them.

Datu Bansing Balamban, Tribal Chieftain of Sitio Tapayanon, acknowledged the services and provisions being poured into their village by government agen-

cies and charitable organizations, during the second multi-stakeholder service caravan.

“Nalipay kaayo kami sa mga serbisyo. Amo jung nabati karon nga gipangga jud mi sa gobyerno (We are very happy for the services. We now feel that the government truly cares for us),” he said.

Some 700 residents of the Lumad community, which was once a lair of the New People’s Army, bene�itted from the two-batch Whole-of-Nation Service Convergence Camp from November 10-14, 2019.

Services include medical services, such as free check-up, medicines and vitamins, measles vaccine, deworming, family planning, pre-natal services to

include fecal examination, urinalysis and blood typing, and food assistance to malnourished children and malaria prevention.

The camp also facilitated civil registration, social services to include household assessment for the Listahanan program, Geo Tagging, livelihood training, Alternative Learning System, mass tribal wedding, distribution of school supplies, relief foods and items, and tree planting, among other services.

Some 63 couples were also married in a traditional mass tribal wedding ceremony.

Due to its geographic isolation, tribal villagers of Sitio Tapayanon did not receive government services for about a hundred years, until it was discovered by troops of the army’s 60th Infantry Battalion while on combat operation last February 25, 2019.

The caravan was ferried by air force helicopters in batches due to the

absence of access road leading to the community that sits on the edge of Kapalong’s Barangay Gupitan along the boundaries of Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Agusan del Sur. The batallion’s Civil Military Operations Of�icer Lt. Amadeuz Celestial said bringing the services to the isolated community underscores the government’s relentless campaign against insurgency.

“Bumabawi tayo ngayon. Kailangan nating tulongan ang Sitio Tapayanon because this area was once a refuge of the three regional commands of the NPA. Pinapakita natin ngayon na tayo ang totoong gobyerno,” he said.

Governor Edwin Jubahib, who visited the place last July, vowed his all-out support to all interventions for Tapayanon, as he highlighted its signi�icance in attaining the objectives of the Davao del Norte local peace engagement framework.

located in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Pikit.

According to Sinarimbo, the decision is to turn over the 63 barangays during the next regular session of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

He said he had a meeting with the technical staff of the Provincial Sanggunian on November 05 to discuss the details of the said turn over.

Further, the said barangays will continue to receive their Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) directly from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“Entitlement po

nila ‘yon and it will not change. They will receive their IRA from the DBM,” he said.

“The 63 barangays [will] be constituted into a special geographic area where it will be administered by an Administrator. We will have ministries putting their people in the administrative set up so we can continue to deliver services there,” Sinarimbo added.

Sixty three out of the 67 barangays in six municipalities in North Cotabato opted to join the expanded Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in a plebiscite held in February this year. (Bureau of Public Information)

63 barangays in North Cotabato to be turned over to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

C

otabato City (November 14, 2019) - The 63 barangays in North Cotabato which voted to join the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will be of�icially turned over to the regional government on November 20, 2019.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, Bangsamoro Government spokesperson and minister of interior and local government, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of North Cotabato has adopted a resolution indicating the turn over of the 63 barangays to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The 63 barangays are

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

EDITORIAL Vandalism is not free speech worsening economic and political state of the nation.”

This is a very lame excuse. Clearly, this is unacceptable. How can a cultural group promote itself as a respectable organization that stands up for peace, sovereignty and people’s rights and uses destructive tools to express themselves? Enough of this crap. The culture of destruction for the sole purpose of gaining attention is unjusti�iable. This is a deliberate act of damaging public property coming off the heels of a determined campaign by a local government unit to make its environs more pleasant to people. And yet, here comes these vandals, in the guise of expressing their cause, taking advantage of the clean walls of a public property.

Panday Sining should just take the fact -- and anyone can guess they are fully aware of this -- that wrongful means can never justify a rightful end, nor can a rightful end justify wrongful means.

Urgent? There are many legal and more effective avenues to express an urgent concern if only they opted for what is right.

Urgent? Nah, these issues aren’t new. They are old, rehashed slogans.

Cut the crappy excuse, please.

While freedom of expression is one of the fundamental human rights enshrined in our laws, the manifestation of which must fall within the bounds of law and not causing destruction or damage to property.

On Tuesday, images of a wall vandalism in one of the recently-cleaned up underpasses of the City of Manila became trending topic online. The writing on the wall, in paint brush, got the ire of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who did not hide his disappointment and vowed to deal with those responsible for the act. If he catches the culprits, he boldly said he will let them lick the writings until they are erased.

The Lagusnilad Underpass, which was recently cleared of vendors and stalls as part of the city’s cleanup and rehabilitation efforts.

The vandalism on the wall was later owned up by militant cultural group Panday Sining which later offered apologies for writing a protest statement on the wall However, the de�iant group still managed to defend their acts through a statement, saying: “Sorry for the inconvenience, but the matter and issues at hand are urgent. That is why Panday Sining, a cultural organization of the youth, conducted its Graf�iesta as a response to this

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

NATIONAL EMERGENCY This one is for Robert Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.” Thirteen percent of Filipino girls these days are already pregnant. Demographers call this phenomenon as teenage pregnancy. This happens when a female, who is less than 19 years old, becomes pregnant.

But what is even more alarming is the fact that even girls below 15 years old are already pregnant. That’s according to The Forum for Family Planning and Development (The Forum), an organization that helps educate communities on reproductive health and rights.

I thought teenage pregnancy is a big problem in Metro Manila, being the country’s capital. But I am wrong. It’s right in Davao, where “life is here.”

Davao City is part of Davao Region – comprise Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and soon, Davao de Oro – which has the highest recorded teenage pregnancy in the country.

With 17.9%, Davao Region tops all other regions, according to the data gathered by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Northern Mindanao settled for second, with 14.7%, and Southwestern Mindanao came third with 14.5%. All these three regions were above the

8.6% national average.

EDGE Davao roving reporter Maya Padillo, who attended the regular press meeting at Habi at Kape, quoted Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) Regional Director Bai Agnes Sampulna who reported 1,838 teenage pregnancies in Davao City alone as of June 2019.

A total of 7,636 teenage pregnancies were recorded by the regional of�ice of the Department of Health in the �irst quarter of 2019 in Davao Region.

On the national front, Popcom statistics showed that since 2011, pregnancies among 10 to 14-year-old girls increased by 50%. About 530 teenage girls get pregnant every day. In addition, some 30,000 young mothers have already experienced repeated pregnancies.

In a recent development summit held in Manila, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said that teen pregnancies have become a “national social emergency” because the appalling rates of adolescent births in the last 10 years already merit “national concern.”

Popcom Executive Director Juan Antonio Perez III echoed the same concern. “We are now in a situation that requires the declaration of national emergen-

cy because social, economic and health are affected... If we don’t act now, we will continue to see an increase of 200,000 teenage parents every year,” Philippine Star quoted him as saying.

