Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 215 | Sunday-Monday, January 12-13, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

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Metro Davao Development Authority to help manage garbage, traffic, other vital services

By MAYA M. PADILLO Metro Davao Development Authority (MDDA) is now being created to help manage infrastructure, garbage, disaster, traf�ic and other vital public services in four cities and two big municipalities in the Davao Region.

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Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is the chair of the committee creating MDDA, told media that the MDDA will be composed of representatives from Davao City, Digos City and Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur and Tagum City, Panabo City and Carmen in Davao del Norte. It also identi�ied six areas of basic services including garbage, traf�ic, disaster resiliency and infrastructure sectors.

“With the creation of Metropolitan Davao Authority, we will move as one,” Mayor Sara said. “I had a meeting with the National Economic Development Authority for the creation of Metro Davao Development Authority. Nag brie�ing nami and nasugdan na ang mga initials for its creation,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio cited that the Philippine Development Plan the need to create metropolitan areas is stated.

Currently, there are

two established metro groupings - Metro Manila and Metro Cebu.

She said Metropolitan Davao will be comprised of Davao City Digos, Sta. Cruz, Panabo, Carmen and Tagum and this will be administered by MDDA. She also said they are set to present it to the Regional Peace Order Council (RPOC) because one of the components of the plan is security.

“Meaning dapat ang security planning for PNP and AFP from Davao City will be extended to Digos and Tagum. This is mandated by law and we will request them to create a technical working group para ma create ang security plan sa Metro Davao,” she said.

Duterte-Carpio said they are also set to elevate the plan to the Of�ice of the President for the issuance of a Presidential Proc-

METRO, P9

Porters of an establishment engaged in wholesaling and retailing grocery products pull a metal cart with large piles of merchandise along Bangoy Street in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval J

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

Sustaining peace a bigger challenge – peace adviser

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Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organization founder and manager Bruno Bodard flashes a thumbs up while inspecting Pujada Bay in Mati City.

MATI CIO

bigger challenge of sustaining peace faces Task Force Peace 911 after its efforts had resulted in clearing all 13 barangays in Paquibato District and Barangay Dominga, Calinan District of communist insurgency, a peace adviser said Thursday.

Task Force Peace 911 is the body tasked to implement a “comprehensive peace-building program” for con�lict-affected areas of the city.

Irene Santiago, peace adviser to Mayor Sara Duterte, said during the Department of Interior and Local Government Seminar on Local Peacebuilding Forum on Positive Peace at the Grand Men Seng Hotel here Thursday that the economic, political and social causes of insurgency have remained even though those barangays have already been cleared of insurgents.

“The challenge now is really, how do we sustain peace because the causes of all the insurgencies are

still there. That will not go away in only nine months — economic, political, and social issues are we need to address now,” she said.

Santiago, who chaired the government implementing peace panel in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said local peace efforts have focused on building the “eight pillars of positive peace” instead of undertaking projects in con�lict-affected communities to attain enduring peace.

“Before it was project after project after project, and when the project is over already, what you have is nothing,” she said.

The eight pillars of positive peace are well functioning government, low levels of corruption, acceptance of the rights of others, good relations between neighbors, sound business environment, high levels of human capital, equitable distribution of resources and free �low

the city to conduct special events to inform the public that Pujada bay is among in the prestigious list. Every June, the city is holding the Pujada Bay Festival. This will help erase the negative connotation in Mindanao.

Rousset said they will validate the quality of the three bays of Mati City.

“We are validating the quality of the water, even the mountain and the forest is very important. It is part of our validation,” he said.

He said they will make the report in three or four weeks then pass it to the board members. He said in a maximum of two months they will get the

answer. The board is composed of the president, general secretary, treasurer, past- presidents for continents Africa, North and South America, and Asia.

“They will decide,” he said.

He said the announcement will be made through a letter from the president of the organization sent to Mayor Michelle Nakpil-Rabat who will be invited to a Congress that will take place in Morrocco in October wherein tje board will of�icially give the diploma.

Rabat said the validation will help boost the tourism industry of the province.

SUSTAINING, P9

Mati bays remarkably clean: foreign validators

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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oreign validators from the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organization (MBBWO) described the bays in Mati City namely Pujada Bay, Mayo Bay, and Balite Bay as remarkably clean.

Most Beautiful Bays in the World Founder and Manager Bruno Bodard and Treasurer Guy Ettiene Rousset arrived in the City of Mati on Wednesday, January 8, for the validation of Pujada Bay’s inclusion in the prestigious list.

Yet, the two foreign validators were surprised not only by the beauty of Pujada Bay but of the Mayo and Balite bays as

well.

“We were very surprised by the beauty and quality of Pujada and Mayo bays that we visited,” Rousset told media in a press conference held at Menzi Beachpark at Mati City, Davao Oriental, Saturday.

The inclusion of Pujada Bay in the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club was initiated by the Provincial Government

Kids of jeepney operators, drivers to get educ’l assistance from gov’t

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he college education of children of jeepney operators and drivers who will be displaced by phase 1 of the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) this year will be shouldered by the national government, Davao City mayor Sara Duterte said on Thursday.

Duterte said in a press conference that the Commission on Higher Education had allotted P300 million for this purpose as part of the social packages the city government had proposed.

Aside from the scholarship, she said the Department of Trade and Industry would also provide livelihood kits worth P95 million.

This is on top of the support from Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, she added.

She said the budget was included in the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA), approved during the term of former House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from whom she had sought help to create the social packages.

The mayor said the local government had prioritized the social packages in light of the implementation of the DPTMP, also known as the High Priority Bus System.

She said drivers and operators could access government assistance provided that their names are in the master list of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Of�ice, and City Transport and Traf�ic Management Of�ice.

She said the city government has lined up orientation schedules for

KIDS, P9

under Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang.

The application unanimously got the nod of the members of the MBBW Club during the 15th World Bays Congress in Toyama Prefecture, Japan, held last October 2019. In 1994, the Pujada Bay Landscape and Seascape was declared as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) through Presidential Proclamation No. 431.

Bodard said among the criteria to be included in the Most Beautiful Bays are the involvement of the people in protecting bay, local protection program and efforts on environ-

mental protection, and nationally recognized as a nice bay.

“The Pujada Bay has complied with the requirements. But I don’t want to say just Pujada Bay because Mayo and Balite bays are also beautiful. I will call them Mati’s Bays. We will validate these Mati’s bays. Your bays are very nice. You must be proud of your bays, “ Rousset said.

He added that the main bene�it from being recognized is it will help the city in lobbying to international level, avoidance of toxic products, and weapon to protect and to be recognized Bodard also requested

President Rodrigo Duterte poses for posterity with one of the recipients of agricultural assistance during the ceremonial distribution at the Pigcawayan Municipal Gymnasium in Cotabato on Friday evening. Also in

the photo are Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and Agriculture Secretary William Dar. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

BARMM holds free LET review

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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has sponsored a free tutorial to help volunteer teachers serving the regional government to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic and Higher Technical Education and lawyer Lanang Ali Jr., BARMM member of parliament, led the opening program for the LET review at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here Friday.

The �irst batch of bene�iciaries of the month-long free review, which will be

conducted by the Good Shepherd Review Center, are some 600 volunteer teachers assigned in Maguindanao and this city.

The volunteer teachers only receive a monthly allowance from BARMM. Iqbal said similar review sessions would be conducted in the towns of Daut Odin Sinsuat and Parang, Maguindanao; Pikit, North Cotabato; and Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Iqbal said the program primarily aims to help volunteer and provisional teachers acquire their license, as required by the Civil Service Commission.

(PNA)

China’s mysterious respiratory virus remains undetected in PH, says DOH

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ince the Bureau of Quarantine started monitoring international airports in the country this year, it has yet to detect suspicious cases related to the mysterious virus from China, the Department of Health said on Friday.

