Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 21 | Sunday - Monday April 7-8, 2019

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 VOL.11 250• SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL MARCH 7-8,8-9, 2019 2019

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

Tigers take Game 1 in MPBL South Finals

TIBUNGCO TO GET SEVERAL BENEFITS FROM FOUNDATION

►NEWS P3

►SPORTS P11

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

2 TOP NPAS KILLED

‘Enjoy’, top aide fall in Davao del Sur clash

LANDBANK OPENS 10TH BRANCH IN SOUTH COTABATO ► COMP.EDGE P5

SEAWEED: UNDERWATER GOLDMINE

► SCIENCE P10

RENOVATION. Construction workers sit on steel truss of one of Agdao Public Market's buildings that is undergoing renovation during their morning break on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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wo New Peoples' Army (NPA) leaders were killed in an encounter with 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Armed Forces of the Philipppines (AFP) troops on Friday, April 5 at the hinterlands of Sitio Lanan, Barangay Goma, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The casualties were identified as Roberto Castellote a.k.a. Enjoy, commander of the Guerilla Unit of GF51, and his secretary Lesly Pulido a.k.a Camille.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey, on Saturday, April 6, told Edge Davao that

based on the reports from Colonel Adonis Bajao, Commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade which oversees the security efforts in the Province of Davao Del Sur, the military troops responded promptly to the information provided by farmers whose livelihood were being disturbed by the Com-

munist Terrorists.

Balagtey said that with the help of former rebels and rouges gallery of 39IB, the NPA leaders killed during the 45-minute encounter against the troop of Lieutenant Colonel Rhojun Rosales.

Aside from taking down two rebel leaders, Balagtey said the Army recovered a M4 rifle in the operation.

Balagtey said the same unit of the 39th IB also conducted a security patrol in the mountainous area of

F2 TOP , P11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

MEETING HIS SUPPORTERS. President Rodrigo Duterte interacts with his supporters on the sidelines of the 31st Annual Convention of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines at the Asturias Hotel in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Thursday night.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Red tide hits Davao Oriental, Occidental

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ureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel have fanned out to Davao Oriental and Davao Occidental to inform the people not to consume shellfish products as they have been found to have high red tide toxin contamination.

This was learned from BFAR Region 11 Director Fatma Idris who said that high red tide toxin in shellfish products were monitored to be in the coastal water of Santa Maria, Davao Occidental and the Balite Bay area inside Pujada Bay in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Idris said Balite Bay and Sta. Maria have been added to the test of areas found positive of red tide toxin in the bulletin of BFAR. “All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the area shown are not safe for human consumption,” the BFAR advisory said.

In the same bulletin, BFAR said shellfish collected from San Pedro Bay in Western Samar; Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur and the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol were still positive for paralytic shellfish poison.

PH gov't urged to promote absentee voting among OFWs

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week before the start of the overseas absentee voting (OAV), an election watchdog group on Friday urged Philippine posts and embassies to double time their efforts in encouraging Filipinos overseas to participate in the forthcoming polls.

In a Facebook post, the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) said that Philippine officials should launch last minute information campaigns to properly educate Pilipinos abroad.

“As overseas voting is about to start, we would like to request that our embassies all over the world work doubly hard to reach out and communicate to our overseas voters,” it add-

ed.

The group believes that the information drive would help address possible reservations of Filipinos in participating in the May 2019 elections.

“Such communication would greatly appease the fears and apprehensions of our voters as to the integrity of the process. This way also, disinformation would be corrected right away,” it said.

The group revealed that they received information that several Filipinos in Singapore are concerned that their votes will not be counted since they are not the ones that will insert their accomplished ballots

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Zambo mayor acts on rotating outrages *Asks Crown to pay WMPC services

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The lady mayor told lawyer Castillo “residents and businesses are complaining of longer and more frequent outrages since February 4 that adversely affected our local economy prompting me to write this demand letter”.

“In the interest of the general welfare, I firmly re-

quest for your commitment to pay WMPC or hasten the provision of other power sources at the soonest time possible, and find an immediate solution to end the rotational blackouts”.

Earlier, executives of the WMPC said they have brought the issue before the regulatory agencies, particularly the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi also repeatedly ordered Administrator Edgardo B. Masongsong of the National Electrification Administration to mediate between the two companies for the settlement of the issue.

However, no settlement

was arrived at last week as CIHI has accused WMPC of overcharging.

Mayor Climaco said the issue on whether there was legal basis to withhold the payment of its obligation to WMPC, CIHI must be able to provide the needed power as “our people cannot suffer further.”

In a statement released April 3, the Alsons Power Corp., mother company of WMPC, said the power generator “is ready to immediately resume operations providing stable and reliable electric power to the consumers of Zamboanga City as it has for the past 20 years as soon as Crown

G. Gabot on the occasion of its presentation of winners of the 2018 PAJ-San Miguel Corporation Binhi Awards for excellence in agricultural and environmental journalism and induction of its officers and directors at the Makati Diamond Residences.

Duterte recognized how PAJ, founded in 1976, has “over the years been advocating for sustainable

agriculture and countryside development through balanced reporting on agrobased industries.”

The PAJ members, according to Duterte, have raised public awareness, “ensuring that our farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders in this sector are given a voice and are empowered to participate in the national discourse.”

“Excellent journalism

promotes nation-building through your stories,” Duterte told the PAJ officers and members.

Duterte congratulated the PAJ and the SMC for jointly holding the annual Binhi Awards contest in agricultural and environmental journalism.

“Let this milestone inspire you to remain steadfast in upholding the integ-

n a move to end “longer and more frequent ‘outrages’” in power supply in Zamboanga City, Mayor Isabelle Climaco has sent a strong-worded letter to Crown Investment Holdings, Inc. (CIHI), management contract of Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) to pay its outstanding debt to power supplier, Western Mindanao Power Corp (WMPC) of Alsons Power, among other actions.

Mayor Climaco wrote last April 1 CIHI president Joseph Omar Castillo, Zamboanguenos “can no longer tolerate the ‘rotating blackouts’”, saying the power crisis is adversely affecting Zamboanga City’s key role “not only in national trade and commerce, but in national security as well”.

FZAMBO , P11

PRRD rallies agri journalists to brighter, greener future for Filipinos

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has called on the country’s agricultural journalists to work together with the government in maintaining the momentum towards a brighter and greener future” for every Filipino.”

The President made the call in a message to the Philippine Agricultural Journalists Inc. led by its new president Prof. Alfredo

FPRRD , P11

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Tibungco to get several benefits from foundation E

ight organizations are transforming the community Of Barangay Tibungco with programs aligned with the UN sustainable Goals of Reducing Inequalities, Clean Water and Sanitation, Good Health and Well Being, Climate Action and Quality Education.

The Football for Humanity Foundation campaign dubbed "Play for Goals" is currently constructing a 34 meters x 21 meters football pitch, a day care center with library, and a clean water facility on the grounds of Zonta Village, in Barangay Tibungco, Davao City.

Populated by a mix of Christian, Muslim and indigenous residents, the project aims to create greater community cohesion through sport and education. The facility is expected to be completed on the last week of April, 2019.

Maharlika Sports Development Institute Inc., in partnership with the University of the Immaculate Conception Community Development Service, together with Football for Humanity Foundation founder, Chris Thomas, initiated the project which started with

the football facility and then grew to a multi-sectoral cooperation that includes the Library Renewal Partners, waves for Water, one World Play Project, Olli Bambu, the Mindanao Peace Council' and many other sponsors and donors whose aim is to create sustainable community development with sports and well-being as an anchor.

"To support our football-centric program, we will be distributing one thousand soccer balls to children in a continuation of the "Isang Bata, Isang Bola" initiative at the Tionko Football Grounds on the afternoon of the Tibungco launch. Through the efforts of Football for Humanity Founder Mr. Chris Thomas, we will be able to distribute thousands more of these "unpoppable" footballs (soccer balls) donated by One World Play Project,

FOOTBALL FOR HUMANITY. Edgar L. Te, special project director of the Davao South Regional Football Association (DRFA) and executive of the Davao-based Maharlika Sports Development Institute, Inc., explains the benefits that Tibungco, Davao City will get from a multi-faceted project that Football for Humanity Foundation has

launched in the barangay. Te, together with Bells Tiongco, vice president and cofounder, and foundation founder Chris Thomas appeared in last Friday’s Kapihan sa PIA edition to talk on the project. EDITH T. ISIDRO/PIA

which has distributed over 2 million balls all over the world, impacting 60 million lives," according to Davao South Regional Football

danao, who are extremely talented and who deserve to benefit from the proven power of SPORT and PLAY. We are confident that

Association (DRFA) Special Projects Director Edgar L. Te. "This is a great opportunity for the children of Min-

this project will generate change in the community, leading to peace, progress, and social change," added Thomas.