In Western countries, teen pregnancy may not be surprising at all. But in a developing country like the Philippines, it may come as a shock – particularly among religious leaders.

“From time to time, we always emphasized that pre-marital sex is morally wrong!” said a Catholic priest.

Poverty has been cited as one of the primary reasons why teen pregnancy is thriving! Data from the United Nations Population Fund showed that teenage pregnancy has a huge rate in the country, particularly among the poor. Two-thirds of Filipino women who give birth before age 20 belong to the low-class society.

But poverty is just one of the causes. The website of the Youth in the Philippine Society (YPS) cites other reasons: · The immature and irresponsible behavior arising due to complex teenage psychology is another important cause of teenage pregnancies. Teenagers often go through several emotions because of their own transition from childhood and peer

pressure. · The dearth of sexual education among teenagers causes them to get abortions as they ultimately realize their inability to bear the responsibilities of being a parent at such a young age. · The lack of attention and affection from family resulting in depression forces them to seek love and support from other people, especially members of the opposite sex. · Overprotection gives rise to frustration and a feeling of not being loved and cared for. Thus, balance is the key to avoid this problem. Lack of affectionate supervision of parents or guardians results into the adolescents or teenage girl’s becoming pregnant.

“Sex outside of marriage with multiple partners has consequences,” wrote Dr. Mildred R. Yutuc, an obstetrician-gynecologist, in an article which appeared in Health and Home. “And when the girl is only in her teens, the consequences are truly serious.”

According to De Leon, both the young mother and her baby face a life-threatening situation.

“The bodies of adolescent and teen girls are not yet ready for the physical demands of childbearing,” he said. “Their babies bear the burden of this unhealthy condition that can lead

to infant mortality, as babies born to teen mothers have far lower survival rates.”

Again, due to poverty, “many of those involved in teenage pregnancy die off prematurely because of lack of proper medical attention” the YPS website stated.

A study done by the Population Institute of the University of the Philippines said more than 46% of teenage pregnant women resort to induced abortion.

In fact, two out of every 5 teenage pregnancies are unwanted ones, the study said.

Aside from death, De Leon said the most common result is stunting, a condition characterized by slow or impeded growth.

Stunting occurs from the time of conception to the �irst two years of life, also called the “�irst 1,000 days,” that is caused by the poor nutritional status of mother and child.

Becoming pregnant or having a child at a tender age also means dropping out from schools. “Many pregnant female children end up dropping out from school to avoid shame thus undermining government’s efforts towards ensuring Education for All and the Millennium Development Goal of Education in the nearest future,” the YPS website said.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

AN ACTING MAYOR’S POWER TO APPOINT A bizarre political twist happened in Tagum, then a town, in 1956. The municipal mayoralty changed hands four times in just two days! The aftermath of this event led to a case (G.R. No. L-14569) that reached the Supreme Court after the trial court favored the new appointees.

In order to attend to a sick brother in Negros Occidental, Tagum mayor Hermenegildo C. Baloyo designated on January 24, 1956, his vice mayor to act as local chief executive while he was on leave. But the designate failed to assume the following day because he was found to have lung ailment, forcing him to appoint Macario Bermudez, highest-ranking councilor, to serve instead effective that same day, January 25, 1956, until noti�ied to the contrary. Because Bermudez was also not feeling well, he decided to designate Jose L. Martinez, third-ranking councilor, to act as mayor effective on the same date.

As acting mayor, Martinez’s �irst of�icial act was the separation from the service of three town policemen, namely, Benito Codilla, Perfecto Melendres, and Leonardo Castor. Appointed in their places were Eduardo M. Duaso, Juan Redoble, and Poli-

carpio Lagura, respectively.

Duaso’s appointment was approved by the President and Civil Service Commission (CSC) while Redoble’s was also authorized by the CSC. On the other hand, Lagura’s appointment was issued by mayor Baloyo who had by now returned to assume his duties.

Aggrieved, the trio, on February 15, 1956, �iled a petition of mandamus before the Court of First Instance (CFI) of Davao against Martinez and Baloyo, with the newly appointed cops as co-respondents, arguing “their separation from the service as municipal policemen was illegal because being civil service employees their employment cannot terminate except for cause.”

In view of this, the dismissed cops wanted (i) to be restored to their former positions with payment of back salaries and (ii) asked moral and exemplary damages, including attorney’s fees. As defense, they invoked their appointments, in temporary capacity, were effective under Sec. 682 of the Revised Administrative Code given that they were not civil service eligible. Under the same provision, they were good only for

three months.

They also argued that even if Martinez did not have the authority to end their work, “his action was validated when incumbent Mayor Baloyo endorsed and rati�ied the same by his subsequent of�icial actuation; and that, not being civil service eligibles, petitioners may be separated from the service under the provisions of Republic Act No. 557 upon the expiration of the term of three months given to them in their appointments.”

The dismissed cops pointed out that Martinez’s appointments were not legal because his designation as acting mayor was contrary to the Revised Administrative Code and the Revised Election Code “under which such designation should be made by the provincial governor with the consent of the provincial board.”

The CFI also held the position that “the designation of Martinez as acting mayor [was not] entirely void, or one that would make him a usurper, but at most a de facto of�icer whose acts may be given validity in the eye of law,” adding: “Although the designation made by a ranking municipal councilor of the third ranking

Councilor of a municipal councilor of the third ranking Councilor of a municipality to act as acting Mayor was irregular, because it was not made in accordance with the provisions of Section 2195 of the Revised Administrative Code and Section 21 (a) of the Revised Election Code, still he was acting under a color of authority, as distinguished from usurper who is one who has neither title nor color of right to an of�ice. His acts are therefore of�icial acts of a de facto of�icer. If they are made within the scope of the authority vested by law in the of�icer of the Mayor, such acts are valid and binding.”

The high court’s First Division, in its November 23, 1960 ruling, cited that the other factor that validated the acts of Martinez “[was] the fact that all his of�icial acts done under his designation were subsequently endorsed and rati�ied by the incumbent mayor when he returned to of�ice. This rati�ication served to cure any legal in�irmity the acts of… Martinez may have suffered because of his irregular designation.” In af�irming the CFI decision, the SC stressed: “While it may be gleaned from the surrounding circumstances that the hand of politics

has intervened in the separation of petitioners who apparently had been… serving the government as policemen during the previous administration, we cannot escape the fact that they were merely given temporary appointments for the reason that they do not have civil service eligibility thus making their status as employees wholly dependent upon the grace of the ruling power. And this we say because, as we ruled in a series of cases, “A temporary appointment is similar to one made in acting capacity, the essence of which lies in its temporary character and its terminability at the pleasure of the appointing power.” We also postulated that “The replacement of non-eligibles by non-eligibles is lawful and under and pursuant to Section 682 of the Revised Administrative Code.” Petitioners cannot, therefore, invoke in their favor the provisions of Republic Act No. 557 because this Act only guarantees the tenure of of�ice of policemen who are eligibles.

