Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 224 | Thursday, January 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO MALAYSIAN DURIAN Serving a seamless society

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

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NSAS TO PRESENT PLANS, PROGRAMS SPORTS P11

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Durian variety from Malaysia to be introduced, propagated in Davao

By MAYA M. PADILLO

A young boy along with his peer uses a piece of plywood to slide down from a pile of gravel in front of a building which is currently being constructed in Royal Valley, Bangkal, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

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Malaysian durian variety may be the next product of Davao's Indigenous People (IP) community.

Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) director Ricardo Oñate Jr. told media in Wednesday's Habi at Kape that a Singaporean investor Kelvin Tay is eyeing to propagate a durian variety from Malaysia in Davao.

An initial meeting with Tay took place last Tuesday.

"Sad to say ang mga produkto natin pag dumadating sa ibang lugar hindi identi�ied as Pilipinas galing, durian for

one ay sasabihing Malaysia. Good yung Singaporean kasi gusto niyang i-prove na galing ito sa PIlipinas particularly Davao," he said.

Oñate said he will encourage the Singaporean investor to explore the area of an IP community in Marahan, Marilog District for his possible durian propagation.

"Mas malaking area, mas mabuti. In Marahan andoon ang mga IPs natin. It is like hitting two

birds in one stone and aming approach," he said.

Oñate said the investor will come back next month for another meeting with DA 11.

Apart from the Singaporean investor, there is also a Chinese group that are interested to set up an agri-ecotourism in Davao.

He is considering to bring the group in an IP community in Boston, Davao Oriental.

"Ang kulang na lang natin pag ibinenta natin sa investors itong mga areas ng IP ay ang concern about the security? And we were able to address that. Kausap namin si Police Regional Of�ice 11

(PRO 11) director Brigadier General Filmore Escobal at nagsuggest sya na dapat yung mag secure ng area will be coming from the IP community.

Pero dapat gawing legal na maging security force sila," he said.

In facilitating these investors in the IP communities in Davao Region, Oñate said they will use the integrated Ancestral Domain Development Areas (ADDA) approach.

The ADDA project aims to address the IPs’ heavy dependence on raw forest resources, both timber and non-timber, by providing technical assistance, packaging

and social marketing, and developing ancestral domain products following the principles of value chain.

Ten municipalities have been identi�ied as project sites that include Boston, Tarragona, and Cateel in Davao Oriental; Maco, New Bataan, and Laak in Davao de Oro; Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte; Magsaysay in Davao del Sur; and Malita in Davao Occidental.

The ADDA shall be sub-divided into various lots and will be offered to the interested investors following community rules on land allocation

and other existing laws.

The investors will be invited by the departments of agriculture, environment, social welfare,trade and industry, and labor.

Based on the map suitability of DA-11, cacao, coffee, abaca, upland rice, corn, peanut, mung bean, and root crops are best suited in the identi�ied ADDA. "ADDA is a program of NCIP wherein may documents at certi�icate of ancestral domain title na ug dalahon na namo ang investor/s that we are closely coordinating sa atong mga agricultural attache," Oñate said.

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte is greeted by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. during the Annual General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Tuesday. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Council of Mati confirms Existing masterplan as reference of City appointment of new CIO head Metro Davao Development Authority T

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he creation of the Metro Davao Development Authority (MDDA) may not start from scratch afterall as there is an existing Metro Davao Urban Masterplan crafted by Architect Felino Palafox in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) that can be used as reference.

The MDDA aims to help manage infrastructure, garbage, disaster, traf�ic and other vital public services in four cities and two big municipalities in the Davao Region Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has earlier announced that the masterplan with MinDA can be used as reference in the creation of the MDDA to 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.

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uthorities on Tuesday said they are looking at politics as the probable motive in the gunning down of two village councilors in Bukidnon town on Monday.

Maj. Silvestre Asiong Jr., Bukidnon provincial police spokesperson, said investigators are zeroing in on a political angle. He did not elaborate.

MinDA deputy executive director assistant secretary Romeo Montenegro said the Metro Davao Urban Masterplan, which was completed last year through Palafox Associates as lead consultant in partnership with the MinDA and several LGUs involved have put together recommendations for the incoming of this MDDA be of�icially formed.

“We are happy that Mayor Sara in one of her statements have cited that they may looking at the Metro Davao Urban

Master Plan of Architect Palafox as reference as what can be applicable to a certain items that this Metro Davao may be pursuing later on. At least for certain elements it may not starting from scratch because meron ng na-umpisahan and that is the Metro Davao Urban Masterplan,” Montenegro said.

In 2018, the Manila-based urban planning �irm Palafox Associates has been tapped to craft the Metro Davao Urban Master Plan, a project that is based on the best practices in the world and lessons from the worst practices in Metro Manila. The plan is part of Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan, prepared by the MinDA and other key stakeholders.

The said project also aims to provide a comprehensive development plan

for Metro Davao, which will include the towns of Maco, Carmen and Sta. Cruz in Compostela Valley Province, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur, respectively as well as the cities of Tagum , Panabo, Davao and Digos.

The objectives of the plan include identifying the comparative strengths and functional roles of the different areas within Metro Davao with the end-goal of complementation and alignment of policies, programs and projects; identifying solutions to shared challenges, including transport ef�iciency, provision of urban services, among others; aiding national agencies, local government units, and the private sector in planning and implementing development endeavors within Metro Davao and its in�luence areas.

Montenegro added

Asiong identi�ied the victims as Loreno Pedyaan and Mauricio Guinto, both barangay councilors of Brgy. Dominorog in Talakag town.

Police described the victims as prominent political personalities in Dominorog, about 54 kilometers away from the center of Talakag that is predominantly populated by the Higaonon tribe.

A police report said the of�icials were about to enter the barangay hall to attend the session when shot by a gunman.

Pedyaan was shot on the chest and tried to run from the suspect but he fell down and died on the spot, police said.

Guinto was hit on the left side of his head and was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Tiza Joy

Araneta, the attending physician at the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital, police said.

Staff Sgt. Ismael Balbutin, an investigator at the Talakag municipal police station, said in a separate interview there were three suspects riding two motorcycles involved in the shooting.

He said two of the

EXISTING, P9

POLITICS, P9

he City of Mati Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously con�irmed the appointment of Ben Jason Tesiorna as the City of Mati Information Department head during Tuesday’s afternoon session, January 21.

Before his con�irmation, Tesiorna presented to the City Council members their of�ice’s plans and programs for 2020 that include news production, live webcasting, and production of information and promotional materials that can be utilized by the City of Mati LGU. During the course of the interpellation, the councilors requested for the city information of�icer to be more accessible as the councilors wanted for the city information department to be publishing stories about the City Council.

Tesiorna acceded to the city councilors’ request

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he Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, Inc. (Ople Center) inked Tuesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the creation of the Bangsamoro Task Force Against the Traf�icking of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the region.

The MOA signing between BARMM and the Ople Center aims to address the plight of migrant

saying that the basic mandate of their of�ice is to bring information, from all branches of the local government, closer to the people of Mati.

After the 30-minute discussion, the City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 389 Series of 2020, as motioned by Councilor Avelino “Kobe” Capiña Jr., approving the appointment of Tesiorna as City Information Of�icer I. The creation and appointment of a city information of�icer as department head could be the �irst in the region as most of the information of�ices are under the City Mayor’s Of�ice.

Tesiorna meanwhile thanked the City Council for the con�irmation of his appointment as he vowed better coordination between the CIO and the City Council.

CITY, P9

workers from the region who are victims of human traf�icking.

“We are very much looking forward to this partnership of ours for the welfare of our migrant workers,” BARMM executive secretary Abdulraof Macacua said during the MOA signing ceremony.

Macacua also encouraged jobseekers to coordinate with the region’s Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration and the Ministry of Labor and

BARMM, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Elderly most vulnerable to new coronavirus, says health chief

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Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Angel Sumagaysay says during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel he believes President Rodrigo Duterte’s popularity continue

to soar due to his unique kind of leadership which he applied in Davao City when he was still the city’s mayor and to the whole country from the time he assumed the presidency. Lean Daval Jr

PRRD’s net satisfaction rating soars to record-high ‘excellent’

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ublic satisfaction with President Rodrigo Duterte’s work performance reached a fresh record-high in the September to December 2019 period, according to the latest survey released by pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Monday.

The December 13 to 16 poll by SWS revealed that 82 percent of adult Filipinos are satis�ied with Duterte’s performance, while only 10 percent are dissatis�ied.

Only 8 percent could not say whether they are satis�ied or not, SWS noted.

“Compared to September 2019, gross satisfaction with President Duterte rose by 4 points from 78 percent, gross undecided fell by 1 point from 9 percent, and gross dissatisfac-

tion fell by 3 points from 13 percent,” the poll said.

The survey results yielded a net satisfaction score of “excellent” +72, up by seven points from September 2019’s “very good” +65.

The poll results also showed the President’s “new personal record that surpassed the previous record ‘very good’ +68 in June 2019,” SWS said.

The seven-point rise in Duterte’s net satisfaction rating was due to increas-

Big time pushers fall in buy-bust operations

es in Balance Luzon (“very good” +66 from “very good” +54), the Visayas (“excellent” +69 from “excellent” +74), and Mindanao (“excellent” +81 from “excellent” +76), combined with a steady score in Metro Manila (“very good” +66).

Net satisfaction with Duterte’s performance also rose by nine points in urban (“excellent” +75 from “very good” +66) and �ive points in rural areas (“very good” +69 from “very good” +64).

