Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 38 | Thursday, May 2, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

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WORKERS’ RIGHTS

WHERE HAVE ALL OUR FISH GONE? ►SCIENCE P8 edgedavao@gmail.com

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PRRD optimistic Congress will pass pro-labor measures

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resident Rodrigo Duterte is optimistic Congress will consider passing needed legislative measures that will fully protect workers’ rights, especially to security of tenure and self-organization.

“I remain optimistic that one year since I issued Executive Order (EO) No. 51 implementing existing constitutional and statutory provisions against illegal contracting, my counterparts in Congress will consider passing much

needed legislative measures that will fully protect our workers’ rights, especially to secure of tenure and self-organization,” the President said in his Labor Day message Wednesday.

Duterte’s EO 51

WORKERS’, P9

TO THE RESCUE. A track and field coach and members of the medical team help two participants who collapsed to the track after reaching the finish line during the 100-meter dash secondary girl's division of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa Para Games held at the University of Mindanao track oval in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

PALATE TALKS ►INDULGE A2

DEFIANT YCLUB ADVENTURES COMING YOUR WAY THIS 2019

►MOTORING P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

THE NATION’S STRENGTH. President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while delivering a speech during the opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa 2019 held at the University of the Philippines over the weekend. In his Labor Day statement released on Wednesday, the Chief Executive has extended his appreciation for the contribution in nation building of the hardworking labor force here and abroad. Lean Daval Jr

No need to prove I matrix, says Palace

President approves EO on Normalization

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t is “totally unnecessary” to prove the legitimacy of the “oust-Duterte” matrix, which links journalists and lawyers to a plot to discredit President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

On April 22, a matrix was released by the Palace, which accused Rappler, Vera Files, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), and the National Union of Peoples’ lawyers (NUPL) as plotting against the President. The same matrix was �irst released by the Manila Times.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said there was no need to prove the matrix because for now, since it remains a “just a conspiracy”, which has not yet been carried out and is not actionable in court.

“Those named in the matrix demand proof of their participation in the ouster plot. Such is totally unnecessary. The matrix shows that there is an ouster plot. It is just a plot, a plan, an idea,” Panelo said in a statement.

“The same is not actionable in court it being just a conspiracy. Conspiracy is not a crime unless the law spe-

ci�ically classi�ies a particular conspiracy to undertake a project or actualize a plan as a crime,” he added.

Citing Article 8 of the Revised Penal Code, Panelo said: “Conspiracy and proposal to commit felony are punishable only in the cases in which the law specially provides a penalty therefor.”

Panelo said only once the plot has been committed will the Palace �ile cases in courts and eventually show proof of the plotters’ participation in the ouster plot.

“Only when all the elements of any of these crimes have been committed will we �ile a case against the conspirators. Should their plans lead to overt acts punishable by law then criminal cases will also be �iled against them. It is only when the cases are �iled in court that proof will be submitted to substantiate the criminal charges,” Panelo said.

Foreign source

Meanwhile, Panelo defended anew the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to release the matrix, which he claimed came from a foreign source, noting that it was obtained through means that did not violate the Constitution.

“The President said the information on the ouster plot was received by him from a foreign source. It does not conclusively mean, however, that the information was originally obtained by the foreign country by an unlawful method that violates the privacy of an individual,” Panelo said.

Panelo �loated the possibility that, through intelligence information sharing between countries, the information may have been acquired by a Filipino citizen who shared the same to the foreign country, which then transmitted it to the President.

He also dismissed as “erroneous” speculations that the information was obtained through illegal means such as wiretapping since there were ways to acquire them legally.

“It is also erroneous to

speculate that the information was obtained through wiretapping or any similar device prohibited by laws as it could have been personally heard or witnessed during a conversation between plotters in a place where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy, which according to jurisprudence is not violative of our privacy laws,” Panelo said “It could also have been heard by one of their colleagues who does not agree on the ouster plan, who then shared the information to another, who in turn also relayed the information from whom PRRD received it. The possibilities are endless,” he added.

Right to information Panelo said the release of the matrix is also pursuant to Article 3, Section 7 of the Constitution which provides that, “the right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.”

“The people deserve to know that there are ouster plans against the leadership of their government,” Panelo said.

NO NEED, P9

n another historic move, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 79 or the Annex on Normalization under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The President’s approval of EO 79 marks another milestone in the decades-long Bangsamoro peace process and signals the full implementation of the Normalization track, particularly its various mechanisms and components that have initially been established on the ground.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr said that by af�ixing his signature to EO 79, the Chief Executive is sending a strong message that his administration is determined to sustain the gains and push forward the Bangsamoro peace process to its successful conclusion.

“This is the moment we have been waiting for.

It is another testament of the President’s �irm commitment to ful�ill all signed agreements with the various Moro fronts and �inally bring genuine and enduring peace to the Bangsamoro,” Galvez said.

Normalization: A multipronged peace and development strategy The formal operationalization of the Annex on Normalization, which is part

of the CAB, comes �ive years after it was signed by members of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Implementing Panels.

According to Galvez, Normalization is a multi-faceted strategy which encompasses the key aspects of security, socio-economic development, sustainable livelihood, political participation, con�idence-building, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

“What EO 79 actually does is to consolidate all of the government’s different peace-building initiatives under the Normalization track,” he explained.

Galvez pointed out that the Normalization phase shall compliment the political track of the CAB. “The Normalization track compliments the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which was signed into law

by President Duterte in July 27, 2018 and rati�ied through plebiscites held on January 21 and February 6, 2019,” he said.

Galvez said the passage of the BOL resulted in the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is led

PRESIDENT, P9

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

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Councilor Librado to push for worker’s protection desk

LABOR DAY PROTEST. Members of different union groups in Davao Region stage a protest rally to commemorate the 133rd International Labor Day at Orcullo Park along Roxas Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. The groups have renewed their

call to end contractualization and demand from the government the enactment of the Security of Tenure Bill. Lean Daval Jr

Councilor Leah Librado extends her support to workers in the city in this year’s celebration of Labor Day. As current SP Chairperson for Committee on Labor & Employment, the lady lawyer’s of�ice has been providing free legal assistance for labor-related cases for nine years and holding job fairs for both local and overseas placement.

“However, what we envision is a comprehensive program to protect our workers. Our support for ENDO remains and my sister could probably continue what I have started for the labor sector in the City regarding protection and opportunities for our workers,” said Atty. Librado in a statement.

Her sister, Pamela Librado is running for councilor in the city’s �irst district. She vows to push for worker’s

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Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement as he justi�ied President Rodrigo Duterte’s preference for bilateral negotiations over multilateral talks with other parties since the sea row is a problem the two countries should settle on their own.

“Sa ngayon bilateral muna. Kasi I remember si Presidente noong a year ago, parang hindi siya masyadong hot sa multilateral (For now, we stick with bilateral negotiations. Because I remember, the President a year ago, doesn’t seem to favor multilateral),” Panelo said in a Palace brie�ing.

“Kasi nga eh ang may problema iyong dalawang bansa, di mag-bilateral muna kayo (Because it’s the problem of two countries, so why don’t we begin with bilateral �irst),” he added.

Duterte has stood pat on his stand, despite remarks made by University of the Philippines (UP) Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea Director Jay Batongbacal that it is time to go multilateral since the bilateral approach is ineffective.

Panelo said the maritime law expert is entitled to his own opinion but insisted that bilateral talks

Morales to Floirendo: More cops to DavNor

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avao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Antonio “Tonyboy” Floirendo Jr. visited Police Regional Of�ice head P/ Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales on Wednesday, May 1.

Floirendo’s courtesy call to Morales is his �irst visit to the of�ice nine months after the police regional director assumed of�ice.

Floirendo thanked Morales for their ef-

fort to ensure a peaceful election in the region and most especially in Davao del Norte.

The congressman also urged the police director to beef up their forces in hotly-contested areas as the election day draws closer.

Morales said that they will be deploying additional forces to Davao del Norte anytime soon.

was the best option to avoid unnecessary con�lict from arising.