Non-eligibles do not come under its protection. Hence, much as we sympathize with petitioners, our hand is stayed by the inexorable provisions of the law.”

(Paragraphing mine.)

8

EDGEDAVAO

ENVIRONMENT

VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

BIODIVERSITY: WHERE ART THOU GONE?

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“W

hen the last individual of a race of living beings breathes no more, another heaven and another earth must pass before such a one can be again.” – William Beebe, naturalist *** Cebu-born Serapion S. Metilla was only 21 when he came to the hinterlands of Bansalan, Davao del Sur in 1949. At that time, the place was “a real jungle with very tall and towering trees.”

It was a dense forest then – just like the olden black-and-white movies. “I witnessed the presence of many interesting �lora and fauna, such as waling-waling and many other ornamental plants,” he recalled, adding that he also saw tarsiers, eagles, and the legendary �lying lemur.

Metilla, who rose to fame as the man who popularized bonsai in the country, remembered well his �irst encounter with kagwang, the local name for �lying lemur. “I will never forget the time when I chased with a stick the innocent but beautiful furry animal that was almost as big as a cat,” he said. “Kagwang cannot run fast on the ground so it had to climb a tall tree and �ly in a gliding manner towards another tree to escape.”

Today, these wildlife species are completely gone, said Metilla. They are nowhere to be found in town. New generations are aware that such of animals and plants existed at all in the area.

“Human beings are becoming increasingly cut off from nature,” observed Ahmed Djoghlaf, former executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a multilateral treaty focusing on biodiversity.

Biodiversity, coined in 1985, refers to “the variety of life on Earth, in all its forms and all its interactions,” explains Damian Carrington, the environment editor of The Guardian. “If that sounds bewilderingly broad, that’s because it is. Biodiversity is the most complex feature

of our planet and it is the most vital.”

“Without biodiversity,” said Oxford University Professor David MacDonald, “there is no future for humanity.”

Carrington talked about “mind-boggling diverse” when it comes to biodiversity. “The simplest aspect to consider is species,” he wrote. “About 1.7 million species of animals, plants and fungi have been recorded but there are likely to be 8-9 million and possibly up to 100 million.”

So, when scientists speak of the loss of biodiversity, they are referring to the exceptionally large numbers of species forced to the brink of extinction due to human activities.

“The concern is that many species are being lost before we are even aware of them, or the role they play in the circle of life,” Carrington said.

Species becoming extinct is not a new phenomenon and has happened long before human ever roamed the green planet, but the speed with which species are being lost is now a major concern.

Extinction levels have reportedly increased dramatically over the past decades at 100 to 1,000 times the normal rate, which may be even faster than the losses after a giant meteorite wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

“Of all the global problems that confront us, it (biodiversity loss) is one that is moving the most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious consequences,” deplored Dr. Peter Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Gardens in the United States.

Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson agrees.

“The worst thing that can happen – and will happen – is not energy depletion, economic collapse, limited nuclear war, or conquest by a totalitarian government,” he wrote in Harvard Magazine. “As terrible as these catastrophes would be for us, they can be repaired within a few generations.”

But biodiversity loss is another matter. “The

one process that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats,” explained the award-winning American biologist. “This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.”

“Extinction is forever,” declared the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

“The planet would be biologically depleted for millions of years, with consequences extending not only beyond the lives of our children’s children, but beyond the likely lifespan of the entire human species,” warned Dr. James Kirchner, a geologist of the University of California at Berkeley.

Shrinking habitat, exploitation of natural resources, climate change and pollution are the main drivers of species loss and are threatening more than 40% of amphibians, 33% of coral reefs and over a third of all marine mammals with extinction, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reported.

“The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever,” said Sir Robert Watson, IPBES chair, adding that “transformative change” is needed to save the planet.

The Philippines is not spared from such problem.

“At the rate our ecosystems are getting destroyed, many species may no longer be there when we need them,” deplored Samuel Pena�iel when he was still the head of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau.

With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is considered by respected scientists as one of the countries with the highest degree of biodiversity in the world. “The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world, containing twothirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% and 80% of the world’s plant and animal species,” said the CBD of the country pro�ile of the Philippines.

“The Philippines ranks �ifth in the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world’s �lora,” the CBD added. “Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife, while the country ranks fourth in bird endemism.”

When it comes to biodiversity and conservation, most people think of eastern Africa, the Amazonian rainforest or Madagascar.

But “on a per unit area basis, the Philippines probably harbors more diversity of life than any other country on the planet,” the BMB said in its website.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is also considered as “one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.” In fact, some environmentalists have listed the entire Philippine archipelago as among the world’s “hottest of hotspots.”

“This is because the Philippines continues to experience an alarming rate of destruction of these important resources brought about by overexploitation, deforestation, land degradation, climate change, and pollution, among others,” deplored the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB).

Of the 207 identi�ied species of terrestrial mammals, 42 species are considered threatened.

At least 29 threatened species have been reported of the 419 reptiles found in the country. About 14 species of the 120 amphibians identi�ied are also reported to be threatened.

Some 984 species of wild �lora are threatened: 179 are critically endangered, 254 endangered, and 406 vulnerable. There are about 145 other threatened species.

A species is considered extinct when it is no longer found in the past 50 years.

Endangered species are those that have been reduced in number to a critical level or whose habitats have been damaged or altered or reduced.

Threatened is a general term used to describe the animal or plant species

which could be in the status of “endangered” and “insuf�iciently known.” In the Philippines, among those listed as endangered as the Philippine eagle, Philippine tarsier, tamaraw and waling-waling.

With 700 threatened species, the Philippines also make it as “one of the top global conservation areas,” according to CBD. It added that the threats to biodiversity in the country “differ from one ecosystem to another.”

Habitat destruction is cited as the primary culprit.

“The encroachment of human populations on several plant and animal species’ natural habitat has been a primary agent for the loss of biodiversity,” the Foundation of Philippine Environment (FPE) stressed.

“Displacement from one’s habitat leaves species vulnerable to harsher new living conditions, predation from other species, and scarcity or inaccessibility of resources required for survival.”

This is particularly true in the case of vanishing forests. By the de�inition of UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the country’s forest cover should be 24% of the country’s total land areas of 30 million hectares. “Between 2000 and 2005, the Philippines lost 2.1% of its forest cover, representing the second fastest rate of deforestation in Southeast Asia and seventh in the world,” the CBD reported.

Unknown to many, the Philippines is part of the center of diversity of rice, coconut, mung bean, taro and yam, as well as the center of origin and diversity of bananas in Southeast Asia. “Yet this agricultural diversity is nowadays experiencing general decline, as is the land devoted to these activities,” the CBD pointed out.