The President’s net satisfaction also rose among classes ABC (“excellent” +76 to “excellent” +70), D (“excellent” +72 from “very good” +66), and E (“excellent” +71 from “very good” +57).

There was also an increased net satisfaction among men (“excellent” +73 from “very good”

+66) and women (“excellent” +71 from “very good” +64), as well as among age groups 18 to 24 (“excellent” +73 from “very good” +64), 25 to 37 (“very good” +67 from “very good” +64), 35 to 44 (“excellent” +78 from “very good” +63), 45 to 54 (“very good” +64 from “very good” +63), and 55 and above (“excellent” +77 from “very good” +68).

Duterte’s net satisfaction rating also rose by one to “excellent” from “very good” among elementary school (+78 from +60), high school graduates (+70 from +67), and college graduates (+73 from +67).

It stayed very good among non-elementary school graduates, at +64 in December, down by 1 point from +65 in September.

52% expect Duterte’s

PRRD, P9

he elderly are the most vulnerable to a new virus that has killed at least nine in China and sickened hundreds, the Department of Health said Wednesday.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said those who died from the illness had underlying medical conditions such as cancer and diabetes.

"Mula sa mga naiulat sa atin, yung hirap ng paghinga o kakapusan sa paghinga ay posibleng sintomas na rin ito na tutuloy sa pneumonia o sa mabigat na komplikasyon o severe acute respiratory syndrome na pwedeng makamatay, lalong lalo na sa mga matatanda, yung mga may underlying medical problem," he said.

The Bureau of Quarantine remains on alert as the department awaits updates from the World Health Organization, Duque said.

"Dapat talaga pinagiingat na ang ating mga kababayan na tutungo ng China. Hintayin natin ang advisory ng WHO na orasoras naman tayo ay nakikipag-ugnayan para sa pinakahuling ulat," he said.

The Philippines has started screening passengers arriving at the capi-

tal's main airport for fever and �lu symptoms, after a 5-year-old from the central Chinese city of Wuhan arrived in Cebu City last Jan. 12 and tested positive for "non-speci�ic pancoronavirus."

Passengers who show fever and �lu would be submitted to further quarantine checks, Health Undersecretary and Spokesperson Eric Domingo said in a separate DZMM interview.

Common symptoms of coronavirus infection include cough, fever, shortness of breath and breathing dif�iculty. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, Duque earlier said.

Vaccines and medicine against the novel (new) coronavirus have yet to be discovered, he added, but a strong immune system would prevent a person from contracting the illness.

"Wala akong maalala na merong nang nalikha na gamot o bakuna kundi puro supportive treatment lang, dahil kung malakas naman ang resistensiya eh kusang mawawala naman itong sakit, kung tawagin self-limiting," he said.

House appropriations panel OKs Dept. of Disaster Resilience bill

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he House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday endorsed the consolidated measure seeking to create the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR).

The panel, headed by Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab, approved the measure a few hours before the House's session at Batangas City Convention Center where it is expected to pass the measure on second reading.

“The eruption of Taal volcano requires us to act on this measure now,” Ungab told his colleagues during the meeting.

DDR is envisioned to

be the primary government agency “responsible, accountable, and liable for leading, managing, and organizing national efforts to prevent and reduce disaster risks, prepare for and respond to disasters, and recover, rehabilitate, and build forward better after the destruction.”

The department will be headed by a secretary supported by undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors. It will have an initial budget of P10 billion.

The measure went through the deliberation of the appropriations panel

HOUSE, P9

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

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peratives of Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 11 and Talomo Police Station here arrested a couple identi�ied as big-time drug pushers in a buy-bust operation on Tuesday night that led to the recovery of a total P226,000 worth of illegal drugs.

RPDEU 11 chief and Talomo Police Station commander Lt. Col.Ronald Lao identi�ied the suspects as Arlene L. Brigole, 46, resident of Kabacan, Sto. Niño, Brgy. 76-A Bucana, Davao City; and Edilberto S. Parilla, 57, , tinsmith, resident of Purok 1, Barangay 31-D, Bonifacio Extension which are listed under the Directorate for Intelligence Watchlist.

The operatives con-

ducted drug bust operation against the suspects in the area of Brigole around 8:40 p.m. of January 21, that resulted to their arrest.

Seized from the possession of the suspects were 20 sachets of suspected shabu weighing 16 gram, P3, 500 buy bust money, cash money believed to be drug proceeds, and other personal items.

Lao also bared that Brigole was previously arrested for selling illegal drugs last November 8, 2012 and was released through plea bargaining agreement last November 2019.

While her live-in partner, Parilla, was also arrested for also selling illegal and possession of drugs

BIG TIME, P9

A habalhabal driver, along with his passenger with an infant, drives through a rough road in Barangay Danlag, Tampakan South Cotabato over the weekend without fear even if he has sacks of corn loaded on his motorcycle. MindaNews photo by GG BUENO

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

DOF sec. calls for transparent gov’t, private companies’ deals

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Social Security System-Davao account officer and public information officer Greta Fe Quayle explains during Wednesdays @ Habi at akape at Abreeza mall how to avail of the agency’s programs, the unemployment

benefit for those involuntarily separated from work and the calamity loan for the victims of the recent earthquakes. Lean Daval Jr

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has raised the need for “totally transparent” contracts for any rental deal on state properties.

“De�initely, we have to implement a totally transparent method of getting the best deal for the rental of all government property,” he told journalists in a text message Tuesday.

This after the Department of Finance (DOF), in a statement, said Finance of�icials have found out the onerous provisions of the land deal between Chevron Philippines and a subsidiary of the National Development Co. (NDC).

The agency said Chevron, formerly Caltex Philippines, was able to secure a deal with Batangas Land Co. Inc. (BLCI) wherein the former paid PHP0.74 per square meter (sq.m.) for the 120-hectare property in the industrial park in San Pascual, Batangas that the private �irm uses as oil import terminal.

The rental fee is way lower compared to the supposed fee of PHP17.90

per sq.m. per month based on the appraisal reports of NDC and other of�icial sources using the current fair market rental value of the area.

Dominguez, an NDC Board member, said this is “another government contract with onerous provisions,” as he called for a review of its contract after some agencies recommended to the Privatization Council to renew the deal.

“The goal is to have a contract that is advantageous to the taxpayers achieved in a transparent manner,” he added.

The DOF statement said the rental terms on the property have been subject to negotiation since 2000 but it was only hiked to PHP10.66 million annually in 2010, which remains below the fair market rental rates in the area.

“If the amount is adjusted to current fair market rates, the rental rate by now should be above PHP20 million a month or PHP257.76 million annually,” it added. (PNA)

Bus firm to start servicing PH gets ‘strong appetite’ for Davao-Arakan route soon planned Euro bond issuance

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fter 20-years, a Davao-City based bus �irm will start servicing the Davao City-Kidapawan-Arakan route later this month that is expected to ease the burden of paying higher fares among the riding public in North Cotabato.

Retired Col. Reynato Padua, regional director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory (LRTFRB) in the Soccsksargen Region, said three bus �irms applied for a franchise to operate the Davao-Arakan route and

Davao Metro Shuttle came up as the front-runner.

“It’s LTFRB central of�ice that approved the franchise for Metro Shuttle because the areas to be served cover not only one region but inter-regional,” Padua told Church-run

dxND radio station here in the vernacular.

During the 1990s, a bus �irm, Annerose Express, served the route until 2000 when it ceased operations for still unknown reasons.

Commuters from Arakan, Antipas, and President Roxas, in going to Davao City, were constrained to take public utility vehicles charging higher fares prior to the coming in of the shuttle bus service.

As a start, the Davao Metro Shuttle will be �ielding 15 bus units to take the route from Davao City to

Sta. Cruz, Digos, and Bansalan in Davao del Sur; Makilala, Kidapawan City, Pres. Roxas, Antipas, and Arakan, in North Cotabato; then to Quezon in Bukidnon before going back to Davao City via the Bukidnon-Davao (Buda) highway.

Estimated fare for an air-conditioned bus from Davao to Arakan is PHP270, while for students or senior citizens it is PHP215. For regular bus fare, the average rate is PHP215 while the rate for student and seniors is PHP172. (PNA)

extension of the original FTAA, citing “force majeure,” a copy of the order obtained by MindaNews showed.

MindaNews repeatedly requested SMI for an interview – by phone and visits to their of�ices — since January 11 – but SMI has yet to respond.

Leo Jasareno, then national director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), an agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), approved the extension on June 8, 2016 “by authority of the secretary.”

The DENR secretary at the time was Ramon Paje.

The extension was granted three weeks before Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, then already President-elect, was to take over the Presidency from Benigno Simeon Aquino III on June 30, 2016.

“Force majeure” “Whereas, thru a letter dated May 11, 2016, SMI requested for a 12year extension of the term of FTAA No 02-95-XI (Amended) to restore the equivalent period of time lost due to force majeure in view of the various problems it is encountering in the contract area, which have prevented it from fully pursuing its operations therein, such as the legal con�licts, the ban on open-pit mining, the issuance of the CLOAs (Certi�icate of Land Ownership Awards), peace and order problem and delays in government approval,” Jasareno’s order stated.

Jasareno cited DENR Administrative Order 2010-21 de�ining “force majeure” as “acts or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of contractor,” underscoring the following circum-

stances in the SMI case: rebellion, insurrection, civil disturbance, blockade, sabotage, any dispute with surface owners, and adverse action by government.

It added that the cases �iled against the FTAA, the provincial government of South Cotabato’s passing of an ordinance in 2010 banning open pit mining, the method that will be employed by the Tampakan project, and the issuance of CLOAs within the contract area “are determined to be acts beyond reasonable control of SMI or Force Majeure.”