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

Davao’s traffic signalization repairs completed by June

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EASTER SEASON. New Marco Polo Davao (MPD) general manager Colin Healy leads the hanging of painted Easter eggs on Paskris tree to open the hotel’s Easter season at MPD lobby on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr

Mayor Sara’s account falls prey to Facebook ‘cleansing’

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avao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Z. Duterte’s account has been recently shut down by Facebook and the local chief executive’s camp suspects that the opposition has something to do with it.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday, Davao City Information Office chief Jefry Tupas said the mayor’s verified account was engaging Filipinos by the millions but was terminated due to “massive reports”.

Tupas said Facebook has been purging accounts “and most of these accounts are pro-Duterte.

Makes you wonder what’s the role of the yellow in this so-called ‘cleansing’.”

Some of the pages removed include “Bong Go Supporters,” “Duterte Warriors,” “Pinulungang Binisaya,” “Trending Now,” and “Kuya Sonny Angara.”

Mayor Sara’s camp heavily relied on social media for the campaigns

of Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a regional political party that she formed and whose senatorial slate topped Pulse Asia survey.

In an Asia Foundation report, social media was seen as a game-changer in the 2016 elections, noting that it sparked political discourse never before seen in the country’s election history. For the May 13 mid-term elections, it also holds true.

Meanwhile, Ramon Beleno III, spokesman of Blue Vote, Ateneo de Davao University’s political education campaig,n said people could only say that something is not fair if the statistics of the purged accounts of the administration versus the opposition is higher than the other.

“We cannot jump into conclusion, we would assume that it is anti-govt but let us give them the benefit of the doubt kung purely administration-led accounts then we could probably say that it is not fair,” Beleno said in a separate interview.

Last week, during a press briefing in Taguig City, Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said the cluster of pages that have been taken down have used a mix of real and fake accounts to drive messaging in behalf of political candidates.

Gleicher, who flew to Manila for the briefing, said a total of 3.6 million Filipinos follow at least one of the pages and at least 1.8 million accounts are involved in one of the identified groups.

Earlier, Nicanor Gabunada Jr., Social Media Director of the Duterte Cam-

paign, said he felt “singled out” when his account was taken down on Friday (March 29) because he expressed support for the President and his choice of candidates while the accounts of those who backed bets belonging to the opposition were not.

“There is a reason for me to suspect that they pulled down pages and groups associated with the President and the candidates of the President because they thought it will weaken the support base and also diminish the chances of pro-admin candidates. Big mistake,” Gabunada said in a statement.

Gabunada, who also manages a Facebook page called “Nic Goes Online”, pointed out that other pages taken down, which are pro-Duterte and pro-Duterte backed candidates, were not even associated with him. (PNA)

Davao among first to roll out national ID registration--PSA

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avao ranks among the first regions to implement the Philippine Identification system mandated under RA 11055 or the National ID Law which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018.

In a special edition of Kapihan sa Kapitolyo, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Director Ru-

ben D. Abaro Jr said he expected the national ID system to start rolling out by last quarter of the year.

“I would like to encourage everyone to enroll,” he said.

Being the lead agency to run the national ID system, PSA will be setting up a number of PSA-accredited registration centers where people can personally visit to have their bio-

metrics captured.

“Para sa atong pitaka, isa na lang ka ID,” (So we would have only one ID in our wallets) he said during the interview.

Abaro was also looking at the possibility of PSA to run mobile registration centers in coordination with local government units. “That is among our strategies,” he said.

“All persons and

resident aliens” including children of 5 years of age and above are to register but Abaro said children have to re-register with PSA during their teenage years to have their biometrics, recaptured.

The PSA-issued national ID will be given free and to be issued after personal information shall have been authenticated. (PIA11)

he repair of the city’s traffic signalization system would be completed by June 2019.

Dionisio Abude, head of the City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (CTTMO), said in an interview Thursday that the Dabawenyos could expect a better traffic once repair works on the system on 63 pedestrian and light junctions are completed.

He said the city government has allocated P10 million for the traffic signalization project, which also includes replacement of the hardware and budget for the re-wiring of the traffic lights, most of them built back in 2006, amid complaints of the Dabawenyos against the non-functioning traffic lights.

Abratique and Associates, the private contractor handling the project, will complete the repair in two months, according to Abude.

A press release from the City Information Office last February 8 said the “the repair and rehabilitation of the traffic lights will make the city capable of re-implementing the no physical contact apprehension of traffic violators. The no physical contact apprehension was previously enforced in the city through the help of an operator that monitored the cameras, which are installed at intersections, from the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC).”

Abude said the traffic lights would be ready for the installation of sensors for the High Priority Bus System (HPBS).

“There would really be no changes. It’s just another gadget that you need to install – a sensor – to anticipate the bus coming,” he said The city government initially plans to implement the interim phase of the HPBS within the second semester of 2019, with at least 25 low-floor or city buses. At least 10,000 workers will be needed once the full implementa-

tion of the HPBS is completed by 2021.

The city government will also install additional 200 closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) here as the city “needs more eyes on the ground,” PSSCC head Benito de Leon said.

De Leon said that the city government had already approved a budget worth P30 million for the procurement of additional CCTVs to cover more major thoroughfares.

“We can cover the major thoroughfares. The city has expanded very fast.

The city is so wide. We have four road networks, and our population has grown,” he said.

De Leon said there was no schedule yet on the installation of the CCTVs, which will take two to three weeks.

“We want it the soonest. It depends on the delivery of procured items,” he said.

The PSSCC, created through Executive Order No. 18 Series of 2012, is tasked to “provide protection, security, safety and risk management to the people of the city,” and operates “through coordinative approach to address the different issues of safety and security relative to Crime, Terrorism, Security, Traffic, Health and Social Services, Emergency Services, and Disaster Risk Reduction by using information, people, technology, and intelligent solutions.”

De Leon also urged the establishments and the churches here to install CCTVs. “Not all establishments here are compelled to install CCTVs. Only those whose capitalization is P2 million and above are mandated by law to install. There are business establishments whose capitalization falls below. We have enjoined everybody, the city mayor enjoins the Catholic church to install CCTV cameras in and outside the churches and parishes to help ensure safety of our churchgoers,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

TESDA-Davao eyes training for inmates in 2019

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he Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) 11 (Davao region) plans to train more than 500 inmates this year, its director, Lorenzo Macapili, said Friday.

“We have at least three partner correctional facilities where we conduct trainings.

For this year, we target 532 enrollees, and at least 404 graduates," Macapili told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In 2018, 483 inmates in the region

enrolled in TESDA, and 367 of them graduated.

Macapili said some 288 inmates completed their training, and 108 of them had their training from July to December 2018. The others began their training early this year, he said.

The 108 trainees received their National Certificates (NC) last March 27.

They underwent different skills training, such as on "Hilot" wellness massage, plumbing, shielded metal arc welding, carpentry,

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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BDO embarks on next phase of upgrade

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UNSANITARY PRACTICES. A boy and his young sister watch as their father and a worker of an establishment selling ice load ice blocks on a tricycle at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Saturday. The city goverment of Davao constantly

IRR of rice law signed

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olicymakers have finally signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11203, threshing out details in the effective rollout of the new law liberalizing the importation, exportation, and trading of rice. The law also lifts the quantitative import restriction on rice.

With the issuance of Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01-2019 by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Budget and Management, the final draft of the IRR earlier approved by the National Food Authority (NFA) Council has been adopted for implementation.

“We celebrate this milestone for the agriculture sector. All concerned agencies, including NEDA, are duty bound to implement this historic law. In moving forward, we all have the long-term goal of modernizing the rice industry and improving the lives of all Filipinos, especially farmers, in our minds,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said.

Inputs from a series of public consultations organized by the DA with its stakeholders in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Mindanao, and Visayas region, as well as online consultations led by NEDA, have been incorporated into the final version of the IRR. Among the salient provisions in the IRR are guidelines on the President’s powers and the enforcement of safeguard measures in case of emergency situations like the sudden rise and drop in domestic prices.

The IRR likewise provides guidance on the reorganization of the NFA, following the repeal of its regulatory powers and the

change of its functions to maintenance and management of the country’s buffer stocks.

The NFA Council, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, will likewise commission a study that will determine NFA’s optimal buffer stock for emergency and relief purposes. Prior to the completion of the study, the NFA will continue to maintain its current buffer stock level ranging from 15 to 30 days, based on a daily national rice consumption of 32,593 metric tons per day.

