Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 23 | Wednesday, April 10, 2019

VOL.12 ISSUE 250 VOL.11 23 • WEDNESDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 10, MARCH 2019 8-9, 2019

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

ACTS OF VALOR Let us also remember the heroes of Mamasapano, Marawi: Mayor Sara

STORY ON PAGE 3

By ADZ MORRELL

RESPECT. A Philippine Army personnel salutes to pay respect to World War 2 veterans during the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration held at the Veterans Memorial Monument along the junction of Roxas Avenue and Ponciano Reyes Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

File raps vs Bong Go if narco video is true, accusers told

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alacañang on Monday challenged the people behind the video circulating on social media linking President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s former aide and senatorial bet Christopher “Bong” Go to illegal drugs to �ile charges against him if they could prove their allegations were true.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo tagged the release of the video as “black propaganda” to hurt Go’s chances of winning a seat in the Senate during the upcoming midterm elections.

“That’s pure and simple black propaganda. It’s so easy to write a story and do a movie or video out of that, madaling gawin lahat iyon eh(that’s easy to do),” Panelo said in a Palace brie�ing.

“Eh kung totoo iyon, di sana nag-�ile na sila ng mga charges. Wala naman silang pina-�ile. So ibig sabihin, hindi totoo (But if it’s true, they should have �iled charges. They haven’t �iled anything yet. So, it must mean it’s not true),” he added.

Asked if Go would show his back to disprove the allegations that he has a dragon tattoo, Panelo said “the one who alleges must prove.”

Go was linked to the illegal drug trade after a video titled “Ang Totoong Narco List” (The True Narcolist) claimed he owns four local bank accounts into which drug money is funneled.

Reports showed that the information came from a certain "Bikoy", who claims to be a former record keeper of a narcotics ring operating in Southern Luzon and Visayas.

According to Bikoy, Go uses the codename "TESOROGOLF-TSG-002" has a dragon tattoo on his back supposedly containing the alphanumeric code of his drug transactions.

It also claimed that the President’s son, former Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte also bene�ited from the illegal drug trade.

Panelo, however, brushed off these allegations expressing con�idence that these “false narratives” against the President’s family will never succeed. (PNA)

Enough health workers for UHC implementation: DOH

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here will be suf�icient number of health workers to carry out all health care services in line with the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) law, a Department of Health (DOH) of�icial said on Monday.

During the UHC forum in Malate, Manila, DOH Undersecretary Mario Villaverde said the agency already has a human resources management plan, which would ensure the equal distribution of health workers and the creation of additional human resources for health.

"The law is clear when it comes to government scholarship programs, and I think there is already a start up here, the DOH is implementing a medical doctors' scholarship program. And, we'll be linking all scholarship programs to deploy all necessary human resources for health," he said.

Villaverde added that there are existing programs for the deployment of doctors, midwives, and nurses.

Citing the goal of DOH to produce specialists and primary health care workers at the same time, Villaverde said they are looking into "linking allied health professionals who could provide big help to provincial hospitals".

"We have started discussing this with the Philippine College of Family Physicians because the law is very clear that in the next 10 years we need to strengthen primary care," he added.

Health Justice project manager Ralph Degolla-

cion, one of the forum panelists, said the government must ensure that people in the communities know their rights, as stated in the UHC law.

"We need to empower the communities, as health is every person's right," he said.

Degollacion added that there is a need for a multi-sectoral action to address any challenge with regard to UHC implementation.

Meanwhile, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) executive vice president Ruben Basa, another panelist, said PhilHealth has adequate funds for the initial implementation of UHC but it needs additional fund sources for its continuous implementation.

"We're still lobbying for Congress to pass additional sin taxes revenues. We need to monitor and have an aggressive monitoring mechanism that will allow us to tweak and revise our provider payment mechanism and how we �inance our primary health care packages," he said.

In his speech, World Health Organization Regional Director for the Western Paci�ic Takeshi Kasai said the UHC law is a critical step in achieving healthy Filipinos for the prosperous future of the entire country.

"It is a political choice in favor of healthier, more equitable and more productive society. It is a choice to invest in the future, and to impress the word care instead of coverage. The WHO is here to support the Philippines in any way we can," he added. (PNA)

COURTESY CALL. President Rodrigo Duterte greets Japan International Cooperation Agency President Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka during the latter’s courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Duterte’s wealth is ‘properly declared’: Palace

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte has “properly declared” his wealth, Malacañang asserted on Monday saying it saw no reason for the Chief Executive to further explain its origins.

This, after the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) called on the President to answer queries on his wealth as it did not seem to add up to his “modest” salary as head of state.

“What is prohibited is when you do not declare your assets. But he has declared them, so what’s the hullabaloo?” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a Palace brie�ing.

Panelo pointed out that it was not a violation of the Constitution not to identify where the source of the wealth came from.

“Ang violation iyong hindi mo dineclare (The violation is that you failed to declare it),” he explained.

The Presidential

Spokesperson also shut down the claim of PCIJ executive director Malou Mangahas that the Of�ice of the President failed to respond to their request letters over the last �ive months.

“Well, I responded to their letter. I referred the matter to the Of�ice of the Executive Secretary, and the Of�ice of the Special Assistant to the President,” Panelo said.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, for his part, noted how critics and detractors have always been nitpicking on the President’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

“They have tried to make an issue out of even

the minutest detail in hopes to pin the President for some wrongdoing but to their dismay their efforts had all failed,” said Medialdea in a separate statement.

Duterte’s law �irm While the President’s SALN is open to the public, the two Palace of�icials emphasized that the Of�ice of the President (OP) does not possess Duterte’s assets long before he assumed the presidency.

“The SALNs covered by their request have been submitted years before PRRD became President and are not in the possession of OP,” Medialdea said Panelo also explained why the President’s law �irm was not declared in his SALN, raising the possibility that the law �irm could be currently non-existent.

“If that law �irm was established during the

time when he (Duterte) was a practicing lawyer, eh matagal na matagal na iyon. Baka non-existent na iyon (that was a long time ago. It might be non-existent by now),” Panelo said.

Medialdea, meanwhile, assured that the President remains committed to his cause to eradicate corruption and rid of the government of corrupt of�icials.

“We have seen heads roll from lowly rank and �ile employees to heads of departments and agencies.

He can look these people he �ired in the eye kasi wala siyang bahid ng (he doesn’t have a tinge of) corruption,” Medialdea said.

In a speech in Iloilo City last Saturday (April 6), Duterte slammed the PCIJ report scrutinizing his family’s wealth and accused journalists of being paid hacks.

Duterte said what his

PRESIDENT, P9

Summer art camp in Eden April 13

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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rt enthusiasts and nature lovers may enjoy art and nature all at once this summer as the Eden Nature Park and Resort (ENPR) launches its Summer Art Camp on Saturday, April 13 in Crossing Bayabas Toril, Davao City.

ENPR director of sales and marketing Brenda Ocampo bared this on Monday, April 8 during the Kapehan sa Dabaw held at the Annex of SM City Davao.

The camp is open to all interested participants with ages 9 years old and above.

Ocampo said Lam-

berto “Obet” Acyatan, a grandfather of epoxy art who is the current visual artist of the Eden Art Center, will facilitate the art camp that will teach learners the techniques in drawing, composition of art, de�inition of colors and the value of art.

The registration is pegged at P600 for kids 9 to 10 years old, and P800 for participants 11 years old and above.

It comes with a two hours art class, art and workshop materials, buffet lunch at the Vista Restaurant and a free access to the beauty of nature of Eden.

The �irst batch of the camp is on April 13, followed on April, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.

Meanwhile, ENPR said it is also offering its Summer Glamping, a glamorous camping within the cold vicinity of its nature park.

“Glamping is a new concept in Davao. We want our guests to experience an ultimate upgrade to everyone’s camping experience,” Ocampo shared.

Glamping is a fusion of glamour and camping as guests don’t need to pitch a tent as they will be accommodated in the

resort’s room complete with amenities and facilities.

She said guests may enjoy watching an outdoor movie on a big screen in the woods or have a glimpse of spectacular �ire dance.

They may also indulge in the food stalls which offers chicken and pork barbecue, hotdogs, grilled butter corn, vegetable salad and Pinoy delicacy, balut during the bon�ire that will start at 6:30pm.

