Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 64 | Friday-Saturday, June 7-8, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

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DAMAGED ANEW. Residents use the steel footbridge to cross a river in Km. 6 Matina Pangi, Davao City on Thursday. A portion of the Matina Pangi temporary bridge was again washed out after the river overflowed on Wednesday night due to hours of heavy downpour causing massive flooding in the area. Lean Daval Jr

CHAIRMANSHIPS

Committee on Health for Bong, Public Order for Bato

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ncoming Senators Christopher "Bong" Go upcoming 18th Congress.

Tolentino will lead the and Ronald Dela Rosa will be getting the committee on local governchairmanship of committees they were ment. wishing to handle.

“Public Order, Bato; After a dinner meeting with some incumbent and incoming senators held at the residence of Senator Manny Pacquiao in Makati City on Wednesday night, a consensus was reached to have Go head the committee on Health and the committee on Urban Planning, Housing and Resettlement. Dela

Rosa, meantime, will chair the committee on public order and dangerous drugs.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday revealed the chairmanship of the two incoming Dabawenyo Senators along with another �irst-timer Senator Francis Tolentino in the

Health and Urban Planning, Bong; Local government, Tolentino,” Sotto told reporters in a text message.

Sotto said the committee chairmanships for the new Congress have been "95 percent" settled after the intimate dinner meeting. The upper chamber has been hounded by a

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WALKING ON AIR

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

DISTRIBUTION OF GOODS. President Rodrigo Duterte leads the distribution of goods to the enlisted personnel of Joint Task Force-Sulu (JTF-Sulu) during his visit to Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday. Accompanying the President is Senator-elect Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Phil. Eagle Week A opens in Davao City

AFP hopeful of deeper ties with Muslim Pinoys

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n exhibition the “Bird of day at SM Philippine Eagle

and �ilm screening of Prey” opened on TuesAnnex to kick-off the week celebration here.

The exhibition--a collaboration among SM City Davao, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) and the Energy Development Corporation--is also timed as the pair of captive-bred Philippine eagles, Sambisig

and Geothermica, traveled to Singapore for a 10-year mission.

The exhibition and �ilm screening hosted by SM is part of the awareness and education campaign aimed at the conservation of the Philippine eagles, which are considered endangered species.

PEF head of Logistics and human resource of�icer Gliceria Ibanez said the travel of Sambisig and Geothermica on Tuesday to Singapore aims to promote further research on breeding at the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). It is a 10-year loan program agreement between the Philippine government and Singapore.

“Hopefully the study will have positive results just like the endangered Philippine Cockatoo bird

where the study in the Jurong Park of WRS was successful,” Ibanez said.

SM City Davao mall manager Lynette Lopez has invited Dabawenyos to learn more about the Philippine Eagle and watch the free movie screening on June 12 at Cinema 3.

Dabawenyos can also take photos at the eagle wings photo wall and encouraged them to post in social media to help spread about the celebration, Lopez said. (PNA)

rmed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal expressed hope that the military would further strengthen its relations with the Muslim Filipino community in promoting lasting peace and in combating violent extremism.

"As we give reverence to the holy feast, we hope to further strengthen our relationship with the Muslim community as one Filipino nation in promoting lasting peace for our country and in �ighting against violent extremism," Madrigal said in a message forwarded to reporters Wednesday, as Muslims all over the world celebrated

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

He said the AFP is one with its Muslim Filipino brothers and sisters in the peaceful, joyous and festive celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

"In the spirit of unity, the whole AFP will remain supportive and committed in the just implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which shall pave the way for a just and lasting peace and development in the South," he added.

The BOL, which was rati�ied early this year, established the Bangsamoro Autonomous Re-

received by the Of�ice of the DILG Secretary, Escarian has reportedly even managed to hold a conference in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte, having successfully gathered DILG of�icials of the region.

“Make no mistake, this Escarian is not in any way af�iliated with the DILG or any of our attached agencies. Do not be victimized by his posturings,” he said in a statement.

The DILG chief said that the fake Assistant Secretary supposedly uses fake documents to gain the trust and support of local government of�icials and national government agencies.

Based on a report submitted by the DILG regional and provincial of�ices, Escarian attended the launch of Mamamayan Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mam-

na Droga (MASA MASID) in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, and a meeting with Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma where he was introduced as Assistant Secretary from the Of�ice of the President.

The provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay also con�irmed to the DILG that they provided vehicular support to Escarian for more or less one month upon his request when he was in the province.

Escarian allegedly also posed as an Assistant Secretary for Malacañang and managed to solicit an estimated P200,000 from the LGU of Payao for his expenditures.

In a separate incident, Escarian had also falsely identi�ied himself as a rice importer and broker representing the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

immediately report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) any attempt by Escarian to establish contact with their designated of�ices.

He encouraged the LGUs of�icials as well the public to remain vigilant in spotting these impostors.

“I urge all local government of�icials to be more vigilant. Let us not be fooled by individuals intending to cause disarray in our ranks. This individual is identi�ied as a nuisance and we will get to the bottom of this,” he stressed.

Año noted the LGUs and the public can always access the DILG website, as well as of�icial information hubs of attached agencies, to check the names and contact details of of�icials from the DILG, LGUs and national government agencies. (PR)

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DepEd reminds teachers LGUs warned vs. fake DILG assistant secretary on vital admin procedures he Department of the According to a report amayan Ayaw sa Iligal Año advises LGUs to

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he Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reminded its teachers and personnel about appropriate administrative procedures in addressing welfare concerns.

The DepEd was reacting to news reports about some teachers of Bacoor National High School-Molino Main using old comfort rooms as faculty rooms.

"The situation arose when the school implemented its decision to move to single-shift classes this school year. This resulted in faculty rooms, intended originally as classrooms, needing to be converted back into additional classrooms to realize the policy. The school has an enrolment of more than 7,000 learners," the DepEd said in a statement.

To address the dis-

placement of the teachers from the faculty rooms, the DepEd said the school principal met with the teachers on May 27.

"Minutes of the meeting indicate that the principal offered the library, the guidance center, and the advisory classrooms to serve as temporary faculty rooms. However, 11 of the school’s 236 teachers opted to convert a restroom into a faculty room," the statement read.

The DepEd stressed "the use of restroom is the choice of the 11 teachers themselves who then complained about it in social media", adding that they chose to stay even after the school principal has issued a memorandum to vacate the comfort rooms.

It said a temporary arrangement which is "ac-

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Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned local government of�icials against a bogus government of�icial who has been identifying himself as an Assistant Secretary for his personal advantage.

DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año identi�ied the poseur as Salvador Hussey Escarian II who was reported to have introduced himself as an Assistant Secretary of the agency or, in other instances, in Malacañang during government conferences and activities.

Año reiterates his warning to the public against unscrupulous people who masquerade as personnel out to discredit DILG to secure favors or perks from local government units (LGUs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

Senator lauds unemployment, underemployment milestones

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enator Joel Villanueva on Wednesday welcomed the latest government data on the continued decline of unemployment and underemployment rates as a “positive sign” that efforts to generate jobs for Filipinos continue to matter.

The April 2019 Labor Force Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that unemployment dropped to 5.1 percent from 5.5 percent while underemployment fell to 13.5 percent from 17 percent.

Villanueva, chair of the Senate committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, said that while the development is a good sign, he stressed the need for more “policy tweaks” to ensure that the decline is sustainable.

“We need stakeholders such as industry, government, the academe, and labor to work hand

in hand so that we continue to eradicate the decades-old problem of mismatch among available jobs and the job market,” Villanueva said in a statement.

“The challenge for us is to develop dynamic policies that respond to the prevailing needs of the times, and change accordingly when warranted.

This is the spirit that drive the Tulong Trabaho law which we pushed in the recently-concluded 17th Congress,” he added.

The senator said he will push for measures in the 18th Congress that will help resolve job-skills mismatch by strengthening the linkage between education, training and the labor market.

“Our background in tech-voc and legislation has given us a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the education and labor sectors,” he added. (PNA)

ASSISTANCE. A Davao Auxiliary personnel assists a woman and her son cross a busy street in Bo. Pampanga, Lanang, Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

City gov’t readies for Senate passes over 400 bills enacted into law integrated bus system

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he Senate of the 17th Congress has left behind an achievement of passing 464 bills that were enacted into law, some of which are landmark pieces of legislation that aim to uplift the lives of Filipinos.

In his valedictory speech on Tuesday, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the chamber was able to deliver on its promise to continue in helping the passage of laws that will be "bene�icial to the country and to every Filipino."

Among the notable landmark laws include the Bangsamoro Organic Law, National Identi�ication System, Universal Health Care Law, Mental Health Act, Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act,

Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage, Corporation Code of the Philippines, Telecommuting Law, Magna Carta of the Poor, and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Act. Sotto also highlighted that the Philippine Senate reached the highest satisfaction rating since 2012 with a 72 percent mark for the �irst quarter of 2019, according to the Social Weather Stations survey.

"These �igures could not have been garnered without the dedication and focus of each of the Senators of the 17th Congress. My thanks go to all of you, my colleagues," Sotto said.

The Senate leader also touted the chamber's in-

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he City Government of Davao is readying the Davao Integrated Bus System (DIBS) as it is preparing two routes for initial implementation.

The DIBS is the actual implementation of the High Priority Bus Sytem (HPBS) where city buses will be replacing Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) in plying city routes.

“We will be initially opening two routes, Catalunan and C.P. Garcia, we are surveying identi�ied bus stops and we are in the stage where the City Engineer’s Of�ice is doing the costing for the bus stop shelters,” Dionisio Abude, head of the City Transportation and Traf�ic Management Of�ice said.

The DIBS has six routes, the initial routes are; Catalunan Grande going to downtown Davao City, and the Carlos P. Garcia Highway going to the Philippine Ports Authority of�ice in Sasa.

He said consultations have been held among jeepney operators, drivers and barangay of�icials about the DIBS. “Once we opened the routes for DIBS, we have to take away the PUJs in these routes,” Abude said.

An estimated 400 jeepney drivers will be af-

fected in Catalunan Grande and about 40 drivers in the C.P. Garcia routes. Some of the jeepney drivers can still serve the feeder routes that lead to the bus stops.