“There are no suspected cases yet,” said Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo.

“And even if we do detect cases, we have a system ready. We can �ind them, identify, diagnose, and treat them,” he in an interview.

Domingo said they are following protocols set up during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak more than a decade ago.

“We have a hospital network,” he said, adding that suspected cases in Metro Manila will be brought to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine or the San Lazaro Hospital.

At least 59 individuals have been con�ined in Wuhan, a city in central China, because of �lu-like symptoms. Some have become seriously ill but none have died. The mysterious illness has been identi�ied as a new kind of coronavirus,

a family of viruses that infect the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract.

SARS and the new illness detected in Wuhan city in China are both coronaviruses. However, while the deadly SARS virus can be transferred from person to person, the latter cannot, at least based on initial observation.

Domingo also said Filipinos should not be alarmed because of this.

“There is no cause for immediate concern at this time,” Domingo said. “It seems isolated (in Wuhan).”

He said the Bureau of Quarantine been strictly monitoring all passengers coming from China for signs of fever or pneumonia, among the symptoms of the new virus.

While cases have been observed since early December, the outbreak was only announced on December 31. The Bureau of Quarantine started screening on New Year’s Day. Domingo said the government has not released a travel advisory related to the illness but those planning to visit Wuhan, China are advised to “delay (the trip) or go somewhere

CHINA, P9

The remains of Jeanelyn Villavende, the slain OFW in Kuwait, arrive at the house of her grandmother in Barangay Tinago, Norala, South Cotabato on Friday. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

New peace panel ready for revival of talks: PRRD

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he national government’s newly created peace panel is ready for the possible revival of talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), President Rodrigo R. Duterte has announced.

Duterte’s pronouncement came as he bared in an interview with ABS-CBN on Friday night that he has formed a new government peace panel that would hold negotiations with NDF consultants for the crafting of a binding peace pact between the two parties.

“For as long as there is (a) broad principle agreed upon, well, the new com-

mittee that I have created will take over,” the President said.

“I have changed the composition. I’m doing away with the last membership.”

He, however, did not mention the people who would serve as state peace negotiators.

The peace talks between the national gov-

ernment and the NDF have been intermittent since it started in 1986.

Duterte’s relatively warm relationship with the communist guerillas during his �irst months in of�ice has turned sour following the relentless attacks by the CPP’s armed component, the New People’s Army (NPA), against government troops and civilians despite ongoing peace negotiations.

On Nov. 23, 2017, Duterte inked Proclamation 360, formally terminating the peace talks with the NDF. It was followed by the Dec. 5, 2017 signing of Proclamation 374, classifying the CPP and NPA as ter-

NEW PEACE, P9

Mideast situation still unstable; contingency plans in place

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Young boys push a cart full of onions which they will deliver at vegetables retailers’ stalls at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

ror organizations because of the crimes they supposedly committed “against the Filipino people, against humanity, and the law of the nations.”

The CPP-NPA has also been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

On March 18, 2019, Duterte dissolved the national government’s negotiating peace panel led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, following the moribund talks with NDF leaders.

The President, however, announced on April 4,

ontingency plans on the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers remain in place as the situation in the Middle East is still unstable, Defense Secretary Del�in Lorenzana said on Saturday.

“The situation in the area is still unstable and our contingencies for massive repatriation are still in place,” Lorenzana said in a media statement.

Lorenzana said Environment Secretary and Special Envoy to the Middle East, Roy Cimatu, is now in Qatar implementing the repatriation on the ground and constantly assessing the situation in Iran, Iraq, Libya and other neighboring states.

The DND chief said the �irst batch of evacuees, numbering 14, is now at the Philippine embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

These OFWs will be transported to Doha, Qatar from where they will be

�lown to Manila on Sunday (January 12).

“This number may increase, however, as the embassy continues to call on other OFWs who wish to come home,” he added.

Lorenzana also said the Philippine Coast Guard ship, BRP Gabriela Silang, is in Malta and ready to sail anytime to nearby countries where Filipinos are in danger to ferry them to safer areas.

“We are closely monitoring Kuwait which just raised its security level to maximum on Jan. 9, 2020,” he added.

The DND chief was earlier named chairperson of the special working panel that will oversee the evacuation and possible repatriation of OFWs in the Middle East amid tensions between the United States and Iran.

“The Alert Level within an area covering a 100-km

MIDEAST, P9

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PH anti-red tape body eases permit processes of mall stores

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he country’s anti-red tape body on Friday said it ordered local government units to remove locational clearance as a requirement in business permits for commercial establishments inside malls and central business district to "simplify and expedite" the process.

Under the Memorandum Circular 2020-01 dated Jan. 8, the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) ordered LGU's to exempt businesses located inside malls and CBD’s from submitting location clearance and zoning permit when renewing and applying business permits, it said in a statement.

The order was issued

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"to further simplify and expedite the processing, approval of initial and/or renewal of business permits for commercial establishments located in shopping malls and central business districts, thereby reducing the unnecessary regulatory burden to applicants," ARTA said.

Consultations were made with top mall representatives and other stakeholders with experiences in business permit processing before the issuance of the order, ARTA said.

ARTA said it would continue monitoring the LGU’s to ensure compliance to the ease of doing business law.

Sec. Bello mulls total ban on deployment of OFWs to Kuwait

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abor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Friday the government may declare a total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait in the wake of the questionable autopsy report released by the Kuwaiti government on the death late last month of domestic helper Jeanelyn Villavende.

In a press conference at the victim’s wake in Purok Guimbal, Barangay Tinago here, Bello deplored the results of the initial autopsy in Kuwait, noting that it highly contradicted the re-autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in a funeral parlor here on Thursday.

He did not disclose the details of the re-autopsy pending the release of the of�icial report but said he was verbally briefed on the initial �indings by Dr. Ricardo Rodaje, the NBI’s medico-legal chief, on Friday morning.

“Lumalabas na walang kuwenta ang ginawang autopsy ng Kuwait. Di ko pa masabi ang resulta pero talagang kasinungalingan yung autopsy report ng Kuwaiti government (It appears that the autopsy conducted in Kuwait was useless. I can’t discuss the results yet but it made the autopsy report of the Ku-

waiti government a total lie),” Bello said.

When pressed by reporters for details, he said they “did wicked things to the victim and oppressed her too much.”

The autopsy report earlier released by Kuwaiti authorities said the 26-year-old Villavende died of acute heart and respiratory failure as a result of shock and multiple injuries in the vascular system.

However, Rodaje told reporters here after the more-than-three-hour autopsy on Thursday that they were looking into the possibility that the victim was also raped before her death.

Villavende was brought dead to a hospital in Kuwait on December 28 after reportedly being beaten by her lady employer. Her family here was informed of her death on December 30.

Bello, who last week declared a partial ban on the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait, said he doubted the “one-sentence” autopsy �indings released by Kuwaiti authorities as the cause of the victim’s death was unclear.

He said he immediately requested the NBI to conduct a re-autopsy on Villavende after the repatriation of her remains.

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A vendor repacks cooking oil at a stall selling fresh eggs and oil at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

Boeing emails say 737 MAX was ‘designed by clowns’

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lobal economic growth is projected to recover to 2.5 percent in 2020, up slightly from the post-crisis low of 2.4 percent registered in 2019, but downside risks persist, the World Bank said on Wednesday.

“Would you put your family on a MAX simulator trained aircraft? I wouldn’t,” a Boeing employee wrote to a colleague in one newly-released exchange conducted about eight months before the �irst of two fatal MAX crashes.

“No,” the colleague answered.