Ocampo, however, said the Summer Glamping activity is exclusive for overnight guests.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

NEWS

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WREATH LAYING. Davao City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag (right), city administrator Zuleika Lopez (center) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operation Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEM) acting wing commander Colonel Sharon Gernale lead the wreath laying rites during the 77th Araw ng Kagitingan commemoration held at the Veterans Memorial Monument along the junction of Roxas Avenue and Ponciano Reyes Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

Comelec begins final test of VCMs for overseas voting

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he Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine posts abroad have started conducting the �inal testing and sealing (FTS) of the vote counting machines (VCMs) for overseas absentee voting.

“Final testing and sealing of vote counting machines for overseas voting started,” said Director Elaiza David, Comelec-Of�ice for Overseas Voting (OFOV), in a notice published in the Comelec website.

The of�icial said some Philippine posts started the FTS last Saturday and some as early as Thursday last week.

The FTS will have an end-to-end test of the process, from the initialization of the machines, to the voting of 10 people, to the feeding of the accomplished ballots to the VCMs, and un-

til the printing of election returns (ERs).

Lastly, the poll body will seal and lock the VCMs in the Philippine posts and will not be opened again until the start of the elections.

A total of 41 out of the 83 countries/posts will be using the VCMs during the period for overseas voting from April 13 to May 13.

Data from the ComelecOFOV show a total of 1,822,173 overseas absentee voters.

There are various modes in casting their votes under the OAV -- automated voting using the VCMs, manual voting through posting, and personal voting.

Filipinos abroad are only selecting candidates for national positions, 12 senators and one party-list group. (PNA)

Critics using anti-China card vs admin: Palace

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alacañang on Monday described a survey which showed that most Filipinos doubted China’s good intentions for Filipinos as “political propaganda”, stressing that critics were using the anti-China card against the Duterte administration.

“The President’s ardent critics and detractors have become desperate in employing its anti-China card against the Duterte administration,” said Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement.

The 4th Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey (SWS) found that 44 percent of Filipinos disagree with the statement, “Most

of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines is good for the Filipinos.

On the other hand, the survey showed that 27 percent agree with the statement, and 29 percent are undecided about the matter.

Panelo said critics were again sowing hatred against the policies of the Duterte administration with regard to its relations with China after “two unsuccessful attempts” -- the China debt trap scare tactics and the International Criminal Court (ICC) case �iled by two former Palace of�icials against Chinese

CRITICS, P9

ACTS OF VALOR

Let us also remember the heroes of Mamasapano, Marawi: Mayor Sara

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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avao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio paid tribute to the veterans and fallen heroes of the historic fall of Bataan during the World War II 77 years ago even as he reminded everyone to also remember the more recent heroes of Mamasapano and Marawi battles.

“77 years after the historic gallantry in the grounds of Bataan, Corregidor and Bessang Pass, we assemble today, to pay tribute to our respected veterans and fallen heroes of those tragic times- a few countless times that our country’s liberty has been bought for an immeasurable price,” the presidential daughter, in her message read by City Administrator Zuleika Lopez during the 77th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan on Tuesday, April 9, at the

Veteran’s Memorial Monument, Ponciano-Roxas Street, Davao City.

“And as we recall the acts of valor our heroes of decades past, we also remember the valor rendered in the battle lines of Mamasapano and Marawi, and we are reminded how our �ight for freedom and peace can also be challenged within our very homeland,” Duterte said. “Let us all be of one mind in this pursuit of achieving lasting peace for our city and for our nationa pursuit that is not the sole

responsibility of our uniformed personnel but of all of us Dabawenyos.”

Mayor Duterte reminded the people that in everything, peace is demanded for its realization.

She also cited that the Filipino nation’s strengthened partnerships with its foreign allies is a renewed perspective established against adversities in the past.

“Today, sisterhood agreements are instituted as integral tools in sustainable development,” she said.

This year’s celebratory theme is “Ika-77 Taon: Sakripisyo ng Beterano ay Gunitain, Gawing Tanglaw ng Kabataan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.”

Citing the heroics of

the brave Filipino soldiers, Mayor Duterte urged the next generation of Filipinos to “take good lessons from both the past and the present times in building a safe, secure, peaceful and progressive nation tomorrow.”

“As we celebrate this bilateral and multilateral relations, we do not set aside sacri�ices of yesterday’s war and oppression,” she added.

Her speech ended with a reminder to “look back not with resentment, pity, or misery for the wounds that we all wear from those dark times; rather to look back with love and gratitude for the valor of our veterans and our forefathersthe valor that continues to inspire us today to stand tall, united and resilient.”

Davao student wins bronze medal in Hanoi math contest

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Grade 8 student from Davao City bagged a bronze medal at the 16th Hanoi Open Mathematics Challenge held last week in Hanoi, Vietnam, according to the Mathematics Trainers Guild Philippines (MTGP).

Cassidy Kyler Tan of Davao Christian High School won a bronze along with Noel Stephen Dequito, Grade 8, Xavier School Nuva-

li; Daryll Carlsten Ko, Grade 10, St. Stephen’s High School; and Issam Wang, Grade 10, Manila Science High School.

Winning gold medals for the Philippines are Grade 10 students Bryce Ainsley Sanchez of Grace Christian College and Immanuel Josiah Balete of St. Stephen’s High School.

The silver medalists are Grade 8 students Enzo Rafael Chan

of Bayanihan Institute-Tarlac and Rickson Caleb Tan of MGC New Life Christian Academy.

The country, through the MTGP, sent eight junior and senior high school students to the competition held from April 2 to 6 and organized by the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, and Hanoi Mathematical Society.

“This is the �irst in-

ternational math contest for MTG students this year and we laud them for their achievement,” said Dr. Isidro Aguilar, MTG president.

The contest drew over 700 students from China, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and host Vietnam. (MindaNews)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

Swedish firms keen on PH infra program

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EFFECT OF RED TIDE. A vendor fixes her display of mussel locally known as “tahong” at the wet section of Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday.

Traders selling shellfishes and other marine products in Davao City’s public markets

said sales of some sea food slowed down due to the red tide warning issued by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 11 (BFAR 11). Lean Daval Jr

Gov’t targets recyclers of cigarette tax stamps

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inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has directed the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in curbing a new scheme perpetrated by illicit tobacco traders involving their suspected use of recycled tax stamps on fake cigarettes, the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed in a statement on Monday.

During a recent DOF executive committee (Execom) meeting, BIR of�icials said they found out that some enterprising entities have come up with a promotional scheme in which tax stamps on sold cigarette packs could be exchanged for a can of sardines or a pack of noodles.

Dominguez told the BIR to coordinate with the

DTI in stopping this socalled practice, especially if it is determined that no permit was issued for the promo.

He also ordered the BIR to �ind out who are buying the used tax stamps.

“You better talk to the DTI and tell them that can’t be allowed,” Dominguez told BIR Commissioner

Caesar Dulay during the meeting.

According to BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa, illicit tobacco traders could be using this promotional scheme to gather used tax stamps to put on packs of fake cigarettes.

Dulay said he will be meeting with representatives from Philip Morris, Japan Tobacco and other cigarette companies, as well as those handling the Internal Revenue Stamps Integrated System (IRSIS) to �ind out how to address this new modus operandi in the illicit tobacco trade.

In January this year, the DOF and BIR led the destruction of several ma-

chines used in the manufacture of illicitly traded cigarettes.

The destroyed contraband included units and parts of three �ilter-maker machines, two packaging machines, and a cigarette-making machine, along with 484 master cases of various �inished cigarette brands, and raw materials used in making cigarettes such as �ilter rods, tipping papers, packaging foil, acetate tow, and other supplies.

To strengthen the campaign against smuggling and tax evasion, the BIR has formed a strike team tasked to crack down on illicit cigarette manufacturing and trade. (DOF PR)

Some generators also registered outages and these are the South Luzon Power Generation Corporation (SLPGC) Unit 2 in Calaca, Batangas due to vibration in primary air fan, the Pagbilao Unit 3 in Quezon province due to boiler slagging, South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation (SLTEC) Unit 1 in Calaca, Batangas due to boiler tube leak, and Tiwi Unit 1 in Albay due to maintenance outage.

There were also derated power plants during the day and these are the Malaya Unit 1 in Rizal

province due to isolation of high-pressure heater and the Calaca Unit in Batangas due to half condenser operation.