The unused grain rice stocks will be unloaded and sold in the domestic market at the prevailing market price or even at a slightly lower rate as long as this would cover storage logistics costs.

The IRR also details the establishment of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and how the PHP 10-billion fund from the General Appropriations Act will be transferred directly to implementing agencies.

Similarly, the document also sets the guidelines on the allocation of the tariff revenues in excess of PHP 10 billion. This will be tapped to provide direct financial assistance to rice farmers adversely affected by the new rice import regime.

While the IRR takes effect 15 days after its publication, self-executing provisions of the law are now being enforced.

Concerned government agencies, such as the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Plant Industry of DA, no longer require an NFA permit, license, or registration for trade and importation of rice. The only requirement to import and trade rice is the phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC), which can be obtained from the Bureau of Plant Industry. (PR)

reminding establishments selling ice blocks to handle their product properly and stop unsanitary practices as these could harm public health. Lean Daval Jr

OLLOWING last month’s successful implementation of key improvements involving its electronic banking services, BDO Unibank will launch the next phase of its system upgrade this coming Holy Week.

As a result, the following services will be temporarily inaccessible to clients starting 8PM on April 19 (Good Friday) to 12nn on April 20 (Black Saturday):

• ATMs • Mobile and Online Banking • Debit and Cash Card transactions

Branches, meanwhile, will be closed from April 18 (Maundy Thursday) to April 21 (Easter Sunday) in observance of the Holy Week. Regular operations will resume Monday, April 22.

“We are advising our clients and the general public to perform their banking transactions ahead of this scheduled activity to avoid any inconvenience,” BDO said in an advisory.

Once completed, the system improvement will allow BDO to provide better service to its growing number of clients and offer banking convenience to even more Filipinos.

Jollibee milestone store opens in Guam

Marks 38th outlet in the United States

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ollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) opened today, April 6, 2019, its milestone store in Guam, as part of the company’s accelerated global expansion plans - growing towards its vision to be among the Top 5 restaurant companies in the world.

The standalone Jollibee store seats 205 and is in front of Micronesia Mall in Dededo, the most populous village in Guam.

The Guam store is Jollibee’s 38th store across American states and territories. The fast food giant recently announced its accelerated North American expansion plan, which includes growing to 150 locations in the U.S. and 100 in Canada over the next five years.

An estimate of over 1000 enthusiastic fans lined up with some queuing for 12 hours to cele-

brate the first day of Jollibee’s Guam store. Guam residents can now enjoy Jollibee’s most famous dish – the crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy; and other favorites such as Jolly Spaghetti with its unique sweetstyle sauce, and Jollibee Burger Steak which is made with 100% pure beef with a special mushroom sauce.

“This was an exciting day for both Jollibee and our many fans in Guam who have awaited the opening of our store here,” Dennis Flores, President

and Head of International Business – EMEAA, said.

“It was so fun to see such a diverse, eclectic group of people who call Guam home queueing up to enjoy our offerings and to experience the joy of eating delicious food together.”

Jollibee continues to expand its horizons globally catering to local markets aside from serving overseas Filipinos. It has succeeded in winning the taste and preference of markets such as Manhattan, Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The company aims to achieve the same kind of success for their newly-opened stores worldwide given the strong appeal of Chickenjoy and the warm, personal service it

has come to be known for.

JFC is the parent company of Jollibee, and has 14 brands with over 4,500 stores across 21 countries. In 2013, JFC became the number one restaurant company in Asia, in terms of market capitalization and is the world’s largest and fastest growing Asian Restaurant Company. The fast-food giant is now aiming to be among the Top 5 Largest Restaurant Companies in the world in terms of market capitalization.

To achieve this, JFC identified focusing on the two largest economies in the world, namely China and United States, and for continued expansion in other parts of the world, while sustaining business growth in the Philippines.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

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DCWD Victoria Plaza sub-office, collection centers open on April 9

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avao City Water District’s Victoria Plaza sub-office and Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premiere collection centers are open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on April 09, 2019 despite the declaration of this day as a regular holiday in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan.

However, DCWD Matina office and Bajada and Toril sub-offices are closed on said holiday. Their regular operations will resume on April 10, 2019.

All due dates falling on April 09, 2019 will remain as scheduled.

The DCWD management assures the general

Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and spouse Mrs. Rochelle Tamayo (fourth and fifth from left) pose with LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo (third from left), Executive Vice President for Branch Banking Liduvino Geron (left-most), and

First Vice President for East Mindanao Branches Group Camilo Leyba (fifth from right). With them are Tupi Branch Head Mary Beth Kalabud (second from left), Vice Mayor Noel Escobillo (third from right) and other Tupi LGU officials.

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In line with LandBank’s commitment to provide accessible and responsive customer service, Borromeo said among the Bank’s priority thrusts this year is to improve branch operations through digitization.

Part of the Bank’s efforts towards digitization is the implementation of the Digital Onboarding System (DOBS), a web application it launched in 2018 that enables clients to accomplish account enrolment forms online, thereby shortening ac-

the country that offers this service to both individual and institutional clients, including government agencies.

Borromeo further urged the local government of Tupi and other clients of the branch to avail of the LandBank Link.Biz Portal, especially this tax payment season. Link.

Biz Portal is an electronic payment facility that allows payment for taxes, application fees, and other dues and charges in government and non-government institutions.

“These are just some of our initiatives but we will continue to make the best use of technology to streamline our processes, improve operational efficiency, and provide our clients with faster, safer and more convenient service,” Borromeo added.

viders, Country Funders offers various loan products. Their main product is motorcycle loans which they sell through their sister company, Ropali Motorcycles.

According to the Philippine government, there is a high demand for motorcycles in the local market.

By 2020, the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) expects annual sales of over 2 million units.

Visionary financial institutions such as Country Funders have embraced technology to expand their client bases and leverage the

increase of financial capability to drive sales.

Country Funders moved their financial services to the cloud in order to facilitate their growth. By offering their lending services to more individuals, Country Funders increases the purchasing power of their clients in hard-to-reach areas of the Philippines.

Country Funder’s President, Ms. Ana Robina A. Alingog, commented on Country Funder’s partnership with Oradian: “Oradian’s cloudbased core-banking platform gives us much needed leverage in improving access to financial services

in the Philippines. We have transitioned our services to the cloud to save time, enhance the security of our data, and provide ease of use to remote areas. We have utilized this technology

to speed up our operations and improve our client engagement capability.”

Country Funders has been onboarded to Oradian’s cloud-based core banking system to manage

Country funders hikes financial inclusion in the Phl with Oradian’s cloud technology

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ountry Funders Finance Corporation has subscribed to the Oradian platform to enhance operational efficiencies and provide digital financial services to unbanked Filipinos.

Country Funders is part of the Ropali Group of Companies, a dominant player in the rural banking, motorcycle and agricultural machinery trade. With their head office located in Cauayan, Isabela and 38 offices nationwide, Country Funders serves over 9,000 clients and plans expansion in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

As financial service pro-

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count opening time.

Within four months of implementation, DOBS is now utilized in 104 of the Bank’s branches across the country which reported significant reduction in account opening time from 30 minutes to 10-15 minutes. The Bank targets full implementation of DOBS Phase 1 to all its branches by third quarter of the year.

DOBS Phase 2 will link the system to the Bank’s website which will allow individual (including Overseas Filipinos) and institutional clients to fill out account opening forms and upload IDs and documents online, prior to proceeding to the branch to complete the account opening process.

The implementation of DOBS makes LandBank the first universal bank in

upi, South Cotabato Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo led the inauguration of the Bank’s new branch in Tupi located at the Municipal Hall Compound in Barangay Poblacion. This was Mrs. Borromeo’s first branch inauguration since she re-joined LANDBANK as its President and CEO last March 1.

“The opening of this new branch forms part of our aggressive thrust to expand our network as we seek to bring banking services closer to our clients,” said Borromeo.

LandBank Tupi Branch is the first commercial bank in the municipality, and is the Bank’s 10th in the province. This brings its nationwide branch network to 398, which is targeted to reach 410 by the end of the year – with 12 more new branches in the pipeline.

Digitization thrust

Phoenix Petroleum card program up he country’s fastest-growing oil company, Phoenix Petroleum, is now offering a fully-customizable fleet card program for small and medium enterprises.

