Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 239 | Sunday-Monday, February 9-10

MUCH ADO ABOUT AFRICAN SWINE FEVER AGRITRENDS P14

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A vendor conducts a head count of the native chickens he is selling at the livestock area of Agdao Public Market in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Saturday. Prices of chicken and other pork alternative products increased after a sudden shortage of the supply of hogs in Davao City due to the presence of African swine fever (ASF) in Davao Region. Lean Daval Jr

WHY SINGLE TRACK?

RDC 11 asks DOTr for basis of Mindanao railway ‘downgrade’

By MAYA M. PADILLO

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he Regional Development Council (RDC 11) of Region 11 is asking for the basis of the approval of the single-track diesel powered locomotive railway for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).

This is in reaction to the report from Businessworld that the Department of Transportation (DoTr) is firmed to proceed with a single-track and non-electrified system configuration of the MRP literally

overruling the appeal of RDC 11 to revert it to the original plan of twotrack electrified railway.

A single-track railway is one where trains traveling in both directions share the same track.

“Yes the RDC wanted

to understand what was the basis of the approval of single track and why the request of RDC 11 for two track and electrified train was not considered,” said Arturo Milan, RDC 11 private sector representative for tourism.

The RDC 11 has sent a letter to DoTr requesting for a reversion to a twotrack electrified railway.

Milan said he was surprised with the report because the final meeting with DoTr was reset to

the third week of February upon the request of DoTr. Based on the report, Phase 1 of the project Ta g u m - D a v a o - D i g o s (TDD) segment will establish a 74-kilometer -at-grade and 26 kilometer elevated (viaduct) commuter railway from Tagum City in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur. It will also have eight stations in Tagum, Carmen, Panabo, Mudiang, Davao, Toril, Sta. Cruz, and Digos.

On his end, Engineer Jaime Lao Jr., mayor of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur believes single-track is good enough for as long as there is room for upgrading later on. He believes it is cheaper and cost-efficient and would mean having the project implemented within the scheduled timeframe as manifested by President Rodrigo Duterte.

It has been reported that the issues on the Right Of Way (ROW) acquisitions are among the

factors for the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to approve the reversion of the two-track electrified railway to single-track for the first phase of the project or the MRP:TDD segment.

From the original twotrack electrified railway, NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) has approved last year the reversion of the first phase or the MRP:TDD to single-track diesel-powered railway.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

Cong. Pulong kicks off brgy. caravan service

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he office of Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Z. Duterte kicks off its barangay caravan service on Saturday, February 8, 2020.

The initial salvo was held at the gym of Barangay 76-A along Sandawa, Davao City.

As of 11 a.m., police authorities already estimated around 3,000 people availing of the various services offered by the caravan.

Among the services are dental service, medical check-up, medicines, eye check-up and free reading glasses, livelihood program for solo parents, legal services related to violence against women and children, anti-drug abuse lecture, basketball clinic and 3on3 competition, and

food packs.

Jay Villarica, chief of staff of Cong. Duterte, said they will hold weekly caravan service in all 54 barangays of the 1st district to ensure that government services would be available to the people and right into their barangays.

Cong. Duterte was represented by his son and presidential namesake Rodrigo Duterte II. In a statement, the presidential grandson said that since his father is busy representing the people of Davao City in Congress, he deemed it fit to attend, on his father’s behalf, so that the Dabawenyos would be reminded that the Dutertes continue to serve the people in whatever capacity.

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A child is helped in stepping through a foot bath in Barangay Lacson in Calinan District, Davao City on Friday. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

DCWD, DLPC, DRRMC most relevant Facebook pages for Dabawenyos

By MAYA M. PADILLO tility companies top the list of most relevant social media pages for Dabawenyos according to a research.

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Based on the report of a Davao-based digital marketing company Coffeebot Solutions, Dabawenyos are now more concerned on disaster, water, and power issues making the Facebook pages of Davao City Water District (DCWD), Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), and the Davao City Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) the most relevant pages in Davao City.

“Dili kaayo sa com-

mercial and when you say relevant daghan ang interactions and sharing of the pages, Davaoenos are really more focused kung unsa ang nahitabo sa ilang palibot compared on commercial things,” said Jessica Madrazo, operations director of Coffeebot Solutions.

According to Madrazo, Dabawenyos rely on these Facebook pages to get informations and advisories concerning power, water and disasters.

Based on their handout, the Facebook relevance score estimates how well a page’s ad is resonating with the people one wants to reach. The higher a page’s ads relevance score, the better its considered to be performing.

Coffeebot Solutions will be releasing a comprehensive report on the Facebook data of Dabawenyos for the year 2019.

With the title Year In Review: Davao City Facebook Stats 2019, the statistical report explores the current state of the city’s Facebook populace from the users that are 18 years old and older. The report analyzes

various areas covered by Facebook analytics such as Davao’s age and gender demographics, relationship and job status, and interests.

As overview, the report stated that out of 74.85 million pinoy facebook population, 2.67 percent are represented by Dabawenyos.

Facebook population only includes accounts of users from ages 18 and above.

The demographics are 52 percent of Davao’s active Facebook users are female.

Although, Filipino and Bisaya are available to use, 88 percent of Davao’s FB population use American English as main online lan-

guage and most of the Facebook activity in the city are caused by users at college level or higher.

“It is the highlights of the report that we found on the report based on FB insights and tool para sa mga pages and based more on advertizer standpoint. For example if I choose all the people in Davao City male and female, ages 18 and above, that is how we got the total number of users na 1.5 million to 2 million,” Madrazo said.

The report also stated that the top three most common jobs in Davao City according to Facebook: administrative ser-

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‘Giving back to the Matigsalug community’

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The new executive director of the AOF Foundation, Mr. Norman L. Clemente, delightfully gives the food packs to the Matigsalug girls.

vices (27%), management (26%), and production (14%). Percentage-wise, there are more men than women in arts, entertainment, sports and media.

The report also highlighted that there is a surge in numbers on jobs related to arts, entertainment, sports and media, food and restaurants among the iGen (18 to 24 years old) while jobs related to farming, fishing, and forestry are nowhere to be found in the top 10 most common jobs among millenials (25 to 39 years old). Production jobs are not also among the most common jobs for the Gen X

t’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving”, said Mother Theresa.

Giving is one way of expressing love, gratitude, and compassion.

In its mission to make people’s lives better, the Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. Foundation (AOFF), together with its affiliate company, TADECO Livelihood and Training Center (TLTC), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI), conducted their annual gift-giving activity to the Matigsalug weavers of Brgy. Buda, Marilog District last January 22, 2020.

It was a long travel to Brgy. Buda and the weather was a little somber. Upon the team’s arrival, the sun shone and the fine day mirrored the joy on the Lumads’ faces. As a way to

welcome their guests, the Matigsalug teenage boys performed their tribal “warrior dance” that showcased their unique culture.

Food packages and clothes were distributed to the 30 Matigsalug weavers and more than 50 children and teenagers from the Gopaku and Kabalansian areas.

Buda’s Brgy. Captain, Delfin Galicia expressed his gratitude, “Sa atong mga bisita gikan sa TADECO ug foundation, ug Foirendo family, kinasing kasing ming nagapasalamat kaninyo sa dako nga tabang ug suporta nga inyong gihatag sa among barangay…

(To our visitors from the foundation, TADECO, and the Floirendo family, we wholeheartedly thank you for the big help and support that you have given to our barangay).”