The communications, released by Boeing following their disclosure to lawmakers and regulators, raised fresh questions about the aerospace giant, which has been in crisis mode since March following a pair of MAX crashes that claimed 346 lives and grounded the company’s best-selling plane.

Adding to the problems, a top MAX supplier,

Spirit AeroSystems, announced Friday it will lay off 2,800 employees, and possibly more, after Boeing halted production of the top-selling plane, and the Federal Aviation Administration proposed a $5.4 million civil �ine on Boeing for installing defective parts on the MAX. The latest disclosures could complicate efforts

by Boeing to win FAA approval to return the plane to service and may amplify calls in Congress for more profound steps to address company culture after the aerospace giant ousted its chief executive in December.

The new emails -called “incredibly damning” by one top lawmaker -- come on the heels of a

shock exchange publicly disclosed in October in which a Boeing pilot called a �light handling system implicated in the two crashes “egregious.”

In late December, after months in crisis mode, Boeing pushed out its embattled chief executive, Dennis Muilenburg, in part due to tensions with the FAA, replacing him with longtime board member David Calhoun, who is set to take over Monday.

Boeing disclosed late Friday that Muilenburg will not receive a severance payment or bonus awards for 2019.

The company’s share price dropped 1.9 percent to close Friday at $329.92, the biggest loser in the Dow. CLOWNS AND MONKEYS The latest exchanges happened as Boeing was working to persuade the FAA that pilots would not need simulator training to �ly the new MAX, arguing that training on computer tablets would be suf�icient.

“I still haven’t been forgiven by God for the covering up I did last year,” one employee wrote in a message from 2018 in reference to dealings with the FAA. “I know but this is what these regulators get when they try and get in the way.

They impede progress,” another wrote in August 2015.

“This airplane is designed by clowns, who in turn are supervised by monkeys,” another employee said in 2017, apparently in reference to the FAA. Boeing apologized for the tone of the messages, which it said were sent to congressional investigators in the interest of transparency.

“We regret the content of these communications, and apologize to the FAA, Congress, our airline customers, and to the �lying public for them,” the company said “We have made significant changes as a compa-

BOEING, P9 BSP sells P10,000, P500 commemorative coins 6.5% economic growth expected in 2020 – analyst

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he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is selling commemorative coins to mark the 70 years of central banking in the country and celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The BSP is selling the following commemorative coins, as posted on its Facebook page: 10,000-Piso Gold Commemorative Coin (for the 70 years of Central Banking in the Philippines, worth P127,500) 500-Piso Silver Commemorative Coin (for the 70 years of Central Banking in the Philippines, worth P3,500) 500-Piso Silver Commemorative Coin (for the

25th Anniversary of the BSP, worth P3,500) Orders should be placed not later than January 15, 2020 on a “�irst mail-in, �irst listed” basis, the BSP said.

However, due to the high value of commemorative coins, cash payment and pick-up schedule will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the nearest BSP branch.

The order will also be forfeited if the commemorative coins remain unclaimed two weeks after the scheduled date of pick-up.

The public are entitled to buy only one piece per commemorative coin.

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aster economic growth can be expected this year, but will depend on the speedy rollout of projects and the timely spending of agency budgets, an economist said.

University of Asia & the Paci�ic economics professor Dr. Peter Lee U pegged 2020 growth at 6.5 percent, which would surpass last year’s expansion. If realized, this would also mean that the government’s 6.57.5 percent growth goal is doable, despite tamer projections made by global institutions like the World Bank.

“What’s key is not so much the size but the implementation (of the bud-

get)... That budget is good, let’s make sure it’s disbursed and implemented on time so that the projects take place and we can get infrastructure built,” U told CNN Philippines’ Business Roundup.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the ₱4.1-trillion national budget on Monday, the biggest in the country’s history.

The signing is also earlier compared to a four-month delay in enacting the 2019 budget, which left new and continuing projects unfunded during the �irst semester of that year. Economic managers said this pulled down growth prospects last year, which has

averaged 5.8 percent as of end-September.

U added that in�lation should remain “manageable” this year, but will largely depend on food prices.

“Hopefully we’ll get good weather so agricultural production can cope with it,” he said. Crop prices usually rise faster in months following strong rains and �looding which delay or ruin harvests and food supply.

The analyst added that oil prices would also dictate how fast the costs of basic goods will rise later this year, especially amid tensions in the Middle East after tit-for-tat attacks be-

tween the United States and Iran.

An of�icial from the Department of Energy said he does not expect “significant” increases in retail pump prices despite hostilities in the Middle East.

The forced evacuation and repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in con�lict areas in the Middle East could take away some $1 billion in yearly remittances, but U pointed out that this is small compared to the annual haul.

The country received $24.9 billion in remittances from January-October 2019, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

EDITORIAL Additional Congress district The proposal to create one more congressional district in Davao City in addition to the existing three is timely, logical and even necessary given the land size, population, and ballooning public problems of the city. It is perhaps worth mentioning that one of Davao’s many oft-repeated points of pride is its being the biggest city in the world in land area.

According to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the creation of the city’s fourth legislative district is no longer for the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) to decide as it is now in the House of Representatives.

In fact, according to Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang, the lady city mayor had endorsed the creation of the

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

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

additional district based on a study conducted by the City Planning and Development Of�ice (CPDO).

In her �irst press conference during the new year the other day, Inday Sara told reporters that a new congressional district means more funds for the development of the city, since a new congress person is entitled to a separate additional development budget for his/her district.

There is no problem as to the requirements of having another district. For the record, the city has a population of 1.6 million and its annual income in 2019 was more than P9 billion.

Dabawenyos can expect the birth of the fourth district to happen within his year.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

ICONIC DAVAO BUS COMPANY During American period, long-distance travel by land using public transport was almost exclusively done by autobus. Given the absence of ‘roll on, roll off’ maritime transport in crossing islands, buses were limited to ply routes within contiguous territories or as stipulated in their franchises. Davao was not spared from this restriction.

Before it was chartered, Davao was the only city in the archipelago without animal-drawn vehicles. Public utility vehicles were in four wheels, and there were no horse-drawn rigs, such as the tartanilla (carriage) or the calesa (calash), to speak of.

Actually, Davao was then home to Davao Autobus Co. Inc. (Dabusco), one of the pioneering transport �irms in Mindanao founded in 1931; the �irm was fully owned by Filipinos. For some reason, after only a year of operation and with fourteen buses in its �leet, a new management took over. As a result, new buses, the oldest being two years old only, were imported.

Riding a Dabusco unit was

always associated with safety and comfort, given that all its buses were in A-1 condition, and its �leet regarded as the most modern in Mindanao, even comparable to the neatness of the Manila Railroad Company �leet in Manila.

Better still, Dabusco’s drivers and conductors, according to a story that appeared in a national publication, were “always neat, courteous and helpful... [and the drivers] are noted for the care they take in the safety of the passengers.”

Promptness was an indispensable aspect of the company’s services. Two of the men credited for making the autobus �irm a cut above all other similar out�its were Norman W. Ramsay, the resident manager, and Cipriano de los Reyes, its president and general manager.

By 1936, Dabusco, under case No. 45372, �iled an application with the Public Services Commission to extend its operation to Davao Penal Colony and Lapanday. Pursuant to Act No. 3108, the commission heard the

application on March 27, 1936.

Earlier, it also applied for an increase in equipment with the same agency, but the authority granted to it was ordered withdrawn after it failed to submit copes of certi�icates of registration.