Starting March 28, 2019, entrepreneurs who want to boost their business without increasing operating expense can now apply for the Phoenix Fleet Card program, which offers a range of exclusive perks and benefits for members. With two card types—single card and dual card—Phoenix Fleet cardholders can choose, modify, and control their package based on their preference and needs. Single cardholders may either have a driver-specific, vehicle-specific, or driver-vehicle-specific card type depending on their needs.

“To be able to provide the appropriate and fitting fleet fuel services to the diverse needs and requirements of different businesses in the country, we are introducing our fuel card program through the Phoenix Fleet Card,” Phoenix Petroleum Chief Operating Officer Henry Albert Fadullon said. “Through this, we aim to provide easy, economic, and worry-free business solutions especially to SMEs.” Each Phoenix Fleet card

LandBank opens 10th branch in South Cotabato

public that the operations of its technical departments and Call Center/ Central Information Unit (CIU) will not be disrupted to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer service support.

Customers may contact the DCWD’s Call Center/CIU through the 24hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 or the chat feature of DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook. com/davaowater) for queries and updates related to DCWD’s water service.

(Janica Roice T. Cua)

guarantees the cardholders with the BEST from Phoenix Petroleum—access to Best value products such as fuels blended with Phoenix PULSE TEchnology, Easy and convenient transaction, Specialized service, and Tailor-fit solutions to needs.

On top of the smart alerts and monthly detailed transaction report, the Phoenix Fleet Card program also comes with an online portal for monitoring and management of fuel expense.

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The Phoenix Fleet Card program is the latest product offering of Phoenix Petroleum. The company has been building its cards solutions portfolio over the years by offering various loyalty and payment cards for its customers.

Aside from Phoenix Fleet Card, the company also offers Pinoy Tsuper Card (PTC), a loyalty reward card for public utility drivers; PTC-Grab, a variation of the PTC made exclusive for Grab drivers; and Phoenix RCBC Bankard Mastercard, a co-branded credit card that offers pulse-racing lifestyle rewards for next-generation motorists.

their day-to-day operations more effectively and serve their clients more efficiently. Instafin is an all-in-one banking platform that provides real-time access to all

FCOUNTRY , P13

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

EDITORIAL ‘Fake’ Facebook cleansing?

The ‘cleansing’ being done by Facebook in its platform of late has affected not just accounts by political personalities but also private individuals.

But there seems to be an intriguing denominator in the mass purging--it affects by far those affiliated to the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and their supporters. Likewise, it affects those who are inimical to the interest of the opposition in this country.

It’s simply mind boggling. Any purge could have been understandable where it is done across all accounts without distinction. But this recent cleansing looks, in all angles, very suspicious as it tilts to the favor of the anti-Duterte accounts.

It all started last last week, during a press briefing in Taguig City when Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said they have taken down a cluster of pages that have used a mix of real and fake accounts to drive messaging in behalf of political candidates. Gleicher, who flew to Manila for the briefing, said a total of 3.6 million Filipinos follow at least one of the pages and at least 1.8 million accounts are involved

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BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Lifestyle

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

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in one of the identified groups.

Among the casualties in the purging was the account of Davao City Mayor and presidential daughter Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio.

The mayor’s verified account, which has millions of followers, was reportedly taken down because of “massive reports”. The other notable pages removed include “Bong Go Supporters,” “Duterte Warriors,” “Pinulungang Binisaya,” “Trending Now,” and “Kuya Sonny Angara.”

Social media has proven itself to be a game-changer in Philippine elections as exemplified by the resounding victory of a short-handed Duterte machinery in 2016. This year’s midterm elections have relied heavily on social media engagements which was reflected in surveys of electoral frontrunners in the May polls.

Has Facebook been manipulated unfairly by one side in this fierce political battle?

The answer boils down to the obvious fact that Facebook is a multi-million global business and whoever has the money is in control of the platform. Simple as that.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

GENERALDE SANTOS MANILA MARKETING OFFICE CAGAYAN OROCITY MARKETING OFFICE MARKETING OFFICE LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager RICHARD C. EBONA EDMUND D. RENDON Product Development officer Unit 6, Southbank Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Marketing Specialist Address: No. 18 Purok 4B, Madelo Street, Lower Bicutan, Taguig City General Santos Cagayan de Oro CityCity (Smart) 09382022120 Mobile number: +63 947 265 2969(smart); +63 916 955 8559(globe) Tel: Mobile: (088) 852-4894

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

9

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

IS THE WEST SCRAMBLING TO CONTAIN CHINA? Does the rise of China’s economic power mean a decline of the west’s political influence?

While it may not seem to be the case, western diplomats are worried and have warned the United States as such.

In an april 3, 2019 article in Foreign Policy magazine, author Colum Lynch points out that recent moves of the US at the United Nations point to it and other western allies scrambling to contain what they perceive as China’s growing “influence” that needs to be contained.

“For the past two years, European allies have

warned the Trump administration that its withdrawal from a range of international organizations and agreements, including those dealing with climate, human rights, and migration, had paved the way for China and other powers to fill the diplomatic vacuum.

While the White House has no interest in reasserting leadership on those fronts, it has stepped up its efforts to prevent China from doing so.

At the U.N., U.S. diplomats are under instructions to foil Beijing’s bid to burnish its soft power credentials and promote Chinese President Xi Jin-

ping’s philosophical precepts, referred to as Xi Jinping Thought. They have orders to scrub Chinese buzzwords or phrases— including “win-win cooperation,” “people-to-people connectivity,” and “creating a community of shared future for mankind”—from U.N. resolutions. The U.S. concern, which is shared by some of its European colleagues, is that China is seeking to gradually alter the language of U.N. diplomacy to conform with its own diplomatic vision.

Diplomats at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations are also charged with rolling back China’s effort

to secure international diplomatic backing for Xi’s signature Belt and Road Initiative, a trillion-dollar economic cooperation program designed to revitalize the famed Silk Road trade route that once linked China and the West. (https://foreignpolicy. com/2019/04/03/boltonbuilds-anti-china-campaign-at-the-u-n/) The moves, if true, signal the first time an oriental power is being contained by the west. At least at this magnitude. Is the West truly afraid of China?

Has China grown so powerful that it has earned this much attention from the

west.

Curiously, while western countries play geopolitical moves to politically contain China, they are also trying to fortify trade relations.

Nonetheless, such large plays of power in these once ignored international organizations show how weak the west has become, seeking venues they no longer have as much influence as they have.

I wonder whether the persistent “anti chinese” sentiment in various levels of mainstream media has anything to do with these larger plays of power by the west?

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

IMELDA’S 11 ‘BASIC NEEDS’ Mass housing under Spanish rule was a secondary priority in government. Settlers did not have a problem finding lands to occupy even if these were friar lands. It was like this because population was not yet dense and there was demographic dispersal in the countryside.

Under American occupation, migration of people to growth centers amplified, creating new population centers that slowly led to the rise of squatter communities that is collectively known among today’s social scientists as the ‘informal sector.’

Historically, the country’s first housing agency, the People’s Homesite Corporation, was founded on October 14, 1938.

Years later, another unit, the National Housing Commission, was formed on September 17, 1945.

Both agencies were later merged to create People’s Homesite and Housing Corporation on October 4, 1947.

Six postwar housing agencies were thereafter established, addressing different shelter exigencies. These were the Presi-

dential Assistant on Housing and Resettlement Agency, Tondo Foreshore Development Authority, Central Institute for the Training and Relocation of Urban Squatters, Presidential Committee for Housing and Urban Resettlement, Sapang Palay Development Committee, and the Inter-Agency Task Force to Undertake the Relocation of Families in Barrio Nabacaan, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

Under martial law, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, on July 31, 1975, organized the National Housing Authority as a government corporation under Presidential Decree No. 757. The new entity, which integrated all postwar housing offices, became the lead agency until the Ministry of Human Settlements (MHS) was created in 1978.

The MHS, with Imelda R. Marcos as minister, was a full-fledged department that made the NHA as its attached agency. Adopting a wholistic approach, the ministry introduced the 11 ‘basic needs’ of man and had a logo of a man against a red sphere surrounded with eleven

triangles that formed like solar rays.

The basic needs included water (affordable and reliable supply), power (rural electrification), food (abundant suppl distributed through markets and food terminals), shelter (proper land use and decent housing), clothing and cottage industries (income-augmenting activities), health (basic health care through community-based facilities), education and culture (functional literacy), sports and recreation (community-based facilities and activities), ecological balance (productive interaction between man and environment), mobility (systems that facilitate transport and communications), and livelihood (proper economic base for every community).

In the post-Marcos regime, the MHS was abolished on March 26, 1986 under Executive Order No. 10 and the NHA was placed under the Office of the President. Six months later, Executive Order No. 90, issued on December 17, 1986, streamlined the housing structures of government based on special-

ization and concentration.