Indigenous People Mandatory Representative

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4 NEWS

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VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

Indon swill could have been caused of Davao ASF: DA 11

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Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go signs the guest book during the change of command of BRP Ang Pangulo or the Presidential Yacht on Friday night at Sasa Port in Brgy. Sasa, Davao City. Also in the photo

are outgoing Commander Miljun Penaflorida and new Commander Marissa Arlene Martinez. Lean Daval Jr

he African Swine Fever outbreak in Davao Occidental could have been caused by swill or food waste imported from ASF-hit Indonesia, authorities said Friday.

“Tinitignan ko ‘yung anggulo na baka may swill feeding na galing sa barko from Indonesia,” Department of Agriculture Davao Region Director Ricardo Onate Jr. said.

Due to the outbreak, Davao Governor Claude Bautista had ordered the depopulation of around 100,000 hogs in the area.

“According to him, kung hindi natin aalisin lahat ng mga baboy, it could be that the virus could just go around Davao Occidental,” Marivic Hubac, the Office of the Davao government head executive assistant, explained.

To speed things up, they had asked for the

military’s help.

“During depopulation is ise-secure namin yung area at, ‘yun nga, iko-kordon namin,” Major Alex Mindalano, of the Philippine Army, said.

Don Marcelino was considered ground zero for the ASF outbreak.

Since January 26, the outbreak had spread to Malita, Santa Maria, and Jose Abad Santos.

The local government said it would compensate farmers P5,000 for every destroyed hog, while the Department of Agriculture had promised a sureaid loan for affected hog raisers.

Meanwhile, officials have tightened security to prevent the further spread of ASF in Davao del Sur. At the boundary of Davao Occidental and Davao Del Sur, bus pas-

total of 3,564 pigs comprising at least 47.19-percent of the total swine population of Davao Occidental had been slaughtered as of February 6 to control the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) to neighboring areas in Davao Region, Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 director Ricardo Oñate Jr. said.

Oñate told a press conference on Friday that the province had a total population of 7,551 pigs, owned by 983 hog raisers.

He said DA-11 has yet to schedule culling in Barangay Cadaatan in Sta. Maria town, and Barangays Tubalan and Kidalapong in Malita town in Davao Occidental, and Barangays Lamanan and Dominga in Calinan District, Davao City pending preparation of

burial sites for the pigs.

The culling will be done within a one-kilometer radius of areas that reported an outbreak, he said.

He said stricter measures have been put in place in ASF-affected towns, including a temporary ban on the transport of live pigs and pork products from these areas.

He said the local government units have already enforced the “1-7-10” protocol to manage, contain, and control the spread of the ASF, first reported in Don Marcelino on January 28.

The protocol requires that all pigs within the one-kilometer radius of infected farms will be culled, limits animal movement within seven-kilometer radius, and obliges swine

3,564 pigs culled in DavOcc to prevent spread of ASF

PRRD orders strict enforcement of nationwide ASF zoning plan A

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resident Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure the “strict” implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) nationwide zoning plan for African swine fever (ASF) to control and contain the spread of the fatal hog disease.

In Administrative Order (AO) 22 signed on Feb. 5 and released on Friday, Duterte directed all concerned government agencies, offices and instrumentalities, as well as LGUs, to “strictly implement and ensure compliance with the ‘National Zoning and Movement Plan for the Prevention and Control of

ASF, as contained under DA Administrative Circular No. 12 (s. 2019).”

The signing of the order came following the joint recommendation of the DA, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“The African swine fe-

11 of 42 culled hogs in Koronadal found positive of ASF, says Dar

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t least 11 of 42 hogs from Davao del Sur that were culled in nearby Koronadal City last Tuesday due to suspected infection with the African Swine Fever (ASF) have turned out positive of the disease, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said on Friday.

Dar, who visited the area on Friday morning, said 11 of the blood samples taken from the animals purchased by a local businessman in Sulop, Davao del Sur last week showed traces of the ASF virus based on validated laboratory test results.

The tests were initially conducted at the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory based in this city and was validated by the Bureau of Animal Industry’s central office laboratory.

Dar said the contaminated hogs were traced to have come from Don

Marcelino town in Davao Occidental, where the first ASF outbreak in Mindanao was confirmed by DA last Jan. 31.

The hogs were reportedly purchased by traders from Sulop and eventually sold to the businessman from Koronadal City, he said.

But Dar said the disease was already contained after the city government of Koronadal ordered the immediately culling of the affected hogs last Tuesday.

He said the blood samples taken from animals that had made contact with the culled hogs have been found negative of ASF. Dr. Charlemagne Calo, head of the Koronadal City Veterinary Office, said their monitoring showed that the disease has not spread to other hogs in areas adjacent to the stockyard where the 42 culled

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ver (ASF), despite having no known effect to humans, is a severe and highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with a case-fatality rate approaching 100 percent, caused by a resistant virus with no developed cure to date,” AO 22 read.

“There is an urgent need to ensure consistent implementation and compliance with DA Administrative Circular No. 12 to more effectively control the ASF virus toward its complete eradication,” it added.

AO 22 noted that the ASF is estimated to have affected more than 20 million pigs in Asia since 2018 and has caused serious

economic and production losses in the affected countries.

The President’s latest order came, as the DA confirmed that ASF already reached his hometown Davao City.

On Dec. 10, 2019, the DA issued Administrative Circular, which formally orders the establishment of zones across the country, depending on the level of risks of regions in relation to ASF. The zoning plan is seen as one of the key measures to ensure the total eradication of the ASF in the country that has struck mostly backyard farms in Luzon.

AO 22 tasks the DA,

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Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCCII) regional governor for Davao Region and Regional Development Council (RDC 11) private sector representative for tourism Arturo Milan says RDC 11

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is seeking for basis of the approval of the single-track diesel powered locomotive railway for the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) instead of two-track electrified railway. Lean Daval Jr

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6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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PH Innovation Act IRR signed

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fficials from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Innovation Act (RA 11293) on Friday in Pasig City.

The Act, which was signed into law in July 2019, would harness innovation efforts to help the poor and the marginalized, and enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be part of the domestic and global supply chain.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, before the ceremonial signing at NEDA's headquarters, acknowledged the importance of innovation to shape the economy.

"The younger generation must be very interested in the quality of our economy and society," he said.

Citing that the Philippines ranked 54th in the 2019 Global Innovation Index, up 19 notches from its previous ranking in 2018, Pernia said the country is now part of the "innovation achievers" cluster.

The Philippine Innovation Act will enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs as this will champion technological advancements in the country, he said.

"We are bullish that only innovation can uplift

the various industries that we have. The IRR will definitely help us implement the law," said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.

NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said among the salient features of the IRR are the following: Promote a culture of strategies, planning to encourage creative thinking and monitoring economic competitiveness; ensure effective coordination of innovation policies and programs; strengthen the position of MSMEs in the innovation ecosystem; suppressing bureaucratic hurdles; encourage entrepreneurial attitude; strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors, academe, MSMEs and research and development institutes.

The officials said a National Innovation Council will be established to serve as the policy advisory body in the formulation and monitoring of the country's innovation goals.

Edillon said the Council will be chaired by the President, and vice chair is the NEDA Director General.

Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said he is very honored to be part of the IRR signing.

"We welcome the passage of the Philippine Innovation Act," he said, adding that a whole of government approach will be done to implement the IRR. (PNA)

Dominguez optimistic of higher revenues due to fuel marking

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t least PHP20 billion is expected to be added to the government’s revenues this year on account of the fuel marking implementation, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said on Friday.

In a briefing at the sidelines of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) 118th anniversary celebration, Dominguez said he is optimistic of the increase especially since the government will capture oil companies’ importation.