The use of public utility autobuses as passenger transport in Davao region was attributed to various reasons. The Tribune, in its April 29, 1939, article titled ‘Motor Transportation Widely Used in Davao City’, described in detail the suitability of �ielding buses in the region: “The use of PU automobiles in the city for passenger transportation is the result of several conditions. In the �irst place, the city has a vast area. It is an agricultural city dotted with more than �ifty hemp plantations employing several hundreds of laborers. These plantations have built private roads as feeders to government roads. Being third class, these roads are not �it for heavy traf�ic and for this reason, plantation laborers prefer fast, convenient and light automo-

biles.”

This impressive management style, moreover, would be replicated from year to year.

By 1939, Dabusco was already operating �ifty modern buses, serving all parts of the city and the province. The services it offered were greatly admired and its units were getting the best attention. As its �leet expanded, it opened new terminals at Hospital Avenue and Bankerohan, within the city proper. Another station was built at Talomo on the south, and another one was erected at Tibungco in the north. The bus company’s ef�iciency was featured glowingly in the same report: “The public has admired the ef�iciency of the service of ‘Dabusco.’ It maintains its own shop and garage which are equipped with modern conveniences for servicing its buses.

Well-trained mechanics periodically inspect the buses. Each bus is inspected immediately after its return from a trip and drivers are requested to report the defects noted. This accounts for

the keeping up of time schedules and the avoidance of accidents result in from engine troubles.

“The company gives good attention to its employees. The drivers, conductors and mechanics are well paid. Every Christmas, they are given bonuses.

They are also given their regular wages while undergoing medical treatment.

“One of the recent innovations introduced by the company is the building of shade or waiting stations in strategic places of the city.”

Of�icial records for the years 1936, 1937 and 1938 showed that Davao region was slowly racking up its transport population of automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. For 1936, the registry showed 628 automobiles, 320 trucks, and �ive motorcycles. The following year, a slight numerical appreciation was noted: automobile, 640; trucks, 366; and motorcycles, �ive. By 1938, the transport inventory remained on the rise: automobiles, 654; trucks, 359, and motorcycles, 14.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

THE URGE TO CRITICIZE “To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard, Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 3: American Statesmen *** During the Civil War in the United States, Jefferson Davis wanted a reliable of�icer for an important command. He asked General Robert E. Lee what he thought of William H.C. Whiting for the post. Lee commended him highly.

One of the latter’s of�icers was much surprised at General Lee’s recommendation. Calling General Lee aside, he asked him if he knew what derogatory things Whiting had been saying about him. Lee answered, “I understand that the president wanted to know my opinion of Whiting, not Whiting’s opinion of me.”

“We need criticism,” Dr. Jose P. Rizal once said, “to keep us awake.”

“To be honest, if I became upset of immobilized by my critics, I can guarantee you that you wouldn’t be reading this book today,” wrote Richard Carlson in one of the chapters of his book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work. “The truth is, critics are a fact of life, and criticism is something all of us must face.”

But how you handle criticism is another thing. Carlson

asked a fellow author on how he treats bad reviews and criticism. “I always try to see if there is a grain of truth in what is being said,” the fellow author said. “Quite honestly, there often is. In these instances, I try to learn what I can, and then let go of it. Very often my greatest growth comes directly after a dose of criticism. On the other hand, I’ve learned that if there’s nothing to the criticism, it will simply fade away. The worst thing to do is take it personally and become defensive.”

From Sunday School Chronicle comes this anecdote: A judge who was holding court in a certain town was always sure of being annoyed by some cutting remarks by a local lawyer.

After one such occasion, someone asked the judge at dinner why he didn’t tell off that nasty lawyer.

The judge dropped his knife and fork to the table, placed his chin in his hands and elbows on the table, as he stressed the following story: “Up in our town, there lives a widow with a dog that barks and barks all night whenever the moon shines.”

That is all the judge said, and he picked up his knife and fork, and began to eat again.

Then one of the people at the table said, “Judge, you didn’t �inish your story about that dog and the moon.”

“Oh,” said the judge, “despite all the noise from the dog, the moon kept right on shining.”

In some instances, we sometimes cannot resist to criticize others. If possible, resist doing so. “When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical,” Carlson stated.

He compared criticism to that of swearing. “Criticism is actually nothing more than a bad habit. It’s something we get used to doing; we’re familiar with how it feels. It keeps us busy and gives us something to talk about.”

But if you can’t help it, do it diplomatically. In his book, How to Win Friends and In�luence People, Dale Carnegie, shares the story of American investor and �inancial executive Charles Schwab on how he did it.

“Charles Schwab was passing through one of his steel mills one day at noon when he came across some of his employees smoking. Immediately above their heads was a sign that said, ‘No Smoking.’ Did Schwab point to the sign and say, ‘Can’t you read?’ Oh no, not Schwab.

“He walked over to the men, handed each one a cigar, and said, ‘I’ll appreciate it, boys, if you will smoke these on the outside.’ They knew that he knew

that they had broken a rule – and they admired him because he said nothing about it and gave them a little present and made them feel important.”

American merchant and religious �igure Wanamaker used the same technique. “(He) used to make a tour of his great store in Philadelphia every day. Once he saw a customer waiting at a counter. No one was paying the slightest attention to her. The salespeople? Oh, they were in a huddle at the far end of the counter laughing and talking among themselves.

“Wanamaker didn’t say a word. Quietly slipping behind the counter, he waited on the woman himself and then handed the purchase to the salespeople to be wrapped as he went on his way.”

Father Arthur Tonne, renowned for his humor and published several volumes of Jokes Priests Can Tell, also shared this anecdote: A prominent television star had many loyal fans, but he also had those who thoroughly disliked him. As they say, you cannot please everyone.

Some of the latter sent him hate letters and notes. When they made the mistake of signing their names, he instructed him secretary to answer in these words: “Several days ago, I received the enclosed letter with your name attached to it.

I am returning it to you with the feeling that an intelligent responsible person like you should know that some idiot is sending out letters over your signature. Warmly yours…”

Whether you like it or not, someone will criticize you. Face it, learn from it, and then move on from it. Read the story below, which was penned by William Barclay: Harold Nicholson was a budding English politician. At the start of his career, he went to old Stanley Baldwin for advice. “You are going to be a statesman and try to handle the affairs of this country,” Baldwin told Nicholson. “Well, I have had a long experience of such a life, and will give you three rules you had better follow.

“First, if you subscribe to a press-cutting agency, cancel your subscription at once. Second, never laugh at your opponent’s mistakes. Third, get used to hearing people attribute bad motives to what you are doing.

“You can be as good as Jesus and yet have people criticize anything you do. Not matter what Jesus did, someone was against it. Sometimes, it seems that we just can’t win: we’re damned if we do something, and we’re damned if we don’t. But don’t get upset about it. Little boys throw stones only at trees which bear fruit.”

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

AGRITRENDS

GROWING RICE ORGANICALLY

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Second of Two Parts) Mention Bohol and what comes to mind are the 1,776 Chocolate Hills spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers, the endangered tarsier (touted to be the oldest mammal inhabiting the earth), and “Sandugo,” the blood compact between the Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and chieftain Datu Sikatuna.

Thus, it’s hard to imagine for visitors to think of organic rice being planted in the country’s tenth largest island (with a land area of 4,117.26 square kilometers and a coastline 261 kilometers).

However, a report from the state-owned Philippine Information Agency (PIA) said that farmers and non-government organizations in the island have been breeding since 1998 more than 200 organic rice “accessions” in the search for the most suitable breed �itting the challenges of climate adaptation.

Dr. Marina Labonite, the research for development director at the Bohol Island State University (BISU), said climate change-resistant

Photos courtesy of PCARRD

local upland rice were interbred with other breeds to produce organic rice that could stand the heat, brave the �loods, and withstand all these without inorganic fertilizers.

According to Dr. Labonite, the breeds are locals so they can’t be called as varieties yet.