Malaya’s installed capacity is 300 megawatt (MW) but its declared capacity during the day was only 150MW. Calaca U2’s capacity is also a 300MW plant but its declared capacity dove to 200MW. The Energy Department said industry players have vowed the continued management of plant maintenance schedules, optimization of existing hydroelectric power plants,

upgrading of electricity facilities, preparation of available generator sets for any untoward outages, participation of big establishments in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), and the continued call for ef�icient energy use.

“The DOE, through its Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB), reiterates the importance of its SAVE, SAVE, SAVE energy ef�iciency campaign, not only to incur more savings but also to ensure uninterrupted electricity services this summer season,” it added. (PNA)

DOE, industry players to deploy measures for power sufficiency

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he Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday assured the public that measures are being jointly undertaken with power industry players to ensure suf�icient electricity supply this summer in light of shrinking reserves, especially during peak consumption hours.

This, after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) declared a Yellow Alert in the Luzon Grid from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. due to high projected system demand. A Yellow Alert means low power reserves.

wedish companies have taken an interest in various infrastructure endeavors and other industries that are picking up momentum in the Philippines, noting the country’s strong economic performance can provide opportunities for growth.

Ulf Wennblom, country manager of Business Sweden in the Philippines, said infrastructure spending is increasing in the Philippines on the back of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, and its importance to the local economy is expected to “grow even more” in the years to come.

“Swedish suppliers that can offer equipment, solutions and services for critical applications will be able to �ind a good, pro�itable and high growth market for years to come in the Philippines,” Wennblom said in a press brie�ing Monday, as he presented results of a survey of Swedish business in the Philippines conducted in December 2018 and January 2019.

He noted various opportunities available in three areas, namely government, private sector through public-private partnership (PPP), and of�icial development assistance (ODA)-funded projects.

“Airport projects, that’s one area that are of very much interested in with regards to building infrastructure. For example, construction equipment but for technology of the airports also, that’s innovative technologies to keep the airports safe,” he added.

Wennblom said Swedish �irms are likewise keen on participating in urban transport, particularly bus rapid transport, building roads and bridges, as well as on smart city concept to support regional capitals.

Apart from infrastructure, he cited three key growth sectors in the Philippines for Swedish businesses to participate in, which are manufacturing, retail and e-commerce, and information technology-business process management (ITBPM).

A report titled “Philippines – Open for Business” published by Business Sweden said the manufacturing sector in the Philippines is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

“It will be a priority investment area for both the public and private sector, given that it has higher employment, income and output multipliers compared to other industries,” it said.

Swedish companies also see the dynamics of the country’s IT-BPM driven by rapid technological advancements, such as automation, arti�icial intelligence, digital transformation and the use of big data and analytics, it added.

The report further cited the steady increase in consumer spending in the Philippines, with domestic consumption accounting for nearly more than 70 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) over the last two years.

Wennblom further said two to three Swedish companies are entering the Philippine market every year.

“That’s very positive and we think the trend will continue even more because of the economic fundamentals here and because of the positive outlook,” he added.

Ambassador Harald Fries of the Embassy of Sweden in Manila is optimistic that more Swedish companies will do business in the Philippines, noting its more than 100 million population and growing middle class.

“Even some Swedish companies are looking at the Philippines to set up plants.

These are some examples of which is also a good sign that they believe in the Philippines long term; they are willing to start up manufacturing here,” he said in an interview.

Fries said there are 20 large Swedish multinational companies, and 30 to 40 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have established in the Philippines.

These 20 large Swedish companies, 13 of them were respondents for the survey, have combined revenue of PHP30 billion. (PNA)

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

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6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

Politics for the show

Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano-Senatorial bets of the opposition--orchestrated a one-for-the-show sortie in Masinloc, Zambales to dare President Rodrigo Duterte to ful�ill a campaign promise at the Panatag Shoal.

The political theatrics, however, was foiled after they were barred by the Philippine Coast Guard to proceed to the Shoal and plant the Philippine �lag on a land feature now controlled by China. Dismayed, they instead conducted an impromptu dialogue with �isherfolks in the area and did a lot of photo ops. They asked innocent children in the area to hold their prepared placards for the cameras to take snaps and had themselves photographed riding the jetski props they brought.

The political spectacle ended up a big joke, as if the four Senate hopefuls are too naive to fool the people with their antics. The children in the photos

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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

obviously were as confused what is happening. It is obviously written in their faces. There was an Instagram post later by Gutoc showing her on top of the jetski with the caption stating her promise to save the Pinoy �ishing community. She must have been so engrossed with making a viral post she didn’t realize the virality that it would later earn would be due to the fact she wore the life vest on the wrong side.

For lawmaking aspirants to make a clown of themselves just to fool the voting public and use media and children to their ends is as ‘trapo’ as it can get. The same politicians who denounce traditional and ‘epal’ politics are exactly the ones desperately doing them.

These antics would not help the cause of these aspirants who are already lagging way behind in the surveys. Instead, being faithful to their political aspirations and positively campaigning, they have sunk deeply into a strategy that is sure to fail.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

QUALITIES OF AN ACTION LEADER During the second half of the nineteenth century, two strong politicians vied for leadership of Great Britain’s government: William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli. The two men were intense rivals.

In a career lasting over sixty years, Gladstone served as Prime Minister four separate times, the only person who did such distinction. He also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer four times.

Gladstone is famous for his oratory, his religiosity, his liberalism, his rivalry with the Conservative Leader Benjamin Disraeli, and for his poor relations with Queen Victoria, who once complained, “He always addresses me as if I were a public meeting.”

Britain’s oldest Prime Minister, he was known affectionately by his supporters as “G.O.M.” which stands for Grand Old Man. But to his rival Disraeli, G.O.M. means “God’s Old Mistake.”

Disraeli twice served as Britain’s Prime Minister. A writer and aristocrat, he played a central role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party, de�ining its policies and its broad outreach. Disraeli is remembered for his in�luential voice in world affairs and his one-nation conservatism or “Tory democracy.” He made the Conservatives the party most identi�ied with the glory and power of the British Empire.

The conservative politician had throughout his career writ-

ten novels, beginning in 1826.

He published his last completed novel, entitled “Endymion,”shortly before he died at the age of 76.

“Though both men accomplished much for Britain, what really separated them as leaders was their approach to people,” wrote John C. Maxwell in one of his best-selling books on leadership.

Maxwell cited the difference through a story told by a young woman who dined with the two rival politicians on consecutive nights. “When asked her impression of them, she said, ‘When I left the dining room after sitting next to Mr. Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England,” wrote Maxwell. “But after sitting next to Mr. Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England.”

In his introduction of the book, Maxwell wrote: “Everything rises and falls on leadership. And leadership truly develops from the inside out.

If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside.

People will want to follow you.

And when that happens, you’ll be able to tackle anything in this world.”

To be a leader is a great responsibility. That was the reason why Moses questioned God when He told him “to bring my people out of Egypt.” He asked God: “Who am I, that I should to go Pharaoh and bring the Israel-

ites out of Egypt.”

A person doesn’t become a leader right there and then. “Leadership,” de�ines Peter Drucker, an Austrian-born American management consultant, “is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”

A good leader possesses some characteristics which should go beyond what an ordinary person has. “The challenge of leadership,” said American author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn, “is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”

The reason why I am writing this is not because election time is fast approaching. It is still in 2016 yet but I think Filipinos need to think about a leader who should help us in bringing the country out of misery.

Last week, I was cleaning my drawer when I came across some yellowed clippings of articles which I have collected through the years. One of those was a column by Bob Garon, one of my favorite columnists.

The reason why I saved the article was because it discussed about the alphabet of action for a leader. Yes, it’s from A to Z and tells what a leader should do. Allow me to share them to you:

Af�irm that you can do it. Believe that somehow, sometimes, somewhere, through someone’s help, you can achieve your heart’s highest goal. Commit yourself to a dream. Dare to try. Dare to love. Dare to make a commitment. Dare to take a risk. Educate yourself. Don’t be tempted to, as many are, avoid the hard years of serious study.

Find the talent, possibilities, the time, the money, and the way. Give. It’s the secret of successful living. Hope is holding on, praying expectantly. It’s never giving up. Imagine. Possibility thinking is in actuality the exercise of dynamic, creative, sancti�ied imagination. Junk the junk food of your mind -- to keep hope alive.

Knock out depression, knock out discouragement, and knock out all kinds of forecast of gloom and doom. Laugh. You must keep a sense of humor and be able to laugh at yourself. Make it happen. You can make it happen when you manage because possibility thinking is really another label for dynamic mental management.