He said the estimates that they submitted to Congress during the hearings for the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) measure is a loss of about PHP20 billion to PHP40 billion for estate revenues annually because of oil smuggling.

“Not everybody was paying the right amount of tax on fuel imported…

That’s why we put it (estimates on losses) there because we suspected some people were not fully disclosing or fully paying the taxes,” he said.

During the same briefing, Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said they have marked about 24 billion liters of fuel to date.

She said oil companies are cooperating with the fuel marking program although some are not as

fast as the others.

“Once we’re assured that we’ve totally saturated the supply, obviously the testing would be more serious,” she said.

Tionko added that there has been an increase in revenues even before the full implementation of the program, tracing this to fear factor.

Under Republic Act 10963, otherwise known as TRAIN Law, excise tax on diesel and bunker fuel will be PHP6 per liter in 2020 from PHP2.50 per liter in 2018.

Excise tax on gasoline increased from PHP7 in 2018 to PHP10 per liter this year.

The government awarded the fuel-marking contract to Switzerland-based security ink technology provider Société Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires (SICPA).

Under the plan, the government will pay the PHP0.6884 per liter fuel marking fee for the first year of implementation while oil companies will pay for the fees for the second to fifth year of implementation.

The fuel marking fee is on top of the duties and taxes to be collected from the oil companies by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs. (PNA)

A woman prepares to cook corn in Bankerohan, Davao City which she will later sell around downtown area on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr

Realtors share positive outlook for Davao’s real estate industry

By MAYA M. PADILLO espite challenges faced by Davao City as well as the entire region, stakeholders in real estate are optimistic the city will continue to grow and become the next mega destination in the Philippines in terms of commercial and investment opportunities.

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Prime Philippines, a city enabler property advisory firm, said it perceives the year 2020 as turning point of the economy of Davao City because of so much growth in the real estate sector.

“The year 2020 is a watershed year for the Davao economy. So much growth in Davao City is apparent in the many master-planned communities and real property developments taking root

in the city and the region,” said Chai Abaya, Prime Philippines regional head for Visayas and Mindanao said in an interview.

Abaya added that the year 2020 will be the year of increased investor interest and business expansions.

Abaya attributed the positive outlook based on the volume of inquiries since the fourth quarter of 2019. She said some investors are interested in

building their commissaries in Davao.

“Hindi siya (inquiries) nag -falter even after the quake and we got a lot of inquries more from the national investors who are looking at expanding here. Davao has continued to grow for an investor’s interest for expansion,” she said.

Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, former national chair of Ecozone Development of the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations (CREBA) Inc., said the real estate sector in Davao City is still progressive because of the upcoming townships and the development of the Davao coastal road and bypass road projects that could spur more econom-

ic activities.

Damosa Land Inc. (DLI) first vice president Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo believes the office sector will continue to show demand from Business Process Outsourcings (BPOs).

He also sees an uptick in tourism especially with Davao City now positioning as a major meetings, incentives, conferences, events (MICE) destination.

“The residential space which is becoming somewhat crowded will still show signs of opportunity. However, I would think there might be a bias for horizontal projects at least for next year.

I think indications are still positive for the Davao Region’s real estate sector,” he said.

lous individuals from taking advantage of consumers for their own profit,” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said in a statement.

Intensifying its surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement efforts, the DTI has reached out to various online shopping companies to stop the selling of overpriced masks to consumers. Shopee was the first to heed DTI's request.

Even prior to the talk with online shopping companies, Shopee is already monitoring sellers of overpriced masks in its e-Commerce platform to ensure that their prices are within the price range set by the Department of Health (DOH).

The DTI is calling on the rest of the online shopping companies to follow suit.

With confirmed cases of a novel coronavirus

in the country, consumer demand rose for N95 and N88 masks.

Having low to no stocks of masks in physical retail stores, e-commerce platforms have become the alternative for consumers, making the cooperation between government and online retailers more crucial in ensuring public access to reasonably-priced basic essential medical supplies in the market. (PR)

Shopee to remove overpriced face masks from online store

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nline shopping company, Shopee has committed to working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to remove all overpriced offers of N95 and N88 masks from its platform, an official said on Friday.

“We commend Shopee for immediately heeding our call. The cooperation of online shopping companies is very important in preventing unscrupu-

Peso closes stronger amid signals of further BSP rate cuts

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he Philippine peso appreciated against the US dollar on Friday following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) signal of further monetary easing.

The local currency gained 2.5 centavos to close at P50.755:$1 from Thursday’s finish

at 50.78.

“The peso exchange rate closed stronger after the BSP Governor signaled another rate cut possible by mid2020 after yesterday’s 0.25-cut in local policy rates, thereby improving sentiment on the local financial markets,” Rizal Commercial Banking

Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

On Thursday, the BSP’s policy-setting Monetary Board decided to cut key policy rates by 25 basis points in its first meeting for the year.

The reduction brought the overnight borrowing rate to 3.75%, the overnight

lending to 4.25%, and the overnight deposit to 3.25%.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno also announced that preemptive reduction will support market confidence, and provide additional policy support to address external headwinds.

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8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

EDITORIAL

Settling for crumbs

The change in the specs for the much-awaited Mindanao Railway project is as mind-boggling as it can get. From a modern double track electric system, the project has been downgraded to a single track locomotive system.

The change had the Davao Regional Development Council shaking its head and immediately asking the Department of Transportation for a reconsideration and revert back to the original specs. Hence, a meeting was supposed to happen in the third week of February to discuss this modification as well as take up the RDC 11’s appeal.

In yet another surprising move, the DOTr said it will proceed with a single-track and non-electrified system configuration of the project notwithstanding the RDC appeal and the scheduled meeting. The announcement came out by way of a newspaper report on Thursday on BusinessWorld.

“We have an investment approval. Again, we are an implementing agency. We will implement what has been approved. We will implement it in a manner that makes it as much as possible simpler to upgrade or later on to convert it to a double-track and electrified system. That’s what we will do,” Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John R. Batan told BusinessWorld in a recent interview.

For everyone’s consumption, single-track means trains have to be

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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

directed into sidings to give way to a train coming from the opposite direction. In short, trains heading opposite directions are using essentially one railway.

According to Usec Batan, the decision to keep it as a singletrack, non-electrified system is an investment decision made by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board. The parameters used as guide to make the decision is economic viability and based on that, they found the single track as a more economically viable option. However, DOTr qualified that the project is progressive and can, in the future, be upgraded to double track electric.

The single-track understandably is more economical. Likewise, it is faster to build. And for a government eager to claim at least a partially-completed project by the time it steps down in 2022, this is the best option.

However, there are downsides to this option. First, it is outmoded.

While still a viable system, the diesel-powered single track train system is slow and old. Second, it is smaller and less environmentfriendly. Instead of progressing forward, Mindanao is bound to be locked into something that will be, for years, its railway connectivity.

Is Mindanao about to settle for crumbs?

Mindanao officials must keep in mind that if they settle for crumbs, they will always be starving.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

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JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

LOOKS LIKE GOOD ECONOMIC TIMES AHEAD. WHAT CAN WE DO? Various institutions are releasing their fearless forecasts for the Philippine economy, many of them good ones. As opposed to our neighbors, we are experiencing higher growth, and will continue to do so in 2020.