“Of course, yes. You don’t resolve the con�lict by going to war or armed hostilities; it will not solve anything. In fact, all the con�licts in the world when not resolved by means of negotiations end up in armed hostilities,” Panelo said.

“The advantage there is whatever difference you have, you can settle it by way of that mechanism,” he added.

He, however, said multilateral talks could still be an option in the future.

“Siguro (Parhaps) if that fails baka maging option iyon (it can be an options), among the claimants,” Panelo said.

Asked what would convince the President to take the sea row to a multilateral level, Panelo refrained

from commenting saying he would rather not preempt the chief executive.

“We will have to wait for the President. The President is the one who charters the foreign policy. That is his right and discretion.

We cannot be preempting the President on this,” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, expressed hope that China would remain open-minded to resolve the sea row and at the same time, respond to the Philippines’ diplomatic protest against the presence of Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island and other Philippine-claimed territories.

“What is important to me is open sila na i-resolve ang dispute doon sa negotiation table (they are open to resolve the dispute in the negotiation ta-

BILATERAL, P10

COUNCILOR, P9

Malacañang backs probe on influx of foreign doctors in PH

Bilateral talks ‘most effective’ M way to resolve WPS dispute

olding bilateral negotiations between the Philippines and China is currently the “most effective” way to resolve the dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Malacañang said on Tuesday.

right, if given the chance to be elected.

“I am speci�ically thinking of putting up worker’s protection desks for the city, and perhaps down to the barangay level. I am also in full support for ENDO as well as prohibiting illegal contracting and sub-contracting. In Davao City alone, 80 percent of the companies are hiring contractual workers,” Ms. Pamela Librado said in a separate interview.

Both women strongly support the workers as their father, the late Erasto ‘Nonoy” Librado was a labor leader and former city councilor.

Underscoring the Librado family’s pro-worker stance and reiterating their commitment to advance workers’ interests, the sisters further pointed out

alacañang on Tuesday said that it will support Senator Richard Gordon’s call to investigate the in�lux of foreign doctors working in the Philippines without permits.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out that this probe will also determine whether there is a lack of Filipino doctors in the country.

“Ang daming mga doktor na nagpupunta sa ibang bansa, baka kulang na tayo kaya nakakapasok sila (There are many Filipino doctors going abroad to work, maybe there is a lack of Filipino doctors that’s why these illegal foreign doctors can enter the country),” Panelo said in a Palace brie�ing.

“Tama iyon (That’s right), he should really investigate the whys and the wherefores of this in�lux of foreign doctors in the country para malaman natin (so that we �ind out),” he added.

On Saturday, Gordon, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, called for an inquiry into illegal

foreign doctors following reports on the presence of Pakistani or Nepalese doctors working as medical consultants in the country.

Gordon said this is a violation of the reciprocity requirement under The Medical Act of 1959 (Republic Act 2382) since the Philippines only has a reciprocity principal with Japan, Spain, and the US, including ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements.

The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) is in charge of authorizing the issuance of a certi�icate of registration/license or a Special Temporary Permit to foreign professionals who desire to practice their professions in the country under reciprocity and other international agreements.

This probe on illegal foreign doctors comes amid controversy on the rise of illegal Chinese workers in the country.

Panelo earlier assured that government will apply immigration laws with "full force" against all foreign workers without working permits. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

S&P upgrade attributed to PRRD’s 10-point agenda: Sec. Dominguez

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SPIRITUAL DESTINATIONS. The Originals Human Hotels and Resorts responsible commercial groupes sales manager groups department Matteo Dell’Orto (leftmost), Lourdes Tourism Board promotion and communication in charge Corine Laussu (2nd from left), Chartres Tourism Board’s Bloner Clarisse

(3rd from left), France’s Development Tourism Agency director for ASEAN Morad Tayebi (rightmost) and Avignon Tourism Board’s Sylvie Joly walk members of the press on various spiritual tourism destinations of France during a press gathering at Marco Polo Davao on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Tuesday attributed to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s leadership the upgrade

by Standard and Poor (S&P) of Philippines’ investment grade credit rating to ‘BBB+’, a notch away from A-level, with Stable outlook.

“Credit belongs to PRRD’s strong leadership and his 10-Point Economic Program,” he told journalists covering the �inance beat.

The 10-point agenda bids for the continued implementation of macroeconomic policies, institution of progressive tax reform program and more effective tax collection, increase of the country’s competitiveness and ease of doing business, increase in public spending on infrastructure, and promotion of rural and value chain development.

It also targets to ensure security of land tenure to entice more investments, invest in human capital development; promote science, technology, and creative

arts to promote innovation; improve social protection programs and �irm up implementation of responsible parenthood and reproductive health law.

In a statement, Dominguez said the upgrade also “means that the bonds we issue will attract more investors at interest rates lower than what we are currently paying, saving millions of pesos for the Filipino taxpayers.”

“We are now one notch away from an A- rating. This is due to President Duterte’s strong leadership and his 10-Point Economic Program,” he added.

The ratings upgrade was announced about a year after S&P changed its ratings outlook on the country’s then ‘BBB’ rating from Stable to Positive.

S&P, along with Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Services, elevated the country’s credit ratings to investment grade since 2013 due to the continued expansion of the economy. (PNA)

he Tan-led Philippine National Bank (PNB) targets to acquire a bank to further strengthen its consumer �inance.

In a brie�ing Tuesday, PNB president and chief executive of�icer Jose Arnulfo Veloso said they are on the lookout for a bank that “can bring PNB to the next level”, noting that this is the trend among other �inancial institutions in the country.

He said PNB has a large customer base in the commercial banking space and local corporate space and most of about two-thirds of their branches are in the provinces.

“We would like to be able to have a good consumer �inance business which currently is lower

than industry…so if we are going to �ind a bank that we will be able to acquire, our focus will be a �inancial institution that would complement that business opportunity that we would like to develop,” he said.

Veloso said this decision was made since “the top end and large corporates are overbanked.”

He said foreign banks are now additional competitors for the large corporates after the industry’s liberalization in 2014.

“The commercial banking space will eventually be challenged and that is where PNB is very strong that is why we are putting the savings bank back into the bank to allow ourselves to have a very good cover of

HK-based company sees high gold demand in PH T H

PNB to acquire bank to boost consumer finance

ong Kong-based company J. Rotbart & Co. expects an increasing demand for gold in the Philippines, comprising almost a fourth of its global portfolio, as more Filipinos opt for new investments amid robust economic growth.

Joshua Rotbart, founder and managing partner of J. Rotbart & Co., said on Tuesday about 20 percent of its transactions worldwide came from the Philippines in the �irst quarter of the year.

The �irm launched its Manila of�ice last January to offer a bespoke precious metal service with specializations in sourcing, liquidation, transportation and

storage of bullion, as it expands its footprint in the Philippines. It has also an of�ice in Singapore.

J. Rotbart & Co. also offers 10 secure tax-free vaults globally and delivery of bullion to over 35 destinations worldwide.

“We’re going to keep this 20 percent ratio for this year. Our plan I would say is to get exposure, if we get

Gender-responsive PH tourism industry pushed

W

ith the unprecedented growth of Philippine tourism and its potential to create more jobs for women, the government is pushing for policies that are more gender-responsive.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the industry has opened up opportunities for more Filipinos, with around 5.3 million jobs related to tourism -- a share of 13.1 percent to the country’s total employment in 2017.

“We must assure that the bene�its are equally felt throughout the different sectors by means of policy and practice, without partiality,” she said in a speech during the “Jobs and Women in the Philippine Tourism” forum in Pasay City on Tuesday.

“This is our �irst step to achieving a gender-responsive tourism industry in

2018 alone,” she added.

Romulo-Puyat said the industry has the potential to contribute “greater gender equality” and “empowerment” among Filipino women.

“The initiatives of the government translate directly to jobs available for women and opportunities for inclusive advancement of all,” she said.

The Department of Tourism continues to work towards a “progressive and vibrant tourism industry that is inclusive and resilient”, she added.

Among others, it also leads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) program on Gender and Development in Tourism.