Negotiate. If you want to get A to Z in the Alphabet Action of Possibility Thinkers, you have to be able to negotiate. Overlook and overcome. If you’ve made it to O, you’ll have been successful enough to know that you can’t succeed without a team. Persevere, don’t give up.

Tough times never last, but tough people do.

Quit complaining, because life isn’t as nice as you want it. Reorganize. If you haven’t succeeded, then you have to say, “I need to reorganize.” Share.

God can do tremendous thing through the person who doesn’t care who get the credit and is willing to share the credit, share the power and share the glory.

Trade off. You’ll have to decide what you will give up in order to keep what you’ve got. Unlock some human values you never experienced before: faith, hope, and love. Visualize the dream before you. Work; there’s no substitute for work. Success is spelled w-o-r-k.

X-ray. If you’re pursuing a job, if you’re on your way toward a goal, if you’ve got a dream, and you’ve gotten this far, it’s high time you stopped once more and x-rayed your deepest motives. Yield yourself to God. Jesus said, “For what it will pro�it a man, if he gains the whole world and losses his own soul.” Zip it up. Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” If you live by this creed, x-ray your motives, and yield it all to God, then you come to the end and you can zip it up.

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself,” commented Jack Welch, the chairman and chief executive of�icer of General Electric between 1981 and 2001. “When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

OPPOSITION WARY OF 2019 POLLS Even as the Mid-East crisis worsens, Filipinos worry more of domestic political wrangling. Ah, nation-building is not an easy task, is it?

You can look at the accomplishments of all past presidents who are still alive - Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and ask them.

Even those who have passed away, we can probably scan what they have achieved during their incumbency. The verdict would be: Not enough.

Today, the political opposition and its minions who oppose the policies of the Duterte administration are merely �inding faults with the government.

Take the West Philippine Sea issue.

Those intensely oppose to the diplomatic tact of Pres.

Duterte are badgering him to be more actively pronounced against the Chinese aggres-

sive claims to the islands in the area.

They so believe the �iling of diplomatic protests is not enough. They are pushing the President to speak openly – even harshly - and with a militant stance against China’s covert hegemony as if to provoke the other party to wage unwanted war against a small country like the Philippines.

The opposition and their blind allies who are staunchly anti-Duterte forget that these islands being claimed and occupied by China have been a nagging issue since 1995 during FVR’s term. This, when Duterte was yet – as they label him – a small-time mayor down south.

Historically, this perspective is intentionally being hidden away from the public eye because the opposition is dying to grab back power and authority from the man who was most unlikely to become President and subsequently embarrassed them in a dem-

ocratic election.

This issue has become redundant to the point that the opposition fears it may be rendered inutile and its candidates for the 2019 midterm elections wiped out.

AJ Antonio Carpio has been harping on the inability (or lack of) of the government to pursue the judgment pronounced in favor of the Philippines by the UN Arbitral Court. Why Carpio is so keen in pushing the Duterte government to nag China is somehow not beyond my simple ken (maybe he is looking towards 2022).

But, allow me to point out that China has categorically stated that she will not give up these islands whatever the consequences, even it meant going to war.

Which means that for the Philippines to claim sovereignty over the disputed islands, is Carpio subtly suggesting that the government use military force to get back

these territories?

Let him who wants to go to war �ire the �irst shot then.

Why? Does it not show very obviously that even the US would not jeopardize going to war against China just to protect us under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (even when the US State Sec. said so)?

While it is true that military drills and the presence of some US navy ships continue to send some subtle message, both China and the US would not risk going to war because there is a better way of civilly resolving these headaches.

Both countries know that nobody wins in a bloody military war.

Diplomacy is the art of effective negotiation.

Diplomacy, if I may, is the better part of valor.

British-born writer Aldous Huxley who was refused American citizenship when he applied said: “That men do not learn very much from the

lessons of history is the most important of all the lessons that history has to teach.”

I reckon the opposition is wary that Duterte’s continued high approval and trust ratings among the Filipinos are the foundations they need to destroy.

OFWs the world over are collectively supporting the policies of Pres. Duterte, including, at some point, the total ban of OFWs to Kuwait and other countries that are maltreating our countrymen.

This reality supports our contention that diplomacy is the correct avenue in dealing with the WPS issues, including the prospective joint exploration of the areas that will bene�it both countries.

This is not surrender, as the opposition screams, but a wiser tactical approach.

But then, 2019 is an election year. ### (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Globe Telecom supports Spark Fest 2019

G

lobe Telecom partners with The Spark Project, a local crowdfunding website, in presenting “Spark Fest 2019,” an annual community conference that gathers people from the world of startups, social good, and creative capital together under one roof.

Now on its third year, Spark Fest 2019 provides appropriate space where people with a socially focused mindset can be inspired to learn and can have the opportunity to interact meaningfully with creative founders, thought leaders and fellow aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs.

“Just like the previous Spark Fest runs, our goal is to bring together like-minded entrepreneurs and give them a space to connect with each other, create a positive social impact and make awesome things hap-

pen for the bene�it of Filipinos and society as a whole,” said Patch Dulay, Founder and Chief Executive Of�icer of The Spark Project.

To this, Michelle Tapia, Head of Globe myBusiness Strategy, Innovation, and Transformation who delivered the opening remarks, said Globe is always open to providing small and medium enterprises with solutions and guidance for them to grow and succeed.

“We are supporting Spark Fest because we believe in what the Filipino can do and we are here to help ensure that we can empower you through the use of technology,” she told the participants.

Through strategic partnerships, Globe also hopes to leverage on the social innovators’ networks in order to reach more startups and be always present in

the social innovation community in the country.

“Globe Telecom’s goal has always been about democratizing connectivity and making technology more inclusive. With a platform such as Spark Fest 2019, we get to interact with a community of startup innovators who utilize technology in order to create social good in the Philippines,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Of�icer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

During Spark Fest 2019, Globe also introduced its Globe Future Makers (GFM) program which has The Spark Project as implementing partner. Incidentally, The Spark Project was chosen as one of the �ive �inalists during the �irst year of GFM for its local crowdfunding website and com-

munity that helps entrepreneurs and change-makers launch their creatively conscious ventures to market. A pioneer in the local crowdfunding scene, it is dedicated to enabling Filipino creativity and innovation through its website and various community events.

GFM is open to startups/social innovators in the Philippines who are committed to achieving widespread positive social impact and help change the world through the power of technology. It aims to help build the ecosystem of support for social innovators who use technology to solve the Philippines’ most challenging social problems.

To join, the solution should have been working for at least two years and must have a function-

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group, was assigned an issuer rating of PRS Aaa (corp.) by the Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings). PSBank was the country’s second largest thrift bank (TB), with assets of P237.7 billion, as of end-2018. The bank ended 2018 with 250 branches and 575 ATMs. An issuer rating is an opinion on the general and overall creditworthiness of the issuer, evaluating its ability to meet all its �inancial obligations within a time horizon of one year. The focus is on �inancial

strength and stability under normal and stressed conditions to be able to meet existing and prospective �inancial obligations.

A company rated PRS Aaa (corp.) has a very strong capacity to meet its �inancial commitments relative to that of other Philippine corporates. A PRS Aaa (corp.)is the highest corporate credit rating assigned on the PRS scale.

The rating takes into consideration PSBank’s solid market position; its well-de�ined and forward-looking strategy; highly-experienced management; and continued growth in core interest

income, attributable to loan portfolio expansion.

The issuer credit rating assigned by PhilRatings is based on available information and projections at the time that the rating review was performed. PhilRatings shall continuously monitor developments relating to PSBank and may change the rating at any time, should circumstances warrant a change.

PSBank is considered a signi�icant player in the domestic consumer market, with about 91.4% of its loan portfolio accounted for by consumer loans, as of end2018. Compound annual

growth rate (CAGR) of the bank’s consumer loan portfolio from 2014 to 2018 was at 14.2%. In particular, PSBank’s auto and mortgage loans recorded CAGRs of 18.2% and 9.6%, respectively.

Despite the signi�icant decline in auto sales resulting from the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN Law), PSBank managed to keep its market share of about 17.0%, which serves as an indication of the bank’s solid franchise in its chosen market. Moderated, but still positive, growth is anticipated for the bank’s consumer loans portfolio in 2019.

al product or service with actual users. They must also address any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The entries must be submitted in English and should clearly articulate how technology is used to create social impact. The technology can be either a device, platform, or hardware/software.