Abude said that the affected operators and drivers are asking for �inancial assistance for the operators and drivers. The amount of this assistance that will be given to the operators and the drivers is still to be determined.

As for the commuters which were respondents of the survey conducted by the City Government, about 90% of the 1,200 respondents are in favor of the bus system despite the increase in fares.

Abude said they would

HUDCC chief asks for fund transfer for Hajj

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REPAIR. Workers repair a portion of a temporary bridge in Km. 6 Matina Pangi, Davao City which was badly damaged after the river overflowed due to the heavy downpour on Wednesday that caused flooding in the area. Lean Daval Jr

need 24 city buses for the routes. A city bus is a type of bus designed for short distance public transport, it has large multiple doors, spacious, airconditioned, and has a low �loor for easy access.

There are currently six city buses servicing in the Peak Hours Augmentation Bus System (PHABS) for Toril and Catalunan Grande routes.

The PHABS is a temporary solution undertaken by the city government to cater to commuters stranded during peak hours. Its implementation has been a hit among commuters as it is more comfortable and convenient than PUJs. (PIA/RG Alama)

ousing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chair Eduardo del Rosario said Wednesday that he will write an appeal to the Commission on Audit (COA) not to disallow the transfer of PHP5 million worth of Marawi rehabilitation funds to pay for a 2018 Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Del Rosario, who also chairs Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM), made this remark after the COA tagged the fund transfer as “not among the authorized expenses” in the agreement signed between the Of�ice of the President (OP) and the HUDCC. In its audit report, COA said the HUDCC diverted the PHP5-million worth of Marawi rehabilitation funds to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

The amount was taken from the PHP500-million fund of the OP which it allo-

cated to HUDCC for Marawi City rehabilitation projects, it added.

“We are writing an appeal to COA not to disallow this vital transaction, and besides, the PHP5 million was properly dispensed by NCMF,” del Rosario said in a message to reporters.

He insisted that the Hajj pilgrimage, which he described as “part of the social healing process”, is also part of the over-all rehabilitation of war-torn Marawi City.

“Hajj is a solemn obligation and wish of every Muslim. It is so important to them that social healing is envisioned in the process,” he said.

Del Rosario noted that a raf�le was conducted to select internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were “luckily picked” to join the Hajj pilgrimage.

“We sponsored IDPs who were then living in the evacuation centers and tran-

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

DOF thanks Congress for ‘sin’ tax reform bill

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REPORT. Department of Agrarian Reform 11 (DAR 11) project manager Eduardo Suaybaguio reports on the project accomplishments and achievements of Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development Project (MinSAAD)

come of P369.1 billion in 2016, higher than 2015 which registered a total income of P332.8-billion.

The PSA is currently conducting the 2018 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI), the last one was held in 2012.

“Through the census we can gather more information about the revenue, total employment, expenses, income and other data from establishments in the formal sector,” Rosendo Aya-ay, chief statistical specialists of PSA-XI said.

Aya-ay said the CPBI is conducted every six years, the 2018 CPBI is the 16th CPBI conducted in the country. (RG Alama/PIA-XI)

inance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has thanked the Senate and the House of Representatives for passing this week a new “sin” tax reform bill that provides substantially higher excise tax rates on tobacco products, which would be earmarked primarily to augment the huge funding needed for the Universal Health Care (UHC) program that would bene�it mostly poor and low-income Filipino families.

While the projected revenues from the �inal approved measure will be lower because of the staggered excise tax increase on tobacco products over the next four years, this would still enable the Duterte administration to better implement UHC by 2020 to provide Filipino families equitable access to quality and affordable health care services, Dominguez said.

Senate Bill (SB) No. 2233, which was approved unanimously by senators on third and �inal reading on Tuesday, provides for a unitary P45 excise tax increase per pack on tobacco products in 2020, followed by a series of P5 hikes until the rate reaches P60 in 2023, and a 5 percent annual increase thereafter.

The House concurred with the Senate version after senators reconsidered its earlier �inal reading approval of the bill Monday night to address the concerns raised by congressional representatives from the tobacco producing provinces of Northern Luzon. The Senate move ensured that the measure would no longer go through another round of deliberations at the bicameral conference committee.

The Department of Finance (DOF) said the Congress’ phased increase is acceptable and will secure the necessary funding for the UHC program.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Domin-

guez, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles were in the Senate during the plenary session Monday to show their support for the swift approval of SB 2233.

“I think we made history. I think it is only in this administration that tobacco taxes were raised twice.

We’re quite thankful to the Senate and also to the House (of Representatives) for putting this bill over the line,” Dominguez said.

The unitary excise tax rate on tobacco products was earlier increased under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law from P30 per pack of cigarettes to P32.50 beginning January 1, 2018 and to P35.00 beginning July 1, 2018.

Dominguez also recognized the Senate’s progressive proposal during the period of amendments on the bill to introduce taxes on e-cigarettes, such as vapor and heated tobacco products, which are now becoming increasingly popular among the youth.

Dominguez said increasing taxes on tobacco products is only one aspect of “sin” tax reform, as higher taxes on alcohol products still have to be tackled and approved by the incoming 18th Congress.

The DOF has proposed a tax of at least P40 per liter on alcoholic drinks.

“It’s a work in progress,” Dominguez said.

Earlier, the DOF and the Department of Health (DOH) said the approval by the 17th Congress of higher excise taxes on tobacco products will provide the government with the means to curb vices and undesirable behavior, while at the same time generate the revenues necessary to fully fund the UHC, which will require as high as P1.44 trillion combined from 2020 to 2024.

Dominguez said that

delivery crew, service crew, and marketing of�icers.

For overseas employment, the top vacancies are for cleaners, professional nurses (general), servers, service crew, company drivers, registered midwife, staff nurse, English teachers (Japan), janitress, barista, technicians (general), and nursing aides.

The job orders are for Germany, Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.

The 2019 Independence Day will have the theme, "Kalayaan 2019 Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan".

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III advised jobseekers to visit any of the job and business fairs in their areas to facilitate their search for employment, as numerous employers are gathered in just one venue.

Bello advised jobseekers to be ready with several copies of their resume or

curriculum vitae; 2 x 2 ID pictures; certi�icate of employment for those formerly employed; diploma and/ or transcript of records; and authenticated birth certi�icate.

The 2019 Independence Day job and business fairs will be held in the following venues: -National Capital Region: San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila -Cordillera region: Sky Zone, Porta Vaga Mall, Upper Session Road, Baguio City -Region 1 (Ilocos): Nepo Mall, Dagupan City; Candon Civic Center, Candon City, Ilocos Sur; Union Christian College, San Fernando City, La Union -Region 2 (Cagayan Valley): People’s Gymnasium, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan -Region 3 (Central Luzon): Ayala Malls, Harbor Point, Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales

-Region 4-A (Calabarzon): Pavilion Mall, Biñan City, Laguna; Liwasang Aguinaldo, Kawit, Cavite -Region 4-B (Mimaropa): San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Odiongan, Romblon -Region 5 (Bicol): Robinsons Place, Naga City -Region 6 (Western Visayas): 888 Premier Mall, Bacolod City -Region 7 (Central Visayas): Cebu City Sports Complex/Abellana National School; Lapu-Lapu City; Lamberto L. Macias Sports and Cultural Center, Dumaguete City -Region 8 (Eastern Visayas): Provincial Covered Court, Catbalogan City, Samar -Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula): KCC Mall de Zamboanga, Gov. Camins Ave. Zamboanga City -Region 10 (Northern Mindanao): Atrium, Lim-

in Mindanao during a news conference at the Philippine Information Office 11 (PIA 11) in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

Regional business, industry survey shows robust economy

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he industry and business surveys conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) shows a robust regional economy.

In the presentation of the 2016 Annual Survey of the Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI) held , May 31 at Pinnacle Hotel in Davao City, �igures regarding business and industry showed an uptrend.

In 2016 there were about 1,665 establishments in the region, higher compared to the 1,502 establishments in 2015.

About 74% or 1,236 establishments belong to the services sector.

The presentation made by PSA-XI supervis-

ing statistical analyst Maria Leah Magracia reveals that these establishments employed about 186,610 people, this is 8% higher compared to 171,462 people employed in 2015.

About 114,142 are employed in the services sector.

About P37.7 billion were spent for compensating the workers in the region, higher than 2015 �igures which was P31.1 billion.

On average a worker in the region receive P16,920 per month as

DOTr vows to keep PH as leading seafarer provider

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he Philippines will continue to improve the quality of maritime education to maintain its status as a leading provider of seafarers in the world, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said on Wednesday.

“The cooperation of CHED [Commission on Higher Education] and MARINA [Maritime Industry Authority] will continue. Nagawa yan saDuterte administration so kailangan ituloy yun kaya nga merong mga kurso na three years ngayon na pino-formulate at tinatapos (This was done in the Duterte administration and must be continued so there are three year maritime courses that are being formulated and �inalized),” Tugade told reporters on the sidelines of MARINA’s 45th anniversary celebration held at its of�ice in Port Area,

Manila.

The Philippines still remains on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) whitelist of countries that comply with the STCW Convention 1978 which sets the international standards for the certi�ication, training and watchkeeping for seafarers.

Tugade also lauded the initiative of the Duterte administration which set the MARINA as the single maritime agency that will supervise the certi�ication and training for seafarers through Executive Order (EO) 63.

The EO mandates MARINA to evaluate and inspect all maritime higher education institutions in coordination with the CHED to ensure that maritime education programs comply with the international regulations.

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compensation. Workers belonging to the Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply are the highest compensated workers in the region with a monthly average compensation of P57,627.

The survey also shows that the most pro�itable sectors in the Davao Region are those engaged in the Professional, Scienti�ic and Technical Activities they are followed by those in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation sector then followed by Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation Activities sector.

The business and industry establishments in the region had a total in-

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70,000 vacancies in June 12 job fairs

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n initial 70,000 local and overseas jobs will be made available in 22 job fair sites in 16 regions across the country on June 12, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the department said the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) job and business fairs were organized in commemoration of the 121st anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine independence next week.