These are placed in a seed bank, which serve as back up supplies for farm trials “to allow farmers to sow them in seedbeds for their own production,” she pointed out.

Today, Bohol is mobilizing to become a hub of the aromatic and nutritious organic rice.

“Local farmers are now gearing towards the production of organically-grown rice to respond to the needs of healthier living and to the country’s drive towards food security and environmental protection,” reports “Filling Up The Senses: Bohol’s Tourism and Organic Rice Production.”

The publication is released by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD), a line

agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It features the success stories of two farmer-scientists – called “Magsasaka Siyentista” (MS) – who made the difference in growing organic rice.

“Farming aromatic rice the natural, organic way helped improve the quality of my farm’s soil and increase my income,” Primitivo R. Sarigumba, a 51-year-old farmer from Jimilian, Loboc.

The commerce graduate with a major in accountancy had been farming for 25 years already but it was not until he adopted organic farming that he found he could effectively decrease his production costs through the use of organic fertilizer.

“I didn’t worry about the high cost of seedlings because I knew the very low cost of organic fertilizers would balance off the costs,” said Sarigumba, who is now a member of science and technology-based farm (STBF) project which allowed him to further explore the world of farming and discover new ways

of increasing his yield.

The other farmer – Florencio L. Gentallan – is already deceased.

But the former civil servant was being looked up by farmers in the municipality of Maribojoc because of his in�luence in helping them improve their own farming methods.

Gentallan’s advocacy on natural farming resulted in the adoption of his farming practices by 30 local farmers.

“Going organic is going healthy and wise,” he was quoted as saying.

“With the utilization of natural materials from our farm, we are sure that what we consume is chemical-free. Not only that, we are also able to reduce the costs of our farm inputs; thereby increasing our income.”

The PCARRD publication features the science and technology interventions the two farmers adopted in growing organic rice.

“Through research and the application of new technologies, the traditional practices of the farmers were modi�ied and improved,” the publication explained.

Soil analysis: Most

farmers neglect soil analysis, which is considered as critical in evaluating the soil pH and fertility level. With the STBF, the two farmers were convinced of the advantages of the technology.

“Soil analysis reduces farm costs by preventing excessive and unnecessary application of fertilizers and avoiding nutrient imbalance in the �ield,” the PCARRD publication pointed out.

Land preparation: Rice straw from the previous cropping are scattered in the �ield, which is irrigated for two days until plowing time. After plowing, the mixture of chicken dung and vermicompost are dispersed.

“Using residues like rice straw, chicken dung, and vermicompost reduce farm costs by up to 74%,” the PCARRD publication said. In addition, these farm resources nourish the crops and the soil as well.

Seeding and transplanting: Planting only one to two 14-day old seedlings per hill reduces the number of seedlings needed in the farm – compared with the usual practice of planting four to seven 21- to 30-day old seedlings.

“The 25 centimeters by 25 centimeters distance between hills reduced the farmers’ need to 50%; thereby, reducing costs. Also, the competition among plants was also decreased,” the PCARRD publication said.

Variety: In Loboc, the varieties used on aromatic rice production are black rice, basmati, and malido. In Maribojoc, it’s the KACEDOB variety, which stands for “Kang Seding, gitanum in Dod0y ug inabagan ni Boy” (From Seding, planted by Dodoy with the assistance of Boy).

Fertilization: Only natural and organic fertilizers are used.

“When you use chemical fertilizers in your �ield, your gross income is high; but when you start computing your net income – by deducting all your expenses – you will realize how little your net income is. The main reason is the high cost of inorganic fertilizer,” explained Sarigumba.

Pest and disease management: Pests and diseases can be checked by any of the following: natural, cultural, botanical, ecological, and chemical approaches.

“All these measures except the latter, when integrated, become a perfect blend of pest management technology, with effectively curbs pesticide usage in the farms,” the PCARRD publication noted.

Po s t - p ro d u c t i o n : Traditionally, farmers harvest rice manually, thresh the harvested crops with pedal threshers, and clean the grains with winnowing basket.

Instead, the STBF recommends an automatic operation which uses the mechanical blower, which can shorten the operation to two days and preserve the good quality of the grains.

As a result of these practices, Gentallan increased his net income from P20,956 to P89,353 for one year (two croppings). On the other hand, Sarigumba’s net income more than doubled – from P25,400 to P59,600 for one year.

“The success of the STBF projects on organic aromatic rice production is proof enough of the province’s power to truly satisfy both its local and visiting tourists not only through its rich sceneries, but also through its healthy staple food,” the PCARRD publication concluded.

VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

FAIR CROWN SUITES OPENS WITH the desire to provide royal accommodations for a fair price, the Fair Crown Suites recently opened its doors to the public last January 8.

Located along Champaca corner Aguho Street within Juna Subdivision, the Fair Crown Suites boasts of 23 contemporary-designed rooms with amenities that are essential for wonderful stays in Durianburg.

Hotel manager Arvin Dizon shares that the rooms at Fair Crown were designed with travellers in mind. “The TVs are much bigger than what other hotels in our category provide. We also offer free in-room wifi and our room rates does include set breakfast which our guests can enjoy either at our cafe or inside their rooms for more privacy and convenience.”

For solo travellers, the Fair Crown Suites has Superior Single Rooms while families can book their signature Deluxe Family Room which can accommodate up to five persons comfortably.

Aside from rooms, the hotel has a coffee shop on the ground floor and two function rooms on its 4th level. The Silver function hall can accommodate up to 75 persons comfortably while the bigger Gold function hall can accommodate up to 150. Both halls can be booked for banquets or events at a reasonable price.

“The function rooms also come with their own sound modern system and equipment to suit everyone’s needs and wants.” Dizon added.

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STYLE

BLOOMING FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

By KENNETH IRVING ONG

THE Lunar New Year is just around the corner and for the Chinese and flowers play a huge role in the annual celebration with symbolisms tied to abundance, fertility, and good fortune.

How much more lucky can one get when one wears blooms for the season with Plains & Prints’ Holiday: Red Currant Collection comes in shades of red accentuated by sprigs of orchids and lilies which symbolise prosperity.

Fashonistas will also love the wide spectrum of styles and cuts that are perfect for the modern woman.

Plains & Prints’ Red Currant Collection is available now at all Plains & Prints boutiques.

5 BOOKS TO STIR HOPE AND INSPIRATION TH

WITH every new year comes fresh plans and great hope for a successful journey ahead, and inspirational and spiritual books will surely help carry on this optimism throughout the next 11 months.

Here are five motivational reads that deserve a spot on your nightstand this 2020:

“Winning for Life” by Denis Waitley The American motivational speaker said that his book “Winning for Life” is here to tell readers that the journey ahead may be difficult but “a beautiful life is not impossible.” He wrote, “When you stop caring about the doubts, when you stop caring about what could possibly go wrong, you give yourself

a chance to experience a world where everything can go right.”

“Here I Am” by Terry Samala de Guzman A business leader, a teacher, and a life coach, Terry talks about her uplifting journey in this book, revealing insights that helped her survive her challenging career, marriage, motherhood, and health crises, towards a life filled with purpose and love. “Here I Am” will nudge readers to embrace unexpected opportunities, find power in being different, and discover strength in faith as 2020 unfolds its many surprises for us.

“Mid-September Letters” by Soyen “Mid-September Letters” is a

collection of poetry, quotes, and anecdotes about love, depression, and discovering the real meaning of happiness. It is written by Soyen Enconado who is known for her inspiring poems and quotes on socials @soyenwrites. “Book that plane ticket,

start that business, make that call, love again etc. go for it,” she wrote on Twitter last August.