Fast forward, on February 19, 2019, after several decades of legislative tries, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11201 creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. The new statute places under it the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, which shall reconstitute as an adjudicatory body called Human Settlements Adjudication Commission.

RA 11201 is the consolidation of House Bill 6775 and Senate Bill 1578 passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on October 10 and November 12, 2018, respectively.

Administratively, the new department has supervision over the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund, and the Social Housing Finance Corporation.

The new department, which is “the primary national government en-

tity responsible for the management of housing, human settlement and urban development,” also repealed Executive Orders No. 90, series of 1986 and No. 648, series of 1981, and created a National Human Settlements Board that will exercise the powers and functions related to policy and program development of the department’s attached agencies.

Under the statute, the DHSUD “shall be the sole and main planning and policy-making, regulatory, program coordination and performance monitoring entity for all housing, human settlement and urban development concerns, primarily focusing on the access to and affordability of basic needs.”

The DHSUD, moreover, is imbued with the powers and functions on issues related to “policy development, coordination, monitoring and evaluation; environmental land use and urban planning and development; housing and real estate regulation; and homeowners association and community development.”

10 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

SEAWEED: he Philippines is touted as Pearl of the Orient Seas. It is a country with 7,107 islands. It has a total 36,289 kilometers of coastlines – almost twice that of the United States.

In her book, Philippines, Lindsay Bennett describes the country’s waters in these words: “The warm waters are home to more species of sea life than anywhere else in the world, living in mangrove nurseries, plying abyssal ocean trenches or grazing thousands of hectares of what are arguably the finest coral reefs on the planet.”

It is no wonder the Philippines is home to several seaweed species, of which 893 species have been identified so far. “(Our country has) 197 species in 20 families for green algae, 153 species in 10 families for brown algae, and 543 species in 52 families for red algae,” pointed out Dr. Marco Nemesio Montaño, of the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, during a seminar on Enhancing Marine and Agricultural Products through Biotechnology some years back.

Globally, there are over 9,000 species of seaweed divided into three major types: green, brown, and red. Red is the most species-rich group (6,000) followed by brown (2,000) and finally green (1,200).

Now, the good news: Scientists at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) have developed the Carrageenan Plant Growth Regulator (CPGR) that increases rice yields, an excellent natural fertilizer and prevents major diseases in rice and other crops.

Studies conducted by PNRI showed that when carbohydrate from carrageenan is reduced to tiny sizes by a safe technology process called irradiation, it can be an effective growth promoter and makes rice resistant to major pests. In fact, at very small doses,

it is an effective organic fertilizer.

“When adopted by farmers, the new technology may boost rice production of 18.97 million metric tons, a record high, according to the Department of Agriculture. The boost in production is attributed to the three percent improvement in the average yield per hectare, which increased from 3.89 million per hectare in 2013 to 4 million tons per hectare in 2014,” said PNRI’s Dr. Lucille V. Abad.

The PNRI collaborated with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB) in conducting the carrageenan research with funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

In a field trial conducted in Bulacan by the research team using CPGR, rice yield was significantly increased by 63.6 – 65.4%. “This treatment provided higher grain weight (of 450 grams and 455 grams, respectively) compared to traditional farmers’ practice of applying nine (9) bags of fertilizer per hectare that yielded only 275 grams,” said Dr. Gil L. Magsino of UPLB’s National Crop Protection Center.

Application of six bags of fertilizer per hectare plus 200 parts per million (or 20 milliliters) of carrageenan is more or less comparable with the application of just three bags of fertilizer per hectare with the same mixture.

“This innovation of applying seaweed as fertilizer empowers our farmers to have access to cheaper but highly effective plant growth enhancers that boils down to improved harvest and increased income,” Dr. Magsino said.

Carrageenan is a polysaccharide, a carbohydrate like starch, cellulose, or glycogen whose molecules consist of a number of sugar molecules bonded together. It is extracted from red edible seaweeds, locally called “gulamang

dagat” or “guso.”

Carrageenan is used in making ointments, as a stabilizing agent in frozen dairy products, and as texturing agent in toothpaste and powder. It is also used widely in many biotechnology and pharmaceutical products.

“Plant growth promoters are substances which improve the overall health, growth, and development of plants,” said Dr. Abad. “Carrageenan, specifically kappa-carrageenan, is abundant and has been tested to have similar growth promoting properties.”

What made CPGR valuable is that it also promotes resistance to rice ‘tungro’ virus and bacterial leaf blight, two of the worst problems rice farmers have to face. As a result, farmers can obtain increased harvest.

“This seaweed additive is compatible with the traditional practice on fertilizer application, thereby allowing easy acceptance and less resistance from farmers,” the PNRI said in a press statement. “It also promotes sustainable agriculture since it is environment-friendly and enhances the presence of natural enemies that fight major pests in rice fields.”

Studies conducted have also shown that spraying the CPGR enhanced the presence of friendly insects such as ladybird beetles and spiders that help control harmful insects like the grown plant hoppers and green leaf hoppers that are carriers of the diseases and spread them to healthy plants.

But it’s not only in agricultural production that seaweeds find their other niches. Even in medical science, they can be of great help. Perhaps not too many Filipinos ever heard of seaweeds of helping a person to have a voluptuous and healthy body, according to Dr. Montaño.

But how come? It’s because seaweeds contain fucoxanthin, a phar-

macologically active carotenoid commonly distributed in brown algae. The bioactive product is reportedly being developed into a slimming supplement or a drug that targets harmful fat.

During his lecture, Dr. Montaño said that in obese animals, the compound appeared to stimulate protein called UCP1 “which causes fat to be broken down.” The pigment (in the form of fucoxanthinol), he further explained, also caused the liver to produce DHA, which can help cut levels of bad cholesterol associated with obesity and heart disease.

In a new human clinical trial, a patent-pending extract of fucoxanthin showed promising results for fat loss in humans.

“By stimulating the expression of UCP-1 gene in white adipose tissues, fucoxanthin promotes thermogenesis (fat burning) in white fat cells. No jitters, loss of sleep, or stimulation side effects since the thermogenic effect is achieved without stimulating the central nervous system,” Dr. Montaño explained.

Fucoxanthin also acts as an antioxidant and inhibits GOTO cells of neuroblastoma and colon cancer cells.

It has beneficial effects on chemoprevention of cancer and also inhibited the development of intestinal carcinogenesis in animal experiments.

“Fucoxanthin induced apoptosis of human leukemia HL-60 cells and reduces viability of prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis,” Dr. Montaño said.

Another bioactive product present in seaweeds is fucoidan, sulfated polysaccharide from brown algae known for its ability to act as an anti-contraceptive and reduce cholesterol levels.

Fucoidan also has anti-cancer and anti-thrombotic traits and can also be used as an anti-tumor agent and against the white spot syndrome

virus.

Speaking of cancer, the DOST released the finding of a study which said that certain species of seaweed thriving in the country’s water may have anti-cancer benefits.

“Researchers from the University of Santo Tomas found that polysaccharides extracted from Codium species, locally known as ‘pukpuklo’ (a seasonally-available seaweed), are effective against cancer cells and destructive enzymes associated with cancer metastasis,” said a press statement released by DOST. The researchers, headed by Dr. Ross Dizon Vasquez, evaluated the inhibitory potential of the polysaccharide fractions isolated from Codium species. They found that “the seaweed fights destructive enzymes that aid metastasis or spread of cancer to different parts of the body.”

The Codium species used in the study were collected in Ilocos Norte, Aklan, Iloilo, and Cagayan province.

“Pukpuklo,” a favorite Ilokano dish, is known as a good source of dietary fiber, amino acids, and minerals.

However, little is known about its medicinal value and further studies have yet to be conducted to explore its use in the field of medicine.

Last year, the medical research was also on the limelight when Dr. Annabelle V. Briones shared her study showing the possibility of carrageenan as a valuable agent in gene delivery/ therapy.

Dr. Briones, in conducting her study, used those extracted from red seaweeds (particularly the Eucheuma variety). Gene therapy is a method of introducing new genetic material (DNA) into the diseased cells of an individual with the intention of producing therapeutic benefits for the patient. This kind of therapy has been around for decades, but scientists have seen little success with this technology because gene transfer is a very delicate and complicated process.

In her study, Dr. Briones found that carrageenan, specifically the iota type, may be used as a potential gene delivery vehicle when it was tested as a “coating” material for DNA in cultured cells (in vitro).