In inland water biodiversity, the same trend is happening. Most �indings indicate “a decreasing trend in water quality, �ish, biodiversity and cultural value in the country’s largest lake (referring to Laguna de Bay) and its tributary

rivers,” the CBD reported.

The marine ecosystems are not spared from destruction. “Marine habitats such as coral reefs are being destroyed by way of irresponsible and unsustainable �ishing and aquaculture is harming marine habitat ecosystems all over the country,” the FPE observed.

The exploitation of the country’s natural resources and wildlife has also contributed to the fast disappearance of biodiversity.

“What started out as mere ‘subsistence hunting and gathering’ among traditional societies have been exacerbated into far less sustainable practice upon the advancement of international economic relationships,” the FPE said.

Last year, during the International Biodiversity Day, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu pointed this out: “We are facing a natural scarcity due to numerous factors, forest is the degradation of our terrestrial and marine ecosystems.”

Loren Legarda, in a press statement released during the Earth Day celebration, said that biodiversity loss due to habitat destruction and wildlife trade is heightened because of climate change. Studies showed that 30% of species would be at risk of extinction due to the warming climate.

“We need to take greater action to protect the delicate ecological balance,” the lady lawmaker said.

“It is incumbent upon us humans, who are the stewards of the Earth, to be more responsible as most of our actions are the very threats to other species.

“There needs to be stronger convergence among government agencies and local government units and collaboration with the private sector, civil society and all our citizens, to protect our species and conserve our biodiversity,” she added.

In the Philippines, thousands of species may go extinct before they are discovered. And this is very

BIODIVERSITY, P10

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

Belmont Hotel Boracay at night.

MORE TO BORACAY AT THE

BELMONT HOTEL BORACAY

IT was a good eight years in the past when I first set foot on what is now dubbed as one of the best islands in the world, Boracay. The island’s long stretch of white sand, beautiful sunset, clear waters and vibrant island lifestyle was then its main draw. Fast forward to 2019 and I have not been back to Boracay until an invitation to experience Megaworld’s spanking new Belmont Hotel arrived to which I said yes.

After two flights and a quick speed boat ride, I finally arrived at the posh Belmont Hotel Boracay.

ART OF ARRIVING Opened by Megaworld, through its subsidiary brand

Global-Estate Resorts, Inc., the 442-room Belmont Hotel Boracay is located inside the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast tourism township located on the Northeastern tip of Boracay Island. Setting foot onto the hotel’s lobby, I was greeted by artwork and installations that are inspired by the island’s waters and rocky cliffs accentuated by the warm smiles of the hotel’s associates.

Vismin lifestyle writers together with Harold Geronimo, Senior Assistant Vice President and Head of Public Relations and Media Affairs, Megaworld (6th from left) , Tere Isla, Public Relations Manager, Megaworld (rightmost), and Nate Dacua, Media Relations Supervisor, Megaworld (third from right).

Belmont Cafe’s Sinigang sa Batuan uses traditional Ilonggo flavours.

At one of Boracay Newcoast’s beaches with a view of the township’s iconic keyhole natural rock feature.

The rooms of the Belmont Boracay were spacious and came with their own balcony where one can dry their clothes and towels or just chill and hang out. Each room came with a large LED TV with cable, high speed WiFi internet, and super comfy beds.

“Our second hotel under the Belmont Hotel Boracay’s rooms are spacious and come with a comfortable beds, high Belmont brand will offer an exclusive nature experience in speed WiFi, and a balcony. the paradise island of Boracay, support farmers in Aklan and the positive changes happening as it allows guests to see the other nearby provinces. all around the island. With its island’s panoramic natural For those who want to take a wider roads and cleaner sidescenery from one building to sip while they dip, there is also walks Boracay is now easier to another - from the vast sea to a Zabana Pool Bar at the hotel’s explore. The long white sand the lush mountains and hills second level deck which serves beach has been cleaned up with of the island and other nearby cocktail drinks and grilled no structures blocking beachislands,” says Raymundo favourites. goers from access the sea. The Melendres, managing director, Roland Galano, Area Gencrowds are still there but what Luxury Global Hotels and Leieral Manager, Belmont Hotel is Boracay without the requisite sure, Inc., the company operat- Boracay shared that the hotel people watching while having ing Belmont Hotels under the will soon open a second resa beer?

Megaworld Hotels Group. taurant to add to the growing Of course for those who needs of diners. would rather escape the crowd ART OF DINING and enjoy their own piece of Aside from beautiful art ART OF HAVING FUN paradise, the Boracay Newcoast pieces that can be found in While staying in my comalso has its own kilometre long almost every nook and cranny fortably cool room at the coastline with three natural, of the hotel, the Belmont Hotel Belmont Boracay or having a white-sand beaches which are Boracay’s culinary creations massage at its spa may be nice just a short walk to the Belmont were also a joy to taste. options to while away my days, Hotel and its sister property, the Belmonth Hotel Boracay ofthe draw of Boracay’s many atSavoy Boracay. fers all-day dining at the Beltractions beckon.

A lot has changed in Boracay mont Cafe, featuring cuisines The Belmont Boracay has and everything for the better. with Asian and Mediterranean free scheduled shuttles to take And with the opening of the influences. Located within the guests from the hotel to BoraBelmont Hotel Boracay, every ground level, the restaurant uti- cay’s Station 2. Although it is moment on the magical island lises local fresh farm produce to a bit of a ride, I was able to see just got even better to savour.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

GROOVY BEATS AND TANTALIZING TREATS AT THE STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON 2019 THE 18th Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) will take place from 29 November – 1 December.

This year will see the most exciting line-up of entertainment and activities from live bands to performances, arts as well as delightful local delicacies to elevate the spectator experience and showcase Singapore to the global running community.

Organisers IRONMAN Asia and SportSG have worked with supporting government agencies to minimize inconvenience to the general public and businesses based on the chosen routes. There will be shuttle bus services and traffic wardens deployed. Affected roads will also be progressively opened from as early as 9.00pm on 30 November.

Geoff Meyer, Managing Director of IRONMAN Asia said, “Each year, we identify areas for improvement which will take us a step closer to our Abbott World Marathon Majors ambition. This year, our focus has been on delivering a stunning spectator experience for friends, families and the general public. By working together with Singapore Tourism Board and Sport Singapore on our enhanced programming, we look to create a holistic event which will appeal to non-runners too.”

SPECTATOR ZONES Kickstarting SCSM 2019 with a bang – literally – by a LED lion dance troupe, family, friends, and race supporters can look forward to a lineup of entertainment and activities at the three spectator zones demarcated

by Empress Lawn, The Promontory and The Float @ Marina Bay while cheering on the runners.

These spectator zones are strategically placed amidst multiple vantage points for spectators to catch a glimpse of the action and cheer on the runners.

At each zone, spectators can join in Piloxing and Zumba sessions, organised by ActiveSG, or re-live childhood memories and challenge family and friends to classic lawn games from Three-Legged Race, to Capteh and Giant Jenga – a plethora of options for the young and the young at heart.