“Give Thanks and Praise” by Father Tito Caluag The newly launched book has 200 prayers, including tradi-

tional Catholic prayers, prayers written by the ABS-CBN chaplain for personal intention, healing, special occasions and blessing accounts, and other non-Catholic prayers. It is the perfect accompaniment as we counter new challenges, keep

our ed, a bles Tito will the f bit o for e

EDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

ZAIJIAN STRUGGLES WITH CRIPPLING DEPRESSION IN IWANT’S “STORY OF MY LIFE” What is it like to feel desperately alone and unloved? What happens when it becomes too much to bear?

See life through the eyes of a troubled teenager craving love and attention as Zaijian Jaranilla topbills his first digital series in “Story of My Life,” now streaming on iWant.

The new iWant original drama series revolves around sensitive loner Rex (Zaijian), who is neglected by his mother and lives under the shadow of his brother.

His life only seems to be a parade of depressing experiences that peaks with a humiliating incident, which cements his outcast status at school.

Despite this, he finds a ray of hope in his budding romance with his crush—until she leaves him thoroughly heartbroken.

Tired of his depressing life and being ignored by everyone including his family, Rex makes a drastic decision and disappears from their lives.

Rex’s parents make a frantic search for the missing boy, but their hopes are crushed when they finally find a body. They mourn his death and slowly realize that they somehow contributed to the misery in Rex’s life.

However, little clues show the continued presence of Rex in the lives of his loved ones, who accidentally stumble upon a discovery that will shake Rex’s family to the core.

“Story of My Life” is directed by Barry Gonzalez III, written by Maribel Ilag, and produced by Big Reveal

HIS NEW YEAR

minds and hearts invigoratand remain grateful for the ssings that come our way. Fr. o said, “I am hoping that this l spur a common ground in family to pray. There’s a little of everything and anything everyone.”

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

For children: “My First Prayer Book” by Scarlet Snow Belo Hailed as Best Children’s Short Story in the Catholic Mass Media Awards 2019, Scarlet’s “My First Prayer Book” is a readalong guide—filled with stories and prayers—to help parents set off the prayer lives of their kids.

These New Year reads are from ABS-CBN Books, the publishing arm of ABS-CBN, which continues to bring the Kapamilya experience in print with its extensive fiction, nonfiction, movie-based, self-help, and motivational reads.

Check these out on Facebook (@abscbnbooks), ABS-CBN Store, Lazada, and Shopee and in leading bookstores nationwide.

Digital. The cast also include Tart Carlos, Iyah Mina, Raul Montessa, Vance Larena, Belle Mariano, and Alyanna Angeles.

The series aims to shed light on what teens are going through and share understanding, compassion, and empathy to the feelings of others.

Stream “Story of My Life,” on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph for free. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE ON KMJS THIS Sunday, award-winning magazine program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) looks into the various amulets that devotees of the Black Nazarene bring during the annual Traslacion. What powers do these amulets possess?

Meanwhile, kids of this generation have become increasingly adept in the English language. Credits, they say, go to the popular cartoon Peppa Pig. Learn how this cartoon affect Filipino children.

Breastmilk is still best for babies. But can a newborn baby possibly lactate breastmilk? KMJS investigates.

The whole world watches

in concern as bushfires continue in Australia, threatening the wildlife in the area, particularly the kangaroos and the koala bears. In Palawan meanwhile, even without bush fire, an animal species is now endangered – the Palawan bear cat or binturong.

Meanwhile, how did a humble vendor of peanuts and tamarind snacks managed to turn around her fortune by now earning millions through live selling in Facebook? On the other hand, learn from the story of Butch, who has already lost more than P3-million because of his addiction to cockfight derbies.

KMJS also features Jingol from Cebu who collects caskets which he transforms into a vehicle.

Aldrin recently became viral after he wrote his callout to his parents on a cartolina and posted it on

social media. But how did he end in Mindanao, when his roots were in Ilocos?

These and more stories in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho this Sunday after Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko on GMA-7.

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

EXPLORING CHINA’S ANCIENT TEA HORSE ROAD THE LUX* RESORTS WAY

ONE of a growing number of LUX* Resorts properties along the historic Tea Horse Road in China’s Yunnan Province, LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan promises authentic experiences that get to the heart of what makes this region of southwestern China truly unique. This luxury boutique hotel located in the mountain town of Shangrila is the perfect base for exploring the many glaciers nearby or venturing off the beaten path to hidden mountain trails. LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan’s ‘curated experiences’ are the perfect way to discover the surrounding areas. These are guided excursions tailormade for the adventurous and culturally curious.

Whether it is a temple tour and tea talk with a monk or a sumptuous picnic alongside a stunningly beautiful mountain lake, these bespoke experiences promise to create enduring memories.

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is also home to several small Tibetan villages.

Tour and Tea Session at Songtsam Monastery Buddhism is an enduring institution along the Tea Horse Road. Its cultural influence runs far and wide in the region vital trade route. and is manifested in the customs, artwork and architecture.

Picnic Lunch at Napa Lake LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan Napa Lake is another stunis situated near one of its most ning example of the dynamic spectacular temples, Songtsam and breathtaking scenery of Monastery. It is the largest Shangri-La. In the summer temple in Yunnan Province and months, the snow from the is often referred to as the “Little surrounding mountains melts Potala Palace” in reference to and fills the basin, forming a the famed monastery in Lhasa, vast lake. In September, the area Tibet. becomes a haven for migratory LUX* offers a unique way to birds, such as bar-headed geese, experience Songtsam Monasseveral species of wild ducks, tery, driving guests directly to and the black-necked crane, the site, circumventing the long which is one of the 12 rarest stair climb (the monastery is bird species in the world. In the perched at a high elevation of dry season, Napa Lake becomes 3200m) and the queues. Once a sprawling meadow known as there, guests will get to learn the Yila Prairie and is an ideal about the temple’s colorful hisgrazing spot for yaks, sheep, tory and marvel at its striking and horses. architectural flourishes on a Regardless of the season, private guided tour. After that, it’s a gorgeous backdrop for a they will have an opportunity picnic, and LUX* can take care to chat with a resident monk of all the essentials, packing a over a piping hot cup of yak delicious meal and providing butter tea and learn about the comfortable transport to the true nature of existence. lake. All guests have to do is These are just a few of the enjoy the fresh air, the amazing many unforgettable experiences wildlife and the picturesque that LUX* Tea Horse Road can scenery. Guests can explore the curate for its guests. The opruins of Gunyin Temple, beportunities for exploration and lieved to have been built during discovery in Benzilan and the the Yuan Dynasty. The area surrounding areas are endless.

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A Day Trek to Niding Village Niding is one of several charming Tibetan villages in the area surrounding LUX* Tea Horse Road Benzilan, and it’s the perfect destination for a half-day outing. With the help of a local guide, guests can go on a hike through some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Western China. The hike passes through pristine Tibetan forests and along cool, clear snowmelt fed creeks.

Guests will learn about the wide variety of flora and fauna that they will encounter along

Lunch is served in Niding Village the trail. Once in Niding, a delicious lunch spread of local produce are prepared by the team in an authentic wooden hut. and getting to know the local villagers. They will share their unique way of life with all of its rich traditions and customs. Traditional attire is also available for guests to try on for unique photo opportunities. Guests may even hear a few fascinating stories about the days when the tea caravans passed through, carrying tea and other goods along this once

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND LAUNDRY FURNITURE A2A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

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Slain OFW in Kuwait possibly raped: NBI

J

eanelyn Villavende, the domestic helper who was reportedly beaten to death by her employer in Kuwait late last month, could have been also raped.

This came out in the initial results of the re-autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the victim’s

remains in a funeral parlor here.

Dr. Ricardo Rodaje, NBI medico-legal of�icer, said they have taken samples from the victim to con�irm a suspected sexual abuse.