According to her, the coating made from the iota carrageenan was able to protect the DNA as it remains stable and viable during the gene transfer process. She added that the iota carrageenan has the highest transfection efficiency compared to the other two types of carrageenan, the kappa and the lambda.

The iota carrageenan has the “best release capability” of the DNA material into the target cells, said Dr.

rity of our natural and agricultural resources through informative news and insightful commentary,” the President said.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol led the presentation of awards together with PAJ president Alfredo G. Gabot, PAJ Vice President and Binhi Awards committee chairman Noel O. Reyes and PAJ past president Roman Floresca.

Former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani, chairman of the Binhi Awards Board of Judges, also assisted in presenting

the awards. The judges included Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Board Member Bruce Tolentino, San Miguel Corp. Assistant Vice President Mary Jane Llanes Oconer, broadcaster and former party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones and Dr. Crispin Maslog.

In a separate message, Secretary Pinol stressed “the importance of agricultural journalists not only as disseminators of new agricultural technologies to our farmers and fisherfolk, but also as watchdogs on governance, initiators of poli-

cy debates and catalysts of change in the countryside.”

“I am confident that through the Binhi Awards, the PAJ would continue to strengthen its partnership and cooperation with the Department of Agriculture in equipping our farmers and fisherfolk not only with enough knowledge and tools to do safe, sustainable and profitable agriculture but also with enough wisdom and inspiration to achieve holistic and inclusive rural and national progress,” Pinol said.

Others who congratu-

lated the PAJ were Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Agrarian Reform Secretary John F. Casticiones, Ramon S. Ang, President and COO of San Miguel Corporation, and Henry Lim Bon Liong, president of SL Agritech Co. The PAJ is also launched its Binhi Magazine, a new membership ID and its reactivation as member of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ).

During the event, the PAJ also presented Excellence in Agricultural Jour-

nalism Award (posthumous) to the late journalist and professor Rodolfo “Rudy” Fernandez.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were also be presented to Dr. Anselmo Roque, Zac Sarian of Manila Bulletin and Agriculture Magazine, former Press Undersecretary and now Balita columnist Marcelo Lagmay and PAJ co-founder Joaquin Jake Espino.

Special awards were also conferred on Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech Corp. and PAJ past president Roman Floresca.

UNDERWATER GOLDMINE TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T

PRRD... FROM 2

Briones, who was given an Achievement Award (Chemical Sciences Division) by the National Research Council of the Philippines in 2016.

Seaweeds are marine plants that grow abundantly in shallow reef flats and in lagoons with a water depth of less than two meters at high tide. They differ from plants because they lack the stems, leaves, roots, and vascular systems that are common in higher plants.

Technically, seaweeds are “multicellular” forms of algae and are classified into three main divisions: brown algae, red algae, and green algae. Brown algae, commonly called “kelp,” are the largest variety. Pacific species can reach 65 meters in length and have structures that superficially resemble leaves and stems.

On the other hand, red algae are composed of several species, including the Irish moss. They are abundant in clear tropical waters. Meanwhile, green algae – which are sometimes called “sea lettuce” – are commonly seen at low tide, along rocky shores in northern seas.

But like any agribusiness ventures in the country, the seaweed industry has its own shares of problems.

One of these is the erratic fluctuation in production caused by inefficient marketing and unstable buying and pricing policy of traders. The Philippines also stands to lose a significant share of the world market as buyers complain of poor quality seaweed being produced in the country.

Production of seaweed is also beset with problems. Productivity of farmed seaweeds has been declining due to predator grazing, the so-called ice-ice phenomenon, ‘aging effect’ and negative growth rates as well as crop losses due to typhoons.

Lack of quality seedlings or planting materials also hampers the expansion of farm sites.

Another reason for lower seaweed production in the country is due to climate change. The ideal temperature for seaweed is below 26 degrees Celsius but in recent years the temperature at the seaweed farms has gone above 26 degrees Celsius.

As such, seaweed production has declined by as much as 50% in some areas in the country.

But despite all these problems, national scientist Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero is still hopeful and even recommends seaweed farming in the country. “It requires low inputs with high returns on investment,” he points out.

“It is labor intensive and offers good opportunities for the employment of the otherwise labor force in the coastal areas.”

Aside from Alfredo Gabot, officers inducted by Secretary Pinol were Fermin Diaz, VP for internal affairs; Noel Reyes, VP for external affairs; Ruby Lumongsod, secretary; Aileen Garcia, asst. secretary; Inez Magbual, treasurer; Thelma Tolentino, auditor; Michael Alunan, PRO for print; Rolando Gonzalo, PRO for Broadcast; Rex Navarro, Johnny Goloyugo, Charisma Love Gado Gonzales, Melly Tenorio and Rogelio Matalang, and past president Roman Floresca, directors. (PR)

12 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

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NOTICE, is hereby given that this

"This cooperation we are receiving from the communities is a message that they want to end the conflict once and for all. We should reciprocate it with our sustained operations to protect their right to live free from coercion from any terror group," Lt Gen. Santos Jr in his directive.

He likewise calls on to the CNTG to lay down their arms and heed the call of the people for a peaceful community.

"The people with their information is sending the message for you to abandon arm struggle and this is what we want to re echo, surrender and avail of the integration program and let us bring together peace to the communities," Santos said. digital landscape – is here, and now. This should compel us to be open-minded and bold enough to test new ideas and pave the way for digital transformation by taking advantage of the game-changing benefits of cloud computing as part of our business strategies.”

Members of the Oradian Community have recognized that cloud technology plays a major role in enhancing the financial services they provide. With cloudbased financial services, institutions reduce financial and operational overhead which allows them to focus on their core business and concentrate on growth. cussion) and Noah Vonleh (ankle).

Houston coach Mike D’Antoni (stomach flu) missed the game, so the Rockets were led by associate head coach Jeff Bzdelik.

It was the first time as an NBA coach D’Antoni ever missed a game.

power provided At least,delivered, TEN (10) days prior to that Crown/Zamcelco unthe above date petitioner shall publish this once steps in a dertake theNotice following of localby circulation. asnewspaper mandated both the PSA (power supply agreeParties opposed to the granting ment) themust law. file their of the and petition written opposition that supported It claimed the by documentary evidence onCIHI or problem started when before the above date furnishing assumed the operations a copy of the same to theof Zamcelco in January as so, the petitioner, and may if they desire appear said date and winner of theonIMC. time.

“Shortly after taking formal management This petition will be acted uponof Zamcelco, made by this BoardCrown on the basis of the its records and the documentary arbitrary decision to withevidence submitted the hold payment on by₱ 460 parties, unless the Board deems million of Zamcelco’ s debt it necessary to receive additional todocumentary WMPC equivalent four and/or to oral evidence. of electric power months already supplied to ZamcelWITNESS Atty. TERESITA DELA co from October PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ , 2018 Regionalto January 2019,” April 2018 Director, this 6th dayitofadded. at Davao City.

It pointed out that the IMC operator made the

arbitrary petition will move be heard“despite by this Board on that APRIL the 30, 2018 8:30 the fact PSAatmana.m. atthat this office at theall above dates any and disaddress. putes related to payments toAt WMPC least, TENbe (10)submitted days prior toto the ERC abovefor date petitioner shall the dispute resolupublish this Notice once in be a tion and that these must newspaper of local circulation. paid in full while awaiting the outcome dispute Parties opposedof to the the granting of the petition must is filethus theirin resolution.

Crown written and opposition supported direct willful defiance by documentary evidence on or ofbefore the contractual legal the above date and furnishing process forthe dispute a copy of same resoluto the petitioner, and may if they so, tion.” desire appear and “We are on leftsaid to date wonder time. what has become of the more that will ₱ be 460 million This petition acted upon by this on the basis of not its paid byBoard consumers and recordstoand thethe documentary used pay producer evidence submitted by the ofparties, the power – WMPC,” the unless the Board deems Alcantara said it necessary tocompany receive additional and/or oral asdocumentary the company is providevidence. ing the Zamcelco franchise area withAtty. about 50 megaWITNESS TERESITA DELA watts, or half its,capacity.

PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ Regional th of April Director, thisletter, 10 day In her Mayor Cli2018 atwelcomed Davao City. the commaco

mitment of the company to invest about P2.5 billion for the operations of the cooperative, but added that should immediately address the problem.

The takeover of the CIHI of the Zamcelco was not without controversy as a consumer group, the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (Nasecore) Zamboanga, filed a complaint against the board of directors of the cooperative for granting the IMC to CIHI. In its complaint before the NEA in October, the consumer group claimed the bidding process was illegal and that certain issues like financial capability and technical knowhow in running a distribution company were not addressed during the process.