Based on the report of the Bureau of Local Employment, a total of 560 participating employers (461 local, 99 overseas) will bring with them 68,893 local and overseas jobs.

The vacancies for local jobs are for production machine operators, production/factory workers, customer service representatives, call center agents, tailors, sales clerks, cashiers,

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ECONOMY

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

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Government urged: Intensify crackdown vs. oil smuggling The government should intensify its efforts against the rampant smuggling of petroleum products in order to generate revenues for infrastructure projects under the Build, Build, Build Program as well as the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) Chairman Jesus Arranza urged various government agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to monitor oil shipments that are being surreptitiously entered through the ports of the country.

“Almost hundred percent of our oil supply are being imported. The government must keep watch of oil shipments through the installation of CCTV cameras in our ports,” said Arranza said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“Fines must be imposed and smuggled goods be con�iscated,” he added.

Arranza particularly urged the BIR and BOC to be on alert on technical smuggling wherein importers under-declare the value of goods being entered into the country in order to pay lesser import duties.

“These agencies must check the inward foreign manifest submitted by importers to determine the value of their imports. At the end of the day, they will submit the income tax returns lalagyan mo ng cost of goods and cost of fuel. Eh di huli mo (At the end of the day, they will submit the income tax returns where they will indicate the cost of goods and cost of fuel.

Thus, you will be able to detect smuggling),” he explained.

Cargo manifest or inward foreign manifest contains the detailed list of cargo on board the vessel or aircraft including information on the goods such as transport document numbers, consignors, consignees, marks and numbers, number and kind of packages, weight, description, quantity of the goods, and the destination.

The FPI has earlier said that the country loses around PHP 200 billion in revenues annually due to increasingly sophisticated forms of smuggling, with petroleum being among the top products.

The business group asked the government to strictly implement the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling to deter illicit trading. ““The government must focus on plugging revenue leakages to complement the tax reforms being implemented by the Duterte administration,” said Arranza.

The Congress has recently passed a measure seeking to increase the excise taxes on tobacco products in a bid to reduce smoking prevalence among Filipinos and to generate additional funding for the government's Universal Health Care program.

The House adopted the Senate version of the bill which would increase the excise on cigarettes from PHP 45 to PHP 60 per pack over the next four years.

The Department of Finance said the measure will help cover the PHP40-billion funding gap for the UHC Act. (PNA)

Zambo, CV regions’ inflation lowest in PH

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he Zamboanga Peninsula and Central Visayas regions posted the lowest in�lation rate in the country in May 2019, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The in�lation rate in Zamboanga, which comprises three provinces, �ive cities, and 67 municipalities, further declined to 1.5% from 1.6% in April while Central Visayas’s inched up a bit, also at 1.5%, from 1.3%.

Other regional economies of Mindanao also saw an improvement in the in�lation rates, except for Northern Mindanao’s 4.5% in May from 4.3% in April and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao (BARMM)’s 4.1% from 3.7%.

The in�lation �igure

of Davao Region had further eased to 3.7% in May from 3.9% in April; Soccsksargen, 3.8% from 4%; and Caraga, 2.5% from 2.6%.

Nationwide in�lation for May increased to 3.2% from 3% in April, pulled up by higher annual rates posted in the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index at 3.4 percent; and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels index at 3.3 percent.

But the PSA said slower annual increments were observed in the indices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 9.5 percent; transport, 3.5 percent; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services, 3.3 percent.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

DUAL JOB. A car watcher dabbles in washing vehicles to earn extra cash along Rizal Street in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

DA asks couriers to reject meat products from ASF countries

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n an effort to intensify quarantine security to prevent the entry of pork and pork products affected by the dreaded African swine fever (ASF) in the country, Department Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel "Manny" Piñol issued Memorandum Circular No. 07 directing all courier service companies to stop accepting canned meat and other meat products coming from ASF-affected countries for shipment.

The DA also banned importation of live domestic and live pigs and their products including pork meat, and semen coming from Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, Zambia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and North Korea.

"Furthermore, all arriving agricultural commodities from restricted countries are subject to immediate stoppage, con�iscation, and destruction by the Veterinary Quarantine Of�icers (VQOs) at the border of entry for proper disposal," the

memorandum read.

Piñol said there is a need to cover other identi�ied pathway for the entry and spread of the dreaded virus, such as the transport or shipment of meat and meat products including canned meat from ASF-affected countries, through the courier services as the risk of introduction of ASF is high due to unregulated movement of products.

Quarantine of�icers in Subic Port in Zambales on May 29 seized a refrigerated container from China which yielded meat balls stashed behind boxes of �ish tofu, which was the de-

clared cargo.

Dr. Romeo Manalili of the Veterinary Quarantine Station in Subic reported that quarantine inspectors became suspicious of the content of the van after they noticed that the temperature was at 18°C the desired cooling level to preserve meat products.

The inspection team discovered packs and boxes of meat balls hidden behind boxes of �ish tofu.

Following the Subic Port interception, the DA has ordered a 100 percent inspection of all refrigerated vans, especially those coming from ASF-affected countries.

Piñol said he also ordered the deployment of the �irst batch of 15 meat-snif�ing dogs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

He also asked Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to require airlines and vessels coming to the Philippines from ASF-affected and high risk countries to

issue advisories to passengers against bringing meat into the country.

The DA also proposes the acquisition of X-ray machines to ensure thorough checking of the baggages of incoming passengers.

Quarantine security have been intensi�ied following the rapid spread of the ASF in China and other Asian countries.

While it has not been proven to be harmful to humans, ASF could wipe out the country's PHP200 billion hog industry as there is no known vaccine or cure for it.

China has already culled almost 40 percent of its hog population as its in�lation rate shot up while Vietnam has eliminated about two million of its hog population.

"ASF is something I cannot take for granted. Time frame for the suspension is about three months. We will just establish a stringent quarantine measures," Piñol said. (PNA)

With the Apostille Convention, foreign public documents from Apostille-contracting countries need not be authenticated abroad by Philippine Embassies and Consulates General in order to be recognized and accepted in the Philippines.

In effect, Philippine public documents need not undergo diplomatic or consular authentication in order to be used abroad in fellow Apostille-contracting countries.

The Apostille Convention only applies if both the country where the public document was issued and the country where the public document is to be used are parties to the Convention The Apostille stream-

lines the whole authentication procedure of documents for use abroad resulting to more convenience, less cost and processing time for the applicants.

Before Apostille, a Philippine document to be used abroad needs a certi�ication by the relevant government agency or of�ice, authentication by the DFA, and legalization by the Embassy of the country of destination.

With the Apostille, documents will no longer require legalization by the Foreign Embassy if the country or territory of destination is already a member of the Apostille Convention. Once Apostillized by the DFA, the document can be validly used

in any and all Apostille Countries.

After authentication (Apostillization) by the DFA, there is no more need for legalization by the Foreign Embassies or Consulates except for countries that have not acceded to the Convention.

Aside from countries that have not yet acceded to the Apostille Convention, the Philippine Apostille will not apply to Austria, Finland, Germany and Greece. Documents from and to such countries will still require legalization by their Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines.

The DFA Of�ice of Consular Affairs will be the

DFA now affixes ‘Apostille’ as proof of authentication

T

he Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) no longer issues Authentication Certi�icates with "red ribbon", instead an Apostille is now being af�ixed to documents for use abroad as a proof of authentication.

An Apostille is a certi�icate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a country that is party to the Apostille Convention to be used in another country which is also a party to the Convention.

On May 14, 2019 the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) entered into force for the Philippines.

DFA, P8

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

EDITORIAL Feel sorry for the eagles This week, Davao City marks the Philippine Eagle Week. Its signi�icance maybe lost to some, but to those who truly care for the national bird, the existence of the Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) – the world’s longest eagle--is indeed concerning.

In one of its �lights to Singapore on Tuesday, national �lag carrier Philippine Airlines had two very important passengers on board. They are Philippine Eagles Sambisig and Gethermica who were on their way to the island nation’s Jurong Bird Park where they are on loan for purposes of breeding. The pair of captive-bred Philippine eagles traveled to Singapore for a 10-year mission.

PEF head of Logistics and human resource of�icer Gliceria Ibanez said the travel of Sambisig and Geothermica aims to promote further research on breeding at the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). It is a 10-year loan program agreement between the Philippine government and Singapore.

Based on rough estimates by the Philippine Eagle Foundation Inc., there are less than 200 eagles left in existence--its habitat under a slew of threats.

Once inhabiting every island in the Philippines, the Philippine eagle reportedly occupies a fraction of its former range and is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Habitat loss is the eagle’s biggest threat as more than 70 percent of the Philippine’s forests have been cleared since the 1970s to make room for urban and agricultural expansion, pushing the eagles higher into the mountains and fragmenting their available habitat.

According to an article written by Brad Miller in Mongabay website, “satellite data show recent encroachment into primary forest in several areas of remaining eagle habitat. Conservationists say one of these areas – a protected watershed area on the

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

island of Mindanao – is controlled by armed groups, which reap pro�its from illegal logging enterprises. Eagle habitat further north on the island of Luzon was recently affected a strong typhoon, which hit the east coast of the island in September and which the World Meteorological Association attributed to human-caused climate change.

Conservationists worry a national ban on open-pit mining will be overturned, leading to more habitat loss as mining companies rush to exploit gold and copper deposits, and that hydroelectric projects will further reduce nesting sites for the eagles.”

Indeed, the greatest threat to the existence of the eagles is the destruction of its habitat. Habitat loss is blamed on the expansion of monocrop plantations, logging, resource extraction such as mining, exploding human population and increasinglydestructive weather patterns brought on by climate change.

The Mongobay report said the Philippine eagles also rely on pristine, primary forest to hunt, nest and raise its young. Since the eagle is long-lived and reproduces slowly, researchers say it is critical that the young birds have ample space to leave their parents and produce their own offspring without being impacted by negative human behavior, including illegal hunting and trapping. It is estimated that a Philippine eagle needs 133 square kilometers to raise a single chick successfully. Though the species can be found as low as sea level, most of its lowland habitat has been destroyed, restricting it to the mountain slopes, mainly in remaining dipterocarp forests. But as people and development follow the birds in elevation, their survival has become more tenuous.