Filing of applications will be until April 22, 2019 where a total of 10 �inalists will be selected. From the 10 �inalists, the top �ive GFM winners will be chosen. Each will receive up to Php 200,000 worth of technology support from Globe.

The winners will, likewise, be provided with dedicated mentorship that includes one-on-one mentoring and workshops led by industry leaders from

PSBank receives highest credit rating TIGERS...

technology, business and social development. They will also have access to a solid ecosystem of peers, partners and potential investors both in the Philippines and abroad, plus increased brand awareness with access to nationwide communications channels and potential for regional visibility.

Judges for this year’s Globe Future Makers competition are Patch Dulay, Founder and Chief Executive Of�icer of The Spark Project; Ma. Yolanda Crisanto, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications of Globe Telecom; Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart Ventures; and Glenn Estrella, Senior Vice President, Globe Digital Ventures.

To sign up, visit: https://www1.globe.com. ph/future-makers

FROM 11

the quarter before taking a 38-21 lead at the half.

Davao furthered its advantage to 21 at 4625 following a Miko Estrellante three-pointer with 4:52 to go in the third period. But as just when the Tigers looked poised to easily cruise to the win, the Athletics came alive and put up a 20-4 rally to pull themselves within �ive, 50-45, after a Viernes

triple at the 8:52 mark.

The home team Davao, though, showed its poise when the pushing came to shove and took the �ight out of Batangas with the decisive 16-6 �inishing kick.

Davao now awaits the winner between the Manila Stars and the San Juan Knights who are now �iguring in a do-or-die Game 3 in the North Division Finals.

(With report from PNA)

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VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

MARCO POLO DAVAO INTRODUCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER EASTER is just around the corner. For many Filipinos, it is a time of renewed faith and the changing of the seasons from winter to spring.

This change can also be seen at the Marco Polo Davao as the “Heart of Davao” recently unveiled their Paskris Tree. A Swedish Easter tradition, the Paskris Tree has taken root at the Marco Polo Davao with its vivid colors and creatively decorated eggs designed by the hotel’s associates, adding a dash of joy to the deluxe international hotel’s lobby. The event was also when the Marco Polo Davao officially introduced its new General Manager, Mr. Colin Healy to media friends and invited guests.

“I wish to continue the legacy of Marco Polo Davao as the Heart of Davao and I believe it’s all about people taking care of people,” said Colin in accepting his new role.

Local lifestyle writers were able to have a quick chit-chat with the english gentleman over some afternoon tea at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge after the Paskris Tree ceremony.

An experienced hotelier with 33 years knowledge capital in the hospitality industry, Colin possesses a successful track record across Europe and Asia with international hotel brands. Prior to his appointment, he was the General Manager of Double Tree Resort by Hilton Hainan – Xinglong Lakeside.

Colin began his career in culinary arts in London and spent over a decade with Marriott International where he held the position of Executive Chef.

Colin shared that he had been in the hospitality business all his life since his parents ran a pub while he was growing up in Jersey, a Crown dependency located near the coast of Normandy, France.

“Ever since I was little, I was asked

Marco Polo Davao’s heads of department and their customdesigned Easter eggs.

to help clear the tables or to wash the dishes,” said Colin who believes this training while growing up formed the foundation of his career in the hospitality industry. “I am a very hands-on person and I like going around to check if everything is alright.”

A warm welcome to Durianburg Colin and congratulations to the Marco Polo Davao! *** CELEBRATE EASTER with a family staycation.

Rate starts at Php 3,900 nett with buffet breakfast and special Piccolo Kids Club amenity for children below 12 years old.

Marco Polo Davao general manager Colin Healy at the Paskris Tree ceremony.

On April 21, bring your kids and have a wonderful Sunday with Egg-citing Easter Sunday event, 2PM at the Jade Ballroom. Tickets are sold at Php 850.00 nett inclusive of party admission, Easter bento box snacks, party giveaways, egg hunting games with prizes.

Café Marco offers Egg-citing Seafood Buffet for Php1,100 nett for Lunch and Php 1,500 nett for Dinner starting April 18 until April 21, 2019. On Holy Thursday, food highlights include Smoked Salmon Pate with Toast, Seafood’s Terrine with Mussels, Live Sashimi Fresh Tuna & Salmon, Thai Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimps, Seafood Paela, and Cooked Shrimps, Mussels and Blue Crabs. And on Good Friday, food highlights include Seafood Paela, Cooked Shrimps, Mussels and Blue Crabs, Coconut Blue Crab with Jackfruit & Chili, and Mixed Seafood Bruschetta Teriyaki Glaze & Sesame Seeds.

Polo Bistro, located at the hotel’s The Deck, will be offering a special tuna pasta dish - Fillet of Tuna Belly and Seared Sea Scallops. Savour the seafood freshness at Php850++.

For bookings and reservations, call (082) 221-0888 or message us on Facebook.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

TRAVEL

BRIEF SOJOURN AT

CHIANG MAI SECOND OF TWO PARTS

BEFORE PROCEEDING, allow me to inform you, dear readers, that Chiang Mai is about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok. It is located in a verdant valley on the banks of the Ping River. The city was founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

“Today, Chiang Mai is a place where past and the present seamlessly merge with modern buildings standing side by side with venerable temples,” to quote the words of chiangmai.bangkok.com.

Going back to our sojourn. On our second day, we got out from the city. Our first stopover was the San Kum Pang Hot Spring, about 36 kilometers away from Chiang Mai. In my mind, I pictured it as something of the Yellowstone National Park, which I had visited Wyoming in the United States some years back.

Yes, there was sort of cone geyser just like the Old Faithful but unlike it there are two geysers releasing water non-stop. The water goes down to a man-made irrigation where people can put their feet and feel the hot water that contains high sulphur.

The area, surrounded by several scenic hills, has been converted into a park. You can walk around the 40-acre park under the large and

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

shady trees. Some of its facilities include camping area, swimming pool, restaurant dining, and mineral bathing room huts, among others.

After staying in the area for more than an hour, we were ready to Wiang Kum Kam, about five kilometers south of Chiang Mai. In my research, I came to know this information: “Wiang Kum Kam is an ancient city dating back to the 8th century Haripunchai Kingdom.

Later on, it served as the capital of the then Lanna Kingdom for a short time until Chiang Mai was chosen to replace it in 1296.”

Instead of taking a horse-drawn carriage, the most popular way to enjoy the ruins, the group rode a

Shopping at night market. vehicle. Among those that we saw during the trip were stone tablets with Mon inscriptions, Buddhist sculptures and architecture, and earthenware and pottery.

But what amazed us of the place was the Wat Chedi Liam. Since I don’t have enough words to describe the place, allow me to quote this from the website: “Widely depicted in postcards, the temple features a Burmese-style pavilion (restored in 1908 by a Burmese trader) and a give-tiered chedi set on a square base – the signature style of the early Lanna period. Each corner of the

chedi is guarded by an outward-facing lion, an architectural feature that is unique to the Haripunchai style (today’s Lamphun).”

But the highlight of the said tour was the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, home to the largest assembly of domesticated elephants in northern Thailand. It was my first time to ever see elephants up close personally.

Imagine elephants playing football, doing dart against a human being, logging, massaging and even painting (the paintings are for sale at 2,000 baht each). But what I cannot imagine was the snout of an elephant

hugging me and head. Yes, you r Our third da our free time. I ping, shopping as all winners w ance good enou der. While my having grand ti I didn’t do muc ago, I was in the shopping, too. everything.

What I bough for my sisters, li parents, hand-m

Ocean Park Hong Kong transforms into a premier international reso WITH the grand opening of the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, Ocean Park Hong Kong successfully transforms into a premier international resort destination, offering guests from around the world a unique one-stop edutainment experience. Families can take their first dive into the new experience this Easter as they embark on a funfilled adventure as nature explorers during the Park’s Animal Discovery Fest that runs from 19 April to 1 May. 14 different interactive animal workshops and backstage explorer tours will be open to public, including the all-new, limited-time Meet the Walrus programme and the first-ever open house at the Park’s veterinary centre. Here guests will learn about animals spanning the sky, land and sea whilst advocating the Park’s exemplary efforts and achievements in animal care and con-

servation.