Force majeure, it said, is a “justi�iable cause” for the extension of the FTAA. The extension order, which was sent to SMI’s of�ice in Taguig City and the MGB-12 of�ice in Koronadal City through regular mail, shall take effect after the company

Tampakan mining project extended for 12 years, operations may last until 2057

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et to expire on March 21, 2020, the 25-year Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) awarded to the Tampakan project, has been extended for 12 years – or until March 21, 2032 — in an order issued June 8, 2016 but known only recently.

Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) is developing the Tampakan project, Southeast Asia’s largest known undeveloped copper and gold reserve.

FTAA No. 002-95-XI was originally granted to Australian �irm Western Mining Corp. (WMC) on March 22, 1995. SMI acquired the FTAA from WMC in 2001 with the approval of then Environment Secretary Heherson Alvarez.

The FTAA is subject for renewal for another 25 years, but long before its expiry, SMI sought and was granted a 12-year

TAMPAKAN, P9

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hilippine Treasury of�icials are open to sell about USD1 billion worth of three and nineyear Euro bond after receiving positive feedbacks during the investor calls for the planned issuance starting Monday.

Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana said they had “successful calls with select investors” not only from Europe but also from Asia.

Sta. Ana said they are still weighing their options on the volume and timing of the issuance since they still have calls to make Tuesday.

Last year, the government issued 750 million euro (USD842 million) worth of eight-year debt paper, which Sta. Ana said is “quite liquid.”

“So, we feel that (a) nine (year tenor) is an op-

timal or a sweet spot for us,” he said.

Sta. Ana said they review again the initial expressions of interest and “then we will decide a little bit later if it’s a go or not.”

Treasury of�icials said they plan to issue benchmark volume, which is USD500 million.

The planned issuance has been given investment grade ratings by both the S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

Sta. Ana said they remain open for the issuance of other debt paper denominated in the US dollar, yen, yuan, and even the peso-denominated retail treasury bond (RTB).

He said the yen-denominated Samurai bond that the Philippines issued in 2010 will mature this year and “we have to prepare for that.” (PNA)

IMF cuts global growth projection

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut global growth projections on Monday, citing negative surprises in a few emerging markets, notably in India, and increased social unrest, but added that "global growth may be bottoming out."

Global economic growth is now projected to rise from an estimated 2.9 percent in 2019 to 3.3 percent in 2020 and 3.4 percent for 2021 -- a downward revision of 0.1 percentage point for 2019 and 2020, and 0.2 percentage point for 2021, compared to those published in the IMF's October "World Economic Outlook."

"Trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions

and idiosyncratic stress in key emerging market economies continued to weigh on global economic activity -- especially manufacturing and trade -- in the second half of 2019," the IMF said.

Intensifying social unrest in several countries posed new challenges, as did weather-related disasters -- from hurricanes in the Caribbean to drought and bush�ires in Australia, �loods in eastern Africa and drought in southern Africa, according to the IMF. "Despite these headwinds, some indications emerged toward year-end that global growth may be bottoming out," the IMF said.

IMF, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

ECONOMY 5 7-year PH T-bond rate rises due to inflationary pressures

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Department of Agriculture 11 (DA 11) Ricardo Oñate Jr shares during this week’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall the plans and programs of the agency for this year which will help uplift the lives of the farmers and fishermen. Lean Daval Jr

ate of the Philippines’ seven-year Treasury bond (T-bond) rose Tuesday, which Deputy Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana attributed to in�lationary pressures.

Average rate of the debt paper inched up to 4.732 percent from 4.322 percent during the auction of the same tenor on October 29, 2019.

The auction committee accepted PHP27.203 billion worth of bids, lower than the PHP30-billion offer. Total bids amounted to PHP52.71 billion.

“The approach of the auction committee was to award at a rate that is close to where the security is in the secondary market,” Sta. Ana said, citing that rate of the same tenor in the morning session at the secondary market on

Tuesday is around 4.7 percent.

He said domestic interest rates have been rising in recent weeks “and basically, these are brought about by in�lationary pressures” partly due to the Taal Volcano eruption.

He added risk from the volatility of oil prices also adds to the in�lationary pressures.

Rate of price increases has been normalizing since peaking at 6.7 percent in September and October 2018 and decelerating to 0.8 percent in October 2019.

It ended 2019 at 2.5 percent while average rate last year stood at 2.5 percent, within the government’s 2-4 percent target band.

Monetary of�icials forecast in�lation to average this year at 2.9 percent. (PNA)

Coronavirus outbreak prompts Chinese travel firms to offer free cancellations

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hinese travel booking platforms from Trip.com to Alibaba Group’s Fliggy said on Tuesday they would offer free cancellations on bookings made for Wuhan amid mounting fears over a viral outbreak in the central Chinese city.

The companies, which also include Meituan Dianping and Qunar.com, said in separate but similar statements that the policy would be extended to users who had been put under quarantined or diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

As of Tuesday, near-

ly 300 people had been diagnosed globally, with all but a handful in China, and most of them in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people. This has sent jitters among travelers as hundreds of millions of Chinese are prepare to travel for the Lunar New Year holiday this week.

The holiday is traditionally a high season for tourism and retail industries in China and overseas, but con�irmation from health authorities that the virus spreads through human contact and calls for heightened vigilance is prompting concerns that many will opt to stay home during the week-long holiday.

The travel booking platforms said that Chinese civil aviation and railway authorities had still to set a special cancellation policy, but that they would try to meet the needs of customers want-

ing to cancel their trips.

Some travelers told Reuters that they were not taking any chances.

Zhang Xinyuan had been bound for the Thai resort island of Phuket before she and her husband decided to cancel their air tickets on Monday.

“Three of our friends canceled their trips too.

We’ll stay at home during the holiday. I’m scared as I remember SARS very well,” she said, referring to the 2002/2003 spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), another coronavirus which broke out in China and

killed nearly 800 people globally.

Another would-be traveler who works in the northern city of Shijiazhuang and only wanted to be known by her surname Zhao, told Reuters that she cancelled her holiday plans in the southern province of Guangdong at a cost of 400 yuan ($57.90).

“The high-speed train from Shijiazhuang to Guangzhou has to change at Wuhan, and need to wait in Wuhan for 42 minutes. I can’t take the risk,” she said.

Shares in hotel op-

erators, leisure and entertainment companies, airliners and restaurant operators have plunged in recent days on concerns that these jitters will spread more widely.

Analysts say they expect drugmakers, online shopping platforms and delivery �irms to bene�it should more people stay at home.

At least nine Chinese airlines have issued policies allowing travelers that had been quarantined or diagnosed with the virus to reschedule or cancel their �lights for free, the Beijing Daily reported.

outh Cotabato province’s enhanced tourism initiatives made a signi�icant leap last year as tourist arrivals in the area has �inally breached the one million mark.

A report from the Provincial Tourism Unit (PTU) said a total of 1,226,960 domestic and foreign tourists visited tourist destinations and witnessed various festivities in key localities in the province in 2019.

Such number increased

by about 30 percent when compared to the 941,952 total tourist arrivals in 2018.

Richie Matunding, PTU program assistant, said Tuesday their monitoring showed that the tourist arrivals started to peak in April last year due to the annual summer school break.

He said such trend continued until July during the celebration of the province’s 53rd foundation an-

niversary and 20th Tnalak Festival.

Domestic tourists comprised the majority of the visitors in the province last year while foreign tourists only reached around 5,000.

“Around 800,000 were day tourists or visitors who opted to just stay for the day. But there were more foreigners who decided to stay overnight,” he said in a report.

Argie Asaria, PTU tourism of�icer, said they

recorded a signi�icant increase in visitors last year to cultural and ecotourism destinations, which are mostly located in Lake Sebu and Tboli towns.

He speci�ically cited the homestays introduced by tourism stakeholders in the two municipalities that depict the rich culture of the Tboli tribe.

Among the top tourist drawers was the traditional Tnalak weaving show-

uct (GDP) was revised to 6.0% from the earlier reported 6.2%.

This compares with the second quarter's 5.5%, and the 6.0% in the third quarter of 2018.

Major contributors to the revision were Other Services to 4.2% from 5.1%; Construction to

15.4% from 16.3%; and Transport, Storage, and Communication to 8.2% from 9.1%.

Meanwhile, net primary income (NPI) from the rest of the world was revised upward to 3.9% from 2.9%, and the gross national income (GNI) to 5.7% from 5.6%.

"The PSA revises the

PH misses agri growth SoCot tourist arrivals breach 1 million mark target anew in '19: PSA S

T

he Philippines continued to miss its agriculture growth target in 2019 as the sector contracted in the fourth quarter of the year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Wednesday.

Data released by the PSA showed that the value of total farm production grew 0.4% in the fourth quarter of 2019.

This was a contraction from the 2.87% growth in the third quarter last year and the 1.9% growth in the fourth quarter of 2018.

"At current prices, the value of agricultural production at P492.0 billion was down by 5.3% this quarter," the PSA said in an accompanying statement.

The latest �igure brought the year-to-date agriculture growth to 0.7%, slightly stronger than the 0.6% growth registered in 2018.

Full-year growth, however, was not enough to meet the Department of Agriculture's (DA) target of at least 2.0% for 2019.

For his part, University of Asia and the Paci�ic (UA&P) Center for Food and Agri-Business executive director Rolando Dy attributed the decline to the spread of the African swine fever (ASF).