“As we push for further equality here in the Philippines, we play the central role in advancing the agen-

GENDER, P9

to two percent of the local clients engaged in gold, we would be happy for the �irst year,” Rotbart said in a press brie�ing.

“Every week we get new clients, through the (offshore) bank (Banco de Oro) and other parties,” he said.

Rotbart noted the company generally trades about USD200 million a year globally.

“For us, it’s a very important key market and I can tell you as a company, a lot of our resources now are dedicated to the Philippines… So we really believe in this market,” he added.

Rotbart said the Philip-

pines currently ranks 24th in the world for gold reserves.

He said annual gold demand stood at 4,345 tons, with almost half going to jewelry.

Meanwhile, Rotbart pushed key initiatives that could make the Philippines a “gold center.”

“From the government point of view, scrap the tax and (secure) infrastructure… You need vault, you need security in place to move it around, you need the airlines,” he said. “If you want to allow a free trade, you have to scrap the tax, and that’s what Singapore did.” (PNA)

PNB, P10

ANNUAL JOB FAIR. Jobseekers fill up registration form for the two-day job fair by the Department of Labor and Employment 11 (DOLE 11) at a mall in J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City on Wednesday. The job fair dubbed “Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan job and business fair” is offering some 8,000 local and overseas jobs. Lean Daval Jr

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

SUBURBIA RISING

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756 farmers receive land titles, livelihood assistance from DAR

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ALAPAN CITY – Some 756 agrarian reform bene�iciaries recently received certi�icates of land ownership award (CLOAs) from Agrarian Reform Secretary John R. Castriciones at the Bulwagang Panlalawigan Capitol Compound here.

The distributed CLOAs last April 25 covered 623 hectares of agricultural lands in the municipalities of Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro.

Fruit farmer Restituto Zapata, 52, from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro was one of the farmer-recipients.

“I have been working in this land, assisting my parents who were tenants since I was 20 years old,” said Zapata, received 0.6 hectares of farm lot.

“Now that the land I till is mine, I plan to plant it with citrus fruits like kalamansi and cintures” he added.

A portion of the 623 hectares were home lots given to 134 agrarian reform bene�iciaries (ARBs).

Farmer Jerry Calub of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro was overjoyed after being informed by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) that he will receive a 90-square-meter home lot.

“The long wait is �inally over. The lot where my house stands is now legally mine,” said Calub.

In his message, Castriciones urged the ARBs to cherish the day they received their respective CLOAs that signify their freedom from the bondage of tenancy.

“Ito ang araw na dapat tayo’y maging masaya sapagkat matatanggap ng ating mga farmer-bene�iciaries ang kanilang CLOA na kanilang matagal nang hinihintay. Iyan ang magpapatunay na sila ay tunay na mga Pilipino at tunay na nagmamay-ari na ng lupa,” Castriciones said.

“Sila ay biniyayaan ng ating Panginoong Diyos, sa pamamagitan ng ating pamahalaan, ni President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, ng mga kawani ng DAR, at sa tulong ng ating mga partners at LGUs (local

government units) upang matanggap na ng mga magsasaka ang kanilang sariling lupa,” the DAR chief added.

For their part, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Of�icers Joselito Nathaniel Diaz and Luisito Jacinto led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the DAR and the recipient cooperatives on the Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Bene�iciaries Project (CLAAP).

The program is in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that aims to boost farmers’ household income by helping them develop their agricultural enterprises through livelihood and micro-enterprise projects like vegetable and fruit farming, food processing, and livestock raising, among others.

A P1.3 million project assistance under CLAAP will be implemented speci�ically to provide seed capital assistance on the establishment of consumer stores (sari-sari

stores), rice retail outlets, and provision of farm agricultural supplies as such fertilizers and pesticides.

“A portion of the CLAAP fund will also be used to train farmers on basic entrepreneurship to help them appreciate and understand the ropes of running a business,” said Diaz.

Expected to bene�it from the said proj-

ect are 93 bene�iciaries comprising of ARBs and non-ARBs from three cooperatives, namely the Matatag Multi-Purpose Cooperative, New Dagupan ARB-MPC and the Bubog Development Cooperative.

“Implementation of the CLAAP will immediately start now that the agreement has been signed,” Jacinto said.

Castriciones emphasized the value of being industrious, hardworking, helpful towards one another and thankful to God, the government and the DAR for such blessings. He further said that the DAR will continue to give more lands to the landless and to provide the necessary support services to the ARBs.

April 29, The City Election Of�icer Sittie Rahma Pantalan gathered selected of�icials and organizations in the city in preparation for a peaceful and orderly conduct of the 2019 midterm election.

Some of those which were discussed are the tasks of each of�ice during the election period.

COMELEC also reminded the of�ices of other responsibilities following the resolutions issued by the CO M E L E C - C e n t ra l Of�ice.

According to the OIC PNP Chief PMAJ. Ernesto M. Gregore, each school or polling place with clustered precincts will be manned by a police personnel to ensure safety and security on May 13.

Furthermore, a separate meeting will be conducted by the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP), and COMELEC while the election of�icer encouraged to activate the City Elections Monitoring and Action Center (CEMAC) with the PNP. In addition, a medical assistance team from the City Health Of�ice, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�ice, and Department of Education – Panabo City will be deployed.

Meanwhile, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) will send volunteers from Maryknoll College of Panabo who will man a voter’s assistance desk at polling areas.

Daycare centers will also be opened during the election day to cater children while their parents are voting.

Finally, Pantalan reminded the members that the liquor ban will start on May 12, a day before the election.

Panabo preparing for a peaceful 2019 election

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

EDITORIAL The right advocate The Senate, it being an August body where laws of varying areas in governance are crafted, is a virtual community of people with various interests not necessarily one knowing everything. Hence, we look at this elections by �iltering the aspirants to the Senate based on their expertise and advocacy.

There is no need to engage these candidates in a virtual clash of heads in a manner that debates are necessary to weigh the �itness of the presidency, for example. It’s a different yardstick we use when measuring multi-representations to a one-to-one electoral battle. So if we force Senatorial aspirants into a debate, naturally they will not engage themselves head on as they prefer to speak on their chosen advocacies and background.

If we speak of an advocacy on women empowerment and children, this particular narrative deserves a seat in the Senate. As integral as peace and order and economics, or environment protection, the advocacy on gender sensitivity and children is a valuable component

EDGEDAVAO

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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

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of our legislative system. However, not every candidate with a chosen advocacy or matching gender can be said to be tailor-for to represent such valuable subject to the halls of the Senate. It cannot be said that while opposition Senatorial aspirant Samira Gutoc presents herself as a champion for women’s advocacy, she is already the right �it. While Gutoc sells herself as such, people are seeing it differently especially after the recent debates presented by a television network. She appeared annoyingly combative unlike the feisty brilliance of the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Many other candidates outside Gutoc present themselves as champions but do not seem to have the support, charisma and depth that will qualify for an legislative advocate.

With just about two weeks before millions of Filipinos cast their votes, the electorate need to know the candidates and their ‘representations’ in a society that needs more men of varied interests to be part of this very important assembly.

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

MT. MCKINLEY AND MT. WASHINGTON Until we stumbled about the 1946-47 Philippine Zoological Expedition spearheaded by Harry Hoogstraal, we did not have an inkling there’s such a thing as Mt. McKinley and Mt. Washington in regions adjacent to Davao City.

Hoogstraal is the famous American entomologist and parasitologist described as “the greatest authority on ticks and tickborne diseases who ever lived.” An alumnus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, he served during World War II as an of�icer entomologist in the U.S. Army, at the 19th Medical General Laboratory. He received his doctorates in Philosophy and Science from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

After the con�lict, he did not return to the U.S. but sought discharge in Manila and organized a major biological expedition with funding from the Field Museum.

For two years, he collected specimens in Mindanao and Palawan. Over 200 of species appellation (hoogstraali) and other roots (i.e., hoogstraalia, hoogstraaliana, and hoogstraaliter) were named after him.