ING economist Prakash Sakpal, for instance expects our GDP growth to accelerate to 6.6% from the 6.2% clocked in the third quarter “as pent-up budget spending and significant central bank easing probably spurred domestic demand. If so, this would be Asia’s fastest-growing economy, the status it is likely to hold in 2020.” (https:// think.ing.com/articles/

asia-week-ahead-calm-returns/?utm_campaign=January-16_asia-week-aheadcalm-returns&utm_medium=email&utm_source=emailing_article) Even local financial giant Secrity bank released the same forecast for Q4 GDP growth. (https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/17/ business/business-top/pheconomy-likely-grew-6-6-inq4-analyst/675160/) Nonetheless, Christmas spending and accelerated government disbursements will help us catch up. The record 8 million tourist arrivals likewise boosts GDP since this is a direct infusion into the economy. The increase in direct

flights to various destinations also helped bring these tourists stay longer by avoiding the Manila lay over, spending more in the process.

Mindanao Development Authority Assistant Secretary Yo Montenegro also forecasts Mindanao growth at 7.2%, up by .1 % from last year.

Such forecasts bode well for the country, that in 2019 weathered political storms and natural calamities, including a global growth slowdown that bore its effects on European economies. The bigger question is how the forecasted growth will actually be achieved.

Such predictions, howev-

er, must be viewed with caution as the spectre of natural calamities, climate change and global realities may harm our efforts.

These obstacles notwithstanding, the challenge for all of us in Davao and Mindanao is how we can take advantage of this growth, of these new infrastructure and connectivity. Our economy is now growing because of consumption and investment, meaning, that our own local consumers are driving demand and this is what is encouraging investment.

For each of us we must ask: what opportunities can come our way, and how we as a business community

can aggressively campaign for investments to take place in our region as attention and exposure have surely brought focus to Davao’s opportunities as the gateway to investments in other Mindanao regions?

Let us build on the advantage that we have and move forward with the confidence and hope that despite these obstacles, the economy will continue growing as it has been growing.

Let us not be afraid to present our economy and its opportunities to prospective investors. Let us entertain possible partnerships.

For reactions: facebook. com/johntriapage

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MENTALITY OF THE CRABS Crabs, known as kagang as differentiated from mud crabs or alimango, are crustaceans with hard exoskeleton and possess a pair of pincers. Apart from being a tasty table serving, they are also the favorite nourishment of ducklings while still small. To humans, they are convenient models of the despicable behavior called “crab mentality.”

Crab mentality, made popular by Filipino author and human rights activist Ninotchka Rosca, is “a way of thinking best described by the phrase ‘if I can’t have it, neither can you.’ The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot.” But this was a mere expression coined to describe the penchant of Filipinos of bringing down someone’s reputation for some reason.

Decades ago, a research conducted by the students of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños turned this claim on its head. Contrary to popular belief, these active creatures do not pull down their fellow crabs but push them up so that escape

from the rattan basket or any container where they are confined, can be easier and faster.

One must not forget that a crab’s way of pushing up another crab is done by using the side of their carapace while the pincers are cleverly clawed between another crab’s legs. The legs are used for digging burrows, for running, and for climbing or hurdling obstacles.

Like humans, the male crabs are aggressive when it comes to fighting other guys to gain access or get the attention of the female.

If a man displays physiological signs towards suitors of his ladylove, crabs are comparatively milder in showing hostility during courtship.

Crabs are more than just coastal creatures; they are intelligent crustaceans.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), using scientific studies, explains: “Bromeliad crabs, who live in small pools of water in bromeliad flowers, provide their young with loving care. The mother crabs continue to feed and tend to their babies for several months after they

are born. They work hard to keep their homes clean and comfortable for their young…

“Scientists have also found that crabs live by the saying “Love thy neighbor.”

If an intruder tries to take over a male Australian fiddler crab’s burrow, his male neighbor will leave his own burrow to help fight off the thief.

“Crabs are capable of learning from their mistakes and retaining that information so that they don’t make the same mistakes again in the future, and they adapt to changing cues in their environment.

In one experiment, researchers moved a screen over the water above crabs to mimic the cues of a seagull or other predators passing overhead. At first, the crabs ran into their burrows, but after a few repetitions, the crabs learned that the darkness didn’t correspond with danger, and they no longer fled.

“Crabs have well-developed senses of sight, smell, and taste, and research indicates that they have the ability to sense pain. They have two main nerve centers, one in the front and one to the rear,

and—like all animals who have nerves and an array of other senses—they feel and react to pain.”

Dr. Jaren G. Horsley, an American neurophysiologist who extensively studied crabs, wrote: “As an invertebrate zoologist who has studied crustaceans for a number of years, I can tell you the lobster [like its cousin, the crabs] has a rather sophisticated nervous system that, among other things, allows it to sense actions that will cause it harm… [Lobsters] can… sense pain.”

Moreover, Dr. Robert Elwood, a professor of animal behavior at Queen’s University Belfast who did researches on crustaceans, corroborated Horsley’s findings, saying: “Denying that crabs feel pain because they don’t have the same biology [as mammals] is like denying they can see because they don’t have a visual cortex.”

To accuse crabs of “pulling down” fellow crabs to save their own carapace while in a bin, is a mistaken notion or an outright insult. They have instincts far more rational and sensible thanthose exhibited by human beings with “mentali-

ty.” PETA adds: “The crabs are crowded together in holding containers while they await their fate. Scared and confused, they may fight with each other after already sustaining injuries from rough handling. Many crabs have their legs damaged and torn off when fishers quickly rip them from the nets. Countless crabs die each year before they even reach the market.

“Like lobsters, crabs are often thrown into pots of scalding-hot water and boiled alive. The crabs will fight so hard against a clearly painful death that their claws often break off in their struggle to escape.”

In Oriental medicine, crab eyes, prescribed as treatment for stomach disorders due to its calcium carbonate content, are included in the apothecary’s list. They command preference along with tigers’ teeth, frog skins, deer horns, dried shrimps, and rattlesnake skins.

It’s about time we spare our own crabs, like Leptodius davaoensis Ward and Chlorodiella davaoensis Ward, from the ignominy of being accused as mental cases.

NOT DONE YET A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Mats College of Technol- by JMC Kings (2-0), Asian ogy (MCT) Navigators at International School of 6:00 pm.

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

Saturday's quadruple header sponsored by The

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO A4 INdulge!

14 12 EDGE DAVAO 10 ARTS AND CULTURE TECH TRAVEL

(CSL) Escandor Cup resumes at the Davao City Recreation Center. Escandor Cup/CSL photo VOL.11 VOL.12 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6VOL.12 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, 2019 ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 21,2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, MAYMAY 12 -13, 2019

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

SEE STORY ON P11

VOL.12 ISSUE 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, VOL.12 ISSUE 223 •216 WEDNESDAY, 22, VOL.12 ISSUE 55 •ISSUE SUNDAY-MONDAY, MAY 26-27, VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE 219 • TUESDAY, • FRIDAY,JANUARY JANUARY 17, 14,2019 2020 VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINENEW ELIMINATES SINGLESONY INTRODUCES 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 or now to givesingle-use theirfor clients fresh is plasdeveloped modern andbeverage new designs. tic bottle free creators, Sony today “We really need tothe tap new the across its fleet. has announced artisans directly before man GP-VPT2BT wireless The brand announced last gud ga-agi pa ko saIdeal middle shooting grip. year that it partnered withfor man since wala’y sa many different types JUST Goods, Inc.,access which encommunity,” he Line said. to replace of content creation abled the Cruise wants tovlogs show ranging from to all Limon single-use plastic wateroff the beauty of Dagmay travel photography /he bottles across its 17-shipasfleet, has clients with who its are looking for videography tomost simple beginning recent clothes and accessories made everyday use,Encore. the new ship, Norwegian byThe theoffers Mandayas.