Located at Ocean Park, the new Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is the city’s first-ever urban resort hotel. Having officially opened in February 2019, the hotel is reachable in just a few minutes from the city centre and offers convenient transportation links. The eco-themed facility is comprised of three towers – The Pier Wing, Club Wing and Marina Wing, offering 471 contemporary rooms and suites,

including 14 themed rooms featuring the Park’s adorable mascots, Whiskers, Bao Bao and Redd - a terrific choice for families to enjoy a holistic journey at Ocean Park. The hotel lobby features a series of oceanic theme décors with a sustainable green concept. Between 19 and 28 April, parents can enroll their kids into a three-hour educational lesson by booking the hotel-exclusive ‘Kids Discovery Club Package’ where they will visit animal exhibits, led by

the Park’s education ambassadors, to learn about marine conservation in a fun-filled way.

To enhance guests’ understanding about green living and environmental protection, a series of new educational initiatives will be open for guests to learn about the Park’s animals and understand the importance of the Park’s work in animal care and conservation during Animal Discovery Fest. Headlining this year’s festival is Meet the

Walrus, the all-n Closer to the An which guests can moustachioed cr their skin, feed i to capture the re 13 other interact and backstage ex ing a fun-packed adorable kinkajo nary steppe eagl tours to the back

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

KUYA NAMES NEW SET OF TEEN HOUSEMATES IN ‘PINOY BIG BROTHER OTSO’

The ruins of Wiang Kung Kam.

At San Kum Pang Hot Spring.

Inside the Mae Sa Elephant Camp. d placing a hat in my read it right! ay in Chiang Mai was It was time for shopand more shopping were given an allowugh for us to squancompanions were ime doing such thing, ch for six months he United States doing I had too much of

ht were some T-shirts iniments for my made painting for our

office and for my house, and magnet refs for my friends.

To end this two-part series, allow me to quote some very interesting information from chiangmai.bangkok. com about the place: “Chiang Mai is a land of misty mountains and colorful hill tribes, a playground for seasoned travelers, a paradise for shoppers and a delight for adventures. On a trip to Chiang Mai, the curious traveler can expand their horizons with Thai massage and cooking courses. Others will be bowled over by the variety of handicrafts and antiques. The wild child will find plenty of lively nightlife, and the epicure can indulge in wonderful cuisine. Despite its relatively small size, Chiang Mai truly has it all.”

ort destination With the grand opening of the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, Ocean Park Hong Kong successfully transforms into a premier international resort destination, offering guests from around the world a unique one-stop edutainment experience.

new, limited-time Get nimal programme in n observe the gigantic, reature up-close, feel it and get a snapshot emarkable encounter. tive animal workshops xplorer tours, includd moment with the ou and the extraordile, as well as exclusive k-of-house facilities

at The Grand Aquarium and Shark Mystique will also be staged during the festival. Sharing by veterinary team during the first-ever guided tour inside the Park’s veterinary centre will further deepen the learning of young explorers, inspiring them to play an active part in conservation. Programme details will be available on Ocean Park’s website at www.oceanpark.com. hk starting April.

Visitors can also get the Admission Ticket Combo with “Old Hong Kong Street Food Tasting Pass” (Worth HK$59) at HK$480 and savour the all-time favourite local street snacks in one go, including egg puffs and pan-fried dumplings from Michelinrecommended eateries Mammy Pancake and Wing Lai Yuen; iconic local snack including Hong Kong’s first sustainable fish balls – a well-loved local delicacy made from sustainable hake, as well as Hong Kong-style milk tea from KamCha. This special ticket combo promotion is now available until 30 June.

A NEW SET of stories will delight and touch the hearts of viewers starting this week as the second batch of teen housemates were announced last weekend in “Pinoy Big Brother Otso.”

Entering the House last Saturday (April 6) were the “German Wunder Boy ng Leyte” Mich Wunder, the “Palanggiteen Dreamer ng Camarines Sur” Yen Quirante, the “Hataw Hotie ng Bataan” Angela Tungol, and the “Responsableng Rising Son ng Japan” Shoichi Oka, while the second batch of four official housemates welcomed yesterday, (April 7) which included “Kulitisoy ng Davao” Tan Roncal, “Miss Palangga-nda ng Cebu” Kyzha Villalino, “Promdi-livery Boy ng Lucena” Alfred Beruzil, and “Dance-irella ng Isabela” Sheena Catacutan.

It didn’t take long before Angela, Shoichi Yen, and Mich were faced with their very first challenge as official housemates: to navigate an obstacle course and open Kuya’s House

using one of them as a “human key.”

Because of their teamwork and determination, the group successfully completed the challenge.

Meanwhile, as the eight entered Kuya’s House, Star Dreamers Jem Macatuno, Shami Baltazar, Narcy Esguerra, Batit Espiritu, Lance Carr, Ashley del Mundo, Emjay Savilla, and Gwen Apuli were asked to join Camp Star Hunt.

Before being trimmed down to eight, the sixteen initially faced challenges at last week’s “The Big Island Adventure.”

Watch “PBB Otso” every night on ABS-CBN. Viewers can also tune in every afternoon to “PBB Otso Gold” on Kapamilya Gold. Follow “Camp Star Hunt” and “PBB Otso” on iWant for catch-up episodes and livestreams for both houses.

‘HIMALA NGAYON’ STREAMS ON CINEMA ONE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

REVISIT one of the well-loved Filipino classics in the full length documentary “Himala Ngayon,” streaming starting Wednesday on Cinema One’s YouTube channel.

Sari Lluch Dalena and Keith Sicat’s “Himala Ngayon” was first released in 2012, a docu on what went on behind the making of the iconic Ishmael Bernal film “Himala,” one of the main features in 1982’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

According to Susan Clair Agbayani of bworldonline.com, “Himala Ngayon” features behind-the-scene accounts of “Himala’s” stars and production team. “It takes the viewer on a fascinating trip behind the scenes of the making of the film as seen through the eyes of screenwriter Lee, the cast, crew, and even the extras.”

Among those featured in the docu who shared their experience during “Himala” filming were Nora Aunor, Charo Santos, Joel Lamangan, Racquel Villavicencio, Ricky Lee, Ellen Ongkeko, Spanky Manikan, Gigi Dueñas, Ama Quiambao, Pen Medina, Vangie Labalan, Joe Gruta, Manet Dayrit, Leo Katigbak, Kiri Dalena, Benji Garcia, the late Ishmael Bernal, and many more.

“Himala Ngayon” also showcases the sites where the film was shot. “It shows Sari’s sister Kiri go back to the sites where the movie was filmed and shows how they look now: the house where the “tourists” used to stay, the dorm of the cast and crew -- even the swimming pool where they used to unwind after a day’s work -and the site where the virgin appears to Elsa [Nora]. . .,” added Susan.

Discover why Bernal’s masterpiece is considered one of the best Filipino films ever made in “Himala Ngayon,” streaming on youtube.com/CinemaOnePH starting April 10 (Wednesday) at 8pm. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

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EDGEDAVAO

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PRESIDENT... FROM 2

family earned outside their jobs as politicians was none of their business.

The PCIJ, which has also reported on wealth of previous presidents, main-

tained that President Duterte and his family members should have granted their request for comments or interviews to get their side before the story ran. (PNA)

President Xi Jinping.

Panelo said contrary to the survey results, the 44 percent �igure “is not actually a �igure representing a majority”.

“While we note that 27 percent of adult Filipino respondents believe that most of what the Chinese government wants to happen in the Philippines are good for the Filipinos, we also understand that there is a higher percentage, 29 percent, who remain undecided about the matter,” Panelo said.

The Presidential Spokesperson, meanwhile, said he believed Filipinos would have a “change of heart” once ties between the Philippines and China start to show positive economic results.

“We are seeing that there would be a change of hearts and minds from those undecided and even those who disagree -whom we believe are used to the United States as our long-standing ally - once our enhanced ties with China start to yield positive economic results,” Panelo said.

Moreover, he said Filipinos should also be better informed about the need

to expand our relations outside the country’s traditional allies, such as the United States and Japan.

This way, Panelo said, Filipinos would have a “deeper understanding” of why the President has chosen to trust China’s sincerity.

“With such mindset, they will realize that all these policies of the Administration are intended not for any foreign race or nationality but for the sole bene�it of the Filipino people,” Panelo said.

The Philippines and China signed over 20 agreements during Xi’s state visit to Manila on Nov. 20 to 21, 2018.