Hoogstraal also received impressive honors that included the Henry Baldwin Ward Medal of the American Society of Parasitologists (1967); the Presidential Order of Merit First Class of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and the Walter Reed Medal of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Academically, he was also awarded a doctorate, honoris causa, by Ain Shams University, and honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Khartoum.

In ‘Narrative and Itinerary,’ published in 1951 by the Chicago Natural History Museum, Hoogstraal reported that his team spent eight weeks (August 9-October 6, 1946) on Mt. Washington, which is part of the Mt. Apo range that “extends from southern Mindanao along Davao Gulf north through Agusan Province into the north end of Mindanao Island.”

Hoogstraal reported that Mt. McKinley was never mentioned except in Hachisuka’s Birds of the Philippines.

He �irst got his information about it from a U.S. Army Intelligence Report. In the case of Mt. Washington, naming

of landmarks after the �irst American president was already widespread at the time. In his account, he clearly described the location of the two mounts: “When viewed from the docks of Santa Ana, Mount McKinley, Mount Washington, and Mount Apo look near-by, the �irst two closest and green to the top. Mount Apo, to the south and west, looms white as though covered with snow, but the white appearance is due to the boulder �ields at its peak.

The sulfur fumaroles just below the peak cause a thin cloud of haze that adds to the illusion…

“Mount McKinley and Mount Washington are joined with Mount Apo by a saddle 6,000 feet high and some four to �ive miles in length, and they are connected with each other by a saddle about 7,000 feet high. The two form a huge horseshoe-shaped ridge. The continuation of Mount Washington’s ridges to the west of Mount McKinley leaves between the two a huge, steep conical center tht gives the impression of an immense crater with one side blown out. These steep interior slopes re consider-

ably dried than the eastern slopes of Mount McKinley, which stop most of the clouds driven in from Davao Gulf…

“Mount McKinley is in line with the winds that blow in from Davao Gulf and its slopes above 4,000 feet are drenched the year around.

We visited the mountain in a relatively dry part of the year in the lowlands (…), but it rained most of the time, day and night, usually lightly but sometimes very heavy indeed.”

Comparatively, Mount Washington is higher in elevation than Mount McKinley and is found in between Mount Apo and Mount McKinley if viewed from Todaya, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. Meanwhile, reaching Mount McKinley, which is about 3,800 feet above sea level, would be through the Davao-Cotabato road via as far as Toril before turning west and starting the gradual climb to the end of the trail, which is about 3,200 feet in elevation. Hoogstraal’s team, however, did not include in their zoological itinerary the visit to Mount Washington.

There is also a Mount McKinley, renamed in 1917 from its original appellation

as Denali, in south central Alaska with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet, the highest peak in North America.

Also, there is a place in Davao City which sports the name Washington, obviously named after the American president. The locals, though, dispute this claim, saying the place-name actually is a comic take of ‘washing’ given the proximity of the area to Davao River where, in prewar times, was a popular place for bathing and laving.

Mount McKinley was named after William McKinley (1843–1901), the 25th president of the United States. He was assassinated on March 4, 1897, while serving his second term. Among his notable contributions were the victory in the Spanish–American War and the signing of the protective tariffs to promote American industry.

On the other hand, Mount Washington was named after George Washington (1732– 1799), the �irst US president.

His accomplishments include as commander of the Patriot forces in the American Revolutionary War against the British; he is one of the founding fathers.

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

THE GRACE POE CONUNDRUM, BATO’S DEBATE Recent surveys are showing that reelectionist senatorial candidate Grace Poe will have a dif�icult time getting number one spot in the senatorial elections.

Cynthia Villar has actually wrested top spot from her though remaining ststistically tied.

Poe’s political fortunes will rest on being able to repeat her winning the top spot in the 2013 midterm elections.

While claiming to be an independent candidate back then, she ran under the administration alliance and its machinery that delivered votes to put �lesh to her pre election survey performance.

This presents a conundrum: While she may be popular and visible in the “air war” which is mainstream media, the surveys only sample a fraction of voters and

make projections.

Actual votes will depend on the ground war, which is, electoral bases delivering the critical voter support obtained by local candidates.

Unlike in 2013, she today cannot count on this.

This will prove problematic for many among her core supporters who may be eyeing a presidential run in 2022. Not getting no. 1 means that her political stock has diminished, her bankability as a winning presidential candidate is tarnished.

This may be a repeat of her 2016 electoral defeat where her status as initial favorite to win fell as the presidential debates progressed.

The same conundrum is faced by reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino and the comebacking Mar Roxas. Their survey numbers are falling, and the absence of local can-

didates to carry the vote will spell the difference for them on election day.

Going around Mindanao, we can see how sparse their campaign materials are indicating the lack of ground campaign teams that are provided by local candidates.

On another front, the recent “one on 6” debate performance on CNN Philippines of former PNP chief Bato de la Rosa is one for the books.

He almost singlehandedly took on the 6 more “intellectual” candidates of the otso diretso, focusing on what voters actually demand: actual performance and track records.

In almost all questions, including the South China Sea issue, Bato threw back the issue to them and reframed it with the fact that revealing the previous administrations “failure” in 2012 that allowed

the Chinese ships to enter and remain in contested waters.

The image of Bato swinging resonated well with many voters, as against the intellectually nuanced, and confusing response of candidates like Erin Tanada who gave a neither here nor there response in a bid to rebut the former PNP chief on his proposal to arrest people refusing to respond to forced evacuations from calamity areas.

He looked and sounded like a man of action many seem to want to win, rather them the smart sounding “pa-bright” candidate that is a turn off to many voters of today.

Todays electorate demands action, walking the talk and staying true to convictions. In a word: authenticity. Bato de la Rosa has stayed true to his convictions on law and order, and many related

themes no matter how unpopular they might sound to mainstream media comentators. The debate showed us the same sense of conviction when applied to other issues.

Voters seek this in their candidate.

At the start of the campaign, Bato barely made the winners circle. Today, his numbers place bim confortably within the top 6-10.

The rest of the 6 otso diretso candidates looked stumped and confused at Bato’s responses, not knowing how to respond and swing like he did.

Are the opposition candidates still wondering why voters cant seem to resonate to them the way they do for Bato? I think many readers like you already know the answer.

For reactions, facebook. com/johntriapage

8 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

WHERE HAVE ALL OUR FISH GONE? Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

“Wild �ish are the world’s most cost-ef�icient protein source. They are renewable, lowcarbon, and much cheaper to produce than chicken, pork, or beef.” – Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos of Oceana Philippines Give man a �ish, so goes a popular Chinese saying, and he will eat �ish for a day. Teach him how to �ish, and he will �ish or his lifetime.

“If we don’t watch out, this adage may soon become obsolete,” warns Jethro P. Adang, the new director of the Davao-based Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) Foundation, Inc. “We are �ishing our waters to the limit!”

“Like the other vital resources such as forests, Philippine �isheries are about to collapse – a victim of the almost unabated plunder of the commons,” he deplores.

As de�ined, the commons encompasses unoccupied land and all waters which are considered God-given set of resources for all people to consume as much as needed. But these resources appear to have been abused to the point of exhaustion.

Despite the country’s vast marine resources – 220 million hectares of coastal and oceanic territorial water area – the Philippines is now experiencing a shortfall in �ish supply. Last year, the country imported about 17,000 metric tons of “galunggong” or round scad, mostly from China and Vietnam.

This is unthinkable, indeed. “The �isheries sector is one of the most important sources of food and livelihood in the country,” said Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora in his presentation during the 12th

Annual Meeting and Scienti�ic Convention of Outstanding Young Scientists. “Fish is the country’s second staple food next to rice.”

The condensed version of Ebora’s paper was published in The PCAARRD Monitor, the bi-annual publication of the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. His co-authors were Ernesto O. Brown, Mari-ann M. Acedera, Dalisay DG. Fernandez, Fezoil Luz C. Decena, Meliza F. Abeleda, and Ma. Adela C. Corpuz.