Lan Y. Ang mainto Petitioner, the voteLeecounting Counsel, Atty. Albert G. Yenco chines.

“Such concern was brought about by the lack

of communication to them Petitioner, Erma Amoguez of the change inS.their mode Napoleon F. Sango ofCounsel, voting,Atty. ” said LENTE. Data from the Comelec-

Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) show that there is a total of 1,822,173 overseas absentee voters.(PNA)

PH... FROM 11

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR Attorney IV

11

VOL. 11 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 15-16, 2018

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18th City Council 34th Regular Session Series of 2018 PRESENT: Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor ABSENT:

Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor

Councilor

Jimmy G. Dureza - Temporary Presiding Officer Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Maria Belen S. Acosta Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Carmelo J. Clarion April Marie C. Dayap Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Leah A. Librado-Yap Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Bonifacio E. Militar Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III Bernard E. Al-ag Danilo C. Dayanghirang

OB - Acting City Mayor OB - Meeting with DILG Sec. Eduardo M. Año Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz OB - Attended the Annual Sportsfest upon the invitation of Gov. Anthony G. Del Rosario of Davao del Norte Marissa P. Salvador-Abella OB - Attended the signing of the Sisterhood Agreement in the County of Kauai, Hawaii

ORDINANCE NO. 0538-18 Series of 2018 AN ORDINANCE DECLARING BOTH SIDES ALONG THE MAIN ACCESS ROAD OF PUNTA DUMALAG, MATINA APLAYA , TALOMO DISTRICT, THIS CITY, AS NO PARKING AND TOW-AWAY ZONE Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session assembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE DECLARING BOTH SIDES ALONG THE MAIN ACCESS ROAD OF PUNTA DUMALAG, MATINA APLAYA, TALOMO DISTRICT, THIS CITY, AS NO PARKING AND TOW-AWAY ZONE”.

SECTION 2. INNOVATIVE MODES OF DEVELOPMENT– Section 16-General Welfare, of the Local Government Code, states that “Every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare.

Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among its residents, maintain peace and order and preserve the comfort and conveniece of their inhabitants”.

SECTION 3. NO PARKING AND TOW-AWAY ZONE – Both sides along the main access road of Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, this City, starting from Feliz Beach Resort Entrance Gate Area up to the Sea Gull Resort Entrance Gate shall be declared a NO PARKING ZONE 24 hours daily, and any vehicle, cart, object found obstructing the road and sidewalk both sides shall be towed away, removed, disposed accordingly by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office personnel at the owner’s expense.

SECTION 4. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVITY– This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval and after publication in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991, otherwise known as Republic Act No. 7160.

ENACTED, on the 11th day of September, 2018, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, 2019

TESDA... FROM 4 handrail leading to masonry, and massage therapy.

National assessment was provided after finishing their

training.

According to TESDA, providing the inmates with skills training would help them get employed after their

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 16 Davao City

release from the reformatory center.

The NCs that they have received will be proof of their skills and competencies, and thus

help them transform their lives, the agency added.

Meanwhile, TESDA-11 said the Provincial Rehabilitation and

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region Branch 10 Davao City

SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-DVO-19-01091-SP ELLA MAE SALANGO MACHADO, FOR: CANCELLATION AND CORRECTION OF ENTRIES IN THE CIVIL REGISTRY

OFFICE OF THE CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY AND ALL PERSONS OF HAVE OR CLAIM ANY INTEREST OVER THE CASE,

Respondents.

X------------------------------------------------/ ORDER Petitioner in their verified petition prays of this Honorable Court that after due notice and hearing, an Order be issued, directing the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City to cancel the entries sought for and correct the same with further prayer to fill in the entries sought for in the Birth Certificate of the petitioner as follows:

a) b) c) d) e)

The first word “ELIA” of the petitioner’s name in her Birth Certificate be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to ELLA; The family name in the Birth Certificate of petitioner i.e. “MECHADO” be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to MACHADO; The family name of petitioner’s mother i.e. “MECHADO” be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to SALANGO; The occupation of the mother of petitioner i.e. “HOUSEKEEPER” be cancelled and accordingly be corrected to GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE; The details for the father of the petitioner in her Birth Certificate be filled in with the following entries: FIRST NAME: FERDALIN MIDDLE NAME: BORCI LAST NAME: MACHADO CITIZENSHIP: FILIPINO RELIGION: CATHOLIC OCCUPATION: POLICE OFFICER

Finding the said petition to be sufficient in form and substance, it is hereby ordered that said petition be set for hearing on June 27, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning, at which date, time and, place, all persons who are interested may appear and show cause, if any, why the said petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of this Order be published in a newspapers of general circulation at least once a week for three (3) consecutive issued at the expense of the petitioner. annexes.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General a copy of this petition together with

The Local Civil Registrar, Davao City, and the Assistant City Prosecutor are cited to appear on said date of hearing, in order to show cause, if any, why said petition should not be granted.

R-DVO-19-00336-SP IN THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DIVORCE DECREE,

Reformatory Center in Davao Oriental looks forward to strengthening its partnership with TESDA. The center eyes

training the families of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to help them become more employable, TESDA added. (PNA)

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

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS), Mortgagee, - versus -

EJF-REM CASE NO. 17.187-19

SEYCHELLE QUILAB ALAGNA,

Petitioner,

- versus -

NORMA E. PEREZ, married to BIENVENIDO PEREZ, Mortgagor/s.

LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF DAVAO CITY PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY,

Respondents.

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X NOTICE OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SALE

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X ORDER The petitioner through counsel filed this verified amended petition seeking an order from this Court, that after due notice, publication and hearing, to direct the Local Civil Registrar to render judgment recognizing the divorce legally obtained by respondent against petitioner; and that the Marriage Contract be cancelled from the Books of Marriages of respondent City Civil Registrar of Davao City up to the Philippine Statistics Authority, upon payment of the required fees.

Finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course and set for hearing on AUGUST 12, 2019 at 8:30 in the morning, at which date and time, any interested party may appear and show cause, if any, why the said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines, as determined by raffle in accordance with law.

Petitioner is directed to submit the Judicial Affidavits of his witnesses five (5) days before the scheduled hearing. The Branch Clerk of Court is hereby commissioned to hear and receive the evidence of the parties.

Furnish the Office of the Solicitor General, the Local Civil Registrar of Davao City and the City Legal Office of Davao City with a copy of this Order and each with a copy of the Petition, who may oppose the same within fifteen (15) days from notice hereof.

SO ORDERED.

Upon extra-judicial petition for foreclosure and sale under Act 3135, as amended, filed by the mortgagee against the mortgagors/s Norma E. Perez, married to Bienvenido Perez, with postal address at Lot 3-A-3, #131 Hacienda Heights Subdivision, Sasa, Davao City, the indebtedness of the mortgagors as of March 1, 2019 amounts to One Million One Hundred Forty One Thousand Three Hundred Sixty One Pesos & 02/100 (P1,141,361.02) Philippine Currency, including interest thereon, penalties and other charges and plus other legal expenses incident of foreclosure and sale; the undersigned Sheriff IV of the Regional Trial Court, Davao City, will sell at public auction on May 2, 2019 at 10:00 A.M., or soon thereafter, at the main entrance of Hall of Justice, Ecoland, Davao City, to the highest bidder to CASH and/or MANAGER’S CHECK and in Philippine Currency, the following real property mentioned and described below together with all its improvements found thereon, to wit: TRANSFER CERTIFICATE OF TITLE NO. T-128146

“A parcel of land (Lot 3-A-3-31, Psd-11-019290, being a portion of Lot 3-A-3, Psd-11-018883), situated in the Barrio of Sasa, City of Davao, Island of Mindanao. xxx Containing an area of ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR (164) SQUARE METERS, more or less xxx.”

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

That in the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on May 30, 2019 without further notice.

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

Davao City, Philippines, March 25, 2019.

Davao City, Philippines, February 18, 2019.

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

(sgd.) RETRINA E. FUENTES Presiding Judge

SO ORDERED. Davao City, Philippines, March 14, 2019.

(sgd.) JAY C. ESPERANZA

Sheriff IV (sgd.) EMMANUEL C. CARPIO Presiding Judge

Apr. 1, 8 &. 15, 2019

13

Apr. 1, 8 &. 15, 2019

Apr. 1, 8 &. 15, 2019

14

A4 INdulge!

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15

Tigers take Game 1 in MPBL South Finals

T

he Davao Occidental Tigers banked on an impressive first quarter defense to repulse the Batangas City Athletics, 6648, at the start of the MPBL Southern Division Finals at the Almendras Gym in Davao City on Thursday night.