He saidof they grip optimum achievement is one the noticed thatand some Pasalubong stability comfort latest sustainable steps forward centers including Davao City’s combined with cablefor Norwegian Cruise Line.

In free and a 2018, connectivity the Company eliminated reliable moissingle-use dust plasticand straws across ture its fleetresistant and privatedesign. destinaCompatible with aofvariety tions, and as a result this of Sony’s latest digitalitcamermost recent initiative, will as, the GP-VPT2BT connects replace over six million singleeasily via Bluetooth, allowing use plastic water bottles every creators to simplythe aim and is year.

In addition, brand shoot without interfering working to eliminate single-use cables or exposedand inputs.

The plastic shampoo condinew grip includes useful tioner bottles later athis year.tilt featureefforts that allows for flexible These are driven by vertical angle adjustment as the Company’s Sail & Sustain well as the ability to switch Environmental Program, which from normal to self-shooting is its commitment to minimize mode to with ease. Additionalwaste landfills, reduce its

A4 INdulge!

actor and activist Jaden Smith and family, JUST takes an innovative approach to sourcing and packaging the world’s most valued resource - 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.

It is refillable and recyclable.

JUST has a global presence with bottling facilities in Glenn Falls, NY; Ballymena, Northern Ireland; and Ballarat, Australia, thus allowing the company to meet demand around the world without shipping water from a single production source. JUST takes care to use the most efficient shipping options available.

For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCLCRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.

A4 INdulge!

Aldevinco do not carry Dagmay cloth.

“Wala man gud kaayo Mandaya na pieces and mostly T’boli products ang sa Aldevinco. Sa Manila T’boli lang mostly makita nako na ginahimo accent ug Yakan, beads sa Bagobo, balud from Lanao and Inaul. Walay something from the Mandaya community,” hetosaid.

CO2 emissions rate, increase thrilled make such an impact cotton Dagmay design sustainable sourcing and invest by The eliminating single-use beverclothing not yetchanged available ly,initemerging has an adjustment wheel and can beisquickly technologies. age bottles across our fleet. in theajust market as Limon can“This be loosened tightened into tripod simply exis a veryorspecial and It’s one by of the waysand wehis are group are in the immertovery allow for seamless operapanding the bottom portion, proud moment for us,” working tostill preserve our oceans sion the stage ofstable, the project. tion cameras of different easy handssaidwith Harry Sommer, president enabling and destinations we visit.

“Wethis willisevaluate their sizes gripof free shooting. and and chiefweights. executiveThe officer While just the pa beginning capacity and kung willing sila also includesCruise a flip button, inThe GP-VPT2BT Wireless Norwegian Line. “As of what we and others can do, makipag-collaborate,” he said. dicator light and line, lock we switch, Shooting Grip will committed be availa leading cruise are we are incredibly

to our Sail & Sustain program and believe wholeheartedly in the importance of preserving our natural resources. We will continue to strive towards making environmentally conscious decisions to benefit our earth.”

Envisioned and founded by American rapper, songwriter,

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.12 VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE ISSUE 94 100 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • SUNDAY-MONDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 28-29, 5-6, 2019

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

VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

11 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MERCED CASCARO CALUNGSOD who died on April 26, 2007 at Davao Mission Group Hospital, Leon Garcia St., Davao City has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.333; PageNo.68; Book No.lll, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY SUZETTE H. TAN 1/27/2/3,10,2020

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ELIZABETH LIBUTAN BASCON and LORNA LIBUGAN ABUG has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.157; Page No.33; Book No.XLI, Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. BANSALAN B. METILLA 2/10,17,24/2020

PSC... FROM15

resolution advising the paralympics to possibly

postpone the games,” said Ramirez.

The move puts Formula One in the spotlight, with Shanghai due to host the Chinese Grand Prix on April 19.

TENNIS The International Tennis Federation moved the Fed Cup Asia/Oceania Group I event featuring China, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Uzbekistan out of Dongguan to Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) in Kazakhstan.

But the Feb. 4 to 8 event was later postponed after Kazakhstan declined to serve as substitute hosts.

BADMINTON The Feb. 25 to March 1 China Masters tournament in Hainan was postponed after several players withdrew. The BWF said it hoped the flagship Badminton Asia Championships could still go ahead in Wuhan from April 21-26.

BOXING The International Olympic Committee announced Jordan as hosts of the boxing qualifiers for Asia and Oceania after an event in Wuhan was cancelled. It will now take place in Amman from March 3 to 11.

BASKETBALL The International Basketball Federation moved the Feb. 6-9 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers to be held in Foshan to Belgrade.

The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifying match between China and Malaysia, to be held in Foshan on Feb. 24, will be rescheduled.

GOLF The elite women's LPGA golf tour cancelled the March 5-8 Blue Bay tournament to be held on Hainan.

The PGA Tour Series-China moved its Feb. 25-28 global qualifying tournament to Lagoi, Indonesia, from Haikou.

HOCKEY Hockey Pro League matches between China and Australia, scheduled for March 14-15 in Changzhou, will not be played.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) had previously postponed China's match against Belgium that was to be played on Feb. 9 at the same venue.

The FIH is looking into the possibility of China playing their games at an alternate venue.

WORLD SPORTS... FROM15

Historic signing settles DavOr, SurSur dispute

A

fter more than two decades of contesting their political boundaries, the provinces of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur have finally reached a settlement on Tuesday, February 04, 2020 as top local chief executives of both provinces have signed the legislative documents, which officially cemented the agreement of the two provinces with respect to their new political boundaries.

During the historic joint session of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao Oriental and 19th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Sur held at the Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and Vice Governor Niño Sotero Uy together with their counterparts from Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel and Vice Governor Librado Navarro, inked the Joint Ordinance no. 01-2020 as well as the new political boundaries and index maps of the municipalities of Boston and Lingig.

Stated in the joint ordinance entitled “Adopting the New Political Boundaries and Index Maps of the Municipalities of Boston and Lingig of the Provinces of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur, respectively”, which was based on the compromised agreement that both provinces entered into in 2015, is that “the new political boundary shall be drawn according to the output map utilizing the coordinates in delineating the area to be ceded to the Province of Davao Oriental. Provided, however, in the delineation process, the existing buildup areas belonging to Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan of Lingig shall be excluded in the compromise agreement,” reads an excerpt of the ordinance.

This means that swathes of land in Surigao del Sur will now become part of the municipality of Boston in Davao Oriental, explains Vice Governor Niño Uy. However, only non-build-up areas or

those areas without existing structures or communities will be delineated to Davao Oriental while those areas with existing structures and development will remain as part of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, thus, assuring that there will be no confusion in the part of the communities settling in the areas.

Out of the 6,000 hectares of contested land, around 2,600 hectares now becomes part of the municipality of Boston, Davao Oriental. “This is a win-win solution for all of us because this boundary dispute already spans two decades and was not resolved until now,” said Vice Gov. Uy, adding that “This will put an end and closure to the long-standing boundary dispute between our two provinces. Today is indeed a milestone,” he added.

The villages in the municipality of Boston which will get additional land areas are Barangays Caatihan and Cawayanan while villages that will be affected in the municipality of Lingig are Barangays Rajah Cabungsuan, San Roque, and Pagtilaan.