“Although its share to the gross domestic product is a mere 2%, the gross value added at constant prices of the industry amounted to P123 billion,” he said. “The Philippines ranked 8th among the top �ish producing countries in the word in 2014 with its total production of 4.7 million metric tons or about 2.4% of the total world �isheries production.”

But the production is waning. Last year, the total volume of �isheries production in the country went down by 1.04% compared to the previous year’s level, according to the Philippines Statists Authority (PSA). Output reductions were noted in commercial (6.89%) and municipal (1.05%) �isheries.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) de�ines commercial �ishing as the catching of �ish with the use of

�ishing boats with a capacity of more than three gross tons for trade, business or pro�it beyond subsistence or sports �ishing.

Municipal �ishing covers �ishing operation carried out with or without the use of a boat weighing 3 gross tons or less. Inland municipal �ishing, on the other hand, is the catching of �ish, crustaceans, mollusks and all other aquatic animals and plants in inland waters like lakes, rivers, dams, and marshes.

Commercial �isheries comprised 21.97% of total �isheries production in 2017. “The volume of commercial �isheries production reached to almost 947 thousand metric tons,” the PSA reported. “It diminished by 6.89% from its level a year ago.”

About 26.12% of the total �isheries in the country 2017 was contributed by municipal �isheries. “Municipal �isheries declined by 1.05% and came up with 1.13 metric tons during the year,” the PSA said. “About 85.45% of the volume was credited to unloadings in municipal �ish landing centers and the remaining 14.55% was contributed by inland �isheries subsector.”

Over�ishing has been cited as the culprit for the shortage of �ish supply in the country. “Over�ishing is the primary cause of dwindling �ish population,” reminds Peter Weber, author of Worldwatch Institute report, Net Loss: Fish, Jobs and the Marine Environment.

Take the case of sardine, one of the most commercially important �ish species. “Over�ishing was found to constrain sustainable development of the sardine industry,” Ebora said. “Declining production was observed since 2009. In 2011, a 50% decrease in sardine production was recorded.”

The tuna industry, which accounts for 12% of total �ish production in the country, is not spared. “Due to its high economic importance, rampant cases of juvenile �ishing have been reported, which led to decline in tuna stock,” Ebora deplored.

Same with sea cucumber. Although the Philippines has the most diverse species of sea cucumber, its stocks are depleted due to unregulated harvesting. “The open access nature of sea cucumber resources makes them vulnerable to over�ishing,” Ebora said.

Majority of the �ishing grounds in the country are over�ished. Recent reports said that ten out of 13 �ishing grounds are under intense �ishing pressure. “Over�ishing is the main issue, with today’s �ishers ranging farther and trying harder to catch more – but there are more �ishers and too few �ish,” observes Gregg Yan, director for Communications for Ocean Philippines.

The Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte is a case in point. Home to a variety of �ishes, it is a major �ishing ground for the 11 municipalities that surround it. Mangko or frigate tuna (scienti�ic name: Euthynnus af�inis) is its major �ishery resource. Seasonal in�lux of this shallow-water tuna species has provided food and livelihood to the people of Sogod and nearby towns.

“Frigate tuna used to abound in Sogod Bay and was a major source of income in the 70’s until the 90’s,” Dr. Salome Bulayog, an associate professor of the department of economics at the Visayas State University, told EDGE Davao. “But today, �ishermen could hardly have �ish catch. Fishermen have to spend longer time to catch a kilogram of �ish; some even have to farther from the shore.”

Filipino environmentalists wondered: “Where have all our

�ish gone?” Vince Cinches, oceans campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, has this to say: “For a country known for marine biodiversity, there a very few �ish left to catch.”

Fish importation seemed to be the possible solution. “Shortterm imports may actually put long-term food security and �isherfolk at risk,” believes Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, of the Oceana Philippines, an organization working exclusively to protect and restore the oceans. “The issues haunting �isheries management can only be solved through a more comprehensive and participatory plan.”

In the Philippines, there are four main laws governing the policy framework for the management of �isheries. These include the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (Republic Act 8550) and its amendment (RA 10654); Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160); Agriculture Fisheries Modernization Act of 1998 (RA 8435); and National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 (RA 7856).

“The Philippine Fisheries Code is the primary legislation that sets out the overarching policies and objectives to be pursued in the management of �isheries,” Ebora explained. “It also sets the power to regulate municipal and commercial �isheries, aquaculture and postharvest activity, create �isheries reserve, protect �isheries habitats, and to impose sanctions.”

In support of �ishery management policies, the Fisheries Code also “provides for the establishment of regulations addressing access to �ishery resources and declaration of closed �ishing seasons and catch ceilings for conservation and ecological purposes – based on available evidence.”

For its part, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has been doing its part in conducting empirical evidences from scienti�ic studies that showed alarming declines in �ishery productivity.

Sardine was one of the focus of a DOST-commissioned study. The collapse of sardine population prompted the ban on commercial �ishing during

spawning season for three months (from December 1 to March 1) per year for a period of three years to counter the effect of over�ishing.

Results from studies conducted in the Zamboanga Peninsula – the center of the country’s sardine industry – showed that there was an overall increase in the landed �ish catch of sardines after the closed season months: for commercial �ishery, 6%, 13% and 29% in the �irst, second and third years of implementation; for municipal �ishery, 33%, 37, and 6%, respectively.

Also conducted was a study on yellow �in tuna, which covers majority of �ish catch in Philippine waters. Results revealed that the Philippine yellow �in tunas are different from that of the Western and Central Paci�ic.

“More improvements are still needed to raise tuna production that is anchored on sustainable development,” Ebora reported.

Fishery experts from all over the world contend that one possible solution to the dwindling �ish catch in the open seas is by adopting the so-called “blue revolution.”

The Economist explained it in this manner: “On land, the green revolution allowed dramatic increases in crop production, with increased mechanization, and improved pest control and soil fertility through the addition of herbicides, pesticides and nitrogen-based fertilizers.”

If green is to crops, then blue is to �isheries. “The blue revolution has seen companies breeding �ish to improve traits such as their growth rate, conversion of feed into �lesh, resistance to disease, tolerance of cold and poor water, and fertility,” the London-based magazine said.

Blue revolution actually refers to aquaculture, the farming of marine animals. Actually, it’s not a new thing. The Philippines has been practicing it. The Philippine Fisheries Pro�ile of 2015 showed aquaculture �isheries produced greater proportion of the catch at 50.5%; municipal followed (with contribution of 26.2%) and then commercial �isheries (23.3%).

As of 2016, 1.3 million Filipinos are engaged in �ishing.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

AN EGG-CITING EASTER TO REMEMBER

By ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO

TO CELEBRATE EASTER, The Royal Mandaya Hotel hosted an egg-citing and fun day activity at The Royal Ballroom and Pasag Grill on April 21, 2019.

A total of 206 kids and yes, even the kids at heart, attended the Easter Egg Hunt which featured a bevy of contests, games and a lot of fun with the Easter clown and magician.

Registered kids participated in the egg hunting, egg decorating and brought home with them easter loot bags, prizes and paintings on their faces.

Six balloon making and 6 puppet bag making winners were given two pool passes for each, Mandaya Egg winners were: Ped Castillo, 7 years old

and Xhairon Paul Cadenas, 9 years old. Both won a Lunch/ Dinner Buffet for two at the Kamayo Cafe.

Judges for these contest were Ms. Marilyn Roque ( Lifestyle Writer – Mindanao Times ) Ms. Megzyl Rose Jolejole

( Marketing & MIS Manager – TRMH) and Ms. Elvie Buquiron ( Sales Manager – TRMH).

This event is successfully organized by the Happyface Fun Partybox and hosted by Ms. Cynthia Mae O. Infiesto.

EDGED

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FOOD

PALATE TALKS ONCE A FOODIE, always a foodie. And for most of us who cannot help but crave and yearn for extraordinary palate pleasers, anything that satisfies the senses automatically becomes a gustatory target. Or am I mistaken?

Nowadays, I rely heavily on my social media feeds to arouse my palate. From a unanimous post to one that’s [posted] by a friend who has the same love for food as I am, I thank technology for never failing to tease me. Is this even healthy to begin with?