"Hogs, some 20% of agri, pulled down the whole sector. The complex impact of ASF affected growing and transport of animals," Dy said in a text message.

The PSA said livestock production, which accounted for 16.2% of the total agricultural production, decreased by 8.5%. Hog production also dropped by 9.8% during the quarter.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) in August 2019 con�irmed that pigs in

PH, P9

SOCOT, P9

PH's Q3 GDP revised lower to 6.0%

T

he Philippine Statistics Authority on Wednesday revised the county's economic growth in the third quarter of 2019 lower to account for changes in construction and transport during the period.

In a statement, the PSA said the third-quarter gross domestic prod-

GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy which is consistent with international standard practices on national accounts revisions," it said.

The PSA is scheduled to release fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 economic growth �igures on Thursday, January 23.

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Indestructible

President Rodrigo Duterte’s satisfaction rating soared to a record high and even United States President Donald Trump sang a different tune with an invitation to the supposed ‘banned’ leader.

The results of the Social Weather Stations’ December 13 to 16 poll showed that Duterte earned a net satisfaction score of “excellent” +72 in the last quarter of 2019. The new record-high “excellent” public satisfaction with the President’s performance has been called by government of�icials as proof that Filipinos are impressed with his “legacy of real change.”

Based on the latest SWS survey, around 82 percent of adult Filipinos expressed satisfaction with Duterte’s performance, while only 10 percent were dissatis�ied and the remaining 8 percent were ambivalent on the matter.

The poll results yielded an “excellent” +72 net satisfaction rating, higher than seven points from September 2019’s “very good” +65.

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

MAYA M. PADILLO Senior Reporter

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

LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. Photography

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

The results also revealed an increase in satisfaction with the President’s performance across all geographic areas, as well as among all age groups, both men and women, and in urban and rural areas.

Another indication of the Philippine leader’s standing even in the international community showed he is a formidable ally.

President Trump sent him an invitation to attend a special USAsean meeting to be hosted by the USA. This despite the existing ban to enter the US �iled by an American Senator.

Trump’s invitation came ahead of the approval of proposals in the US Congress to ban Philippine of�icials involved in extrajudicial killings and what US senators have described as “wrongful detention” of opposition Senator Leila de Lima.

Whether or not President Duterte goes, it is clear for now that his latest excellent ratings and his seemingly indestructible stature proves the public is happy with his performance.

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)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

GENEHICHI ISHI’S TRANSPORT SUIT Issuance of franchise under the Commonwealth was very pro-Filipino such that even the Americans, enjoying the best during their occupation of the islands, had their rights greatly diminished. One of the celebrated cases cited in legal opinions affecting the issuance of franchise was the Genehichi Ishi vs. Public Service Commission (G. R. No. 45134).

Under Art. XIII, Sec. 8, of the 1935 Constitution, it states: No franchise, certi�icate, or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or to corporations of other entities organized under the laws of the Philippines, sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by citizens of the Philippines, nor shall such franchise, certi�icate, or authorization be exclusive in character or for a longer period than �ifty years. No franchise or right shall be granted to any individual, �irm, or corporation, except under the condition that it shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the National Assembly when the public interest so requires.

In the case, the PSC, on December 18, 1929, granted to Ishi

a CPC to transport passengers in the Province of Davao on conditions that (i) the franchisee would not alter the manner of operating his car; (ii) he was not allowed to increase or decrease the number of cars operated or substitute them, such as changing the form of the carriage, and (iii) he was barred from using the franchised car for trip outside its zone of operation as authorized.

Moreover, the CPC issued to Ishi, the PSC ruled, “shall take effect on the date the same is issued and shall continue in force until further order to the contrary from [the] commission.”

Six years later, the Japanese subject �iled another application with the PSC on October 23, 1935, seeking authorization to add another Ford automobile claiming the number of public utility vehicles serving the province of Davao could not meet the actual demand.

In an order dated February 14, 1936, the PSC, citing the 1935 Constitution, invoked the provision that only citizens of the Philippines or corporation and entities registered under the laws of the country, with sixty percent ownership by Filipinos, can be issued a franchise, certi�icate or other form of authorization to op-

erate a public utility. Dissatis�ied with the PSC decision, Ishi, �iled a petition for a writ of certiorari against the order.

The Supreme Court, in sustaining PSC’s decision, ruled on September 10, 1936, stating: “The question presented is whether petitioner’s application for an increase of his equipment comes within the constitutional prohibition contained in section 8, Article XIII of the Constitution of the Philippines, it appearing that petitioner had been granted, before the Constitution took effect on November 15, 1935, a certi�icate of public convenience to operate an automobile ‘Ford’ for transportation of passengers in the province of Davao. We must answer the question in the af�irmative. Petitioner is admittedly not a citizen of the Philippines, nor a corporation sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by citizens of the Philippines.

“His application for an increase of equipment may not call for the granting of a new franchise or certi�icate, but it certainly calls for an ‘authorization’ the granting of any form of which is limited by the Constitution to citizens and corporations above mentioned.

This was clearly admitted by the

petitioner himself when he made the averment in paragraph 3 of his petition for a writ of certiorari that in �iling below the application which was afterwards denied by the respondent Commission, he sought for “authority” to increase his equipment. In other words, it is conceded by petitioner that he may not increase his equipment without previously being “authorized’ to do so by the respondent Commission, as provided in express terms in his certi�icate of public convenience. The phrase ‘any other form of authorization’ used in sec. 8, Article XIII, of the Constitution is comprehensive enough to include the “authority” asked for by petitioner.

“The Constitution provides for the nationalization not only of national resources and all forces of potential energy but also of public utilities, saving solely those rights which were acquired prior to its adoption. This was one of the avowed purposes of the framers of that fundamental law, as declared in its preamble.

We cannot agree to the suggestion that because petitioner is the lawful holder of a certi�icate of public convenience to operate an automobile ‘Ford’ in the province of Davao, he has a vested right to be authorized to increase

his equipment by the addition of one or more cars. The challenged order of the respondent Commission is in conformity both with the letter and spirit of the Constitution and it must be upheld.”

(Paragraphing mine.)

Commonwealth Act 146, the amended ‘The Public Service Act’ approved on November 7, 1936, further delineated PSC’s authority. The statute was ‘an Act to recognize the Philippine Service Commission, prescribe its powers and duties, de�ine and regulate public services, provide and �ix the rates and quota of expenses to be paid by the same for other purposes.’ As to the petition for certiorari, the high court ruled: “The allegations of the petition fail to state that the respondent exceeded its jurisdiction in issuing the order in question.

They do not, therefore, justify the issuance of the writ applied for, in accordance with section 35 of Act No. 3108, as amended. The proper remedy would have been to apply for the review of the disputed order in accordance with said section 35 of said Act. Before disposing of the case, this court deems it advisable, however, to state its opinion on the constitutional question raised in order to decide the case once and for all.”

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

PULLING OTHERS DOWN “Any fools can criticize, complain and condemn – and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” – Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and In�luence People *** Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the country’s national hero, once said: “We need criticism to keep us awake.”

He was right, damned right.

“Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed,” American novelist Herman Melville reminded.

It simply means that when you criticize some be sure you know who you are putting in the limelight. I was reminded of an anecdote which was published in Reader’s Digest. There was this well-known New York photographer who went to a socialite party. On his way in, the hostess told him, “Oh I love your photos; you must have an amazing camera!”

The photographer never replied. And so they had dinner and at the end of the night, on his way out, the photographer commented to the hostess, “I really loved the food; you must have an amazing stove!”

“Criticism of others is thus an oblique form of self-commendation,” Fulton J. Sheen wrote in Seven Words of Jesus and Mary: Lessons from Cana and Calvary. “We

think we make the picture hang straight on our wall by telling our neighbors that all his pictures are crooked.”

To criticize means, according to my dictionary, is “to �ind fault with” or “to point out the faults of.” But criticism also means “to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly.”

The usually un�lappable Winston Churchill could handle almost anything in life; he endured the chaos and terror of World War II without losing his cool. But at least there was one event in his life that had a humbling effect on him; that was when he encountered Lady Nancy Astor, the �irst woman to sit in the British House of Commons.

At that time, the two were staying with Churchill’s cousin, the Duke of Marlborough, at Blenheim Palace. During the dinner, Lady Astor told the British prime minister: “Winston, if I were your wife, I’d put poison in your coffee.”

He looked her straight to the eyes and remarked, “Nancy, if I were your husband, I’d drink it.”

But there’s a Filipino version to that. In a party, a woman told a young man who imbibed too many drinks. “You are drunk,” she said. The young man mumbled but still managed to say, “Tomorrow, I will be sober, but you will still be ugly!”

Their exchange of words may be funny but what if you were the recipient of such offending words?

What if someone will tell you any of the following statements: “Your work put a �irst grader to shame” (which actually means you don’t know what you’re doing) or “Your acting is no brainer” (another way of saying “It’s boring”).

Some people criticize others because the recipients are better than the critics themselves.

Remember the movie Bituing Walang Ningning, where singing sensation Cherrie Gil told the upcoming phenomenal Sharon Cuneta: “You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard copycat.”

There are two sides of a coin; the same is true with criticism: it is either bad criticism or good criticism. If someone criticize you, think it over. Study how the person said it and ponder whether what he is saying is true or not.

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary,” Sir Winston Churchill pointed out. “It ful�ills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”

American President Theodore Roosevelt explained it further with these words: “It is not the critics who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there

is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know their victory nor defeat.”

In most instances, even if you have given your best and done what you think is right, there are always those who will �ind fault on what you have accomplished.