Moreover, the public can groove along to various tunes including old-school soul by local band Ruckus, alternative tunes by Subsonic Eye and R&B and Funk by Astronauts. Top local DJs Daryl Knows, Stephen Day, and Toppings will ignite the dance floor with a power blend of top 40s, house and electronic hits.

Whetting up appetites for both runners and spectators alike, the public can enjoy local delights all in one place: from Dumpling Darlings, serving up unorthodox versions of this Eastern delight to Butter Chicken rice from Kinara, everyone is sure to be spoilt for choice!

For those looking for something lighter or are hanging out post-dinner, desserts from The Acai Collective and Coolman Froyo will be your go-to stalls.

Dr Chiang Hock Woon, Deputy CEO of Sport Singapore, said, “SCSM has always been an event that runners look forward to. More than a marathon, it has also become a platform for giving where participants extend their passion for running to help others. This year’s marathon is especially special on many fronts. In addition to being the first night race in its 18 years of history, we are introducing more exciting entertainment and spectator areas for Singaporeans and residents to come together to enjoy and witness first-hand the unwavering spirit of our runners and to cheer them on. We would like to thank all our partners and stakeholders who helped make this event possible and I am confident that it is going to be a great experience for all.”

For the full programme line up and list of vantage points, kindly refer to the Appendix A or visit: www. singaporemarathon.com

STYLE Razzle and dazzle this Christmas with the latest holiday collection available at The SM Store like this asymmetrical ruffled top.

Deck the halls with balloons and disco balls! Play up in stripes this sweater weather season .

SO MAGICAL

C

AT THE SM STORE

IT’S Christmas at SM! And The SM Store is all about festivity, love, and celebration as it spreads cheer in the season’s merrymaking.

Channel your inner disco diva with these playful plaid co-ords available at The SM Store.

‘Tis the season for all things magical, from fun, frou-frou fashion (if you can’t at Christmas, then when can you?) to bewitching beauty looks, glorious gifting ideas, and all things entertaining. And it’s time to get your party and your shopping list started with a little help from The SM Store.

As the go-to destination for everything you need for the holidays, The SM Store brings in an extra magical shopping experience: a wide merchandise selection, cool window displays, and festive decorations.

Celebrate in style with elegant pieces from The SM Store: asymmetrical tops, ruffled detailed pieces; prints on prints in florals and stripes, and checkered and plaid patterns.

And there’s more! Check out The SM Stores’s holiday catalog filled with the best Christmas ideas plus a naughty or nice checklist for the kids. Don’t forget the voucher next time you’re in the store to get the special discount.

Visit The SM Store today and share the joy with us on social media using #ItsChristmasAtSM.

Bag t this pr

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ENTERTAINMENT

LOVE SHINES IN GMA NETWORK’S 2019 CHRISTMAS STATION ID

Two turnt-up tots; and a non-stop Christmas party! They’re ready to dance in a red ruffle-sleeved eyelet dress and glittered pumps for her and a short sleeved button down polo and woven pants for him.

Check-in the fun with pieces perfect for office holiday parties, all available at The SM Store.

Take a pause from the dance floor and pose for the camera. Shop this look at The SM Store- a long-sleeved Floral Dress, Yadid Boots and Sling Bag with Gold Studs.

Nothing gets the kids more excited than unwrapping the goodies under the tree. They’re dressed in holiday style – in a shimmery halter top and the Christmas party best-dressed award with tulle skirt with glittered embroidery rint-on-print number from The SM Store with for her and a bomber jacket and pants floral prints and stripes ready to party. on him.

GMA Network sets ablaze the light of love this Holiday Season with its newest Christmas station ID (CSID) “Love Shines” released on Sunday.

Following the network’s grand tradition of heartwarming campaigns namely “PasaLove” (2009), “Share the Love” (2014), “MaGMAhalan Tayo Ngayong Pasko” (2015), and “Buong Pusong MaGMAhalan” (2017), the 2019 CSID once again hits close to home with its inspiring message of love.

The brightest Kapuso stars and the most respected news and public affairs personalities came together to meet and honour individuals who embody and deliver His love to the people around them unforgettable get-togethers that were filled with love, warmth, and joy. Among them, a mother who patiently carries her 22-yearold, differently abled son every single day for the past 15 years for him to go to school, the proud son of a father who works hard as a garbage collector to provide for his and his siblings’ education, an earthquake survivor from Pampanga and her rescuers, and many more.

This uplifting showcase of real-life stories of compassion, resilience, and faith brings forth the powerful idea that everyone can be an agent of love to anyone, in any form.

The Kapuso Christmas campaign #LoveShines instantly became a trending topic worldwide and breached the one-millionviews mark after its launch last November 10. Netizens lauded the CSID for highlighting the true essence of the season and encouraging all to share happiness, bring hope, and spread love, especially to those who need it most.

Dawud Ben Olivar Oliquiano commented, “It will shine worldwide, not only this season but forever.

Kudos GMA for this brilliant and amazing festive kind of a heartfelt storytelling of real life survivors and heroes.”

Honey May Lobedica, on the other hand, shared how the CSID made her miss her family in the Philippines and at the same time felt assured that love definitely shines wherever she may be. “When I watched the CSID of GMA I cried. I miss my family in the Philippines so much. This is my first Christmas away from

home. Saan ka man lupalop ng mundo, don’t forget that #LoveShines in all of us. Thanks GMA for this heartwarming message.”

“You can feel GMA’s sincerity in reaching out to the needy. It is not only for publicity or ratings, they truly wanted to make a difference. And their artists

reflect the values they hold dearly. Kapuso forever!” Bo Mason wrote.

Susan Ocampo also commended the CSID’s storytelling. “Simple but touching. I love that GMA focused on the stories.

Almost all of these napanood ko sa KMJS or sa social media kaya familiar sila. Maligayang Pasko mga Kapuso!”

Indeed, the Kapuso Network reminds us that we all have the capacity to be bearers of light in the lives of others.

Catch GMA Network’s Christmas Station ID on GMA-7 and online on www.GMANetwork.com or on GMA Network’s official social media accounts.

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UP AND ABOUT

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VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

POWER MAC CENTER WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL AUDIO BRAND SUDIO ELEVATE your listening experience to new heights! Lifestyle tech provider Power Mac Center now offers the game-changing products of international audio tech brand Sudio. The Swedish brand unites audiophiles and non-audiophiles alike with its promise to offer exceptional sound quality through its wide selection of Bluetooth wireless audio devices.

Sound engineered using the latest audio technology and designed with the usual elegant and clean Swedish style, Sudio combines high sound functionality with refined style and comfortability in producing a variety of audio devices that will fit any lifestyle.