The Tigers held the Athletics to just seven points in the first 10 minutes before holding on in the last three despite slowing down offensively.

Bonbon Custodio made 13 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for Davao

Occidental, which can sweep the best-of-three series when it shifts to the Batangas City Sports Center on Saturday night.

Jayson Grimaldo put up 13 points, three rebounds, one block, and one steal for Batangas City.

Meantime, the Manila Stars hung on despite a late mini surge from the San Juan Knights and took a 91-88 win in Game 1 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Northern Division Finals at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Friday.

The Stars held a 9085 lead with 1:16 left in the tight encounter, but the Knights scored three points in succession to trim the gap to two with 51.5 seconds remaining.

Aris Dionisio kept San Juan in the game when he only made a split from the line off a Jonard Clarito foul, but Marcy Arellano picked Mike Ayonayon’s pass and Manila got to milk the clock only to be stopped when Marvin Hayes called for steps with 3.3 seconds to go.

With no timeout left,

Orlan Wamar had to run the court for a desperation triple that went offline as time expired.

Dionisio finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks for the fourth-seeded Stars, who can eliminate the third-seeded Knights at the San Andres Sports Complex on Saturday night.

John Wilson made 19 points, eight caroms, six dishes, and one steal for the Knights, who suffered their first loss at home this season. (PNA)

Prolific guard Bonbon Custodio (13) and tough-as-nut forward Mark Yee (83) led Davao Occidental's assault towards a finals appearance.

Westbrook seals triple double numbers

P

aul George scored 30 points and Russell Westbrook sealed his third consecutive season averaging a triple-double as the host Oklahoma City Thunder posted a 123-110 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

The game was critical to both teams' playoff positioning, and it was the Thunder who came out ahead, winning for the second consecutive game and the fourth time in seven games.

The Thunder (46-33) remain in seventh place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of the San Antonio Spurs, who also won Friday.

The Pistons (39-40) lost for the third consecutive game and for the sixth time in their past eight. Detroit fell into a tie for seventh in the Eastern Conference with the Brooklyn Nets, just a game ahead of the ninth-place Miami Heat.

George was 4 of 7 from behind the 3-point arc.

Westbrook finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and 15 assists a game after recording the second-ever 20-20-20 game in league history.

Jerami Grant also scored 19 for Oklahoma City.

The Thunder won despite a monster game from Blake Griffin, who had

missed the previous three contests due to knee soreness.

Griffin finished with 45 points, making a career-high nine 3-pointers in his home state. He was 9 of 14 from behind the 3-point arc.

Griffin scored 31 of his points in the first half.

It took just four Thunder possessions for Westbrook to pick up three assists and seal his triple-double season average. Westbrook is the only player to accomplish the feat in back-to-back seasons.

Westbrook will also finish as the league's leader in assists for the third

consecutive season.

In the second quarter, Westbrook was called for a flagrant foul on Zaza Pachulia after the Detroit center received a pass under the basket.

Westbrook swatted hard and connected with Pachulia's head as the latter went up for a shot.

Pachulia remained on the ground for several moments.

It was not the first runin between the two.

Last season when Pachulia was a member of the Golden State Warriors, Westbrook accused Pachulia of deliberately trying to hurt him after Pachulia fell on top of Westbrook.

6th Bataan Freedom Run set April 14

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) handles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second quarter of their game at Toyota Center. Reuters

Rockets overpower Knicks

J

ames Harden scored 26 points in 29 minutes as the host Houston Rockets cruised to a wire-towire, 120-96 victory over the league-worst New York Knicks on Friday night.

Houston (52-28) earned its fifth straight win and 19th in 22 games by seizing control early.

The Rockets led by double digits for the final 40:04, and by at least 20 points for the final 29:20. They went in front by as many as 42 points.

Harden shot 8 of 21 and hit five of Houston’s 22 3-pointers. He added eight assists and eight rebounds.

Houston’s ability to dominate early helped Harden get somewhat of a

breather as opposed to its 114-110 win in New York on Jan. 23 when the NBA’s leading scorer poured in 61 points, matching the record by an opposing player at Madison Square Garden.

Eric Gordon and Kenneth Faried added 13 points apiece while center Clint Capela collected 12 points and 15 rebounds. Chris Paul totaled 11 points and 10 assists in 23 minutes for Houston, which shot 42.6 percent from the floor.

The Rockets hit at least 10 3-pointers for the 54th straight game, one shy of the longest streak in NBA history set last season by Houston.

Mario Hezonja post-

FROCKETS , P11

T

he Philippine Veterans Bank holds the 6th installment of Bataan Freedom Run in Balanga, Bataan on April 14, as part of activities for the commemoration of the 77th Year of Bataan Death March.

This year’s Bataan Freedom Run top bills a day of fun and surprises that features a 42km full marathon run up and down Mt. Samat, a 21km half marathon, and a non-competitive 10km and 5km fun run. A 1km run for kids and pets add up to the day’s fun and excitement.

Winners will receive cash prizes and medals, while finishers of the 42km marathon will have a finisher’s medal and a Bataan Freedom Run Finisher’s shirt.

Proceeds from the Bataan Freedom Run will be used in putting up or restoration of Battle of Bataan markers, and other historical landmarks that serves as important reminders

of our rich World War II history. The annual commemoration of Bataan Death March is now a month long celebration in honor of the country’s World War II heroes.

Since 2014, the Philippine Veterans Bank together with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and Bataan Provincial Government, gather in Bataan for various activities that encourages participation of the veterans’ descendants and families as well as civilians and the military. The month-long activities are held along the route of the infamous Bataan Death March.

Mike Villa-Real, Head of Veterans Bank’s Marketing Communications Division, shared, “Freedom Run is part of the month long activities we do to reach out and share especially to the younger generation about our World War II veterans’ bravery and heroism during the war, particularly the Battle

for Bataan. They were abandoned and yet against all odds held on and defended the country for 3 months, unlike our Southeast Asian neighbors. That’s why their captors let them go through what is now known as the Bataan Death March.”

The Death March, considered as one of the darkest days in Philippine History, is the forcible transfer of 60,000–80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war (POW) from Saysain Point, Bagac, Bataan and Mariveles to Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. The prisoners were loaded onto box cars in San Fernando, Pampanga. The transfer began on April 9, 1942 and left thousands dead and seriously wounded after enduring torture under the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army.

The Death March route stretches from Mariveles in Bataan to Capas, Tarlac via San

Fernando, Pampanga.

The total distance covered was from 96 to 112 kms.

This year’s commemoration activities also include Freedom Trail March, a two-day event that traces the 160 kilometers actual route of the Bataan Death March.

The event aims to instill the values of Bravery, Sacrifice and Love for Country. The Freedom Trail March gathered US and Filipino military and police units who marched the entire Bataan Death March route alongside with other civilians. “Ride for Valor,” a competitive bike tour was also held in March, which started from Kilometer Zero in Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

To find out more about the activities held during the 77th Year commemoration of Bataan Death March, visit the Facebook pages of the Bataan Freedom Run and the Veterans Bank Freedom Trail.

SPORTS

16 EDGEDAVAO

BRING IT ON 14h Rancho Palos Verdes' Pomelo Tee set May 1-4

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

R

ancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club brings back its annual golfing event for club members and guests with the staging of the 14th Pomelo Tee Member-Guest golf tournament on May 1-4.

The annual RPVGCC signature showpiece is expected to draw over 200 golfers from Davao City and other clubs all over the country.

"We expect another sellout field this year as the tournament has grown in terms of popularity among the golfing community," RPVGCC club manager Tommy Inigo said.

Inigo officially announced the tournament's 14th edition which will stake a brand new Mitsubishi car from Kar Asia and a whopping P500,000

RE-JOYCE. Joyce Semacio of the Philippines celebrates after scoring a goal for the Philippines against Iran in the second round of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar.

The Davao City product Semacio and ComVal’s Analou Amita are the two Dabawenyas in the squad.

cash and a Royal Caribbean Cruise for the hole-in-one prizes in all par 3s.

Inigo said the tournament will use the modified Stableford format. Registration fee is pegged at P6,000 inclusive of Mizuno golf card for every two days of action.

Awarding ceremonies will be held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Petro Gazz Arena Davao with exciting prizes in the raffles awaiting all participants. Winners will receive trophies and special prizes.

The tournament will also share its proceeds through educational equipment and other learning materials for selected high schools in Barangay Indangan and Mandug in Davao City.

It’s back to the rolling layout of Rancho Palos Verdes in Cabantian for the 14th edition of the club’s signature tournament.