But don’t be discouraged. Listen to the words of American First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.

You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”

To those people who always criticize you, here’s a tip from French moralist and essayist Joseph Joubert. There was this man who interrupted one of Buddha’s lectures with a �lood of abuse.

Buddha waited until he had �inished and then asked him: “If a man offered a gift to another but the gift was declined, to whom would the gift belong?” The man replied: “To the one who offered it.”

Buddha told the man: “I decline to accept your abuse and request you to keep it for yourself.”

But there are those who crit-

icize you in order for you to be better and to give your very best.

“We need very strong ears to hear ourselves judged frankly, and because there are a few who can endure frank criticism without being stung by it, those who venture to criticize us perform a remarkable act of friendship, for to undertake to wound or offed a man for his own good is to have a healthy love for him,” French philosopher Michel de Montaigne said.

Perhaps, one of the surest marks of good character is a man’s ability to accept personal criticism without malice to the one who gives it. A woman at a mall was looking at the ice cream.

Another woman came up behind her and grabbed hold of her hand.

“Get away from there. You don’t need that. You’re already overweight.”

The startled woman turned around to face her critic. The woman who had approached her realized she had confused this woman with a friend. The woman gained her composure and responded to her critical assailant with these words: “You mean you have a friend!?!”

Lord Alfred Tennyson advices: “No man ever got very high by pulling other people down.

The intelligent merchant does not knock his competitors. The sensible worker does not work those who work with him. Don’t knock your friends. Don’t knock your enemies. Don’t knock yourself.”

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

SUBURBIA RISING

Pujada Bay soon to be declared ‘world’s most beautiful bay’

A

very bright prospect awaits the highly ambitious bid of Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang to have the highly majestic crown jewel, Pujada Bay, in the City of Mati as among the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Two top of�icials of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World from France and Canada has arrived just recently in this capital city of Davao Oriental to conduct a fourday “grand validation and visit” in connection with the Governor’s application to have Pujada Bay be declared among the world’s most bays.

“Pujada Bay is almost a virgin paradise!” says Bruno Bodard, general manager of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World. “It is nicer. It is much more beautiful than we expected. The Philippines is a very nice coun-

try. You have the jewel in Pujada Bay,” adds Bodard who hails from France.

Pujada Bay is a picturesque site of 20,887-hectare U-shaped bay located in the idyllic City of Mati, the provincial capital of Davao Oriental. The bay is part of the Philippine Sea fronting the Paci�ic Ocean.

The bay is bounded in the east by the Guang-Guang Peninsula and by the Pujada Peninsula in the west, with Pujada Island standing in the bay’s mouth like a loyal guard. Because it is protected from both sides from the waves of the open sea, the bay offers shelter for seafarers and �ishers during storms.

With mountain ranges in the backdrop, white sand beaches in the shorelines and with its calm, blue waters, the bay offers a stunning view to anybody who happens to take a look at the landscape and seascape and to those ad-

venturous who dare to �ly with a light craft offering services in the area.

Bodard, who met Governor Dayanghirang and City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat, says that to be a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club “is to commit yourself to saving the natural heritage of your bay. You have to preserve the identity of your bay and respect the way of life and the traditions of those that inhabit the area while ensuring economic development compatible with these commitments.”

Among the uniquely beautiful features of the Pujada Bay is a promontory locally known as “Sleeping Dinosaur Island” because of its form like a reclining T. Rex. The background in the horizon shows Mount Bandera on the left in the village of Lawigan, the endpoint of the eastern side of the bay,

and the Pujada Island on the right, which is at the mouth of the bay. Between Pujada Island and Mount Bandera lies a four-hectare Waniban Island. Behind Pujada Island are two “vanishing islets” depending on the tide -- the Oak and Ivy sandbars. These islands and islets, all with white powdery sands, are located at the mouth of the bay, as if positioning

themselves like faithful sentinels, guarding the area against intruders of any kind. Indeed, there are many mystic and folkloric accounts of the native communities in the area regarding these islands.

“One of the reasons we applied Pujada Bay to the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club is to share its magni�icent assets to the people of the world who

would like to experience the natural and cultural richness of our place. The people of Davao Oriental are very proud of Pujada Bay and consider it a jewel of the province. We hope that you are one with us in considering this bay beautiful, not only physically with its landscape and seascape, but also ecologically with its rich

PUJADA, P10

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO EVENT

THE PARTY SCENE in Durianburg is always evolving, one minute you are in, the next you are out, but there is one dining and drinking destination that seems to be holding up pretty well.

Last January 18, Huckleberry Southern Kitchen and Bar celebrated its 5th anniversary in a simple party with music by Jayru. Opened in 2015 at the lower floor of the Oboza Heritage House, Huckleberry is the quintessential dive for those who need a bite of AmericanSouthern cuisine or a cold drink or two.

Expanding beyond the confines of the Oboza House cellar, the party lit up the heritage house’s lawn with chatter and cheer as Dabaweenyo urbanites celebrated the Saturday away.

5 YEARS AND STILL PARTYING, AT HUCKLEBERRY

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

EVENT

EDGED

GLOBE AT HOME PREPAID DEVICES ARE NOW MORE AFFORDABLE THAN EVER KICK OFF THE NEW DECADE WITH MORE ONLINE TIME AND UP TO P3,000 IN SAVINGS

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Now, everyone in the family can enjoy high speed home internet for their school research, online negosyo, messaging and video calls abroad, and video streaming.

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“These promos are part of our efforts in preparing our product offerings and technologies for higher data demands of Filipino families especially content streaming,” shared Winsley Bangit, VP at Globe at Home Prepaid. “By giving more value to our device prices and data packages, we aim to connect and empower more Filipino homes with high quality Internet in an ever increasingly digital world.”

Every purchase of Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi and Streamwatch Xtreme Prepaid device comes with free 10GB of data valid for 7 days. For additional data, customers can avail affordable promos like the new HomeWATCH. For HomeWATCH199, you can get 34GB with FREE 4GB of videos daily to stream your favorite content via YouTube, iWant, Netflix, iFlix, HOOQ, Tiktok and even NBA. Managing and monitoring data usage of your Globe at Home Prepaid devices is also hassle-free!

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Experience a whole new level of home Internet with a more affordable Globe at Home Prepaid WiFi and Streamwatch Xtreme Prepaid! Get yours now for the whole family to enjoy via the Globe official online store at shop.globe.com.ph, ecommerce sites Lazada, Shopee, Home Credit and Akulaku, or by visiting Globe stores nationwide.

Learn more about these promos and other Globe at Home Prepaid products and services via www.Facebook.com/GlobeAtHome.

ON SINULOG DAY, January 19, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the unveiling of a commemorative marker at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 1, which signified the completion of its full renovations. The ceremony was held at the new Airport Village in the Terminal 1 Arrivals area.

Present at the unveiling of the marker were Senator Bong Go, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Deputy Director-General Donaldo Mendoza, Clark International Airport President Jaime Melo, Department of Tourism 7 Director Shalimar Tamano, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and CEO Steve Dicdican, Megawide Chairman Edgar Saavedra, GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) President Louie Ferrer, and GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Acquaah-Harrison.

The Php 1.8 billion renovation started immediately after the opening of the new MCIA international terminal (Terminal 2) in July 2018 and was completed in August 2019. Prior to this, GMCAC had implemented several initial improvements to Terminal 1 to address urgent issues such as congestion and operational efficiency. Terminal 1 was originally built for just 4.5 million passengers per annum (mppa); however, it was already handling 6.9 mppa in 2014. GMCAC took over landside operations of MCIA on November 1, 2014.

MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL A COMPLETES TERM PRESIDEN RENOVATION UNVEILIN

From L-R: Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Senator Bong Go, President Rodrigo Duterte, GMCAC President Louie Ferrer, Megawide Chairman Edgar Saavedra, MCIAA General Manager and CEO Steve Dicdican, GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison, and Clark International Airport President Jaime Melo.

“With the complete growth these past few years nership between the public and the private sector. “The renovation of Terminal to the efforts of the airsuccess and milestones that 1, we can now focus on port’s stakeholders. “Since MCIA have achieved in the opening more domestic November 2014, we have past years are a testimony flights via Cebu,” said Louie served more than 50 milFerrer, GMCAC President. lion passengers and doubled of a successful collaboration between the government “MCIA’s domestic flight the annual passenger trafand the private sector in frequencies have increased fic. MCIA has seen signifidelivering a world-class serby 82%, and this is just in cant improvements within our first five years. Our this period, and it is thanks vice and a passenger-centric airport,” said Dicdican. medium-term objective to the hard work and colis to establish Cebu as the laboration of the MCIA and “Another milestone that we hub for flights to the PhilCebuano communities that are looking forward to is ippines, particularly to we now have an airport that the completion of MCIA’s parallel taxiway/second Visayas and Mindanao, by we are proud to call our runway which will sustainmaximizing our strategic own,” he said. ably address the growing central location and infraMCIAA General Manneeds of the airport,” he structure,” he said. ager Steve Dicdican also Ferrer attributed MCIA’s highlighted the strong part- added.

EDAVAO

ENTERTAINMENT

AGSUNTA DROPS ALL-ORIGINAL EP “FEELS TRIP”

FROM gaining significant attention online for their viral song covers, Pinoy pop rock band Agsunta has now come full circle, welcoming 2020 with their now completed all-original EP, “Feels Trip,” produced under DNA Music.

“The six songs of the EP will evoke lots of “feels.” It’s like a rollercoaster ride of emotions—there’s sadness, joy and anger,” the band said.