“Though originated from Sweden, Sudio is a brand that has caught quite the attention from the Asian market due to its capability to offer both quality and style that suits the liking of the consumers from these countries. We are formally welcoming the Sudio brand to Power Mac Center stores and we are excited for more Filipinos to experience the latest in modern au-

A4 INdulge!

A4 INdulge! dio technology,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director of Product Management and Marketing.

Among its library of audio tech offerings, PMC highlights Sudio FEM True Wireless In-Ear Earphones, an innovative pair that offers an audio frequency that extends from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Its dynamic range of sound quality is maintained no matter the environment—from a quiet indoor office space to the crowded and busy streets of the outdoors.

Aside from its distinct audio, the model also boasts of a fourmicrophone system, guaranteeing decreased ambient noise and a

sharper and clearer audio recording when making calls. The earphones can generate a total of 20 hours playtime when fully charged, while an hour of use can be enjoyed after only a 10-minute quick charge.

Further, its wireless technology supports flexibility and mobility as it uses Bluetooth 5.0. This allows for a 10-meter range of connection and higher bandwidth that make it easier to pair with any Bluetoothenabled device. To top it all off, the pair also has IPX5 water protec-

tion, meaning it can resist splashes, rain, and even sweat.

A brand known for its sophisticated yet compact style, Sudio doesn’t compromise its ecological footprint in the materials it uses

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

for its offerings. As it considers the impact it leaves the environment, the brand prides itself with the use of artificial leather in most of its products and the reduced use of fossil fuels in its production and transportation of products in its journey to maintain ecological sustainability.

Alongside Sudio FEM True Wireless In-Ear Earphones, PMC is also carrying Sudio’s other inventive audio tech offerings, which are now available at select Power Mac Center branches and the PMC online store. To check out the entire catalogue of Sudio products and know more about the brand, visit the PMC website or follow its Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.

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

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

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VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

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City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�ice (CDRRMO) they also discovered traces of sinking of soil in Nacilla Village.

“In Nacilla Village in Shrine Hills beside Juario Village we discovered traces of caving in of soil.

Dugay dugay na pero kung ma-trigger na ug earthquake delikado na. Pero giuna lang nato ang Juario Village for immediate relocation kay dili man nato ma-accomodate tanan,” he said.

According to Felizarta, the City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) and CDRRMO are

now studying for the relocation of the affected residents of the two villages.

He said during the preliminary discussion, it is being decided that the residents will be relocated in Tugbok relocation site.

“Dili nato matagna ang panahon pero naa naman nahitabo ngano hulaton pa man nato nga ma-trigger na pud utro, meaning naa nay mga landslide na nahitabo ngano hualotn pa nato nga naa na pud mahitabo. Dili ni panagna per kung kusog ang ulan ug maglinog,” said Felizarta.

Meantime, Lyndon Ancajas, administrative train-

ing chief of City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), recommended immediate relocation for those residents living in landslide prone areas particularly in Juario Compound in MA-a.

The CEO and MGB also inspected the city’s old dumpsite in Ma-a, which was also found not safe for houses situated in the area.

“In the old dumpsite in Ma-a ang yuta nakatabon sa mga basura ug naay mga balay -balay sa ilalom na kung kusog ang ulan delikado pud. The upper part of the dumpsite was

struck by landslide already. Sumpay ra na siya ug na divide lang kay nagbuhat ta ug kalsada, kung kato na pud ang mu-landslide peligro na pud ang mga tao that is why they are also advised for immediate relocation,” Felizarta said.

Mayor Sara Duterte has instructed the CEO and CDRRMO to conduct an inspection and re-assessment of these landslide prone areas including the old smokey mountain in Matina Pangi, and Purok Damayan in Buhangin to safeguard the lives of Davaoeños.

can extend our interventions to the farmers," he said.

The city's agriculturist of�ice is servicing 182 barangays in eight political

districts.

It offers Farm Development Services, Urban Agriculture, Agri-Engineering Services, National Organic Agriculture, Lo-

cal Organic Agriculture, Seedbank and Research Services, Fishery Resources Management Services, Institutional Development Services, and other

support services such as Trainings, Techno Demo, Soil Analysis, Crop Production Monitoring, and Seeds and Seedling Distribution (HVCDP). CIO

Human Security Act. Maj. Ivan Viñas, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro Police apologized for what he referred to as “a misunderstanding.”

Viñas promised the Cagayan de Oro City Police Of�ice will conduct an investigation on the SWAT team that conducted the search.

“We will sanction them if we �ind they committed lapses,” he said.

He said the Philippine National Police regional of�ice in Camp Alagar ordered the SWAT team in

Cagayan de Oro to conduct a search after the Australian embassy in Manila allegedly informed them that one of their of�icials would visit the of�ice of Balay Mindanaw.

“The search was a routine procedure. We apologize that it created some misunderstanding,” Viñas said.

Manlupig, however, said Balay Mindanaw had no activity on Wednesday involving the Australian embassy.

“From whom or where did the PNP get the info

that we were expecting Australian dignitaries? We were expecting none. Nobody, not even the Australian Embassy informed us.

We had hosted many dignitaries in the past, and we are familiar with security protocol,” Manlupig said.

Earlier, the Philippine Army labeled Oxfam, the charitable arm of a federation of churches worldwide as “a front organization” of the New People’s Army and other communist organizations.

Last month, the military raided of�ices of pro-

gressive groups in Bacolod city and arrested 62 of its of�icers.BMFI is a Mindanao-based and Mindanao focused humanitarian and development organization which has been working in con�lict-affected areas in Mindanao as well as in disaster sites.

The BMFI has also worked with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, through its peacebuilding and con�lict-management trainings. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews with reports)

“Now we acknowledge that we are entering another level of our jihad. Our jihad will be more intense and more challenging, our jihad �irstly will be against our own self,” Murad said, adding “our enemies are all the ills of governance… our enemy is graft and corruption, our enemy is the manipulation of government, our enemy is nepotism, our enemy is all those ills of government.”

Murad added that aside from taking their oath as BTA members before President in Malacanang on February 22, “we will also

take oath to Allah, over the Koran, Inshallah. This is to ensure to you that, Inshallah, we will work for a government that will really be free of all the ills of governance.”

The Bay’a or taking of the oath of moral governance before the Koran, was done during the inauguration of the BARMM on March 29 this year.

Ebrahim explained then that when they started the revolution to assert their right to self-determination, they took an oath before the Koran. “Today as we start our gover-

nance, we will also do the same,” he said.

Ebrahim recalled that as they were guided in their armed struggle by the tenets of Islam, they will also be guided by the teachings of Islam “in delivering the trust given to us to run the Bangsamoro government, the brand of governance that Islam advocates — that is, moral governance.”

“We vow to make moral governance as the foundation of this leadership,” he said as he thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for making the event “more

signi�icant and historic.”

Duterte, who graced the inaugural, told members of the BTA that “your region’s future is now in your hands.”