Sam and Geo’s �light to Singapore isn’t all about something to rejoice about. Rather, it is a reminder that we have practically left our very own national bird with no choice bu to �ly elsewhere to continue its existence.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Social Media Manager/Lifestyle PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

the national association of newspapers

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

THE RODENTS OF DAVAO Most dictionaries de�ine the rodent as “a gnawing mammal of an order that includes rats, mice, squirrels, hamsters, porcupines, and their relatives, distinguished by strong constantly growing incisors and no canine teeth. They constitute the largest order of mammals.”

Though the Davao region is not an exceptional ecological biodiversity when it comes to this mammalian order, it is still host to a few endemic species of rodents that, on account of man-made destruction of habitats, have been slowly decimated towards extinction.

Squirrels include small or medium-sized rodents such as tree, ground, and �lying squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, pocket gophers, woodchucks and marmots. They are related to the mountain beaver and the dormouse. In Davao, there are unique species endemic to the region.

Rodents, in general, have a vital role in the ecosystem’s health.

With at least 2,000 species worldwide, they are easily the most adaptable animal on earth, living anywhere from tropical forests to treetops, including underground.

Among the functions they play include as source for bigger animals in the food chain, seed prop-

agators, soil aerators, and fungus spreaders.

Though most humans treat them as nuisance and, worse, as pests, a sizeable part of humanity hunt them down for meat. They also spur growth of new plants by broadcasting seeds in forests.

They dig tunnels that turn over and fertilize the soil. The underground chambers they create also serve as habitat for smaller animals and cavities in the distribution of fungal spores that generate new woodlands.

The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2007), in an article written by two Dutch scientists, underscored the role rodents play is in the delivery of food-borne pathogens, Salmonella andCampylobacter: “Whilst rodents are often associated by organic farmers with infrastructural damage and eating or spoiling of stored feed and products, their zoonotic risks are frequently underestimated. They can amplify the number of pathogens in the environment and transfer them to food animals. Thus, organic farmers should be aware of the need for rodent control from a food safety perspective.”

It sounds amazing but southern Mindanao is home to the Davao squirrel (Sundasciurus

davensis Sanborn), an endemic rodent species discovered in 1952. There are very limited details about this mammal except that it inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests.

Enumerated as “lowest risk” in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the species belongs to the Sciuridae family. A �ledgling Davao squirrel is known as a pup or kitten, and the female called ‘doe’ and the male ‘buck.’ When in group, they are collectively known as ‘dray or scurry.’

Another interestingly rodent found in Davao is the Bagobo rat (Bullimus bagobus), alternately known as the Tudaya giant rat. It is one of three species in the genus Bullimus and belongs to the familyMuridae. Like the Davao squirrel, research about the animal is scarce.

First labeled by American naturalist Edgar Alexander Mearns in 1905, the Mindanao mountain rat, or the long-tailed moss mouse (Limnomys sibuanus), is native to Mount Kitanglad range in Bukidnon but also occurs on Mount Apo. It lives in forests that host conifers, laurels, ferns, orchids, mosses, lichens, and other shrubs.

In recent times, the Hamiguitan batomys, a new rodent species, was discovered in 2003.

American naturalist Eric A. Rickart in 2003 described it as having a “relatively longer tail, larger hind feet, softer pelage with grayish-white ventral coloration, larger skull with a longer rostrum, larger auditory bullae, larger molars, and other [unique] cranial and dental features.”

In 2009, a joint US-Filipino expedition from the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago found the Hamiguitan batomys, in Davao Oriental. The last to be discovered in the family Muridae, the rat is described by the expedition’s leader as “the �irst mammal to be described from Eastern Mindanao, and the �irst thought to live only in that area.”

Agence France-Presse, in a report, explained the hairy-tailed rat, which is related to other species found in central Mindanao and Dinagat Island, as “a yellow-brown rodent with a long furry tail. Weighing about 175 grams (6.2 ounces), it lives 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level in the dwarf mossy forests of Mount Hamiguitan on Mindanao island.”

Lawrence Heaney, curator of mammals at the museum, de-

scribe the habitat of the rat: ‘The unusual geological history of eastern Mindanao leads us to predict that additional species currently unknown to anyone except [that] local residents are likely to live there.’

Roughly, there are around eighty rodent species in the Philippines. Though Mindanao has a small share of the entire population, it hosts some of the less documented classes, chie�ly distributed in forests, mountain ranges, and other forms of vegetation.

The Mindanao species include the Basilan �lying squirrel (Petinomys crinitus), Mindanao �lying squirrel (Petinomys mindanensis), Dinagat hairytailed rat (Batomys russatus), Mindanao hairy-tailed rat (Batomys salomonseni), Mindanao lowland forest mouse (Apomys littoralis), amiguin bullimus (Bullimus gamay), Dinagat cloud rat (Crateromys australis), Mindanao montane forest mouse (Apomys insignis), Mindanao shrew-rat (Crunomys melanius), Camiguin forest mouse (Apomys camiguinensis), Mindanao squirrel (Sundasciurus mindanensis), Tawi-tawi Island rat (Rattus tawitawiensis), and Mount Apo forest mouse (Apomys hylocetes).

MUJAHID NAVARRA UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

RAMADHAN MUSLIMS During Ramadhan, it is easy to be pious as it is a season that is most conducive to piety in its blessedness. Sadly, this simple truth about Ramadhan is more proven by the fact that beyond Ramadhan, some people that you see in the mosques worshipping Allah during Ramadhan are not found inside them anymore.

Ramadhan Muslims as they are known are people that are known for their piety in Ramadhan but never beyond it. To some of us, we see them with a feeling of disgust that they are clearly trying to deceive Allah by living a life of sin the whole year and only selectively being pious during a month when rewards are multiplied. Some of us feel pity and compassion for them as they are clearly the epitome of being misguided despite having access to guidance and is continually being guided.

In Islam, there is an idea called, istiqamah, or remaining steadfast in the straight path.

Being steadfast in the straight path meant that one should be striving to remain in it no matter what and never deviating from it. Istiqamah meant that someone may �ind himself deviating or losing the way but he will ultimately wish to go back to the straight path and never letting

himself away from it for too long.

Istiqamah is most exhibited by diligence in the performance of good deeds commanded by Allah and the avoidance of all sins as much as possible. For a Muslim who is aware of the realities of istiqamah and the deviations that are caused by Satan, he seeks patience in Allah by trying to be close to Him at all times.

Being close to Allah is the realization of our �inite nature and our eternal need for His blessings and in �inding happiness in worshipping God alone without partners in ways that He has ordered us to worship Him. ALL FORMS OF DEVIANCE IS LEADING TO HELLFIRE Prophet Muhammad said, “Indeed the best speech is the book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Prophet Muhammad. The worst of things are the blasphemies and newly invented things added to the religion, every new thing added to the religion is a deviation and every deviation is leading to the Hell�ire.” This prophetic saying is putting emphasis on the dire consequences of innovation in religion.

In a strictly religious sense of things, selective piety during Ramadhan is a form of religious innovation. Muslims have been commanded by Allah to be mind-

ful of Him every time and yet some people thought that they could do otherwise in the time that is convenient to them. Many among these people who only worship during Ramadhan, the Ramadhan Muslims, thought that worshipping Allah in a month that good deeds are multiplied will grant them enough rewards to cover for their sins that they have accumulated the whole year.

There is truth to this belief that Ramadhan and the performance of certain acts of worship in it are expiations for past sins but they do not warrant anyone or give them the privilege to stop worshipping Allah beyond Ramadhan. This is the delusion that Ramadhan Muslims possess. The delusion that what they did in Ramadhan of the little acts of worship are enough for their sins to be forgiven. Some of them even have a grander delusion that the little acts of worship they do is enough to make them enter Paradise.

ABANDONMENT OF OBLIGATORY ACTS OF WORSHIP This belief held by Ramadhan Muslims is never backed by any religious text from the Quran or the authentic sayings but is rather being objected against by evidence. Prayers, for example, are made obligatory �ive times a

day. And for men, they are even made obligatory to be performed in the mosque that is near enough to one’s home in order for him to come back and forth.

Abandonment of the �ive daily obligatory prayers is a form of disbelief. Prophet Muhammad said, “The difference between us and the disbelievers are the �ive obligatory daily prayers and whoever abandons it has committed disbelief.” By abandoning prayers beyond Ramadhan, the Ramadhan Muslim is not only committing a big sin but is rather committing the biggest sin of disbelief. The disbelief of a person who is known to be a Muslim who does not perform the �ive daily obligatory prayers is not a matter of whether he or she believes in Allah. He may believe in Allah in the most perfect of terms in understanding Allah’s names and attributes and he may not be worshipping other gods besides Allah. He may not be doing acts of polytheism or worshipping other gods besides Allah but he is committing disbelief by his unwillingness to obey Allah.

Prophet Muhammad said, “The �irst thing among the deeds of the slaves of Allah that is to be accounted for in Judgment Day is his �ive daily obligatory prayers.”

This meant that if the Muslim perfects his �ive daily obligatory

prayers, then that is the only time when all his other goods are put into account too. And when his �ive daily obligatory prayers are lacking, all his other good deeds are ignored, no matter how great they may be. They may have performed thousands of pilgrimages, or have donated huge sums to charity but all these shall be in vain in Judgement Day. Prayers are the key or prerequisite in order for the other deeds to be rewarded on Judgment Day. THE ESSENCE OF ISLAM The essence of Islam is simple to understand, it is in surrendering one’s self to Allah and obedience to Him. Having known this, it is simple to see that Ramadhan Muslims do not really possess the essence of Islam.

Having known this, it is easy to declare that they are Muslims by name only.

RAMADHAN MUSLIMS ARE TRYING TO DECEIVE ALLAH To say the least, Ramadhan Muslims are trying to deceive Allah by expecting to be rewarded the same reward as those who remained steadfast simply by worshipping Allah in the most opportune time during Ramadhan. We ask Allah to protect us from this hypocrisy, as those who try to deceive Allah and the believers are only deceiving themselves. May Allah guide us all.