He said they took oral swabs for possible oral sex, anal swabs for sodomy and vaginal swabs for possible rape.

“These will still be subjected to laboratory tests,” he told reporters following the more than three-hour autopsy at the Emerald Mortuary and Services in Barangay Poblacion here.

Rodaje said the victim had multiple wounds on her body and some of her internal organs were missing, including the brain.

The only remaining organs were the liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs, he said.

He said “there were a lot of in�licted wounds on her back.”

“The �inal results of the autopsy will be released as soon as possible. It will be up to the investigator to determine whether there was foul play,” Rodaje said.

lamation creating the authority. She is hopeful that by 2021 or 2022 the Metro Davao Authority will be �inally created.

“Bisan wala pa ang Presidential Proclamation ginasugdan na namo to

set the ball rolling,” she said.

The creation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority is embodied in the Philippine Development Plan and the Davao Develop-

ment Plan and its creation is also believed to lead to a higher level of service in the component areas.

MDDA was also proposed to focus on the socio-economic opportunities in the region.

The creation of MDDA was among the highlights of the Regional Development Council 11’s (RDC 11) Advisory Committee (AdCom) Meeting last October 25, 2019 at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

of information, she said.

Once these pillars are in place, Santiago said, “no matter what happens, the society is a peaceful one and it is a resilient one.”

“That’s why, we are shifting our attention from this project-based beginning-ending nothing-happens-type of process to building the eight pillars of positive peace,” she said.

Peace 911 has been working to capacitate the Lumad (indigenous people) in Paquibato District since its inception in May

2018, she said.

Efforts had been undertaken to develop a “sense of ownership and stewardship” of their ancestral domain, Santiago said.

She added women were taught organic gardening to combat hunger.

“When you go into social change, you have to change attitudes, structures and institutions,” she said. “We are trying to help them strengthen that decision-making structure, and also how do they manage their resources.”

She acknowledged the need to address “fear and hunger” in con�lict-hit areas.

She said the Lumad were afraid of the military and the New People’s Army.

“They were afraid not only of military but also afraid of the New People’s Army. So, the military had to do its own community support programs in order to build trust. That �irst few months was really about building trust, that the government, in fact, was

coming in to restore state legitimacy,” she said.

To build trust, she said it helps when the government is making its presence felt there.

She added government agencies have been conducting caravan to deliver basic services in con�lict areas.

“Fear was not really erased overnight. It was something that has to do with trust, and you know trust-building takes a little time,” she said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

operators and drivers: January 14 in Toril, January 21 in Calinan, January 24 in Bunawan, January 30 in Poblacion.

“Maminaw sila sa lecture on how to access this portions sa ilahang social package, which is i-enroll nila ilang anak sa college and then bayran ang tuitions ilang anak until mahuman ang bata sa 4 years (They should listen to the lecture on how to access portions of their social package, which is enroll their children in college and then pay the tuitions of their children until they �inish the four years),” she said.

She said the local government targets to have all the children enlisted by March and get everything ready before the start of the next school year.

The local government

will shell out P250 million from its local funds for the initial phase of the project, Duterte announced earlier.

The interim bus system would be implemented by the national government, pending the approval of the DPTMP, at a cost of P18.6 billion.

The DPTMP seeks to improve the mass public transport and to address the worsening traf�ic congestion in the city.

Following the National Economic Development Authority-Board approval of the project last November 25, the mayor said she expects an expeditious development for this proposed project at the national level.

In a press release last December 5, the Department of Transportation announced that the bus system is scheduled for im-

plementation from 2020 to 2023, which aims to “provide an ef�icient and affordable mode of transport for Davaoeños through the delivery” of a modern HPBS. It added that the interconnected bus services would be prioritized along the 137-kilometer core network, and 489 km of feeder routes.

The proposed project would be funded through an of�icial development assistance, covering three components: Public Transport System Improvement, Institutional Capacity Strengthening, and Social Development Program.

The press release stated that the HPBS or the project’s public transport system improvement component will involve the provision of hierarchical, interconnected bus services along major arterial

roads, as well as an extensive network of feeder services covering the entire urban area.

Once operational, the HPBS will have 29 bus routes divided into the following four tiers: MetroDavao (will form the core services that connect all major commercial centers along the �ive routes), DavaoInter (will run along with eight routes connecting the inner urban areas directly to the Davao Central Business District), DavaoFeeder (will run along nine routes linking smaller centers and areas of more dispersed populations to the Metro Davao services), and Davao Local (will provide a link between the outer rural areas of the City and main transport system or the integrated terminals). [Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews]

radius from and including Tripoli, Libya was raised to Level 4 (mandatory evacua-

tion). Outside the said 100km radius, it remains at Alert Level 2,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also advised Filipinos in Iraq and in Tripoli, Libya to contact the

nearest Philippine mission to facilitate their mandatory evacuation. (PNA)

ny to enhance our safety processes, organizations, and culture,” the company said, adding that it will ultimately take “disciplinary or other personnel action.”

And despite jokes about problems with MAX simulators, “we are con�ident that all of Boeing’s MAX simulators are functioning effectively,” the statement said.

FAA: ‘NO NEW SAFETY RISKS’ The FAA called the language in the documents “disappointing,” and said the emails did not reveal

any new safety risks.

“Our �irst priority is safety, and we have set no timeframe for when the work will be completed,” an FAA spokesman said.

Representative Peter DeFazio, the Oregon Democrat leading the House investigation of the MAX, called the emails “incredibly damning.”

“They paint a deeply disturbing picture of the lengths Boeing was apparently willing to go to in order to evade scrutiny from regulators, �light crews and the �lying public.”

Robert Clifford, who represents family members of victims, said employees in the exchanges demonstrate “a lack of concern for human life [that] is beyond cold-heartedness,” adding that the company’s conduct “goes far beyond negligence.”

Boeing on Tuesday reversed its earlier position and endorsed simulator training for MAX pilots prior to resuming �lights, a change likely to further delay the aircraft’s return to the skies.

In another develop-

ment late Friday, the FAA announced a $5.4 million penalty against Boeing for allegedly installing parts on 178 MAX aircraft that did not meet quality standards.

Boeing allegedly failed to adequately oversee its suppliers on the parts and “knowingly submitted” the aircraft for certi�ication, the FAA said.

The FAA company last month announced a $3.9 million �ine on Boeing for the same issue involving some 737 NGs, a predecessor to the MAX.

METRO... FROM1

SUSTAINING... FROM2

KIDS... FROM2

MIDEAST... FROM4

BOEING... FROM5

NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT: PH NAME

CONTRACT NO. CFP No.

1.JERRY M. ESPINOSA

NNN430004109 1005821

2.LORNA G. PENTACASE NNN430007201 21031688

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

1/10,13,15

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CLEMENCIA VDA. DE ROSALADA who died on November 28, 2005 in Davao City left a parcel of land registered under her name (TCT No. T-121386), has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.50; PageNo.11; Book No.XVIII, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FRANC EVAN L. DANDOY II

NEW PEACE... FROM4 2019, his plan to re-open talks with the communist movement by creating a military-led peace panel.

Also in December last year, Duterte said he was willing to revive the peace dialogue, on condition that he would �irst meet with CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison in the Philippines.

Sison, who has been in self-exile in the Netherlands since 1987, earlier said he was willing to have a one-on-one meeting with Duterte in a “neutral” country “near the Philippines.”

Duterte refused to heed

Sison’s request, and instead guaranteed that the communist founder would not face arrest upon return to the Philippines.

“I’m sorry but that’s my condition. I guarantee his safety and if nothing happens in the talks, he can go back freely to where he came from. Nobody would stop him,” he said.

“And upon my oath, sinabi ko iyan (I said that) as the president and say maybe, negotiator.