“To my dear Bangsamoro sisters and brothers in the BTA, the power to chart the course of your region’s future is now in your hands. I trust that you will wield this power with utmost care, the future of succeeding generations of the Filipinos, especially the Moro of Mindanao, depends on it,” he said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

cember.

This developed following Duterte’s meeting with Misuari at Malacañan Palace on Monday.

Duterte, during his August 23 meeting with Misuari, was the �irst one to express desire for the immediate creation of the peace panel between the national government and MNLF.

In 1996, the MNLF forged a peace pact with the national government that saw the creation of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where Misuari ruled as a governor.

The ARMM, however, was replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mind-

anao (BARMM) following the rati�ication of the Bangsamoro Organic Law anchored on the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a group that broke away from the MNLF several years before the 1996 peace deal.

The MNLF, under the leadership of Misuari, has

been questioning the supposed inequitable distributions of positions at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, an interim governing body of the BARMM. In March, Duterte said he was “in a hurry” to strike a deal with Misuari, in an effort to end the Moro rebellion and achieve peace in Mindanao. (PNA)

tory approvals, including the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

Aside from Chevron, the Malampaya consortium counts as members Shell Philippines Exploration BV (SPEx), and the Philippine National Oil Company – Exploration Corp. as members.

“We look forward to working with the joint venture partners, Shell and PNOC, and Malampaya’s key stakeholders, including the Philippines Department of Energy, to ensure that Malampaya continues to play an important role in sustainable nation building in the Philippines,” Udenna

said.

The Malampaya gas-topower facility fuels three gas-�ired power plants with a total generating capacity of 2,700 megawatts (MW), providing up to 30% of the power generation needs of Luzon.

Connected to onshore gas plants in Batangas, the

Malampaya offshore facility in Northern Palawan was inaugurated in 2001.

Estimates showed its gas reserves are suf�icient until 2022 to 2024.

Earlier this week, Udenna acquired the Wendy’s brand in the Philippines through subsidiary Eight8-Ate Holdings Inc.

DAVAO... FROM2

BALAY... FROM2

CHIEF... FROM3

NEXT... FROM3

UY... FROM4

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL ORDINARY REGULAR Service.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office No. XI Balusong Ave., McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TOURIST TRANSPORT SERVICE.

Case No. R11-EV-PJ-2019-11-911 (2015-XI-00911) NELSON C. BATULAN, Petitioner.

Case No. R11-NC-TT-2019-11-184 DAVAO TOURIST TRANSPORT SERVICE COOPERATIVE (DTTSC), Applicant.

x----------------------------------------------------x

x----------------------------------------------------x

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL ORDINARY REGULAR service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA R. CASTILLO and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 29, 2020. In the petition filed on November 5, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on NOVEMBER 26, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 6th day of November 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

In the application filed on November 5, 2019, Applicant requests authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED TOURIST TRANSPORT SERVICE for the transportation of passengers and freight on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI accessibIe to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of TWELVE (12) units.

NOTICE is hereby given that this application will be heard by this Board on NOVEMBER 26, 2019 at 8:30 A.M. at this office at the above address.

At least TEN (10) days prior to the above date application shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This application will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness Atty. ARMAND B. DIOSO, Regional Director, this 6th day of November 2019 at Davao City, Philippines.

NOTICE OF HEARING

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Nelson C. Batulan Counsel, Atty. Alejandro A. Cobol

NOTICE OF HEARING

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV Petitioner, Davao Tourist Transport Service Coop. (DTTSC) Counsel, Atty. Raul C. Espina

PHOENIX... FROM4

Meanwhile, the commercial business saw a slowdown in the power segment due to lower dispatch of fuel oil-�ired power for the most part of the third quarter. This dampened commercial volume growth to 11%.

Mr. Fadullon added, “We will continue to push into higher-value segments, speci�ically retail, gas, and aviation services and improve consumer experiences by delivering our brand of service, relationship, and technology.”

About Phoenix Petroleum Phoenix Petroleum is

engaged in the nationwide trading and marketing of re�ined petroleum products, including LPG and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, hauling and into-plane services; convenience store retailing; and trading and supply.

With a vision to be an indispensable partner in the journey of everyone whose life it touches, Phoenix Petroleum is committed to deliver world-class services, empower people, and inspire every Filipino’s entrepreneurial spirit.

fourth consecutive game, �inishing with 31 compared to 29 for the Warriors.

After trailing by double digits for much of the �irst half, the Warriors launched a brief rally in the second quarter, cutting the de�icit to seven before the Lakers seized a 67-55 edge at the break.

In the third, the Lakers blew the game open.

Lakers reserve guard Rajon Rondo, who made his season debut Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns after missing nine games with a strained right calf, didn't play since the club did not want him to appear in backto-back contests yet.

Los Angeles guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left the game in the second half due to a left ankle injury.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

sures, he added.

Among them is the implementation by the DA of the Survival and Recovery or SURE-aid program, which offers affected farmers a PHP15,000 interest-free loan each, payable over eight years.

On the part of the DOF, Dominguez said both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) have formed strike teams to run after possible smuggling, hoarding, and non-compliance with tax and business

regulations by unscrupulous traders.

“Over the next months, expect to see anti-smuggling and anti-hoarding activities to intensify as the DA and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) investigate possible collusion to undermine the market. President Duterte has issued clear instructions to unmask and prosecute those involved in economic sabotage and bring them to justice,” he said.

The DOF chief further

said the Duterte administration will never return to the pre-rice tarif�ication period of unstable rice supplies, high retail prices, pro�iteering, and low farm productivity.

“This is not the future of our agriculture. We should let the Rice Tarif�ication law do its work and give the economy time to adjust for further easing of rice prices for all Filipinos and for support programs to lower the production costs of our farmers,” he added. (PNA)

alarming.

“The number of previously unknown species being discovered in the Philippine habitats is cur-

rently among the greatest in the world,” noted the Chicago-based The Field Museum. “For a �ield biologist who studies biological

diversity, the Philippines is, in many respects, a dream come true – a place where new discoveries lie around every corner.”

co-racers, saying, “They’re young but they’re very talented, and I would hope to be like one of them.”

Rhian previously joined the Vios Cup and other competitions including Expert B Class of the 2015 Philminiracers series where she placed 1st runner up. It will be Rhian's �irst time behind the wheel for a Formula V1 race, for which she has been practicing with the assistance of the Tuason Racing School.

One of Rhian’s co-racers is Patrichk Dela Rosa, the youngest driver in the team. He was a �inalist in the Phoenix Young Driver’s

Program and the Philippine GT Driver of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Tara Laconico, a 15-year old karting prodigy who quali�ied for the Sodi World Finals last year, also joins the team. Lastly, the group is completed by Phoenix Young Driver’s Program champion and the team’s current Formula V1 AM Class driver, Raffy Rabe whose past experiences consist of the quick Flat Out Race Series and Touge Battle events.