8 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

DURIAN CAN HELP CURB

CLIMATE CHANGE Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

I

f Filipino farmers are looking for a tree that will not only address the problem of climate change but also give them a decent income, then they should consider planting durian in their farms.

Respected atmospheric scientists claim that one way to curb the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is by sequestering them. Trees have been identi�ied as the most capable of doing so.

Science says that by means of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and then store the carbon.

This process is called carbon sequestration.

“Carbon is stored in the leaves, stems, and other parts of plants when they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to grow,” explains the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Trees are very important for carbon sequestration because they live a long time and, therefore, store their carbon for many years.”

Instead of planting just any kind of trees, some experts are recommending durian as Davao region is noted for this fruit. “The best tree to plant is durian,” says Jethro P. Adang, the new director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “The durian does not only help sequester carbon dioxide but it also bears fruits.”

The durian fruit is in big demand not only in the

Philippines but in other countries as well, particularly those with overseas contract workers and Filipinos who have already changed their citizenship.

“Durian, of course,” replied Dr. HIlario Lapeña, a Filipino physician who now resides in Canada, when asked what is his most favorite fruit. “Nothing beats it. I have tasted lots of exotic fruits but I still go back to my all-time favorite – durian. Friends who used to say that they hated it are now converts.”

There’s money in growing durian. You better ask Atty. Antonio B. Partoza, Jr., who appeared in the cover of the prestigious Agriculture Magazine, which is edited by no less than Zac Sarian, a recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award (touted to be the Nobel Prize of Asia).

Partoza never thought the fruit that smells like hell but tastes like heaven will bring him some clout and prestige when he ventured into durian farming in 1987.

Being the fruit basket of the Philippines, he thought of durian – particularly the “arancillo” variety – as a way of promoting Davao into the world.

“His perseverance to showcase Davao’s pride through the continued production of homegrown Durian has gained the recognition of the agricultural industry,” someone commented. Aside from Agriculture magazine, he was featured in various local and national papers and even the in-�light magazine of

SilkAir. What makes his durian fruits unique is that they are taken from trees that are grown organically. As one of the pioneering advocates of natural farming, he uses indigenous materials from the farm as fertilizer instead of relying on expensive commercial chemical fertilizer.

The success of his venture made him to earn the sobriquet, Durian King of Davao.

A lot of farmers tried to follow suit but still the demand is so huge that the volume cannot cope up with.

China, with a population of 1.4 billion, the demand is humungous. In 2016, some 303,430 metric tons of durian worth US$394 million were exported to China, according to the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics database.

Although the fruit is banned in most of the world (because of its “foul-smelling odor”), there is an increasing demand for it in the export market. Durian is called as "exotic tropical fruit" in North America and

Europe where customers offer premium price. Durian is also highly regarded in other Asian countries, including Japan and Singapore.

To meet the huge demand of durian in the China market, the regional of�ice of the Department of Agriculture recently launched the Durian 500 Project in Davao City. The DA-XI’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) implements the project in tandem with the Davao City Agriculture Of�ice.

“The project aims to expand durian production up to 500 hectares for the next three years in Baguio District, which is the leading durian production area not only in the city but also in the region,” said the press release, authored by Noel T. Provido.

Aside from its climate and rich volcanic soil, the Baguio District is also very accessible to durian buyers and processors. The HVDCP will provide 50,000 durian seedlings to interested farmers in the area. It takes about 5 years before the trees will bear fruits.

“It is about time to expand durian production in Davao Region since for the past years, the production area, as well as the volume of produce, did not increase despite the fruit’s continuing and increasing demand in the local and export market,” Melani Provido, the HVCDP coordinator, was quoted as saying.

Durian is one of the most controversial fruits the world has known. Opinions on it differ greatly. To some, the fruit “smells like hell.”

But to others, durian “tastes like heaven.”

The British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace famously described the fruit as "a rich butter-like custard highly �lavored with almonds, but intermingled with it come wafts of �lavor that call to mind cream-cheese,

onion sauce, brown-sherry, and other incongruities."

Old traveler Linchott wrote: "This fruit is of a hot and humid nature. It smells like rotten onion, but once tasted, everybody will like it."

In the 1912 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science, O.W. Barrett noted: “The chemical body which is responsible for the very pronounced odor is probably one of the sulfur compounds with some base perhaps related to that in butyric acid; it is not an oil nor a sugar, not a true starch but a substance new to the organic chemist.”

There are several varieties of durian grown in the Philippines. The most important ones, commercial-wise, according to the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, are Chanee, Mon Thong, Alcon Fancy, Arancillo, Atabrine, Duyaya, GD 69, Lacson Uno, Mamer, and Puyat.

Unlike mango, durian is a seasonal fruit and generally it is eaten fresh. The edible portion, known as the aril (usually referred to as the "�lesh" or "pulp") only accounts for about 15-30% of the mass of the entire fruit. The ripe pulp can also be made into jam, preserve (often packed like long sausages), candies, and other

sweets.

When unripe, durian can be cooked like a vegetable — including frying unripe slices just like potato chips to make uncommonly good durian snack chips. In Thailand, a popular delicious dessert treat is often sold from roadside cart vendors.

It is a cup of sweet sticky rice �looded with very sweet thin syrup of the juice of fresh coconut blended with a little fresh durian, sweetened with sugar cane juice.

Meanwhile, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said carbon dioxide levels, which were at 357.0 parts per million when the Statement on the State of the Global Climate was �irst published in 1994, keep rising. In 2017, the carbon dioxide level was 405.5 parts per million.

“For 2018 and 2019, greenhouse gas concentrations are expected to increase further,” said WMO, whose statement includes input from US meteorological and hydrological services, an extensive community of scienti�ic experts, and United Nations agencies.

With this in mind, Adang is urging Filipino farmers to plant durian. “Let’s plant more durian or other fruit trees,” he says. “Aside from providing work for people who sells fruits, we are also helping our environment from heating too much.”

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

WALKING ON AIR

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

LIFE IS ONE ADVENTURE. Eden Nature Park in Toril, Davao City is offering some of life’s great adventures. In fact, it has recently launched one of its most exciting adventures, the very first in Davao region and Mindanao.

It’s called Skywheel, which was opened to the public for the first-time last May 28. I was supposed to be one of those who will try this newest extreme adventure but had to beg off due to other commitments.

But it was good that Brenda Ocampo, the resort’s director of sales and marketing, had given me another chance. Together

with her husband, the famous GMA personality Tek Ocampo

and their two kids – Brent and Bea – we went to area last week.

“It’s a pleasure and truly one of a kind,” said Nico Tuban,

who tried the Skywheel. “I had fun.”

It took him only 15 minutes or so to walk in the air, literally.

He was walking 60 feet above the ground by riding a 150-kilogram iron wheel that is carried by 21,400-pound cables, according to Engr. Alfredo Mangahas, Jr., the man who installed the ride.

One way is about 200 meters long and since you have to return where you have started, the total length to walk is 400 meters.

“It was not really scary,” Tuban said, “although when I was at the middle, the wheel tried to sway because of the strong wind. But the trick I did was to walk faster so that I can defy the wind velocity.”

WALKING A4

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

ARTS AND CULTURE

Mindanao Opul MINDANAO’S vibrant tapestry of colours and patterns are making waves in Philippine fashion and design and recently, artist and muralist Alfred Galvez, together with the Ateneo de Davao University opened a brand new exhibit featuring the artist’s expression on his meditation of the “Land of Promise” and its God-given bounty.

Alfred Galvez.

Titled “Mindanao Opulence: A filipinoiserie exhibit” the show features Mindanawon motifs inspired by chinoiserie (a rococo ornamental technique) and imagined by Galvez.

The solo exhibition is a collection of watercolor paintings that showcase the vibrance of Mindanawon heritage with works that bring opulence in the simplicities of life, rural landscapes, and the native wildlife of Mindanao all emplasizing the intimate interconnectedness of nature and culture.

“The exhibit is an offshoot of my earlier works on filipinoiserie featuring Filipino cultural icons and while working on a mural for the Ateneo de Davao Senior High School,” shared Alfred. “This exhibit takes me back to my Davao roots with images that feature Mindanao music, dance and merry making alongside wonders of harvest and wildlife.”

“The works reference Mindanao as a kingdom with gold, silver and royal entities, only that the kings and queens are not people but the fruits and wildlife, the same way treasures are not merely special minerals,” he added.

Going around and viewing the pieces, I marvelled at the intriguing juxtaposition for nature and culture with pieces like “Song for the King”, “Dance for the Queen” and “Serenading the Silvers of the Sea” showing a reverence for the unique beauty and preciousness of these God-given gifts.

Mindanao Opulence: A filipinoiserie exhibit is at the Calungsod-San Vitores Art Gallery of the Ateneo de Davao University until the 28th of June 2019. The gallery is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

UP AND ABOUT

Smart literacy apps named sole Filipino finalist for GSMA’s Asia Mobile Awards 201 THE ROSTER of mother tongue –based literacy apps developed by leading wireless services provider Smart Communications (Smart) has been shortlisted in this year’s Asia Mobile Awards (AMO 2019).

Organized by mobile network operators group GSMA, AMO 2019 serves as the Asia Region’s leading stage for the latest and most innovative mobile products, apps, devices, services and initiatives.

Outstanding Mobile Contribution to the UN SDGs in Asia Smart is in the running for its #LearnSmart Mother Tongue–Based Literacy Apps that were developed in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and academic institutions nationwide. The PLDT subsidiary initiated the local content development program in 2018 as a response to the lack of interactive local content for education and is the only

finalist from the Philippines among the 50 contenders shortlisted by the AMO. The apps are nominated under the category of Outstanding Mobile Contribution to the UN SDGs in Asia.

Other finalists include edotco Myanmar for Sustainable Connectivity Solution, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies & The 301 Hospital for The World’s First Successful 5G-Enabled Remote Surgery on a Living Human Patient, KaiOS for the emerging OS, KT & UNEP for Air Map Korea, and Mahindra Comviva for AsiaHawala.