Nonetheless, for the Royal Chef, seeing teasing food shots are but a welcome addition on a daily basis.

Case in point: Real Confections. What started as a quaint in-house bakeshoppe is now one of Davao’s most sought after pastry shop. And for Chieb, nothing excites him every time he is inside the kitchen.

For a while, I’ve been teased, intrigued and craved heavily on their donuts. Yup, those fluffy, stuffed, round babies are not just Homer’s favourite but mine as well. Mind you, I am very choosy when it comes to donuts.

I like mine basic — nothing fancy, not too sweet, just enough to have me dunking them on my cuppa.

Real Confections’ donuts are, to say the least, better than their commercial counterparts. The

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Not only are they delish, each round love is affordable too.

moment you take a bite, you’d be treated to a series of fluffy palate explosion. Notwithstanding their fillings, each piece is exceptionally delish — minus the hefty price tag even.

On the cuppa test, it’s a big YES! Their donuts complement my love for strong, brewed coffee. And for me and my palate, that is enough to have me up and running for the rest of the day.

Real Confections further expanded their sweet reper-

toire with a range of sweet and creamy (or milky if you may) summer drinks that’ll have you smiling in an instant. Never been a big fan of cream based drinks but their Mango Pandan Pearls made me fall in love after the first sip. Personally, I love the addition of fruit pieces that contrasts the sweet, milky base. For someone who loves an explosion on their palate, this is one is a definite keeper.

Their drinks come in different and colorful variants: Strawber-

ry Jelly, Coffee Jelly, my personal fave Mango and Pandan Jelly and the real palate stopper, Hokkaido Pearl Milktea. I love the fact that, on any of your craving, you have an option to choose.

Options are always, always a best thing. Except when it comes to one’s heart, correct?

Davao is slowly becoming a foodie haven. And Real Confections not only allow the palates of Dabawenyos to be satisfied but more so, showcase the vast talent of Davao bakers, kitchen

enthu So her love R

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

usiast and entrepreneurs. re’s a big hubba hubba Real Confections for never

ENTERTAINMENT

Ken Chan and Rita Daniela team up anew for a special concert

PINK POWER. nothing says “I love you calories” more than a bottle of Strawberry Jelly.

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of the top-rating Kapuso Afternoon Prime series My Special Tatay, the well-loved pair of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela reunite on the concert stage for the “My Special Love #BoBreyinCONCERT”on May 11, 7pm at the Music Museum.

The highly-anticipated event is Ken and Rita’s way of expressing their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the successful run of their drama series.

Ken shares, “Ikukwento namin kung paano namin narating yung mga pangarap namin sa buhay through our concert and through the songs we will be performing.

Maraming throwback na mangyayari.”

Rita adds, “We’re really excited for the people we’re going to collaborate with. Isa sa mga guests namin yung mga batang may autism at intellectual disabilities. They’re part of our success. Whatever we have right now, they’re part of it. Dapat kasama rin namin sila.”

But before they bring the #BoBrey kilig on the concert stage, the two multitalented Kapuso stars also treat their fans with their individual singles.

Ken has released his newest single “1 Like” under GMA Music.

It is now available for streaming on Apple Music, iTunes and other digital stores worldwide. Its music video, directed by Miggy Tanchanco, is also available for streaming on GMA

Music’s YouTube channel (GMAMusicOfficial).

Meanwhile, Rita has recently released her single “Florita”. It is composed by Rita herself and Randy Salvador. Distributed by GMA Music, Florita is now available for streaming on Apple Music, iTunes and other digital stores worldwide.

The concert will surely be a night to remember as it promises heartwarming classics and pure entertainment with The Clash alumni Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden, Anthony Rosaldo.

My Special Love is co-presented

by GMA Music, GMA Network (with Barangay LS 97.1 as official media partner), and Starmedia Entertainment. The creative direction by Mcoy Fundales with musical direction by Marc Lopez. Ticket prices are available at P 3,500 for VVIP (with meet and greet with Ken & Rita after the concert), P 2,500 for VIP, and P 1,500 for Gold via www. ticketworld.com.ph. For ticket inquiries, you may contact Ticketworld at 891-999 or Music Museum’s Ticketron at 721-0635.

UP AND ABOUT

Shop, play and win at SM Davao 3 Day Sale SHOP, PLAY AND WIN at SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale on May 3, 4 and 5. For a minimum purchase of P3,000, single or accumulated on-date purchase, shoppers can play and take home two roundtrip tickets to various destinations via Philippine Airlines.

failing to add more calories to my waistline. Don’t worry, I’m loving every bit of it.

Shoppers only need to show their proofs of purchase at the redemption booth at the Annex Event Center, download the Streetby app, and scan the QR code to win instant prizes. Get Hookt daily top players get the plane tickets.

Apart from roundtrip tickets to Cebu, Siargao and Hongkong, for this 3-Day Sale, the mall is also giving away 3 Suzuki Sky Drive motorcycles and an Iphone 8 plus.

In addition, early shoppers get surprise treats. On Friday, the first 50 shoppers to present P5,000 single receipt purchase from any mall tenant will receive a box of pizza from Greenwich while and a box-of-three donuts from JCO on Saturday.

Head out to SM Davao 3-Day Sale and stock up on the season’s best finds with up to 70% discount. Prestige cardholders enjoy additional markdowns on May 3 while SM Advantage and BDO Rewards cardholders can avail the same on Saturday, 9AM to 12NN and Sunday, 5PM7PM at The SM Store, Ace Hardware, Our Home, Uniqlo, Miniso, Toy Kingdom, Surplus, Levi’s and Adidas.

For a more fun and exciting shopping experience, SM City Davao extends its malls hours until 11PM this Friday to Sunday and opens early at 9AM on Saturday.

There is no other sale event bigger that SM City Davao’s 3 Day Sale. Stay updated. Like and follow SM City Davao on Facebook and Instagram for more promos and event details.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

WORKERS’ ... FROM 1

seeks the implementation of Article 106 of the Labor Code of the Philippines “to protect the right of security of tenure of all workers based on social justice in the 1987 Philippine Constitution”. It “strictly” prohibits contracting or subcontracting “undertaken to circumvent the worker’s right to security of tenure, self-organization and collective bargaining, and peaceful concerted activities”.

In joining the Filipino workers in marking Labor Day, Duterte, who is in Davao City, said the country cites the working class as an essential catalyst for the country’s overall progress.

The President recognizes that the nation’s strength depends on the hard work, grit and perseverance of the country’s labor force.

“Every year, we set aside this day to celebrate their valuable contributions not only in the struggle to provide a better life for our people, but in building the foundations of a more promising future

for succeeding generations of Filipinos,” he said.

The President, however, lamented that despite the yearly observance, the plight of the workers, especially those who choose to leave their families so they may earn better compensation abroad, remains the same.

“This is why my administration has implemented measures within its powers to afford full protection to labor and promote equal work opportunities for all,” he said.

It may be recalled that Duterte certi�ied the passage of the security of tenure bill (Senate Bill 1826) September last year as urgent in efforts to ful�ill his campaign promise of banning labor-only contracting in the country.

The measure was expected to strengthen workers’ security of tenure by prohibiting the prevalent practices of contractualization and labor-only contracting.

Congress approved its own version, House Bill 916 or the Anti-Endo Act in January last year. (PNA)

that consultations and dialogues with trade union leaders and local workers are essential to bring to the fore workers’ concerns and issues.

The out-going councilor added that both national and local levels have to

promote workers' right to security of tenure and that "endo" and illegal contractualization has to be immediately addressed.

This year’s Labor Day observance has a theme “Pagpupugay sa Manggagawang Pilipino”.

COUNCILOR... FROM 3

NO NEED ... FROM 2

“It is therefore the constitutional duty of the Administration to report to our countrymen the presence of groups which are motivated to unseat their President whom they have given the mandate to govern,” he added Panelo said the matrix was bared to show plotters that the Duterte administration is aware of their conspiracy.