But one-on-one muna ang negotiation (But let’s �irst have a one-on-one negotiation).” (PNA)

else.”

Filipinos traveling to China should also practice regular personal hygiene,

wash their hands and use sanitizer, as well as wear a face mask when around sick people.

Once he receives the of�icial report on the NBI’s re-autopsy, Bello said he would convene the governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and may recommend a total deployment ban of OFWs to Kuwait.

“That will not be lifted until we get proper justice (for Villavende),” he said.

As to the suspects in the killing, he said the Kuwaiti couple who had

employed the victim has already been detained as con�irmed by the labor attache of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.

He said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Manila Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaihk informed him in a meeting last week that the suspects have already been charged.

Bello said Althwaihk has failed on his promise to deliver a copy of the charge sheet last Monday.

(PNA)

CHINA... FROM4

SEC.BELLO... FROM5

NOT DONE YET A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO ogy (MCT) Navigators at International School of 6:00 pm.

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

Saturday's quadruple header sponsored by The

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO 14 12 10 EDGEDAVAO

SEE STORY ON P11

(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,

VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

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PSC backs athletes vying for Tokyo 2020

T

he Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) acting on its previous announcement to fully-support national athletes for their Tokyo Olympics 2020 quest, met with Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), Inc. President, Philip Ella Juico Thursday at the PhilSports Complex to lay down plans for athletics.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez discussed the particulars of the assistance to be provided for the Olympic programs of pole vaulters EJ Obiena and Natalie Uy, sprinter-hurdler Eric Cray, runner Kristina Knott, shot putter Willie Morrison and newly-added marathoner Christine Hallasgo.

Among those above-mentioned, the 24-year-old Obiena has a �ighting chance to win

an Olympic medal as he currently ranks no. 14 in the world per latest standings.

Obiena is the �irst quali�ier of the country in the 32nd Olympiad after surpassing the qualifying mark by 5.81 meters during the tournament in Chiara, Italy last September. This was recently followed by a gold medal �inish

by Obiena in the 2019 SEAG held in the country.

“We have to capitalize on the success of EJ Obiena and other track and �ield athletes at the 30th SEA Games, and give them full support on their Olympic quali�ications” said Ramirez.

Athletics ranked third overall in the country’s hosting of the biennial meet, bagging a total of 11 gold, 8 silver, and 8 bronze medals.

“Our goal is to sus-

tain this momentum in the Olympics and 2021 in Vietnam. We thank the PSC for its support for our athletes,” shared Juico.

Last December 23, President Rodrigo Duterte pledged P100 million to support the foreign exposure of Tokyo 2020 Olympics-bound athletes.

“With the President’s commitment to our national athletes, it is more than enough to sustain their foreign trips and the core team of each Olympic-bound athletes” shared the agency chief.

During the Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016, the PATAFA sent three Olympians courtesy of long jumper Marestella Torres, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal and �ilam sprinter-hurdler Cray.

making and promotions but more importantly we have become great friends," Liu Gang.

"It will be an honour to be back in Toowoomba for this special event next month.

"It will be a mix of business and pleasure for us we will also use Brendon's gym for a week long training camp for Xu Can who has a big 2020 ahead.

"Toowoomba is a beautiful city, we look forward to coming back."

The partnership between Gang and Smith has created many opportunities over a long a period of time.

"It'll be an honour to have Liu Gang and Xu Can

back in our home town," Smith said.

"They're boxing royalty.

"Xu Can is the current WBA featherweight World Champion and Liu Gang is the biggest promoter in Asia and he's branched out to working the USA with the likes of Oscar De La Hoya.

"Over the years Liu and I have worked together on countless promotions putting together a number of title �ights.

"Our partnership has created so many opportunities for many �ighters.

"Xu Can won his �irst WBA regional belt in Rumours International on one of our big cards he now sits on top of the

EJ Obiena leads the Patafa athletes to the Tokyo Olympiad.

Chinese boxing royalty goes to Toowomba

C

hinese World Champion Xu Can and Asia's number one boxing promoter Liu Gang have con�irmed their attendance for the gala event:Blood,Sweat & Tears over 30 years in Toowoomba on February 7.

Both men have strong ties and great memories of Toowoomba.

Xu Can's career took off after a huge upset win in the Garden City over Kris George in 2015, while Liu Gang has forged a strong partnership with Brendon Smith at TGW & Smithy's Promotions.

"Brendon Smith and his team have become great business associates when it comes to match

Xu Can takes his boxing skills to Toowomba.

World as the WBA champion.

"From our side of things we've seen the likes of Josh Baillie, Steve Spark and Herman Ene-Purcell �ight in China.

"It's a wonderful relationship and one we will celebrate on February 7. " The visit will also act as Can Xu's �irst week of �ight camp in preparation for his next title bout.

"Can Xu and Liu will train out of Smithy's TGW Gym for the duration of the week," Smith said.

"We believe we have a World class facility so it's �itting we have a World class �ighter visit us.

"It's a real coup for our city to have Liu Gang and Can Xu in Toowoomba."

Pacquiao hosting rich P1-M Valentines 10-ball

W

orld Boxing Champion Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao is hosting a PHP 1 Million Valentines 10ball Open Championship.

The tournament, presented by the Manny Pacquiao Promotions together with tournament organizer Mary Grace Tambasen and tournament director Michael Feliciano, is a double knockout format and will run from February 3 to 14, 2020 at the SM City in Bacolod City.

"In billiards, boxing and chess, we can produce world champions," said tournament organizer Mary Grace Tambasen, fondly called Precious or Princess Za in the pool world, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology graduate from the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos (UNO-R).

Leading the list of participants are 2017 World Pool champion Carlo Biado, 2015 Manny Pacquiao (MP) 10-ball champion Jericho Bañares, former

All Japan winner Lee Van Corteza, Johann Chua and Jeffrey Ignacio.

The singles event offers a P150,000 champion’s purse while the runner-up place dangles P75,000.

The third and fourth placers will get P30,000 each; �ifth to eighth will receive P15,000 apiece and ninth to 16th will bring home P5,000 each.

In the doubles category, the emerging champion in the tourney will get P200,000 while the runner-up will receive P100,000 and the third to fourth placers will settle for P40,000 each. Fifth to Eight placers will bring claim P25,000 each while the ninth to 16th placers will receive P15,000 each.

Registration fee for singles event is P2,000 while entry fee for the doubles category is P4,000. For more inquiries please pm in facebook tournament organizer Mary Grace Tambasen and tournament director Michael Feliciano. Philboxing

12 SPORTS

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VOL.12 ISSUE 215 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, JANUARY 12-13, 2020

YOUNG SQUAD UAAP star Thirdy Ravena has been picked to the Gilas Men pool.

SBP bares Gilas Men for FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers

A

"hybrid" Gilas Pilipinas Men pool for the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup Quali�iers was revealed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Friday.

A total of 13 young players and 11 Philippine Basketball Association stars make up the 24-man roster for the said window.

As anticipated, Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Rey Suerte, Allyn Bulanadi, Thirdy Ravena, and Jaydee Tungcab, the �irst seven players named to the Gilas Cadets pool, headline the February

window pool among the youngsters.

Joining them are Javi and Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kobe Paras, Dave Ildefonso, Balti Baltazar, and incoming Ateneo player Dwight Ramos.

Given call-ups among the veterans are Poy Erram, RR Pogoy, Ray-Ray Parks, Kiefer Ravena, Japeth Aguilar, Chris Standhardinger, CJ Perez, Mac Belo, Matt Wright, Troy Rosario, and Marc Pingris.

Gilas Men will face Thailand at home on Feb. 20 before heading to Jakarta to battle Indonesia on Feb. 23. (PNA)