The presentation of the Awards will take place at this year’s Mobile World Congress - Shanghai from June 26 to 28, 2019.

First of its kind The LearnSmart mother tonguebased literacy apps feature lessons on local alphabet and numbers, videos showcasing local stories and songs, and games that help develop a learner’s essential memory and thinking skills.

The mobile tools were designed to be interactive to make teaching and learning basic literacy in the local language more interesting and encouraging for both the teachers and the learners.

To-date, Smart has launched nine #LearnSmart literacy applications: Bahay Kubo (Filipino), Kaalam (Cebuano), Ta’allam and Tahderiyyah (Arabic), Matisalug (Matigsalug indigenous peoples Tribe of Davao and Bukidnon), Kaaram (Waray), Katao (Inabaknon), Singsing (Kapampangan), and Sanut (Ilokano). To-date, the suite of apps are the only mobile tools in the Philippines that feature localized educational content. In the case of Matigsalug, it is the first tribal app of its kind in the country, while Tahderiyyah is the first literacy app for the Bangsamoro children.

The main delivery pipeline of the apps are through the Smart Schoolin-a-Bag program, which are portable digital classrooms that are donated to

remote and underserved schools in the Philippines with intermitted to no power. With more than 110 learning packages deployed as of end-2018, over 30,000 students around the Philippines have been given the opportunity to improve their performance in school though Smart’s flagship education initiative.

Aside from School-in-a-Bag beneficiaries, anyone can also download the #LearnSmart apps for free via Google Play.

Game-changing mobile devices and technologies Prior to being named as a finalist in AMO 2019, the roster of mothertongue literacy apps was previously awarded by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines with Silver citations at the 54th Anvil Awards.

The nods were for Best PR Program Directed at Specific Stakeholders and Best PR Tool – Mobile Application.

Now on its fourth year, the AMOs recognize game-changing mobile de-

vices and tech gies, to applic and services d oped for, or av able in Asian kets, showcas ever growing that mobility to users, indu tries, business communities economies ac regions.

Smart’s pre a nomination (Secured Hea and Exchange cal record and headed by Sm Wireless Com 2007 to 2009, AMOs for sev Advertising-M well as a nom Mobile Award tarpaulin recy

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ENTERTAINMENT

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hnolocations develvailmarsing the g value brings usses, s and cross Asia’s countries and

evious AMO nods include n in 2018 for SHINE OS+ alth Information Network ge), an electronic medid referral system spearmart and the Ateneo Java mpetency Center. From , the company also won veral Mobile Money and Marketing initiatives, as mination under the Green rd for the company’s ycling initiatives.

Homage to the King.

GMA Network wins Best Station at 7th Kagitingan Awards LEADING broadcast company GMA Network dominates the Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU)’s 7th Kagitingan Awards for Television after winning the “Pinaka-magiting na Himpilan ng Telebisyon” award along with 15 other major recognitions for various Kapuso programs and personalities. The awarding ceremony was held last May 29 in Balanga City, Bataan.

The Network’s flagship primetime newscast 24 Oras was recognized as “Pinaka-magiting na News Program” while public affairs show Alisto was cited as “Pinaka-magiting na Public Service Program.”

Meanwhile, top-rating comedy anthology Dear Uge took home the “Pinaka-magiting na Comedy Show” while the “Pinaka-magiting na Drama Series” award was won by well-loved Afternoon Prime series My Special Tatay. The “Pinaka-magiting na Drama Anthology” award went to Magpakailanman.

BPSU also recognized GMA News TV programs Investigative Documentaries as the “Pinakamagiting na Investigative Program,” Biyahe ni Drew as the “Pinaka-magiting na Magazine Program,” and Reel Time as the “Pinaka-magiting na Documentary Program.”

Several Kapuso personalities were

also honored that night.

GMA News pillars Jessica Soho and Arnold Clavio were named as “Pinaka-magiting na Personalidad ng News Program” for State of the Nation with Jessica Soho and “Pinaka-magiting na Personalidad ng Public Service Program” for Alisto, respectively.

Maki Pulido won as “Pinakamagiting na Personalidad ng Documentary Program” for Reporter’s Notebook while Malou Mangahas was chosen as “Pinaka-magiting na Personalidad ng Investigative Program” for Investigative Documentaries. Drew Arellano, on the other hand, was recognized as “Pinakamagiting na Personalidad ng Magazine Program” for Biyahe ni Drew.

Completing the list of Kapuso winners were Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza who won as “Pinakamagiting na Personalidad ng Com-

edy Show” for Daddy’s Gurl while versatile Kapuso actor Ken Chan brought home the “Pinaka-magiting na Personalidad ng Drama Series” for My Special Tatay.

The BPSU-Kagitingan Awards for Television recognizes programs and personalities that promote bravery (kagitingan) in maintaining social and personal values.

ABS-CBN’s innovative digital campaigns bag three Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards Diwata of the Seas.

ABS-CBN bagged three honors at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for its innovative digital campaigns, making it the only Philippine TV network to win at this year’s prestigious awards program.

The annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards is the only awards program to recognize innovation in business throughout the entire Asia-Pacific region. The Stevie Awards are considered to be the world’s premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in the workplace over the past 17 years.

The award-giving body honored ABS-CBN with a Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in Entertainment Websites for the television-integrated microsite Moonchasers, which immersed TV and online audiences in the fantasy world of vampires and werewolves of the hit series “La Luna Sangre.”

A Silver Stevie Award for Innovation in Social Media Marketing was also given to the McDo BonFries campaign, which ABS-CBN implemented with partner McDonald’s Philippines. It maximized Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube as platforms where UAAP students and fans could virtually participate in the live arena experience and cheer for their favorite teams in the highly anticipated UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

ABS-CBN also won a Silver Stevie Award for Innovation in Content Marketing/Branded Editorial for Unilever Story Studio, which provided data-based, creative business solutions and content that amplified the affinity of Unilever brands to their target markets.

These award-winning campaigns are part of the digital initiatives of ABS-CBN, the country’s leading media and entertainment company, as it continues to invest in content production for digital platforms for different audiences. It is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies, and a growing list of digital properties.

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WALKING A1 It did. Actually, walking the Skywheel is like you are doing a treadmill, which the doctors recommend always when you have hypertension and some heart troubles. By the time you had done the whole length, you get tired and perspired.

That’s why you have to be physical fit if you want to do it. Like most rides, it is not for all people. Since I have hypertension already, I never tried it. Much as I want to. I have to follow the safety rules the resort has set.

Aside from those having hypertension, its sky adventures are not recommended for those suffering from vertigo, having cardiovascular illnesses, and experiencing neck and spinal

injuries or problems. Also not allowed are pregnant women and people who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

There is also an age limit; only 18 years old and above.

Those below 18 can do the rides if they have obtained consent from their parents or guardians.

Before anyone can ride any

of its sky adventures, the person has to wear safety harness and helmet and sign the weaver.

Refusing to do so would mean a rejection from the personnel in allowing to do the rides.

Even before he did the Skywheel, Tuban tried the Skycycle first. Actually, it’s literally biking in the air. “It wasn’t

frightening,” said the physicallyfit Tuban, who is a basketball player. “What made me occupied was the scenic beauty on top.”

Eden’s sky adventures are open to the public from 1 pm to 5 pm during the weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and 8 am to 5 pm on weekends (Friday to

Sunday) and holidays.

If you are longing to have that one-of-a-lifetime adventure, visit Eden Natural Park now. Remember the words of American author Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

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COMPETITIVE EDGE

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Winning ‘losers’: Comval pilots military wellness camp

By FE FUENTES MAESTRE

M

awab, Compostela Valley Province-- It is a happy and ful�illing moment for the “losers” as they lined up to receive the certi�icates of completion to the 5-day military-style �itness training camp dubbed as “Agila Fitness Challenge” from May 22-26, 2019 at Camp Gen. Manuel T. Yan in Brgy. Tuburan, Mawab, Comval.

The event is spearheaded by the provincial government through the Tourism, Investment and Promotions Development Of�ice in partnership with the 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The �irst batch of participants have reasons to be proud of as they all lose weight as much as 4 kilos in just a week’s time, having survived the rigorous activities set every day. The training includes daily army dozen exercises and physi-

cal �itness tests which varies from jogging, brisk walking, planking, jumping jack and push-ups. They also immersed in the army training as they experienced combat drills, taught the use of Arnis, basic self-defense, �iring, rappelling, assembling and disassembling of weapons, among others.

“Compostela Valley has been developing wellness products. We have nature, therapy, sauna waterfalls, we have sports but this time around, this is a �itness

training that you will be immersed inside a military camp and then doing the military discipline and eating the kind of diet that the military are doing,” Christine Dompor, Provincial Tourism and Investment Promotions Of�icer said.

The meals are controlled with the supervision of a nutritionist and are served military-style “�ield mess.” That is, they take their meals on the ground, under the trees or scorching heat of the sun simulating an army while on operation.

Meanwhile, youngest participant, 17-year old Renalyn Langomez, a Grade 12 student in Ateneo de Davao University hopes to proceed in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and said her initial experience at the wellness camp helped her

have an idea how it is training in the military.

Not only for losing weight, but the �itness camp is also a test of endurance and stamina for health buffs.

One of the biggest losers, Blaire Ormido, has been going to the gym but said it was still a challenge and new experience for him especially in terms of instilling discipline. He weighed in at 88 kg and came out at 84.6 kg.

“We believe that there’s more to explore in Compostela Valley. Every year, there’s a destination being discovered and developed.

With such opportunities at hand, ComVal is positioning itself as an eco-adventure and wellness tourism destination in the country,” Gov. Tyron Uy said. (fe maestre, ID Comval/ photos by Tourism)

lighted in new Professional category The Professional competition seeks serious bodies of work across ten diverse categories by artists working across �ine art photography and photojournalism, and rewards those pushing the boundaries of what photography can do. The new Environment category will challenge artists to address environmental concerns affecting the world today and winning and shortlisted photographers are given a global platform upon which to showcase their work.