Aside from the increased land area, Davao Oriental also expects an increase on its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

“There will be adjustments in the IRA subject to computation by the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Finance. But definitely there will be an increase in the IRA for Davao Oriental,” said Vice Gov. Uy. Following Tuesday’s historic joint session, the documents signed will be forwarded to the court as basis for its final decision for the case. Davao Oriental and Surgiao del Sur are hoping for the swift court decision in order to execute the new political boundary map the soonest time possible.

History The boundary dispute started in 1992 when Surigao del Sur questioned the small-scale mining

permits issued by Davao Oriental, under former Governor Rosalind Lopez, to several individuals to operate in areas believed to be part of Barangay Caatihan in Boston, Davao Oriental which were later on claimed to be part of the municipality of Lingig, Surigao del Sur, thus, triggering the long-running legal dispute. Although initial talks were made, these eventually failed, resulting to both provinces agreeing that the boundary conflict can be best settled before the court, said ordinance author Davao Oriental Board Member Laureano Taya as he explained the background of the dispute.

Although some efforts were made in the succeeding administrations, the dispute still went on for about two decades. However, concrete results were achieved when it was revived during the time of Former Governor, now First District Representative, Corazon Malanyaon, under whose administration together with Surigao del Sur Former Governor Johnny Pimentel, had come up with a compromised agreement in 2015 during the joint session of the two councils held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Following the concept of “hating-kapatid,” among the actions taken, based on the agreement reached, was the creation of a technical working group consisting of a team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and survey teams from both provinces who conducted a ground survey and the placement of monument.

Strengthened Ties More than just amicably settling the case, ending the long-standing boundary dispute has strengthened the friendship between the two provinces.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said that “This boundary only defines territory, but it will never stop us from working together for the common good of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

This is a commitment that all of us should make and continue to uphold, moving forward.”

For his part, Surigao del Sur Governor expressed his happiness. “This had been the dream of my two brothers – Gov. BB Pimentel who just died last year and my other younger brother, Former Governor Johnny Pimentel,” he said. “I am thankful that we reached this agreement. Afterall, we are all Mindanaoans and we are all brothers and sisters. I am sure this agreement will benefit both provinces,” he added.

Moreover, Surigao del Sur Board Member Conrad Cejoco, the co-author of the ordinance, in his speech said that while the signing “establishes where the territory of our provinces end but it is also where begins our friendship, brotherhood and cooperation with Davao Oriental.” ”We have defined the territory of our provinces.

But the definition of the boundary of Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental is not meant to establish where we are separated but more importantly where we are connected. For undeniably our provinces are linked not only geographically but also by culture, heritage, and history. We may be two provinces but we are one people so that it is not surprising despite the fact that this matter has reached the courts, ultimately we are still able to settle it amicably through a compromise agreement. Yes, the boundaries defined in the ordinance we will be approving into this joint session. For us we have proven already that we can work together to settle the differences in our boundaries, we can do the same for the development and progress of both our provinces,” he said.

Present during the joint session were all members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the two provinces, the mayors of the two affected municipalities, and the Barangay chairmen of the affected villages. By Karen Lou Deloso/Photos

by Eden Jhan Licayan

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

SUNTRUST BAGS MOST INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER 2019

S

untrust Properties, Inc. (SPI) starts the year on a high note with its recent citation as the Most Innovative Residential Developer 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand last January 31.

The award given by International Finance recognizes excellence in the residential and commercial property space in emerging markets. SPI prides itself in this spotlight as some of the criteria it follows are the quality of products, innovation and style of facilities provided, sustainability, growth, and most importantly corporate social responsibility. ” We are honored to be chosen as this year’s Most Innovative Residential Developer. Our residen-

tial and industrial communities uplift the lifestyle of our residents and enhance the value of their investments.

All our strategically-located developments provide thematic and functional amenities to complement our wellthought out homes and condominium towers. Our industrial community has recreational facilities for employees and supports green initiatives in the areas of mass transportation, waste management, and water conservation/treatment. On our third decade and beyond, we commit to expand our reach across the Philippine archipelago in line with our goal – HOME FOR EVERY FILIPINO.” said ATTY. HAR-

RISON M. PALTONGAN, the company president.

Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI), through its subsidiaries, Stateland, Inc. (SLI), Suntrust Ecotown Developers, Inc. (SEDI), and Sunrays Property Management, Inc. (SPMI) envision a BIGGER, BETTER, and BRIGHTER future of providing quality and affordably priced homes for the Filipino homebuyers.

With a combined real estate development track record of 65 years, SPI and SLI continue to expand their joint portfolio of vertical and horizontal projects nationwide.

Suntrust is a wholly owned subsidiary of Megaworld Corp., a company under the umbrella of Alliance Global Group, Inc.

Suntrust EVP-COO Deanna Jean A. Claveria received global accolade Most Innovative Residential Developer for 2019 at the International Finance Real Estate Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand last January 31.

EDGEDAVAO 13

VOL.12 ISSUE 239 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9-10, 2020

CONG. PULONG... FROM2

“Naa man atuang Congressman sa kauluhan tungod sa iyang trabaho sa kongreso iyang gusto sa serbisyo publiko sa opisina o sa mga kalamidad naa

gyuy Duterte nga makitan kay utang kabubut-on namo ni sa katawhan,” said Rodrigo II. Aside from the caravan service, the office of Cong.

Duterte also gave financial assistance to the fire victims in Matina Pangi.

The house owners receive P5,000 while the renters get P3,000.

(40 to 55 years old) and unlike other age groups, jobs related to education and libraries is the second largest career path for baby boomers at 28 percent.

“Many are aware of the power that Facebook has to offer when it comes to marketing and the data it holds. I have always been watching and studying re-

ports regarding the Philippines in comparison to the world and the fact that we are the first in terms of the number of users for me is amazing. But being in Davao, I also wanted businesses to see the potential Facebook marketing can offer to their businesses, especially for small businesses to compete with larger

corporations. This data is available for them to give them a chance to compete.

They just don’t know how to access it. Now they can, “ Madrazo said.

Coffeebot offers search engine optimization services, social media optimization, lead acquisition, web design, and email marketing.

(IPMR), Alfredo D. Olantao was all praises for the support that TLTC and the foundation has given through the years. “Sa atong mga kaigsuonan gikan sa foundation ug TLTC, dili jud malabwan ang kalipay nga gibati sa mga Lumad tungod sa tabang nga inyong nahatag kanila. (To all our brothers and sisters from the foundation and TLTC, the Lumads cannot contain their happiness for all the help that you have given).”

The new executive director of the AOF Foundation, Norman L. Clemente, was looking forward to have more projects in Buda, “My role as the new executive director of the foundation is to support all the programs of TLTC. We will coordinate with the Brgy.

Captain so that the foundation can schedule a Medical Mission and Operation Tuli

here in Brgy. Buda.”

TLTC’s project with the Matigsalug weavers, has been ongoing for three years now. Together with DTI and MTEFI, the project aims to promote the rich culture and the weaving skills of the Matigsalug women by promoting income-generating projects and to promote the preservation and restoration of the cultural arts and traditions of Mindanao’s ethnic tribes. Juvenal Fernandez, TLTC’s Marketing Manager, saw an opportunity for the weavers to market their handicrafts, “Kay member man ko sa DTI na designers, nakita nako nga dako inyong kapasidad nga muhaom sa market. (As a member of DTI’s designers, I can see that chances are high that your products can suit the market).”

The Matigsalug weav-

ers are mainly composed of women from the Gopaku and Kabalansian areas of Brgy. Buda. With the assistance of MTEFI and DTI, TLTC helped the weavers hone their skills by donating weaving materials and equipment.