“The matrix was disclosed to the public for the ring leaders and their co-plotters to know that we know, to put them on notice that pursuing their plan by committing overt acts punishable by law will open themselves to criminal prosecution,” Panelo said.

No sti�ling of dissent The Spokesperson also rejected claims that the ouster plot was meant to sti�le political dissent and opposition, noting that they can still openly criticize the President and his administration.

“The fact alone that critics and those in the matrix as well as the personalities or groups identi�ied in the matrix are still vigorously voicing their adverse opinions against the administra-

tion and even have increased their attacks a notch higher in this election season is eloquent proof that there is no sti�ling of dissent nor are their freedom to express their thoughts threatened,” Panelo said Panelo said compared to previous administrations, dissent during the Duterte administration is “freest.”

“No person has been hailed to court on account of the individual’s exercise of the freedom of speech or by reason of one’s disagreement against the Administration or its policies,” Panelo said.

He said certain individuals who are now facing charges, including detained Senator Leila de Lima, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa, are probably guilty of the crimes they are charged with.

De Lima has been detained for two years due to drug charges. Trillanes has been indicted for inciting to sedition while Ressa was arrested twice over cyber libel and tax evasion charges.

However, Panelo insisted that these charges were unrelated to their being critical of the administration. (PNA)

da on the international stage,” she said.

“We have recently �inalized the ASEAN GAD (Gender and Development) Framework for Tourism which aims to strengthen

the gender institutional capacity of ASEAN Member States,” she shared. “The said framework is patterned on our own strategy with the inclusion of key regional issues.” (PNA)

GENDER... FROM 4

PRESIDENT ... FROM 2

by an interim government called the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

The 80-member body is headed by the MILF. From former warriors to agents of peace He noted that the bene�iciaries of the Normalization track does not only cover the MILF’s combatants, but will also be extended to members of other armed groups who are willing to rejoin mainstream society.

The Normalization process will also include the families and communities of the combatants. This track’s main goal is to help them transition into peaceful and productive members of society, while transforming their camps into progressive and resilient communities.

Galvez said the key to the successful implementation of the Normalization phase will largely depend on the involvement of the MILF-led BTA, which will be at the forefront of this major undertaking.

“More than anything else, the BTA, under the leadership of its Chairman Al Haj Ebrahim Murad, can serve as a symbol of solidarity, reconciliation and more importantly, inclusivity in the region,” he said.

Galvez said that under the Normalization track, former rebels such as the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), as well as members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Maute and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will be given chance to turn

9

a new leaf and return to mainstream society.

“At the heart of the Normalization track is the principle of inclusivity. Everyone, regardless of tribe, religion or ideology should be part of this process,” he said.

Galvez said the Normalization phase shall cover the six MILF-recognized camps which include Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, Camp Omar ibn al-Kattab in Maguindanao, Camp Rajamudah in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, Camp Busrah Somiorang in Lanao del Sur and Camp Abubakar as-Siddique in Maguindanao.

He added that other locations where decommissioned combatants are residing may be identi�ied for inclusion later on by the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels.

“The main goal of Normalization is to help these former rebels return to the folds of the law and regain their lives,” Galvez said.

“We must, therefore, help create a conducive environment that will �inally convince them to lay down their weapons and become agents of peace and development,” he said.

“I, therefore, urge members of other armed groups to take advantage of the sincere efforts being shown by the Duterte Administration to �inally put an end to this decades-long con�lict,” Galvez said, adding “Let us all partake of the dividends of peace.

10 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

Defiant YCLUB Adventures coming your way this 2019

W

hen the year change, further adventures come along the way. As the Yamaha Club continues to give an exceptional riding experience to its members, it's National Conference offers an innovative way of planning and creating a new story for this year.

The club that shares the same interest just got bigger as the night started by welcoming the recently added Yamaha Club accredited groups from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. While the number continuously increasing each year, the passion didn’t change re�lecting

the night’s theme: “Together We Ride”. This theme served as the basis of their discussion and a generator of ideas about the activities they want to do this year. For the very �irst time in Yamaha Club’s nine years of history, they let their riders reach a decision on what they want to do.

Dividing the riders according to their island resulted in competitive and compelling ideas. The three groups, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao come up with such creative and fun way to spend their 2019 with Yamaha. But aside from looking forward to more adventure,

EDGE DAVAO

a friendship that will not be separated by distance.

A hundred attendees are just a portion of the YClub member’s population, but they are the clear representation of how excited and passionate the rest of 75,000 members for another year of thrilling adventure with Yamaha.

The of�icial Yamaha Club website is where you can register to be a YClub member. There are still riders out there who can be Yamaha’s ambassadors across the Philippines. Let us all share the road to everyone because only we, as a whole, can show the nation what riding Yamaha is all about.

NOW HIRING!!!

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511

Yamaha Club National Conference also look back to see who among the groups are deserving to receive an award based on their performance last year. There are six categories de�ining the projects and activities made by the YClub groups last year. Each category has three plaques corresponding to three islands.

The awardees proved that being a rider is more than just traveling downtown to create their own exploration, the rider is the one who can reach people to help them move forward to live.

The night was surrounded by the friendship that goes beyond riding,

For additional inquiries, please email us at: zion.davao@gmail.com

BILATERAL... FROM 3

ble),” Panelo said.

“Considering that there has been a bilateral meeting between the two heads of the state, and they agreed that they can solve whatever irritants or challenges that confront both sides, then I’m con�ident that there will be response and there will be a basis for a dialogue or talk or a negotiation between the two countries,” he added.

Panelo earlier said "irritants" refer to the presence of the Chinese vessels surrounding Pag-asa Island and the alleged harassment of Filipino �ishermen, among others.

In November 2018, Panelo noted that “collective action” coming from United Nations (UN) member-countries may help pressure China into respecting the 2016 arbitral ruling that favors the Philippines and invalidates China’s claims on the disputed sea.

“Perhaps if all the countries of the world will unite and pressure China, who knows? There must be a collective action by the countries of the world and either persuade or pressure China into respecting an arbitral decision,” Panelo added. (PNA)

the consumer �inance business locally and also to be able to allow our overseas Filipino customers the ability to have a referral back of consumer �inance needs into the country,” he said.

He said “on a forward basis, we’ve always been interested to make the Filipino people who are taking the services of money lending investors be a business the PNB will be able to cover on a long term basis.”

He said they aim to have a joint venture with an industry expert to “be able to allow us to have the

ability to understand the business, to be able to set up the proper collection and risk taking methodologies (and) to allow us to then be able to be prepared going forward.”

Veloso said they are open to having a strategic partner that will have about 20 to 25 percent share in PNB but clari�ied that this is not their focus right now.

Veloso said they are set to come out with a digital platform to further reach more customers both here and overseas. (PNA)

PNB... FROM 4

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

11

PALARONG PAMBANSA STAR OF THE DAY Davao boy wins third Day 3 • May 1, 2019

gold in Arafura Games

D

NEW PALARO RECORD. Kent Bryan Celeste of Region 1 (IRAA) clears the bar to win the gold medal in the secondary boys' division during the 2019 Palarong Pambansa held at the University of Mindanao in Matina, Davao City on Wednesday. Celeste

has set the new Palarong Pambansa secondary boys' division record of 2.02 meters, breaking his previous Palaro mark of 1.99 meters. Lean Daval Jr

DAVRAA spikers advance

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

he Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) secondary volleyball teams booked tickets to the quarter�inals in the ongoing 2019 Palarong Pambansa at the Human Kinetics Gym of the Davao City Sports Complex at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao.

Davao's secondary girls massacred the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 25-5, 25-6, on Wednesday morning to take the second seed in the knockout round slated today at 10:00am.

They will be facing Central Visayas Region Athletic Association (CVRAA) for an outright semi�inals berth on Friday, May 3.

Davao Region's secondary boys, on the other hand, stumbled before the defending champion Central Luzon Region Athletic Association (CLRAA) in a three set thriller.

The 2018 Palaro champs manhandled Davao Region 25-17, 2325, 25-23, in a virtual �inals preview seen by over 1,000 spectators.

Both teams had what

it takes to win but it was just a matter of who wanted it more.

What was actually at stake in winning the match was the top seed in the quarter�inals.

Regardless of the outcome, both sides have nothing to lose as they have punched tickets to the next round. However, there was an obvious thirst for the proverbial bragging rights between both teams that made the game more entertaining for the crowd.

In fact, spectators already envisioned a re-

match in the �inals.

Central Luzon dropped too many bombs in the �irst set which exposed Davao's vulnerability. The latter, however, found their defense in the next set to force a sudden death.

The deciding set was more of a see-saw affair that granted series of deadlocks, only that, Davao committed several errors.

Davao Region will play against its neighboring Northern Mindanao Region Athletic Associatio (NMRAA) on Thursday.

ARWIN, Australia – Davao City's Ivo Nikolai Enot captured his third gold medal as the Philippine swimming team’s campaign in the 2019 Arafura Games came to a close Tuesday night at the Parap Swimming Pool here.

The 13-year-old Enot from Davao City won the men’s 13 to 14 year old 50-meter backstroke with a time of 29.80 seconds, adding to his 100-meter and 200-meter backstroke gold medals in this Philippine campaign supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Standard Insurance.

Samuel Alcos, 21, also ruled the men’s 17 over 100-meter breaststroke with a clocking of one minute, 5.63 seconds to claim his second gold of the competition following his victory in the 50-meter breaststroke.

Following the two gold medals, the Philippine swimming team ended up with the most number of gold medals in the contingent with 17 golds. The squad also added 27 silvers and 17 bronzes.

The Philippines wound up with a 30-47-28 gold-silver-bronze tally following Tuesday’s competitions.

Meanwhile, the Philip-

pines began the badminton preliminaries with an 8-0 sweep of Guangzhou to win its �irst tie in the team event at the Darwin Convention Centre.

Karylle Kay Molina beat Lan Xu, 21-6, 21-9, in the women’s singles of the tie and teamed up with Estarco Bacalso in the mixed doubles to win over Yin Du and Chongwei Lu, 21-3, 21-3.

Bacalso also defeated Runjun Yu, 21-3, 21-4; while Arthur Samuel Salvado beat Peiyu Wu, 21-4, 214, in the men’s singles.

Macy Anne Patricia Salvado outplayed Limin Xiang, 21-4, 21-9, in the women’s singles; as Salvado and Jackie Lynn Pana also won in the women’s doubles after beating Jianhua Huang and Xiang, 21-5, 21-2.

Pana also topped the mixed doubles as her partnership with Arthur Samuel Salvado led to a 21-3, 21-10 win over Dongqiu Chen and Lan Xu. John Rodney Pana and Johan Art Rivas beat Dongqiu Chen and Peiyi Wu, 21-3, 21-6, in the men’s doubles.

In beach volleyball, Hachaliah Gilbuena and Johnrel Amora beat Northern Territory, 21-17, 21-13, to start the preliminaries of Pool D at the Darwin Waterfront.

Davao's Ivo Nikolai Enot (right) and Samuel John Alcos (left) capped the country’s 2019 Arafura Games campaign with two gold medals in Darwin, Australia on Tuesday afternoon.

FRED C. LUMBA SPORTS KEN

THRILLA IN DAVAO 2019 It is now of�icial: the Thrilla in Davao 2019 world heavyweight championship �ight will be staged on June 15, 2019 at the fully air-conditioned Tent City, Azuela Cove in Lanang.

The �irst in the city of Davao and the second in the country – the 1975 Thrilla in Manila 44 years ago being the initial big blast – will feature top contenders Ron Clyde “The American Dream” Johnson colliding against China’s Zhuyi Wu, holder of two WBC belts (intercontinental heavyweight and silver cruiserweight) for the vacant Global Boxing Organization heavyweight tiara.

Promoted by RED Boxing Int’l whose chair and presi-

dent are the father-and-son tandem of Reynaldo Rodis and Rey “Cacoi” Rodis II, respectively, the Thrilla…is a red-carpet dinner boxing set-up whose expected list of attendees include President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Rodis, a native son of Davao, visualizes to make this southern port city the premier sports-tourism haven in this part of the country (and perhaps even in the Asia-Paci�ic Rim), the single motivation that led to the eventual conceptualization of Thrilla in Davao.

“Davao City today is the center point of economic and business activity in the whole of Mindanao. Sports-tourism

will complement and speed up the efforts of the incumbent national and city governments to ful�ill the long-stated national pledge in the �ifties to make Mindanao the “Land of Promise.”

The big-time boxing extravaganza comes on the heels of the recently-opened Palarong Pambansa which Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and the city council are hosting in the brand new sports complex at the UP Mindanao area.

“Having a year-long calendar-�illed list of sports events will transform this city into an amazing spawning ground of potential national and worldclass athletes,” Rodis added.

Meantime, the young Cacoi, who resides and promotes

regular monthly boxing cards in Los Angeles under the GBO banner, said they foresee a renaissance, the kind that will produce the next ring gladiators to follow the glowing legacies blazed by Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, Rene Barrientos, Erbito Salavarria, Nonito Donaire, et al and most especially, Manny Pacquiao, pro boxing’s only-8 division and 13-times world champion.

In partnership with GBO, Red Boxing is promoting the Thrilla in Davao as its opening salvo launching the Asia-Paci�ic Boxing Championship Roadshow, a nation-wide tour of 17 major cities throughout the country.

A live (or delayed) telecast of the Davao Thrilla is also

being arranged by Rodis who has tapped a group to set talks with mainstream TV executives.

To afford the common folks a ringside view of the heavyweight battle, Rodis will set up two remote media screens – one at the plaza fronting the City Hall and another one at the Magsaysay Park.

The Rodises are thinking of institutionalizing the Davao Thrilla as an annual big-time sports event in Davao City that will carve its own niche in the minds of boxing a�icionados in Davao City and its environs.

Which positively means that a 2020 edition of the Davao Thrilla could already be in the of�ing. Cheers!

12 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 38 • THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

SPORTS

GOLD FINALLY Swim quartet ends Davao’s gold hunt

PALARO, P9

By ADAM B. MORRELL The long wait is over.

What looked like another gloomy day for host Davao Region turned into a bright sunshine amidst a day of downpour.

Still shutout until midday on Wednesday, the alarm bells virtually rang when the quartet of Paolo Miguel Labanon, Rain Andrei Tumulac, Jabahr Dilangalen and Pietro Dominic Requiza ended Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Eagles’ gold drought after bagging the elementary boys 400m medley relay in the swimming competition of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa held at the Davao City Sports Complex in the University of the

Philippines, Mintal, Davao City.

The Eagles foursome swam to a 4:44.75 golden �inish, leaving behind Angelo Gabriel Sadol, Joaquin Federico Mirasol, Marc Dula and Seeing Cedric Cantil of the heavy-favorite National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) with a 13-second margin.

Davao Region and NCR engaged to a neck-to-neck battle early in the race until Labanon displayed burst in front to end the tight contest.

“We feel great kasi po nabigyan namin ng gold medal ang Davao,” Labanon said.

The NCR tankers

were tough and well prepared, however, the young Dabawenyos were just too eager and determined.

“Concentrate lang po talaga sa game,” Labanon, on the key to winning the �irst gold of Davao that has been sluggish the �irst two days of the national competition.

Calabarzon, meanwhile, salvaged the bronze medal by clocking a total of 5:02.11.

The four young heroes of the day will compete in their respective individual events today in the same venue.

The medal-rich swimming competition of the biggest school-based sports conclave for secondary and elementary athletes will end on Friday, May 3.

GOLDEN BOYS. The quartet of Paolo Miguel Labanon, Rain Andrei Tumulac, Jabahr Dilangalen and Pietro Dominic Requiza of the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Eagles celebrate at the podium after bagging the elementary boys 400m medley relay in the swimming competition of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa held at the Davao City Sports Complex in the University of the Philippines, Mintal, Davao City. Photo courtesy of Jette Labanon