Speaking about the direct results of winning, Italian artist Federico Borella states: “Winning the 2019 Photographer of the Year title is one of the most important things for my career and my life.

This kind of visibility is amazing because it allows me and my work to reach a global audience. My phone started ringing straight after the announcement and it hasn’t stopped ringing since! People want to listen to the story I want to tell.

How can I ask for more?”

Judges selected Borella as the overall winner in 2019 for a powerful photographic essay on the human effects of climate change in Tamil Nadu, India.

New opportunity for young emerging photographers The new Youth competition will give young photographers aged 12 – 19 the opportunity to enter up to three single images per month from June – Decem-

ber 2019. Each month will have a different theme and judges will select one winner and a shortlist per month. The seven monthly winners will then compete to be named Youth Photographer of the Year.

The monthly structure has been implemented to give emerging photographic talent more opportunity to be discovered and will be accompanied by expert advice on the monthly theme to help those entering.

In addition to the Professional and Youth competitions, the 2020 Awards includes the Open competition, rewarding outstanding single images across ten categories and the Student competition, for photography students worldwide.

The National Awards program also runs in 60+ countries and celebrate local photographic talent.

The Awards are judged anonymously, giving all photographers across the world equal opportunity to be seen by juries of industry leading experts and win.

A total prize fund of $60,000 (USD) plus Sony digital imaging equipment is shared between winning photographers, with many also being �lown to London to attend the annual awards ceremony.

All shortlisted photographers are given exposure via the Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition which opens in London before touring globally. The 2019 Awards saw 327,000 entries from 195 countries. For more details about all the competitions and catego-

ries please go to www.worldphoto. org/swpa.

2019 Sony Grant recipients The World Photography Organisation and Sony are committed to supporting contemporary photographers and contributing to the further development of photographic culture worldwide.

The Sony Grants program, introduced in 2016, is open to winning and shortlisted photographers of the Awards’ Professional and Student competition. Recipients of the 2019 Professional grant are Yan Wang Preston (UK), Ed Thompson (UK), Kohei Ueno (Japan) and Thomas Uusheimo (Finland). Each receive $7,000 (USD) and Sony digital imaging equipment to create work of their choice.

The 2019 Student grant was awarded to Joel Davies (Central St Martins, UK), Sam Delaware (Paci�ic Union College, USA) and Tobias Kristensen (Danish School of Media & Journalism, Denmark).

Each received $3.500 (USD) and have been commissioned to create a new body of images, working as a team.

The results of all grant recipients work will be shown at the 2020 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition. Find out more about the Sony Grant at www. worldphoto.org/sony-grant For more information, visit www.sony.com.ph, like facebook. com/SonyPhilippines, or follow twitter.com/SonyPHinc and Instagram.com/sonyPHInc.

Sony bares new awards categories for 2020

S

ubmissions for the 13th edition of the internationally acclaimed Sony World Photography Awards is now open and free for all to enter at www.worldphoto.org.

The 2020 Awards are marked by the introduction of an Environment category to its Professional competition, recognising the importance of the subject for contemporary artists, and a new format for the Youth competition, to engage and reward young photographers working worldwide.

The Awards also announced today the recipients of the 2019 Sony Grant. Chosen from the winners and shortlist of the 2019 Sony World Photography Awards, the Sony Grant give artists the freedom to create new bodies of work or develop long-term projects. In clear demonstration of this, a new �ilm by 2018 Photographer of the Year Alys Tomlinson funded by her Sony Grant will be premiered at Rencontres d'Arles, France, this summer. The �ilm is an extension of the artist’s 2018 award-winning series Ex-Voto.

Having been seen by 25,000 people in London, the exhibition of winning and shortlisted works from across the 2019 Awards will now tour internationally. Opening in Japan on June 1, the exhibition will travel to Germany, Italy, India, and Mexico giving audiences worldwide the opportunity to see the very best in contemporary photography from the past year.

Environmental issues high-

JASKIN PAWNSHOP Notice of Auction Sale All Jewelry and other items pawned at Jaskin Pawnshop San Perdo Street, Davao City during the months of October 2018 to January 2019 if not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on June 18, 2019 at our pawnshop premises.

June 7, 10, 11, 2019

DFA... FROM 5 competent authority responsible for the implementation of the Apostille Convention. The Supreme Court plays an important role since the accession

would require the amendment of certain provisions of the Rules of Court pertaining to the use of foreign public documents.

(PIA InfoComm/DFA)

Meanwhile, MARINA of�icer-in-charge Administrator Vice-Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. stressed that the country should remain on the IMO whitelist to continue its deployment of seamen and other maritime labor worldwide.

“As part of our compliance with the Convention, we have to comply with the IMO independent evaluation. We have done that so far. We have to pass that audit,” Vingson said.

MARINA is also pushing for the passage of a legislative measure that will provide the enforce-

ment of international standards on maritime safety, prevention of pollution from ships, load lines, tonnage measurements and regulations for preventing collisions at sea of which the Philippines is a State Party.

Data from the MARINA shows that the Philippines was able to deploy nearly 400,000 Filipino seafarers overseas worldwide in 2017.

Sea-based overseas Filipino workers remitted a total of USD5.87 billion for that year which was higher by 21.4 percent from USD4.84 billion in 2012. (PNA)

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tug-of-war over committee chairmanships between incoming and incumbent senators.

Go, however, said that the newly-elected senators would respect seniority and tradition of "equity of incumbents" at the upper chamber in the 18th Congress.

Go made the statement following a dinner meeting with some incumbent and incoming senators at the residence of Senator Manny Pacquiao in Makati City, wherein they discussed possible committee chairmanships.

"We, as newly-elected senators, respect the tradition of ‘equity of incumbents’ and we appreciate how the senior senators have been very accommodating with our requests and concerns. The majority bloc will decide in the coming weeks on how to best lead these committees," he said.

Go said that while he has signi�ied to lead four preferred Senate panels, the decision would still be

up to the majority bloc.

"Sinabi ko na nais ko makatulong, and if possible, magkaroon ng leadership role sa committees on health, education, sports o urban planning, housing, and resettlements. Pero depende pa rin naman ito sa sentimyento ng majority bloc (I expressed my interest, if possible, to have leadership roles in the committees on health, education, sports or urban planning, housing and resettlements.

But it still depends upon the sentiment of the majority bloc)," he said.

Go, meanwhile, noted that the working relationship between the Senate and the executive department under the leadership of Senate President Vicente Sotto III has been good in the 17th Congress, as he expressed support for Sotto's continued leadership in the upcoming Congress.

"With his continued leadership, we can solidify the support of the Senate to the Legislative agenda of President Duterte," Go said.

(PNA)

gion in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"Setting aside social, cultural and spiritual differences, we as Filipinos can make history by passing on a better and more prosperous Mindanao to the next generation," the AFP chief added.

Madrigal said the AFP's relationship with its Muslim brothers and sisters, which is built on trust and respect, will continue to bear fruit as the country starts its journey to peace. (PNA)

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ceptable to all concerned" has been made.

"DepEd also seeks to address the Bacoor issue and similar concerns strategically, over the long term, by including in its programs the construction of administration buildings. DepEd has included in its 2020 budget request

to the Department of Budget and Management the funding for an initial batch of such buildings that will have space for principal’s of�ice, faculty room, guidance room, library, and school supplies and equipment storage in times of calamities," the statement read. (PNA)

dependence, by preserving the doctrine of separation of powers and insisting on the due process of law when it came to legislative documents.

He particularly cited as an example the 2019 budget impasse, wherein the Senate contended that no post-rati�ication amendments be made.

"In those two months of stalemate, we insisted on our position, and made known our stand when the budget was submitted to the Of�ice of the President,"

Sotto said.

"Though we eventually signed, we made known our observations, and the Executive Department sustained our position," he added.

Sotto hopes that the independence of the Senate can be maintained in the next Congress.

"We wish the coming Senate to carry on the task we are passing on to them.

Let us remain cooperative but independent, balanced, transparent and sincere," Sotto said. (PNA)

sitional shelter,” he added.

Under the deal, he said the NCMF will facilitate the processing of travel documents, payment of airfares and billeting while the IDPs stay in Saudi Arabia for a month.

Hajj, one of the �ive pillars of Islam, is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must make at

least once in his or her lifetime.

On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said he may consider asking the HUDCC to explain the PHP5 million it diverted to NCMF. Panelo warned that if the COA audit report is true, then HUDCC could face raps for technical malversation. (PNA)

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from 2020 to 2024, all current sources of government funding can cover UHC at around P200 billion annually, while the cost of the program will start at P257 billion in 2020 and grow at an average of around P11 billion to P12 billion per

year, amounting to a �iveyear total of around P1.44 trillion by 2024.

Without substantially adjusting the current “sin” tax rates, Dominguez said the cumulative funding gap by 2024 will reach P426 billion. DOF

ketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City -Region 11 (Davao region): NCCC Mall Buhangin, Km. 7, Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City

-Region 12 (Soccsksargen): Trade Hall, SM City Gensan, General Santos City -Caraga: PLGU Training Center, Capitol, Butuan City (PNA)

sisted by Yong Garcia, Nani Epondulan, and Gherome Ejercito.

Ayon was named Finals MVP when the San Juan Knights beat the Davao Occidental Tigers in the bestof-�ive title series of the Season 2 Datu Cup. Team owners Jeremy Go of Go For Gold and Senator Jinggoy Estrada, team governor Chris Conwi, team manager Jun Usman, and Cherry Mobile marketing head Bel Laureola were also present during the press conference.

"The team is motivated to win, not just backto-back but �ive-peat or more," said Go, who is the vice president of Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corp.

Estrada said it is dif�icult

to say the team's chance of winning the title again but he noted that the players' determination is a plus factor. He even compared the Knights' never-say-die attitude to the players of Ginebra in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

"It's hard to predict if we can win the title this season but I can see the determination of the team to win. It's like the Ginebra team in the PBA. We have seen how San Juan played against Davao in the �inals," he said.

The San Juan Knights will be up against the Bacoor Strikers in a homeand-away game on June 14.