The Phoenix PULSE racing team will be competing against Obengers, TRS, Giti Racing, Frontrow, Fourth Floor Racing, Growl-Thule,

Partspro, John Diego Team, One Formula Racing, and Cleanfuel in the 4-hour Endurance Formula V1 Race.

The day kicks off at 7 AM upon arriving in Clark for the orientation, followed by the Supercar Track Day sessions at 9 AM and 11 AM. The endurance race is slated in the afternoon starting at 1 PM. During the event, FamilyMart will provide coffee and pastries to racers.

Meanwhile, attendees will be treated to other event activities and attractions, including the Virtual Racing Challenge, cars on display, and a kiddie carting area.

BIODIVERSITY... FROM8 RACING... FROM12

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 178 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15-16, 2019

TEAM PH SEND-OFF. Philippine sports officials and sports icons lead the send-off ceremonies for Filipino athletes bound for the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Wednesday (Nov. 13, 2019). Leading the send-off are Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez; Philippine Olym-

MILITARY ATHLETES. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana meets with the127 soldier-athletes and coaches who will compete at the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on during the send-off ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 11, 2019). The ceremony includes the

blessing of over 400 soldier-athletes and coaches, security forces, and emergency preparedness and response teams for the 30th SEA Games the country is hosting from November 30 to December 11, this year. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

Even without Davis, Lakers rout Warriors

L

eBron James had 23 points, 12 assists and six rebounds in three quarters, and the Los Angeles Lakers coasted to a 12094 victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles center JaVale McGee �inished with 18 points, 17 rebounds, including �ive on the offensive end, three blocks and three steals against his former team.

Dwight Howard added 15 points and eight boards for the Lakers, who won for the ninth time in their last 10 games.

Kyle Kuzma scored 22 points while starting for Los Angeles in place of Anthony Davis, who was rested since he is dealing with shoulder and rib soreness.

D'Angelo Russell scored 21 points for Golden State, which has lost �ive in a row.

Russell had scored at least

30 points in each of his previous four contests. Rookie Eric Paschall had 15 points for the Warriors.

Los Angeles got off to a sizzling start, using a 12-0 run for a 29-15 lead after a 3-pointer by Alex Caruso with 4:11 left in the �irst quarter.

The Lakers led 38-26 at the end of the quarter, having hit 69.6 percent of their shots from the �loor, including 5 of 8 3-point attempts. James scored 11 points in the �irst.

The Warriors managed 50 percent shooting in the quarter but mis�ired on 5 of 6 3-point tries. Overall on the night, Los Angeles hit 53.9 percent of its �ield-goal attempts to 40.4 percent for Golden State.

The Lakers dominated the glass, compiling a 51-33 rebounding edge. They also topped 30 assists for the

LAKERS, P9

11

pic Committee President Abraham Tolentino; and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Chairman. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

We’ll win it: Cayetano

P

hilippine SEA Games Organizing Committee chairman and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano expressed hope that the Philippines will top this year’s Southeast Asian Games, which the country is hosting.

“Nagdadasal kami (We’re praying). We’re hoping and giving our support na mag number one ang Pilipinas (that Philippines will end up on top),” he said on Wednes-

day night during the Team Philippines Send-Off ng Bayan event at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Philippines clinched the overall championship of the biennial meet in 2005, the last time the country hosted the games.

With the Philippines hosting the SEA Games again from November 30-December 11, clinching another overall title is not far-fetched.

In fact, a 220-gold medal haul for the Philippine team was projected.

Asked about his reaction to the forecast, Cayetano was mum about his own projection for the team.

“I’d rather not [talk about it] as chairman kasi nga we have to make sure [na] fair sa lahat. POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) na ang mag-take ng predictions,” Cayetano said. (PNA)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center. Reuters

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RACING RHIAN

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 178 164 • VOL.12 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, ISSUE 78 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER OCTOBER JUNE 25-26, 15-16, 27, 2019

4 games Escandor Rhian Ramosup goesas back to the race Cup Collegiate track for the Phoenix PULSE racing teamSaturday Sponsors League resumes A

ctress and Phoenix mula V1. I just expect to learn Petroleum brand am- a lot from this race. I’ve also By ADAMRhian B. MORRELL bassador Ra- never had the experience mos is going back to the before of sharing a car with heavy four-game bill Royal Mandaya Hotel, Darace tracks for the 4-hour other teammates, so it’s gois on Formula its way asV1 ac-Racevies ing Paints, Mandarin SPC turning Endurance to be interesting in theRacing Collegiate of thetion Tuason TrackBranch, thisMax's into aFried teamChicksport,” Rhian Sponsors League (CSL) en and PTT Lubricants.

Day happening on November said.

“Phoenix has helped me Escandor Cup resumes on Meantime, the 16, 2019 at the Clark Interby supporting me Saturday, October 26, at Agro-Industrial Founda- through national in Pam-tion this whole learning the DavaoSpeedway City Recreation College of the Philip- experipanga.

Rhian joins Phoenix ence.

It’s become a very fun, Center. pines (AIFCP) Sailors and PULSE Raffythe enjoyable, and educational The Young curtain Drivers raiser will UM Wildcats shared Rabe, Laconico, experience for me,”Ashe addfeature Tara a "David versusandthe top spot in bracket Patrichk Dela Rosa part ofwith a 2-0 record each, Goliath" match up asas oddson favorite Maria Col- followed by the CJC Red the PhoenixJose PULSE raclegeteam.

(JMC) Kings takes on Lions with 1-0. The MCT ing the“This struggling Brokenshire Navigators landed on is my College oftime Davao (BCD) the fourth spot with 1-1, �irst trailed by the defending cdribblers o m p e tat- 3:00pm.

The clash between the champion Holy Cross of ing with San Pedro College (SPC) Davao College (HCDC) FStallions o r - and the visiting Crusaders with 1-2, DM-

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ed.

Rhian also stated that the game plan is to make sure that the car lasts long, so there is a need to take care of and connect to it. As for her teammates, she stated that whatever happens, there should be no blaming anyone, and even expressed her admiration for her

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Cor Jesu College (CJC) MACSP Mariners 0-1, of Digos City Red Lions SPCD Saints 0-1, and SPC will go after at 4:30 pm, Stallions with 0-2. followed by the exciting The bracket B, meanbattle between tradition- while, is currently led by al powerhouse teams St. the Holy Cross College John Paul II College of of Sasa (HCCS) Spartans Davao (SPCD) Saints and with 3-0 card, followed 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

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University of Mindanao will tryo to make it three in a row on Saturday as action in the Collegiate Sponsors League (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,

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE55 21• SUNDAY-MONDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY,MAY APRIL 7-8, 2019 VOL.12 26-27,

Actress and Phoenix Petroleum ambassador Rhian Ramons and her teammates are set to race against other teams for the Tuason Racing Track Day this weekend.