The EP, which includes six original tracks namely, “Bagong Umaga,” “Alas Dose,” “Kung ‘Di Na Ako,” “Liwanag,” “Lokomotor,” and “Hayskul Hits”—came after the band signed with the record label last year, after a brief hiatus from the limelight.

Last December 27, Agsunta released “Haykul Hits,” a nostalgiafilled track which takes listeners down memory lane, from forgotten friendships to wistful young loves, the song that finally concluded the all-original EP. The OPM band also staged their first major concert last year, “Agsunta Feels Trip,” where they performed their “hugot” songs as well as their acoustic hits.

AIRPORT MINAL 1

This Saturday (January 25), they are set to perform on a gig for the benefit of the Taal volcano eruption victims together with other OPM artists like SUD and Mayonnaise. The benefit show will be held at the Jesus Our Hope International Assemblies in Cubao, Quezon City Set to work on another EP this 2020, Agsunta is just one of the promising OPM artists under

DNA Music, a record label under ABS-CBN Music committed to support the local bands industry and shine a spotlight on the talent of rock and alternative artists.

Download the “Feels Trip” EP, now available in various music streaming sites, and watch out for the upcoming projects of Agsunta this 2020! For updates, follow DNA Music @dnamusicph on Facebook and Instagram.

WILLIE REVILLAME RENEWS CONTRACT WITH GMA

NT DUTERTE LEADS THE NG OF CEREMONIAL MARKER

Food Avenue.

e t e

n

c

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VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Arrivals Area and Airport Village.

e

Plaza Premium Lounge.

A HAPPY Willie Revillame entered the Kapuso network earlier today as he renewed his contract with GMA. Together with his staff, the Wowowin host signed his contract with the presence of GMA’s Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, and President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. During his interview with Aubrey Carampel, Willie shared that GMA felt like a second home to him after staying with the network for almost five years.

“Dito nararamdaman mo ‘yung concern at saka dito nagkakaisa ang lahat e. Ang sarap ng feeling dito, kasi lahat ng makakasalubong mo binabati ka.

During the contract signing, it was announced that Willie will be adding another day of fun to our fellow Kapuso with Wowowin Primetime which will air every Saturday starting February 15.

“Mondays to Fridays tayo ‘di ba? That’s the contract nang one year and what we did with this one is an additional day,” he tells the press.

“Ginawang Wowowin Primetime which will start on February 15, alas-siyete ng gabi. So, anim na araw na po magpapasaya ang Wowowin, anim na araw na pong magbibigay saya, ligaya, at pagmamahal sa ating mga kapwa.”

“Nandun din ang ‘The Will to Win’ kung saan lahat ng talents na gusto sumali, ito na ang venue at entablado para sa inyo.

“Medyo mabigat [ngayon] kasi sobrang dami ng sumali [sa auditions]. Ang grand prize kasi two million in cash, isang kotse, and a brand new house and lot. Ibibigay ng Wowowin ang lahat ng kailangan mo, kasi sa tingin ko na kung magbibigay ka ng tulong, ibigay mo na ang lahat.

“Kaya kung magaling kang kumanta, sumayaw, mag-acrobatics, kahit ano pang talent mo na gusto mong ipakita sa mundo at sa ating mga kababayan, dito sa GMA at sa Wowowin mo ipakita yan. Very open tayo.”

With the additional programming at hand, the press couldn’t help but ask if he ever feels tired.

He coyly answered, “Wala ka namang mararamdamang kapaguran kung nagbibigay ka ng saya, ligaya, at pag-asa sa iyong mga kababayan especially kung nararamdaman mo ‘yung pagmamahal ng kapwa mo sa iyo.”

Wowowin airs every Monday to Friday, 5:30 pm, before 24 Oras.

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ARTS AND CULTURE FOOD TECH TRAVEL

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, VOL.12 ISSUE 223 •216 WEDNESDAY, 22, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,JANUARY JANUARY23, 17, 14,2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE ELIMINATES SINGLEPARTY FOOD MADE EASYLINE WITH SONY INTRODUCES NEW GP-VPT2BT USE PLASTIC BEVERAGE BOTTLES ACROSS FLEET WIRELESS SHOOTING GRIP MAYA ON THE BLOCK A1

ka weaver naga-himo,” he said.

This is also among the reasons why Limon will go to Sitio Sangab to introduce the cotton weaving. He believes that using cotton threads into Dagmay as well as their embroidery will help sustain their livelihood.

“Mas mudaghan pud ang NORWEGIAN Cruise order sathe Dagmay if they will Line, innovator use cotton threads,” he said. in global cruise BUILDING on travel the Limon also seeshistory the to with a 53-year growing lineup ofneed camtapbreaking theand artisans in this endeavof boundaries, eras accessories DABAWENYOS love or to givesingle-use theirfor clients fresh is now plasdeveloped modern celebrations, and when andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today it comes celebrations “We really need tothe tap new the across itsto fleet. has announced one beannounced sure that artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless Thecan brand last food is italways gud ga-agi pa ko sapresent. middle shooting grip.

Ideal year that partnered withfor In since the past, aunties and lolas man wala’y access sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc., which enwould toilCruise forcreation hours community,” he said.cooking of content abled the Line to replace upLimon a stormwants toplastic serve that pot tovlogs show off ranging from to all single-use water home-cooked caldereta the beauty of Dagmay travel photography /hethat bottles across its 17-shipasor fleet, bowlclients of Filipino-style sweet has who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning with recent spaghetti. what if you don’t clothes andBut accessories made everyday use, the new ship, Norwegian Encore. have time optimum to cook thanks by thethe Mandayas.

He said they grip offers The achievement is one of the to today’s modern fast-paced noticed that some Pasalubong stability and comfort latest sustainable steps forward lifestyle?

Enterwith theDavao takeaway centers including City’s combined cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In party connectivity tray.Company eliminated free and a 2018, the Inspired by the love and reliable dust and moissingle-use plastic straws across passion of cooking, restauture its fleetresistant and privatedesign. destinaranteur couple Juan aand Rica Compatible with tions, and as a result ofvariety this Gadi recently launched their of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will catering andsix take-away food as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over million singletrayplastic service, Cater King, last easily via Bluetooth, allowing use water bottles every January 19. creators to simplythe aim and is year.

In addition, brand “It all started last December shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use when we decided to offer takecables or exposedand inputs.

The plastic shampoo condiawaygrip trays of Lechon Belly new includes useful tioner bottles later athis year.tilt Roll and Lengua infor Mushroom feature that allows flexible These efforts are driven by Sauce toangle close adjustment friends and as vertical the Company’s Sail & Sustain family,” shared Rica well as the ability to “Eventuswitch Environmental Program, which ally were getting and from normal to self-shooting is itswe commitment totext minimize call orders over holiday mode with ease.the Additionalwaste to landfills, reduce its

CATER KING

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By KENNETH IRVING ONG

season.” Realising this trend for take-away food trays, they added more menu items and Cater King finally came into being.

The menu of Cater King is a long diverse list of Filipino dishes such as Humba ala PaAldevinco not carry Dagtatim, Porkdo Adobo, Embutido, may cloth.

Chicken Inasal, and Steamed Pompano, and International treats like Asian Beef Broccoli, Iberian Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, and Baked Salmon, among others.

One of the dishes they served which I liked was their Menudo Sulipeña, rich stew CO2 emissions rate,a increase of ox tail with garbanzo sustainable sourcing andbeans invest and chorizo.

Juan shared ly,in itemerging has an adjustment wheel technologies. that was the dishes can beit loosened orspecial tightened “This is aone veryof and heallow learned in culinary tovery for while seamless operaproud moment for us,” school and was eager to share it tion with cameras of different said Harry Sommer, president withand the weights. dining public. sizes The gripof and chief executive officer Aside from party trays, also includes a flip button, inNorwegian Cruise Line.

“As King also offers Grazing dicator light and line, lock we switch, aCater leading cruise are

actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an innovative approach to sourcing and packaging the world’s most Steamed Pompano.valued resource Cheese and ham platter.

- water.

The revolutionary company focuses on an impact model, taking into consideration both how the water is sourced and packaged.

JUST is 100% spring water in a plant-based carton. The carton is made of 82% renewable materials – the paper carton is made from trees grown in responsibly-managed forests and the cap and shoulder are made from a sugarcane-based plastic.

“Wala man gud kaayo It is refillable and recyclable.

Mandaya na pieces and mostly JUST has a global presence T’boli products ang sa Alwith bottling facilities in Glenn devinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern mostly makita nako na ginaIreland; and Ballarat, Australia, himo accent ug Yakan, beads thus allowing the company to sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao meet demand around the world and Inaul. Walay something without shipping water from a from the Mandaya commusingle production source. JUST nity,” hetosaid. thrilled make such an impact to our Sail & Sustain program takes care to use the most efficotton Dagmay design

by The eliminating single-use beverand believe wholeheartedly in cient shipping options available.

Juan’s version of Menudo Sulipeña.

Juan and Rica Gadi. clothing not yetchanged available and can beisquickly age bottles across our fleet. in the importance of preserving For more information about the market as Limon and Table service. wanted to dinersresources. who wantWe thewill For moreCruise information on into ajust tripod simply exIt’s one by of “We the ways wehis are ourFor natural Norwegian Line ships group still in the immerprovideare atocustomisable grazing full-service catering experiCatertheir King’s Party Trays, panding the bottom portion, working preserve our oceans continue to strive towards mak- and itineraries, or to Grazbook sion stage ofstable, thewith project. tablethe complete cheeses, ence, Cater King alsoconscious provides Table,please and catering enabling easy handsand destinations we visit. ing environmentally aing cruise, contact aservictravel “We willbread pa their cold cuts, 13 menu sets to choose from, es, you can visit free shooting.