The Knights will also play against Season 1 champion Batangas City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in September. (PNA)

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11

Johnson wants to challenge Ruiz

By ADAM B. MORRELL

T

World Boxing Federation heavyweight champion Ronald "The American Dream" Johnson shows his three championship belts in Thursday's DSA Forum at SM City Davao.

Sarangani fighter wins in China

S

arangani’s Richie Mepranum landed more telling blows to win by a majority decision over Sen Chen of China for the vacant International Boxing Federation Pan Paci�ic super featherweight title at the Wynn Palace Cotai in Macau on Saturday.

Mepranum scored 9793 and 96-94 to get an overall score of 95 from the judges.

The 32-year-old Mepranum improved to 33 wins with nine knockouts, nine losses, and one draw.

Sen suffered his second loss against 11 wins.

Meanwhile, Roland Jay Biendima of General Santos City lost by a unanimous decision to Bin Zhou of China for the vacant World Boxing Council Asian Boxing Council Continental (WBC ABCC) super �lyweight title at the Anshun Olympic Center in Guiyang, China on Friday.

It was the �ifth loss suffered by Biedima against 13 wins and one draw.

The 27-year-old Zhou posted 11 wins against one loss and one draw. Zhou earlier beat George Lumoly of Indonesia by a unanimous decision in China on Dec. 23, 2018.

In the same event, Lingjie Xia (6W-0L-1D, 2KO) of China knocked out Attanon Kunlawong (14W-4L-0D, 11KO) of Thailand in the �irst round to win the vacant WBC ABCC lightweight title while Youngchao Sheng (6W-0L-1D, 4KO) of China TKO’d Ricky Manufoe (27W-36L-3D, 10KO) of Indonesia in the third round to win the interim WBC ABCC super featherweight title.

The promoters of the vent were Bob Arum of Top Rank, Li Sheng of SECA Ltd., and Xiaoping Zhang of Xiaoping Sports. (PNA)

Knights ready to defend MPBL title

T

he San Juan Knights Go For Gold is looking forward to another successful campaign in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), which will kick off its third season, billed as "Lakandula Cup", at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on June 12.

After claiming their �irst title last April, the Knights are motivated to keep their winning performance and make it two in a row.

With almost the same line-up, head coach Randy Alcantara said it is possible to win a back-to-back title.

"The core of the team is intact. We also have new players who will de�initely contribute to the team," Alcantara said during the press conference at the Cafe

Ysabel in San Juan City on Wednesday.

Andrew Estrella and Jessie Saitanan, who both played for Mapua, will join the Knights line-up composed of Joseph Ubalde (team captain), Rian Michael Ayon, Mac Cardona, Larry Rodriguez, John Wilson, Jhonard Clarito, Carlos Junior Isit, Cedric Pelayo, Orlan Wamar Jr., Joseph Marquez, Art Patrick Aquino, Lester Reyes, Mike Salvado, and Jeff Tajonera.

"I have faith in my players. They will do their best.

What we need is to always be prepared because the other teams are also expected to put up a good �ight every game," said Alcantara, who will be as-

KNIGHTS, P10

hree-belt heavyweight champion Ronald "The American Dream" Johnson said he wants to �ight current uni�ied WBA, WBO, IBO, and IBF heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr. The reigning World Boxing Federation heavyweight champion declared his interest in Ruiz ahead of the Thrilla in Davao card slated June 15 at the Azuela Cove Enderun Tent.

The 33-year old native of Cleveland, Ohio, United State of America is arranged for a 12 round square off against Bolivian heavyweight champion Saul "Farah" Beccera for the vacant Global Boxing Organizations (GBO) title.

However, the 15-1-0

(win-loss-draw) Johnson has something big in mind after a huge upset in his division was written in the books over the weekend.

"If I get this GBO title, we can �ight," Johnson enthusiastically said during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at the Annex of SM City Davao on Thursday, June 6.

Johnson was pertaining to Mexican pug Ruiz who is renowned for scoring one of the biggest shocks in the heavyweight boxing history for knocking out heavy-favorite Anthony Joshua in round seven last June 3 at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

The American Dream, however, said the upset

was in fact great for boxing as it proves the idea that there is no guarantee in the sport regardless of your prime.

"You should work towards something you want to achieve," he said.

Although he con�idently projected to win the match in second or third round in Thrilla in Davao, Johnson didn't downgrade the capabilities of his Bolivian foe that holds a formidable 69-233 record.

"He is a great competitor. I expect a great �ight because he is a great title �ighter but I will show him and give him my all," Johnson said who will rely on his ring IQ, good defense, sharp hand speed and willingness to win.

the Raptors’ woeful shooting display in Game 2.

But a lack of personnel proved too much to overcome for the defending champions.

Still, doubts were raised whether the Raptors have the fortitude to get back up after falling in Toronto.

Those were answered in Oakland, as Leonard and co. exploited the Warriors’ injury woes to take back home-court advantage in the series.

Despite being undermanned, the Warriors still posed a game-long threat, especially with Curry playing red-hot to �ill the scoring shoes vacated by injured teammates Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.

But even with a legendary production by Curry, he couldn’t singlehandedly tame the Raptors, who relied on former champions Leonard and Green making clutch baskets.

Game 4 is on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) and remains on the Warriors home court in Oakland.

the �irst half of Game 3, the Raptors were clinging to an 83-75 advantage in the �inal 3 minutes of the third period before Green bombed in back-to-back 3-pointers to expand the margin to 14.

Toronto went on to lead by as many as 16 in the period, the last time when Green nailed his third 3-pointer of the period for a 96-80 advantage with 29.2 seconds remaining.

The Warriors, who hadn’t played a home game in 20 days and hadn’t lost at home since the �irst round of the postseason, never got closer than 7 after that.

Green’s 6 3-pointers were his most this postseason, but one fewer than the 7 he made twice in the postseason for the San Antonio Spurs in 2013 and 2014.

Lowry also had a game-high 9 assists.

T h e Raptors shot 17for-38 on

3-point attempts, outscoring the Warriors 51-36 from behind the arc.

Pascal Siakam (18 points, game-high 9 rebounds) and Marc Gasol (17 points) also scored in double �igures for Toronto, which was playing its �irst road game in 13 days.

Without Thompson (hamstring) and Durant (heel), both of whom might return for Game 4, the Warriors’ supporting cast could do no better than 17 points from Draymond Green and 11 from Andre Iguodala.

The Raptors wasted little time taking advantage of their short-handed foe, running off to a 17-7 lead behind 10 combined points from Siakam and Gasol.

Despite 25 points by Curry, the most he’s ever scored in a half in an NBA Finals game, Toronto led by as many as 14 in the �irst two periods before settling into a 60-52 advantage at the break.

Raptors take Game 3 T

he Toronto Raptors stars made sure not even a supernova performance by Steph Curry would deny them victory in Game 3.

Kawhi Leonard scored 30 points, 15 in the third quarter, and Kyle Lowry added 23 points and 9 assists, as the Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors 123-89 on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) to take a 2-1 lead in the 2019 NBA Finals.

Danny Green, who won a championship with Leonard with the San Antonio Spurs, was a difference-maker, too, hitting 6 3-pointers, most of them in crucial stretches of the game. He tallied 18 points.

“They never make anything easy and Steph is a two-time MVP,” Lowry said.

“For us, we need to just stay locked into the game plan. We can’t have any mental lapses, that’s what hurts us. We’ve just got to continue to work, play hard and stay level headed.”

Curry was nearly unstoppable on the day, leaving his mark on both ends of the �loor.

He scored a playoff career-high 47 points, on 14-of31 shooting from the �loor, to go with 6 3-pointers. He also shot 13 of 14 from the foul line.

He also �inished with 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals, and made sure the Warriors were within striking distance of Toronto, which shot 52.4% from the �loor (43-of-82 �ield goals), a vast improvement from

After blowing a double-digit lead in Game 2 only to regain another in

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SPORTS

VOL.12 ISSUE 64 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-8, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

UNCONVENTIONAL New concept to be introduced in Escandor Cup 3-Point Shootout

By ADAM B. MORRELL

B

race youselves for a never-before-seen basketball concept as Escandor Cup brings the �irst-ever Unconventional Three-point Shootout on Saturday, June 8, at the Davao City Recreation Center.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive program of�icer Ronel Leuterio, on Wednesday, June 5, said this newly-designed three-point shootout will underscore a concept that best �it the Philippine basketball.

Far from the traditional three-point shootout where

participants may pick balls from the racks provided and shoot as many as possible before the given time expires, Leuterio explained that this re-conceptualized game involves four players from a team to perform a drill before taking a three-point shot.

“We want this (concept/system) to be known as from Davao City,” Leuterio said, hoping that it will help the grassroots especially homegrown players to keep pace against vast and hefty individuals from Manila.

This three-

point shootout, shared Leuterio, is only a pre-event to the main course which is the Escandor Cup 4x4 that will test the new designed system he’s been talking about.

SBP secretary Jeucharist Binoya, meanwhile, said 21 boys’ team and 6 girls’ team are of�icially registered in the three-point shootout.

Schools entered in the boy’s division are the Philippine Women’s College, San Pedro College, Davao Jones Academy, Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, St. Mary’s College of

Tagum, Brokenshire College, Immanuel School of Davao, Rizal Memorial College, Ford Academy of the Arts, Holy Child College of Davao, Holy Child College of Mintal, St. Patrick’s Math Science School, Ateneo de Davao University, Philippine Sakya Academy of Davao, Cor Jesu College of Digos, Assumption College of Davao, and Holy Cross of Davao College, Jesus Soriano National High School, Crossing Bayabas National High School, Cabantian National High School, F. Bustamante National High School, Ber-

nardo Carpio National High School and Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School.

The girl’s division, on the other hand, will feature the Philippine Women’s College, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Assumption College of Davao, Crossing Bayabas National High School, and Cabantian National High School.

There will be a �inal orientation at 8:00am while the games will of�icially start at 8:30am.

The semi�inals and the �inals are set on Sunday.

Unlike the traditional one-shooter three-point shootout like this one in the recent Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Cup 2019, the Escandor Cup Unconventional Shootout will involve four shooters to a team.