The special occasion ended with Mr. Clemente and Ms. Fernandez handing over the monetary donation to the Matigsalug weavers for the improvement of their livelihood program.

The Don Antonio O. Floirendo is the corporate social responsibility arm of the ANFLO Group of Companies. For years, the AOF Foundation and TLTC have worked together to help uplift the quality of lives of the indigenous people of Mindanao through livelihood programs and medical missions.

sengers were asked to disembark for a disinfection procedure.

Despite this, ASF cas-

es had been reported in Davao City.

In Barangay Lamanan, the hog death toll had ris-

en to 40 while 200 hogs died in Barangay Dominga, which had been placed under lockdown.

DTI, and DILG to make sure that all government offices and LGUs are following the President’s fresh directive.

“The DA, DTI, and DILG are hereby directed to monitor compliance with this Order and ensure its strict observance by all concerned government agencies, offices, instrumentalities, as well as local government units,” the order said.

The Chief Executive’s order takes effect immedi-

ately, according to AO 22.

Republic Act (RA) 9296 or the “Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines” provides that it is a state policy to prevent the entry of disease-carrying animals into meat establishments and ensure the safety and quality of imported meat and meat products.

Section 15 of RA 10611 or the “Food Safety Act of 2013” states that the DA shall be responsible for food safety in the primary

production and post-harvest stages of food supply chain and foods, whether locally produced or imported.

RA 9296 also stresses the need for LGUs to regulate meat inspection, meat transport, and post-abattoir control, in accordance with the national policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and regulations, and quality and safety standards promulgated by the DA. (PNA)

farms within a 10-kilometer radius to submit a mandatory report on the disease, he added.

Oñate said the ASF outbreak would impact on the

swine industry but did not give figures on the economic losses it would bring.

He said industry stakeholders have expressed concern the ASF outbreak

would result in oversupply of pork in the local market since meat products could not be transported outside the region. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)

animals were previously kept.

Calo noted that the stockyard was surrounded by a high concrete fence and was immediately disinfected after the culling of the animals.

“All the animals were buried properly. We’re

now focused on monitoring and preventing the entry of other possible infected hogs,” he said.

The infected animals were brought in by a local businessman last Jan. 29 based on the shipping permit issued by the municipal government of Sulop.

Its owner was alarmed after recording a fatality upon arrival and then another animal succumbed the following day. It was referred to the South Cotabato Veterinary Office and the city government, which ordered the immediate culling. (PNA)

DCWD... FROM2

GIVING BACK... FROM2

INDON... FROM4 PRRD... FROM4

3,564 PIGS... FROM4 11 OF 42... FROM4

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

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MUCH ADO... FROM14

or treat it. “It is particularly important that ASF-free areas are maintained as such,” FAO suggests.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so goes a saying.

“Prevention starts with stringent measures at the borders and raising awareness among all stakeholders involved,” the FAO recommends. “Early detection, early diagnosis, early response, and good communication are critical in minimizing the spread of the disease after incursion.”

In Don Marcelino, the “ground zero” for ASF outbreak in Davao Occidental, it was believed the outbreak was caused by swill feeding (locally known as lamaw). “Due to its nature, swill is inherently a convenient, affordable, but hazard-laden food,” FAO says.

“Swill feeding presents a very high risk of introducing several diseases into healthy populations.”

In the Philippines, about 71% of the swine population are raised in backyard farms while 29% are in commercial farms, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Swine raising is very popular in the rural areas because the raisers can always use swill to feed their pigs to minimize expenses in buying commercial feeds.

“In any case, pigs

should not be fed swill that might contain pork,” FAO advises. However, in cases where swill is being used, “the swill should be boiled for 30 minutes, with periodic stirring, and cooled before feeding to pigs.”

Meanwhile, the Swine Crisis Management Task Force of the agriculture department has been promoting the ‘1-7-10 Protocol’ in areas where ASF outbreaks happen. Below is the brief explanation: One refers to one-kilometer radius, also known as quarantine zone. It actually refers to “an area set to contain infection within one-kilometer radius from the affected farm by limiting animal movement and employing mandatory test and destruction of all infected animals.”

The 7 is for seven-kilometer radius, or what is called as surveillance zone. Here, “an area set within 7-kilometet radius intended to detect the extent of the infection through surveillance activities, disease reporting and limit the movement of live animals, animal products and by-products movement. Every movement outside this zone needs the required documents such as veterinary health certificates and shipping permits.”

The 10 is for the 10-kilometer radius, which is the control zone. Here, “an

area set at 10-kilometer radius intended to detect infection at an early stage through mandatory disease reporting.”

Dr. Sison, however, believed the only way to stop this disease is to depopulate all affected or exposed swine herds. “On-farm biosecurity is crucial to preventing any animal disease from developing and spreading,” he advised. “All pig owners and anyone involved with pig operations should know and follow strict biosecurity practices to help protect our pigs from ASF. Work with your veterinarian to assess your biosecurity plans and make improvements as needed.”

The PSA said that from 2016 to 2018, the swine industry showed increases.

The volume of hog production for the fourth quarter of 2018 was estimated at 662.74 thousand metric tons. This was 2.01% higher compared with the 2017 output of 649.68 thousand metric tons.

The top three hog producing regions during the period were Central Luzon, CALABARZON and Northern Mindanao. These regions posted increases in production by 4.41%, 3.0% and 3.52%, respectively.

The combined production of these three regions accounted for 47.87% of the country’s total hog production.

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MUCH ADO ABOUT AFRICAN SWINE FEVER

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

P

ork infected with African swine fever (ASF) does not pose a risk on human health, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III himself assured the public. “We want to allay the fears of the public by saying that, as long as pork is bought from reliable sources and it is cooked thoroughly, pork is safe to eat,” he said.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar echoed the same opinion. In a post on his social media account, he said that as long as the hogs passed through the proper process of slaughtering and preparation, the public should not fear eating pork.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations says ASF virus survives well under most environmental conditions; 2-3 months in carcases and in sheds. It can even survive for many months in meat.

“The ASF virus resists to freezing process but is inactivated by high temperature,” the FAO points out.

High temperature means 30 minutes at 70 degrees Centigrade.

Dr. Ann Garvey, an American veterinarian from the Iowa State Public Health, says ASF affects only pigs and not human beings and other livestock.

“African swine fever is a viral disease impacting only

pigs, not people, so it is not a public health threat nor it is a food-safety concern,” she explains.

Human beings cannot be infected with ASF unlike the novel corona virus (2019-nCoV), which currently is hogging the headlines around the world.

“ASF cannot be transmitted to human through contact with pigs or pork,” Dr. Garvey assures.

The agriculture department confirmed the first ASF outbreak in the Philippines on July 25, 2019. Since then, ASF was detected in domestic pigs in Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal and Tarlac. In Metro Manila, ASF cases were reported in the cities of Caloocan, Malabon and Quezon.

In January this year, new ASF outbreaks were reported in two towns (Binmaley and Malasiqui) of Pangasinan, two towns (Dinalupihan and Hermosa) of Bataan, and in Tarlac City and four towns (Capas, Concepcion, La Paz, and Victoria) in Tarlac.

Last February 3, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio banned the entry of live hogs and pork products from Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur. This

was after the agriculture department’s regional office confirmed the existence of ASF cases in Don Marcelino and Malita, both in Davao Occidental, and Digos City in Davao del Sur. Three days later, news broke out that Davao City wasn’t free from ASF. The blood samples taken from the pigs coming from barangays Dominga and Lamanan of Calinan District were tested to be positive of ASF. In areas where ASF cases have been reported, the agriculture department declared a total lockdown.