While this isevaluate justand the other beginning decisions to benefit our earth.” professional, callcaterkingph.

888-NCLcapacity and kung willing sila snacks but at a relatively plus table settings, utensils,by com or call 0917 155or6311 The GP-VPT2BT Wireless of what we and others canaf-do, Envisioned and founded CRUISE (625-2784) visitor makipag-collaborate,” he said. fordable price,” Rica. glasses andrapper, wait staff.

082 326 0319.

Shooting Grip willshared be availwe are incredibly committed American songwriter, www.ncl.com.

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EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

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

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that the good thing about this is it will become operationalize because what they would have wanting to happen after completing the Metro Davao Urban Masterplan is for the local government units to look at it and adopt and integrate it in their individual local plans.

He also said that the more interesting scenario that they would have expected was a body to be created out of it especially to implement such intercity, multicity, multi-area undertaking.

“We are happy that it exactly moving in that direction right now in terms of this proposal to create kasi yung plan will remain plan unless it’s being translated into specific activities programs and get funded and it can be implemented by speci�ic LGUs as indicated in the urban master plan but can be more effective if its

more implemented under an integrated body and this is where the MDDA can de�initely come in and pursue that particular direction,” Montenegro said.

He said that representatives from the city government of Davao and other LGUs and MinDA’s technical working group are expected to be providing necessary inputs to the local government in coming up with the MDDA. In creating the MDDA, it has identi�ied six areas of basic services including garbage, traf�ic, disaster resiliency and infrastructure sectors.

Mayor Duterte said they are set to elevate the plan to the Of�ice of the President for the issuance of a Presidential Proclamation creating the authority. She is hopeful that by 2021 or 2022 the Metro Davao Authority will be �inally created.

Tesiorna also expressed gratitude to City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat who supported the cre-

ation of the city information department thereby institutionalizing the said of�ice. (CIO MATI)

suspects, on board one of the motorcycles, acted as lookouts.

“The lookouts positioned themselves near the barangay hall entrance. They must have signaled the gunman when they saw the two of�icials approaching the barangay hall,” Balbutin said.

Balbutin said prior to the incident, the majority members of the Dominorog barangay council, which included Pedyaan

and Guinto, �iled �ive resolutions against Judith Ocum, the village chairperson.

He said one of the village of�icials’ concerns was the barangay leader's failure to report for duty.

As of this posting, Ocum cannot be reached for comment.

Balbutin said the Talakag police have a list of persons of interest but they cannot release it yet to the public pending further investigation. (PNA)

all promises ful�illed The same SWS survey found that 52 percent of adult Filipinos are expecting the Chief Executive to ful�ill “all or nearly all/most of his promises.”

Respondents were asked: “In your opinion, how many of the promises of President Rody Duterte can be ful�illed? [All or nearly all of the promises, Most of the promises, A few of the promises, Almost none or none of the promises])”.

A total of 16 percent expressed con�idence that Duterte can live up to “all or nearly all” of his promises, 36 percent said “most” promises will be ful�illed, 42 percent believed only a “few” will be carried out, while the remaining 5 percent answered “none or almost none.”

“The latest proportion of 52 percent expecting nearly all/most of President Duterte’s promises to be ful�illed is 4 points above the 48 percent (13 percent all or nearly all, 35 percent most) in December 2018,” SWS said.

“When �irst asked in June 2016, 63 percent expected nearly all/most of his promises to be ful�illed, before it declined to 56 percent in September 2016 and 52 percent in March 2017,” it added.

72% worry a ‘great

deal’ about Duterte’s health The poll also revealed that 72 percent of adult Filipinos expressed worry over the health of the 74-year-old President.

A total of 25 percent worried a “great deal” while the other 47 percent are “somewhat worried.”

Only 28 percent said they are not worried, with 13 percent being “not worried at all and the other 15 percent being “somewhat not worried.”

SWS the results were similar to June 2019 poll which showed that 74 percent were worried and 26 percent were not worried about the President’s health.

The latest poll also bared that 61 percent said Duterte’s state of health is “a public matter, that is why the public should be informed of everything about this.”

Only 37 percent believed that the Chief Executive’s health condition is a “private matter, that is why the public does not need to be informed of everything about this.”

Around 1,200 adult Filipinos were interviewed using sampling error margins of ±3 percentage points for national percentages, and ±6 percentage points each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (PNA)

because of its appropriation provisions.

Following the approval of the measure in the pan-

el, Ungab and its members travelled to Batangas City to catch up with their session this afternoon.

Employment – BARMM as not to fall prey to human traf�ickers.

“For one, we also have the Bangsamoro Job Portal for you to use as a reference,” Macacua added.

Susan Ople said their data showed that one of the latest victims of human traf�icking is a 15-year-old girl from Cotabato City.

“The young ones are the targets of this (human traf�icking) scheme because they could easily be swayed,” Ople said, adding that they are also looking forward to a shared effort with BARMM to combat human traf�icking practice.

She added that the Ople center commits to

help BARMM against human traf�icking and give justice to its victims.

“We will coordinate with our embassies abroad, and that the �iling of cases would take place to give justice to the victims,” Ople said.

The Ople Center, a non-pro�it organization, is actively involved in advocacies for migrant workers’ rights and welfare.

The center is named after Ms. Ople’s father, the late Senate President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Fajardo Ople, who has gained national acclaim as the Father of Overseas Employment and the Father of the Philippine Labor Code. (PNA)

last June 20, 2011 and was freed through plea bargaining agreement on October 2018.

"In fact, we were the same team who collared him (Parilla) in 2011 during my stint then as Chief of Police of Sta. Ana Police Station," Lao said.

"We have received reliable information that these people are "selling" again.

It seems like they didn't learn their lessons the �irst time, second time," he said.

"These two people are sad examples of persons who were given chances

at life but yet they opted to make another poor life decisions. I am giving those drug addicts and pushers a fair warning to mend their ways and make dramatic change in life by putting a stop to their illegal activities or else they will be targets of our anti-illegal drug ops. So, it is never too late for any person to change lives around," Lao added.

The couple will now be facing new cases of violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

"Moreover, monetary policy easing continued into the second half of 2019 in several economies.

Adding to the substantial support the easing provided earlier in 2019, its

lagged effects should help global activity recover in early 2020," it noted. "A few signs of turning points are yet visible in global macroeconomic data," stated the IMF. (Xinhua)

the Philippines were found positive of ASF, which it blamed mainly on imports from China, and the practice of swill feeding.

A recent report by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), 97% of the reported losses in Asia due to the ASF from August 30 to September 12 were recorded in the Philippines.

In December, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the town of Rodriguez in Rizal has technically been cleared of the deadly disease.

Meanwhile, other subsectors of the agriculture sector reported growths during the fourth quarter -- crops up by 1.0%, poultry by 5.4%, �isheries by 3.4%.

cases of the Tbolis in Lake Sebu town, which also hosts seven waterfalls and at least three lakes.

Tboli town has emerged as the province’s top ecotourism destination, with the famed crater-lake Holon (formerly Maughan) as the main attraction.

Asaria said they are currently working on opening more homestays to market

the unique cultural experience in the area.

He said the move is aimed to capture more “millennial tourists” who want to experience the local culture and traditions.

“Millennials are into experiences. They wanted to immerse themselves. They are more adventurous in terms of cultural experiences,” Asaria said. (MindaNews)

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receives it, the document said.

MGB-12 received the order on July 7, 2016.

2032, 2057 Felizardo Gacad, Jr., MGB-12 director, told MindaNews on January 20 that the 12-year extension will be reckoned from the expiration of the original FTAA on March 21, 2020, or until March 21, 2032.

He added the company has the option to renew the FTAA for another 25 years, and if granted, SMI can operate until 2057.

Gacad told MindaNews on January 9 that SMI can only proceed to the extraction phase if it has complied with all the regulatory requirements.

According to Gacad, the MGB-12 still has no copy of the Certi�ication Precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, one of the requirements for SMI’s commercial operation.

Also, the MGB-12 does not have on �ile the environmental compliance certi�icate (ECC) of SMI for the Tampakan project, Gacad added.

The late Environment Secretary Gina Lopez cancelled the Tampakan project’s ECC. Fr. Angelo Buenavides, the diocese’s spokesperson and vicar general said they learned about the 12-year extension only a few days ago In a mining forum at the Notre Dame of Marbel University here in September 2019, the diocese urged the national government not to renew the FTAA of SMI for another 25 years.

In that forum, Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas pledged to sustain the opposition spearheaded by his predecessor, the late Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, against SMI. Casicas deplored the Tampakan project, a venture which, according to him, “even God will not approve” considering its impact on the environment, Indigenous Peoples and other residents who will be affected.

Vowing to sustain the local Catholic church’s resistance against open-pit mining, Casicas stressed: “God created humans to protect the environment.”

“Illegal” extension In a statement on January 21, the ATM called the FTAA extension “illegal.”

ATM National Coordinator Jaybee Garganera said the FTAA extension “circumvented the autonomy of the local government of South Cotabato” which had earlier passed an ordinance banning open pit-mining.

The extension order, the ATM said, is a “clear violation of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, that enables local government units based on the support of their communities to decide on how to use and protect their land.”

“We stand in solidarity with the local government of South Cotabato to de�ine its path towards sustainable development, without destructive and irrational mining ,” the statement read.