Among these agreements is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint exploration in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Relations between the two countries have signi�icantly improved after President Rodrigo R. Duterte decided to temporarily shelve an international arbitration court’s verdict nullifying China’s nine-dash line map, to give way to friendly bilateral talks and more economic ties. (PNA)

CRITICS... FROM 3

PALARO... FROM 12

dence to ful�ill its commitments such as providing billeting quarters and other related considerations, ease of transportation wherein the city is easy to reach by plane and bus, and most of all, its capability to secure the thousands of delegates.

“All eyes will be on Davao,” Briones said.

Davao City last hosted the national games in 1969 known then as the Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletics Association Games (BPISAA). It did not bid to host the following years due to lack of sports venue.

In 2016, Mayor Sara

EDGE

Duterte geared to once again host the Palaro to promote physical education.

The completion of the Davao City-University of the Philippines-Mindanao Sports Complex has also inspired the mayor to bid for the hosting of the national games.

In hosting the Palarong Pambansa, the city government will be providing buses to fetch delegations travelling by plane or sea upon arrival from the airport and ports to the assigned billeting quarters; food for the delegations; free wi-�i connection in all playing venues; mattresses for the

NOW DAVAO HIRING!!!

(3) THREE REPORTERS

regional and technical of�icials; and, drinking stations in all playing venues.

The city will also ensure that all roads leading to all billeting quarters and playing venues are well-maintained.

Lopez said the city government has allocated PHP69.33 million for the hosting of this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

DepEd will supply the standard technical equipment, materials, and supplies needed for the different sports events; give uniforms for the technical of�icials and members of the technical management and adminis-

tration committee who will manage the conduct of the Palaro; and, provide technical and funding assistance in the preparation of the billeting quarters.

Philippine Sports Commissioner William “Butch” Ramirez has also committed to support the Palaro.

He said the Palarong Pambansa is the only genuine grassroots sporting event and the biggest in the country.

“The support of the LGUs is vital,” said Ramirez, adding that PSC is also building other partnerships for sports development programs in the country. (PNA)

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Bank Accounts on BANK OF COMMERCE (BOC) with account nos. 078-20-002787-5, 078-20-003278-0 and IMA # 050514 under the name of the late Jean Jacques P. Pellegrinelli who died intestate on August 20, 2017 left no other heirs, whether legitimate or illegitimate and did not leave any Last Will or Testament, and without any outstanding debts or obligations, whatsoever.

The said Bank accounts has been the subject of an QUITCLAIM WITH UNDERTAKING executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.285; PageNo.58; Book No.683 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ARNOLD F. CABALLERO.

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511 For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

9

Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2019

10 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

SILVER LINING in COCONUT INDUSTRY TEXT AND PHOTOS BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

Last year, in an open letter address to President Rodrigo, coconut farmers asked the government for help in addressing the problems that beset the coconut industry. They cited that from a high price of P50 per kilo years back, the buying price of copra plummeted to as low as P14 per kilo.

Almost all coconut farmers throughout the country complained that while copra price declined signi�icantly, the sell-

world market, he argued.

At the time it happened, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – the agency responsible for developing the coconut and other palm oil industry to its full potential – was not under his supervision yet. PCA was moved under the agriculture department only on September 2018.

In June 2018, even if the PCA was not under DA yet, it made some recommenda-

kilo for copra to be bought by government-owned Coconut Oil Mills. The price suggested was too much for only P20 per kilo the agency could afford as it doesn’t have a substantial subsidy from the government.

• Increase from 2% to 5% of the coconut oil in biodiesel. This suggestion was disputed by the oil industry.

•€Impose a an or reduction of palm oil, which has been affected by copra prices. The ban of the importation of a product, however, is not covered by agriculture department. Instead, it recommended to the economic cluster to decide upon.

“All of these recommendations were submitted again and again by the DA, especially af-

ing price of coconut cooking oil in the market continues to intensify.

“The coconut farmers are greatly resentment due to the collapse of the price of copra and they believe that the Department of Agriculture kept them,” said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol in an open letter.

For the uninformed, the downfall of copra price in the world market started in 2017 yet, he clari�ied. The government has nothing to do with the collapse of the price in the

tions. For one, it proposed to be included in the State of the Nation’s Address the order to have the coconut oil content of biodiesel from 2% to 5% to reduce the oversupply of copra in the local market. “We were not successful,” Piñol lamented.

When PCA was �inally transferred to DA, it made some suggestions to the economic cluster because these suggestions needed their endorsement for the president. Among the suggestions were the following: • Support price of P30 per

ter PCA was transferred under my department in September,” Piñol reiterated. “However, no action was taken whatsoever.”

Piñol lamented that his department can “do little” for the copra prices except to come up with temporary programs like promoting the consumption of buko juice and promoting coconut oil in Eastern Europe.

Jason John Joyce, a mayoral candidate in Jose Abad Santos, supported the idea of Piñol in the promotion of buko juice among Filipinos. “Since it may take time before the problem of

The coconut industry is still in a quandary.

copra price in the market, my immediate solution to the problem is selling buko juice instead of soft drinks,” he said.

“We will ask big stores to include selling buko juice,” he added. “If there is a party or gathering, we should serve buko juice instead of soft drinks. Buy coconut from poor farmers.”

Aside from helping poor farmers, drinking coconut water is a good thing, healthwise. One American health magazine hails coco water as “America’s healthiest beverage” for providing enhanced hydration, essential nutrition and all �ive essential electrolytes (calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium).

Consider this: When compared with a popular sports drink per 100 milligrams, coco water has more potassium (294 milligrams versus 11.7 milligrams), less sodium (25 mg vs. 41 mg), more chloride (118 mg vs 39 mg), more magnesium (10 mg vs 7 mg), and less sugar (5 mg vs. 6 mg).

The health bene�its of coco water had been hailed as early as 1996. A news report carried by Today said: “More and more studies on coconut show that it has great nutritional and medicinal value, and can have a tremendous impact on the health and lives of people.”

The report cited the “years of scienti�ic research by Dr. Eufemio Macalalag, Jr., chief of the Urology Department of the Chinese General Hospital.” It said the study has proven that “coconut water can help man stay healthy.”

The physician employed what he called as direct “bukolysis.” The report explained: “For the past year, Dr. Macalalag has been using coconut water from 6- to 10-month-old nuts in dissolving kidney stones in his patients by directly infusing the water into the kidneys.

In addition, the doctor also did extensive research on bukolysis and discovered oral bukolysis using fresh buko water, buko nectar concentrate, or buko nectar concentrate powder in dissolving all kinds of kidney stones.

Dr. Macalalag, the report said, recommended also the drinking of coco water from

three fresh coconuts daily to prevent renal disorders.

Another coconut product which is not only healthy but good for diabetics is coco sugar. The sugar is derived from coconut sap or toddy, which contains 12-18 percent sugar in its natural form with important vitamins and amino acids.

“A natural sweetener and functional food, coconut sugar is a much welcome development for diabetics and hypoglycemics,” said the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar drops too low. Because keeping their blood sugar at normal levels requires quite a balancing act, diabetics are particularly prone to hypoglycemia.

Compared with re�ined cane sugar, coconut sugar has a glycemic index (GI) at 35. This is much lower than the 54 GI, the level which nutritionists consider as safe for people who have to watch out their glucose level.

GI is a measure of the rate at which carbohydrates as glucose enter the blood stream.

“The GI also indicates the rate at which carbohydrates break down during digestion in the small intestine into the simple sugars glucose, fructose and, sometimes, galactose,” explains Dr. Virgilio M. O�iana in his weekly column for a national daily.

“The glucose is the sugar that is rapidly absorbed and has a reference GI of 100 or greater,” Dr. O�iana writes. “Both fructose and galactose enter the circulation at a slower rate and need to go to the liver for conversion into glucose: both, therefore, have lower GIs.” Sudden release of glucose into the bloodstream causes spikes of insulin that, if sustained for some time, is hazardous to health. “Having a low GI means that people who consume coco sugar will not experience sudden spikes in their blood glucose or blood sugar

levels,” explained PCARRD, a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

Then, there’s coconut oil. The oil, however, is more potent when it’s virgin – that is, extracted through pressing without the use of heat. Thanks to the pioneering work of the late Dr. Julian Banzon and his protégé, Dr. Teresita Espino, the chemistry of virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been known and its bene�icial effects on the human body have been con�irmed.

Last year, during the First World Coconut Congress, a neonatologist pointed out that VCO can be used as adjuvant treatment for cancer. “Clinical trials on the use of VCO in ketogenic diet as supportive treatment for cancer has been shown to be highly promising under a clinical trial at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salzburg, Austria,” said a press released circulated by the Growth Publishing.

The home-produced VCO is a recognized source of bene�icial fatty acid metabolized in the liver as ketones in ketogenic diets. In the PMU clinical trial, the target is for ketogenic diet to achieve the so-called “Warburg effect,” where cancer cells are prevented from using glycolysis in order to produce the organic chemical ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) needed in the multiplication of cancer cells.

“Based on the results of rigorous preclinical and clinical studies performed thus far, the ketogenic diet would appear to be a promising and powerful option for adjuvant therapy for a range of cancers,” the PMU study said.

It was Dr. Mary Newport, who cited the PMU study in her presentation during the coconut congress. “It’s now being (used) for cancer because cancer cells like sugar. Some cancer cells use 200 times more sugar than the normal cell. The mitochondria ferments sugar; they don’t metabolize it normally. But most cancer cells don’t use ketones effectively as fuel,” she said.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 23 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2019

11

Swimming pool venue will be ready for Palaro: Butch

By ADAM B. MORRELL

P

hilippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William "Butch" Ramirez on Tuesday, April 9, said the Olympic-sized swimming pool of the Davao City Sports Complex (DCSC) at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao in Mintal will be ready in time for

the Palarong Pambansa 2019 on April 27 to May 4.

"Dili mi muuli hangtod walay tubig ang swimming pool (We will not go back to Manila until the swimming pool will not be �illed with water)," Ramirez, who was with PSC commissioner Charles Raymond Max-

ey and Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) Mindanao director Ed Fernandez during the press conference held at the PSC Mindanao Of�ice in Champaca Street, Juna Subdivision yesterday, said.

The PSC chairman, however, will consider no other venue for the swimming event of the

Tigers clinch MPBL South championship

H

ome squad Davao Occidental took the MPBL Southern Division championship with a 66-51 win against Batangas City in the decider of their bestof-three divisional �inals at the Almendras Gym in Davao City on Monday night.

Davao blew a 46-25 lead and allowed Batangas to come within �ive points, 50-45, following a Jeff Viernes trey at the 8:52 mark of the �inal frame. The Tigers, however, regained their groove and unleashed a 16-6 �inishing kick capped by a Bonbon Custodio split from the line to stave off the Athletics and book the �irst ticket to the MPBL National Finals.

Emman Calo sparked that back-breaking run with a jumper and a tri-

ple before he drew a foul on Jayson Grimaldo and made his charities for a 57-45 Davao cushion with 5:34 remaining in the game.

Grimaldo broke the silence for Batangas by scoring on a jumper as Mark Yee responded for Davao with a triple on the other end. Grimaldo came through once more with a jump shot but Yee answered back again with a layup off a Billy Robles dime at the 3:29 mark.

Grimaldo went on to score the Athletics' last basket before Joseph Terso gave the Tigers a 6551 advantage with 2:33 left. Custodio then capped Davao's run by splitting his charities from the line.

Yee led the way for the Tigers with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds plus two blocks

for good measure. Custodio backstopped him by tallying eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Calo added nine points, �ive rebounds, and two steals in the win.

Viernes paced the Athletics with 24 markers, �ive boards, �ive dimes, and two steals as Grimaldo provided the support by putting up 11 points, four caroms, and two rejections. Lucas Tagarda chipped in six points and two rebounds in the loss.

Davao was sharp on the defensive end to begin the game as it held Batangas to just four points in the �irst quarter while scoring 16 points of its own. The Tigers then opened the second frame with a 12-2 salvo to pad their lead to 22 points, 28-6, at the 6:33 mark of

biggest sports conclave devoted for secondary and elementary athletes under the supervision of the Department of Education (DepEd).

"Wala nay lain option (para sa swimming competition) but sa UP," Ramirez said.

To make the completion of the sports facility

faster, Ramirez said PSC assigned two engineers to help the existing contractors of the project which is set to be done

by April 20.

"By that time, naa na ang tubig ug ang bleachers," Ramirez said, assuring that standard materials are being used for the construction of the

bleachers that surrounds the swimming pool.

Meantime, the City Government of Davao and the Department of Education (DepEd) formally signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Monday, April 8 with the presence of the PSC and other supporting sectors of the event.

TIGERS, P9

Emman Calo was the spark for the Tigers in the Game 3 clincher. Davao Occidental Tigers file photo

MOSES BILLACURA CLEAN SLATE

REVIVE THE PROPOSED BIKE LANES I could not believe it but Dr.Mauro Puyod of the Davao All-Terrain Bikers Association, CQ Francisco and Joselle Badilla con�irmed it to me about the passing of Davao cycling leader Salvador Paholio Jr. “He died doing what he loves the most, cycling,” said Dr.Maui.

I can still recall the proposal of Councilor Leo “Happy L.A.” Avila about having Bike Lanes in the City of Davao. His early death, however, led also to the early demise of that noble proposal.

I think it’s about time to propose the “Paholio Ordinance”, by vigorously campaigning for having designated Bike Lanes in the city.

When the Daily San Pedro Express was still in existence, I remember early mornings, we have bike boys delivering the newspaper to various points. And goodness gracious, I could not recall any of the bike boys �iguring in accidents (most of the bikers are competitors in the annual Marlboro Tour so they are very careful).

The recent event is indeed tragic. We just lost a very kind leader of the cycling community.

I can remember Jun Paholio approaching sportswriters to help him further develop the sport and during the watch of William “Butch” Ramirez as City Sports

Chief (third term of Mayor Digong), he found a strong ally.

Coach Butch, now chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission for the second time, actually instructed me to coordinate with regional directors and presidents of our local National Sports Associations(NSAs) and I was glad to serve them to the best of my ability.

In the case of Paholio and cycling, we started a BMX Competition with the help of dxDC-Radio Mindanao Network. So we talked to Dodong Solis at that time.

Dodong and his team liked the idea of a partnership and so the partnership was sealed. From

BMX competition and �inally to the regular road races and Tour de Davao.

With blow-by-blow coverage by the radio network, corporate sponsors are happy of the outcome. Jun Paholio became the star organizer of the races in the years to come.

In fact, it was Paholio who facilitated the formation of a champion squad, the Inday Sara Cycling Team.

Our roles to broker the partnership and to promote it were very fruitful, thanks to the hard-working Jun Paholio, whose girlfriend Jojo would always treat us to sapin-sapin each time we

pay them a visit at Jaltan’s, City Hall sports of�icials and corporate sponsors.

When my favorite Council candidate, sportswoman Goldie Delvo wins in May and takes a seat in the honorable City Council, she would for sure take this proposal seriously.

It may take a lot of work to have Bike Lanes in our beloved City of Davao, but I always believe that each year we grow to become better as a City.

It’s time to have Bike Lanes to prevent tragic deaths of Davao cyclists in the City of Davao.

Pwede ba na incoming Vice Mayor Baste Duterte?

12 EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

E

xpect a massive in�lux of visitors to the tune of no less than 20,000 when the Palarong Pambansa is staged in Davao City from April 27-May 4.

And that’s just the athletes and other delegates from 17 regions across the country without reckoning non-delegation visitors like athletes’ families, friends, media, and entrepreneurs who usually are part of the Palarong Pambansa’s ‘unof�icial’ contingent.

That’s a classic example of how huge an impact the event is for sports tourism in the city.

The announcement came during the formal signing of agreement for the hosting of the annual sports conclave by the city government represented by City Administrator Zuleika Lopez and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones on Monday at City Hall.

“This agreement seals our agreed deliverables which is the basis for the city’s selection as host of Palaro,” Briones said during the press conference held at the City Hall Conference Room.

Briones said hosting

the Palarong Pambansa is hotly-contested by the local government units (LGUs) because of its impact on the local economy and education.

She said the LGUs are vital to the success of the Palarong Pambansa.

Without the LGUs, she said, the Palaro would not happen.

Davao City was selected to host the Palarong Pambansa it has shown con�i-

PALARO, P9

STOPPAGE, P8

VOL.12 ISSUE • TUESDAY, APRIL 9, VOL.12 ISSUE 23 •22 WEDNESDAY, 10,2019 2019