This is to ensure that the ASF virus will not spread to nearby towns and provinces.

Some people, particularly businessmen who are engaged in piggery and pork production, feared that ASF might spread to other parts of Mindanao unless it is contained in areas where it is currently reported and no drastic measures are observed.

ASF is no ordinary swine fever. It is called as such because it comes from Africa, where it was first detected in the 1920s.

ASF outbreaks were first reported in China – the world’s largest pork producer – in August 2018.

It quickly spread to every province in the said country.

From there, ASF hopped the border into Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Mon-

golia, North Korea and the Philippines.

Outbreaks were also reported in some parts of Europe, South America and the Caribbean.

“ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects pigs of all ages, inducing a hemorrhagic fever,” FAO explains in its manual, African Swine Fever: Detection and Diagnosis. “It can appear in a variety of forms ranging from peracute, acute, subacute, to chronic and apparent. It is most often recognized in the acute form with an associated lethality of up to 100%.”

ASF is not just a health issue but also an economic concern. “African swine fever is a severe threat to pig production systems,” the FAO publication states.

“It not only threatens food security and challenges the livelihoods of pig producers and other actors in the supply chain, but may also have major consequences on international trade as a result of trade restrictions.”

The Philippines ranks third to China and Vietnam in terms of pig production in Asia, data from FAO showed. Other top producers of pig in the region are Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, India and Malaysia.

A report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said that an average Filipino consumes about 14.2 kilograms of pork (2 kilograms more than the

world’s average pork consumption).

Dr. Jaime A. Sison, a veterinarian who specializes in the area of pig and chicken and a regular columnist for MARID Agribusiness, said the symptoms of ASF include high fever, decreased appetite, skin lesions and diarrhea.

“The tricky thing about diagnosing a potential case of ASF is that it can look a lot like other more common diseases,” said Dr. Sison. “(Symptoms of ASF) is just like those of the common porcine epidemic diarrhea virus or classical swine fever.”

Dr. Sison urged swine farmers to report any suspected outbreaks to their local animal health officers, as it is much easier to test a false positive than to contain an outbreak that’s festered for days.

“ASF’s real calling card is its mortality rate: it claims almost all infected animals with 7-10 days of showing symptoms, and some drop dead much earlier – without showing any outward signs of illness,” Dr. Sison said.

FAO says ASF virus is shed in saliva, tears, nasal secretions, urine, feces, and secretions from the genital tract. “Blood, in particular, contains large amounts of virus,” the UN food agency claims. “Pigs can therefore become infected by contact with many different infected sources, mainly infected pigs, pork, and other

pig-derived products.”

As stated earlier, ASF can be transmitted through pork and pork products. It doesn’t matter whether the pork and products are raw, frozen, dried or undercooked, the virus can survive for a long time. It remains infective for 15 weeks in chilled meat (and probably longer in frozen meat), and for months in bone marrow or cured hams and sausages unless they have been cooked or smoked at high temperature.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) based in United Kingdom calls ASF as “transboundary animal disease.”

“Transmission can also occur via contaminated feed and fomites (non-living objects) such as shoes, clothes, vehicles, knives, equipment, etc.,” OIE explains. “These contaminated materials can be transported over long distances by vehicles and people.”

But the good thing is: “Although highly lethal, ASF is less infectious than some other transboundary animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease,” the FAO claims. In Africa, some indigenous pigs have been reported to have developed some degree of tolerance to ASF. But unlike most transboundary animal disease, ASF has no vaccines or drugs available to prevent

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PSC to athletes: Don’t train in China

A PSC chairman William Ramirez said the sports agency has advised national athletes to refrain from training in China.

PBA considering upgraded facilities of PSC as venues

T

he Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) might soon be calling Philippine Sports Commission facilities home if negotiations to house PBA games in the sports agency’s refurbished venues push through.

The Multi-purpose Arena (MPA) in Philsports Complex in Pasig city, Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) and Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC) at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila are being eyed to host PBA games.

Renato Chavez, Evihore Lopez and Neil Tibajares of the PBA conducted an ocular inspection on Thursday and expressed their delight over the upgrades they saw in the RMSC venues.

The RMC, the most historic facility of the three, is now air-conditioned and boasts of retractable seating.

part from considering the postponement of the 10th ASEAN Para Games next month, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has decided to prevent local athletes from traveling to China to train or compete amid the coronavirus scare.

“In terms of preventive measures, we have put out information materials for our national athletes and coaches,” said Marc Velasco, the agency’s chief of

staff and national training director.

“Caution will be exercised on allowing athletes and coaches traveling to other countries for international competitions.”

The PSC board met on Thursday to discuss rescheduling its events to safeguard athletes and the public against the 2019 novel coronavirus.

PSC chairman William Ramirez said the sports agency has postponed the National Sports Summit

2020, Philippine National Games, Batang Pinoy, and Children’s Games.

“The board discussed the current situation, and we have decided that we are postponing major events of the PSC as a safety measure against the Novel Coronavirus,” Ramirez said.

He also recommended the postponement of the scheduled holding of the 10th ASEAN Para Games in March.

“We have a board

FPSC, P11

Romy Teneza, venue manager of the RMC declared that the famed coliseum can now accommodate more or less 8000 seated audience, depending on the seating plan. The NAS PSC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy said that even the University Athletic Association of the Philippines has expressed interest to hold their events in the upgraded sports vees managed by the sports agency.

“We are very positive about this. It would be nice to host them again in our arena,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez, adding that requirements of the national team shall remain a priority when it comes to use of said government sports facility.

The Philsports MPA was the PBA’s home for some years in the 80’s and early 2000s.

World sports events disrupted by coronavirus

T

he following is a list of international sports events affected by the coronavirus, which has killed almost 640 people and infected over 31,100 in China after it first emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, late last year : ATHLETICS The World Athletics Indoor Championships, which had been scheduled for Nanjing from March 13 to 15, were postponed until next year. World Athletics is working with organizers to settle on a date to host the biennial event in 2021.

The Asian Athletics Association cancelled its Feb. 12 to 13 indoor championships in Hangzhou.

SOCCER Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG have been postponed.

Guangzhou and the Shanghai clubs will join the competition in April, with their group matches due to be played in May. Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG were due to play away at Perth Glo-

ry and Sydney FC but Australian officials sought to reschedule matches after their government imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals arriving from China.

A four-team women's Olympic qualifying tournament involving China, Australia, Taiwan and Thailand was moved from Wuhan and rearranged to be held in Australia by the AFC. Vietnam's government said it would not allow the country to host sporting events in February, meaning home AFC Cup group stage matches for Ho Chi Minh City and Than Quang Ninh will have to be switched to away fixtures.

Ho Chi Minh City will now face Yangon United in Myanmar on Feb. 11 while Than Quang Ninh meet Ceres Negros on Feb. 25 in the Philippines.

The Chinese Football Association said domestic games at all levels would be postponed.

FORMULA E The all-electric Formula E motor racing series abandoned plans for a race in Sanya on March 21.

FWORLD SPORTS, P11

Mindanao champion Holy Trinity College - General Santos City (top), Mats Navigators (middle), and Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders (bottom) comprise the three teams which advanced to the Philippine Collegiate Champions' League/Escandor Cup VisMin Finals to represent

Mindanao on February 17-20, 2020 at the Davao City Recreation Center (formerly Almendras Gym), Davao City. The Mindanao teams are set to face each other together with another three teams from Visayas for a spot in the national finals. (SBP 11 PHOTOS)

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