The provincial ban on open pit mining is still in force. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

Clippers guard Patrick Beverley did not play in the second half due to a sore right groin. Beverley scored nine points by hitting all three of his 3-point attempts in 15 minutes.

Dallas pulled within 108-105 but Hardaway missed a 3-pointer with 16.1 seconds left. Doncic mis�ired on the �irst of two free throws with 7.4 seconds left and intentionally missed the second one but Leonard grabbed the rebound and converted a pair of foul shots with six seconds remaining.

The Clippers led by as much as 14 in the third quarter before the Mavericks cut the de�icit to 67-64 after a 3-pointer by Hardaway with 7:08 left in the quarter. However, a 10-2 surge by Los Angeles pushed the margin to double digits again.

The Clippers led, 82-78, heading into the fourth.

The Clippers, who staged a 16-0 burst in the second quarter, outscored the Mavericks 27-10 over the �inal six minutes of the half for a 60-49 advantage at the break.

Ancheta.

Dumapong-Ancheta is now considered to be the top para powerlifter in the women’s 82-kilogram category in Southeast Asia who has won 7 golds and 1 silver medal from the past eight editions of the ASEAN Para Games (APG) – a multisport event for the differently-abled athletes that happen every two years.

“To the Philippine Sports Commission, thank you very much 3po. Mula po sa taas hanggang po sa

baba. Isa po ako sa mga tinulungan ninyo. Maraming-maraming salamat at mabuhay po kayo.” exclaimed Ancheta who was greeting the sports agency for its upcoming 30th founding anniversary.

The agency will celebrate its milestone year with a mass celebration on January 24 at the newly-refurbished Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) in Manila, choosing to donate their anniversary celebration budget instead to the Taal evacuees.

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marine biodiversity. It is therefore a top priority in terms of maintenance and enhancement of its natural beauty because this is a God-given gift that is meant to be shared and enjoyed not only today but more so in the coming years and the generations to come,” Governor Dayanghirang told the visiting of�icials of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club.

ADMISSION CRITERIA

The visiting of�icials of the Club from France and Canada says among the criteria for admission to their Club are: “The bay must open onto a shoreline with the concave nature of the site largely dominant. The structure applying must represent all or part of the bay and be locally recognized as such. The bay must be the object of protective measures. The bay must present an interesting �lora or fauna. The bay must present outstanding and attractive natural habitats.

The bay must be nationally recognized. The bay must be emblematic to the local population. Economic activities in the surrounding area of the bay must be able to coexist. There should be a potential for economic development.”

“The work you do is remarkable. I think we have more to learn from you than to give you lessons,” Bruno Bodard,

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

general manager of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, told the local government of�icials here.

PROTECTED AREA

Pujada Bay, with its islands, islets and sandbars as well as the promontory in its western interior part that looks like a reclining dinosaur, is a declared protected area named Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape under the National Integrated Protected Area System.

The bay serves as the catchment of runoffs from two other protected areas in the City of Mati: the Mati Protected Landscape, and the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since these other two protected areas are located on higher grounds and can be seen around the bay, both areas add to the natural beauty of the bay’s landscape and enrich the ecological values of the site.

The biodiversity-rich Pujada Bay is part of the so-called Coral Triangle, the region that possesses the world’s highest levels of marine biodiversity.

Pujada Bay is a traditional �ishing ground of the Mandaya and Kaagan tribes, the local indigenous peoples of Davao Oriental who are now adjusting their �ishing practices in harmony with the conservation and protection of the site.

“The beauty of Pu-

jada Bay appeals to the people looking for an alternative from crowded and modern marine sites and to those who wish to commune with nature because it offers natural seascape and landscape replete with rich biodiversity -- both in the marine area and in its embracing terrestrial arms that are internationally, nationally and locally protected, the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ASEAN Heritage Park, and being sustainably managed by local stakeholders.

Having met the criteria for admission, it is hoped that Pujada Bay would qualify as a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World,” says a joint statement by City of Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat and Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang.

“When we come back to Paris and Canada, we will make a report to our of�icial board. And probably the board will follow our recommendation. The work you do, the beauty of the place, the protection of nature that you have is a right example for all over the world… You must keep the peace of this jewel for the future,” says Bruno Bodard, the general manager of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World. By Ferdinand Zuasola /Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan

is in need of

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

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

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

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

RUNNING CHAMPS. Jerald Zabala and Christine Hallasgo are all smiles after winning the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, of the 42K race event of the 2019 Milo Marathon National Finals held in Tarlac City on Sunday (Jan. 19, 2020). The event marked the culmination of its 10-leg cycle with the theme, “One Team. One Nation. Go

11

Philippines” in celebration of unity and support for the athletes who competed in the Southeast Asian Games last year. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

NSAs to present plans, programs

T

he different national sports associations (NSAs) hoping their athletes to qualify in this year’s Tokyo Olympics will present their plans, programs and expectations before chef-de-mission and Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta on Wednesday.

The Tokyo Olympics qualifying conference will take place at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) conference room of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. As many as 25 NSAs are expected to be

present.

Mark Velasco, training director of the PSC Sports Institute, told Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel Manila that PSC chairman William Ramirez and his four commissioners, and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Rep. Abraham Tolentino and chairman Steve Hontiveros will be there to listen to the NSA of�icials.

“They (NSAs) will present their Olympic programs. It will be a very cru-

cial meeting,” said Velasco in the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and Pagcor.

Qualifying tournaments are lined up for the different NSAs leading to the Tokyo Olympics in July.

So far, the Philippines has quali�ied two athletes to this year’s Summer Games -- gymnast Carlos Yulo and pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

The Philippines is counting on more athletes to qualify in boxing, taekwondo, swimming, and

weightlifting, among others.

The PSC, meanwhile, will celebrate its 30th year on Friday with simple ceremonies at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The PSC, upon the initiative of its of�icials and employees, decided to celebrate the anniversary with less fanfare. Instead, the government agency has prepared a donation to the victims of the Taal eruption.

The affair will start with a mass at 9 a.m. and the presentation of awards to deserving employees. (PR)

feated the fast-rising Gauff in straight sets in the third round of last year's US Open in their only previous match.

"It was emotional," the young American, ranked 67 in the world, told Melbourne Arena after her latest scalp.

Gauff stunned seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in the �irst round, repeating her victory over the veteran American on her Major debut last year at Wimbledon.

Gauff reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, where she lost to eventual champion Simona Halep.

"I never thought I would have so many people supporting me," she added after dumping out Cirstea.

Of her looming showdown on Friday with twotime Grand Slam winner Osaka, Gauff said: "She's a great competitor so I think it's going to be a good match."

The nerveless Gauff

was two points from defeat in the deciding set against 74th-ranked Cirstea.

But the fearless teenager hung in and grabbed the crucial break in the 11th game, pumping her �ists after burying a ferocious overhead smash.

"Just my will to win and especially the crowd," she said, asked how she had survived against the more experienced Cirstea, 29.

"My parents always told me you can always come back -- no matter what the score is."

Gauff sets up dream encounter with Osaka

F

ifteen-year-old prodigy Coco Gauff recovered from a set down to reach the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, setting up a mouthwatering meeting with reigning champion Naomi Osaka.

The American teenager, playing just her third Grand Slam and her �irst at Melbourne, celebrated wildly after defeating Romania's Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Japan's Osaka, a relative veteran at age 22, de-

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) at American Airlines Center. Reuters

Kawhi outduels Doncic as Clips top Mavericks

K

awhi Leonard scored 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the host Dallas Mavericks, 110-107, on Tuesday night.

Leonard scored at least 30 points for the sixth straight contest.

Landry Shamet added 18 points and Lou Williams had 16 off the bench for the Clippers. Montrezl Harrell scored all 12 of his points in the second half.

Luka Doncic had 36 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists for the Mavericks, who had their four-game winning streak snapped. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 13 points, while former Clipper Boban

Marjanovic had 12 points and seven boards.

Kristaps Porzingis, who returned after missing 10 games with right knee soreness, �inished with 10 points on 4-of-17 shooting and was 1 of 8 on 3-pointers.

However, the Mavericks suffered a blow when forward Dwight Powell went down with an apparent right Achilles injury at 2:53 of the �irst quarter. Powell, who did not return, collapsed to the court when he started a drive toward the basket near the 3-point line.

Clippers forward Paul George missed his sixth consecutive game with a left hamstring strain.

KAWHI, P9

12 EDGEDAVAO

GRATEFUL

VOL.12 ISSUE 224 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

Paralympic medalist salutes PSC for support P

ara powerlifting veteran Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for giving allout support for her career throughout the years and supporting her for her ASEAN Para Games participation.

“Malaking bahagi ang PSC sa buhay ko. Kung bakit ako nabigyan ng pagkakataon na makapag-compete sa iba’t ibang international competitions,” said the 46-year-old Ancheta who started powerlifting in 1997.

The PSC has been very supportive of Dumapong-Ancheta’s career.

From her P27,000 monthly allowance, the multi-titled para powerlifting superstar of the country is now receiving a monthly

salary of P36,000 thousand pesos since April 2018.

This after Dumapong-Ancheta made her 5th Paralympic Games campaign in 2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while adding a bronze medal during the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Three years after, who would have thought that the proud daughter of Kiangan, Ifugao, will become the �irst-ever Filipino para-athlete to win a medal from the Summer Paralympic Games when she won a bronze in Sydney, Australia.

“The PSC has taught me to have more con�idence, to have a better outlook on myself, and be proud. They have given me the opportunity to represent the Philippines and be able to give glory to our country,” shared

GRATEFUL, P9

Powerlifter Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta