Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 77 | Wednesday, June 26, 2019

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‘Bikoy’ no longer under PNP custody T

he Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said Peter Joemel Advincula alias ‘Bikoy’, is no longer under its custody.

“He is no longer under the PNP protective custody. The assumption is that he is on his own and he is doing good,” PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac told reporters in a press brie�ing.

Advincula, the man behind a series of vide o s called

“Ang Totoong Narcolist”, has submitted evidence to back up his claim that Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and several Liberal Party members were behind the series of videos against President Rodrigo Duterte and several members of his family But Banac said Ad-

vincula is in constant coordination with police investigators every time there is a need for veri�ication of the claims he made against Trillanes, some members of the Liberal Party and even members of the Catholic Church.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) was tasked to conduct the veri�ication on the claims of Advincula and so far, his statements are continuously being

veri�ied, including his alleged meeting with Trillanes and some LP and church members.

Banac said the investigation does not mean that they believe everything that Advincula is saying on the statements he gave to the CIDG.

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IPC DARES FIRMS TO INNOVATE BUSINESS MODELS WITH CHROME ENTERPRISE ►ICT HUB P10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

DUET. President Rodrigo Duterte performs a duet with his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, during the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) Thanksgiving Night at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRRD is balancing O PH interest, security

Davao, one of only 4 Mindanao LGUs with pro-LGBT ordinances

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ational interest and security are the main reasons why President Rodrigo Duterte is taking a cautious stand on the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) incident where a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed and abandoned a Filipino �ishing vessel, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this comment following criticism coming from Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Pan�ilo Lacson who have both thumbed down a joint probe into the maritime incident by both the Philippine and Chinese authorities.

“As the Chief Architect of foreign policy, the President strikes a balance between the interest of the nation and the country’s security, as against the threat of potential war with another,” said Panelo in a statement.

“He maintains friendly and trade relations with

other countries, even those with adversarial claims,” he added.

Lacson earlier said a joint probe between the Philippines and China on the maritime incident may be interpreted as “a waiver of our right of ownership of Recto Bank”.

Lacson pointed out that the 2016 Hague ruling states that Recto Bank is part of the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone of the Philippines.

Robredo said a joint investigation does not guarantee that the truth will really come out. She said she preferred investigation conducted by a third party.

Panelo stressed anew

that Duterte’s foreign policy “is based on reason not emotion”.

“He is not swayed by the hysterics of nitpicking nationalists, who do not see anything good of what the President does,” Panelo said.

Panelo also pointed out that Duterte could not be “reckless nor tentative” as his critics want him to be.

“The President is cautious as he is pragmatic.

He is a tactician as he is wise. He presses the right buttons, at the right time,” Panelo said.

Panelo, meanwhile, said that President Duterte will continue to treat the Recto Bank issue as a “navigation incident”.

He vowed that protocol on the issue will be observed in accordance with international law or domestic law.

Fishermen’s welfare Panelo, meanwhile, as-

sured that the Duterte administration considers the welfare of the Filipino �ishermen as a top concern.

The Presidential Spokesperson said the Duterte administration has provided the �ishermen with aid to alleviate their present situation.

“He (Duterte) is not waiting for the result of the �inal investigation, whether done separately or jointly by the two countries, before he gives succor to their plight,” Panelo said.

Panelo reiterated that the administration will ensure that there will be no escape at accountability of the guilty party, nor a denial of compensation to the offended victims.

“Justice will be served, at whatever cost,” he added.

According to Panelo, the Palace has already re-

is monetary support given either as outright cash or guarantee letter (GL) addressed to service providers or establishments to augment the client’s resources.

Jabagat said the various assistance given yearly by DSWD through its Crisis Unit provides integrated services to individuals and families who are indigent, vulnerable, disadvantaged, in crisis or in any dif�icult situation.

Transients, repatriates, deportees, abandoned, student-in-crisis,

former rebels, and families of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines killed-in-action or wounded-in-action can also avail of the assistance, Jabagat said.

The DSWD Crisis Unit also provides psychosocial intervention and referrals to other agencies for services not available in DSWD. Jabagat said the assistance extended is based on the assessment and recommendation of social workers.

Carmela Duron, the

DSWD-11 Information Of�icer, said people or families availing of DSWD assistance should bring any valid identi�ication card and barangay certi�ication. They must include the following: for medical - Medical Certi�icate, Hospital Billing, Doctor’s Prescription and Laboratory Request; for burial - Death Certi�icate and Funeral Contract; and for educational - Enrolment Assessment Form, Validated School Identi�ication Card and Statement of Account. (PNA)

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DSWD aid program benefits over 38K

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he Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Regìon 11 already released some PHP132 million worth of material assistance to individuals and families in crisis during the �irst half of the year.

DSWD-11 Director Mercedita Jabagat bared on Monday the transportation, medical, burial, educational and �inancial assistance, was given to over 38,996 individuals and families in crisis.

Financial assistance

nly two of Mindanao’s 27 provinces and also two of its 33 cities have anti-discrimination ordinances that offer protection and encourage respect for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations in the Philippines, a non-government organization disclosed Monday.

Chi Laigo-Vallido, director for programs and advocacy of the Forum for Family Planning and Development, said the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands and the cities of Davao and Butuan have ordinances that uphold the rights of LGBTs. But the good efforts of local government units (LGU) towards LGBTs have yet to ascend into a national commitment, Vallido said in a statement.

She cited the pending SOGIE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression) equality bill or the anti-discrimination bill that Congress has yet to pass. The measure intends to prevent acts of discrimination based on people’s sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

She took to task President Duterte to lead the national commitment, while scoring him for “poor tolerance” against the LGBT community.

“For a leader who once headed a city (Davao) who has a gender and development code since 1997 and started pioneering strategies in integrating gender and development in various LGU programs, I am saddened that President Duterte is himself the one who does not support the country’s growing maturity towards sexual diversity,” Vallido said.

She noted that Duterte has faltered in his

statements for LGBTs and same-sex unions, and most recently, has again invoked homosexuality to insult and imply weakness on his political rivals and critics, including communist rebels and Catholic priests.

He also said being “gay” can be cured. Duterte claimed that arch critic Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is gay.

The LGBT is celebrating June as the Pride Month.

In Luzon, the LGUs that have pro-LGBT ordinances are Cavite province and the cities of Angeles, Antipolo, Baguio, Batangas, Candon, Dagupan, Mandaluyong, Puerto Princesa, Quezon and Vigan.

In the Visayas region, ordinances are being implemented in Iloilo province and the cities of Bacolod and Cebu.

Beyond the recognition of the June celebration of Pride Month and the fun parades in various parts of the country, Vallido said that it is time to step up for the welfare of LGBTs who have unique reproductive and health needs.

“They must be equal before our laws and must be able to access opportunities and services among others just like any and all Filipinos,” she said.

Apart from LGBT police help desks, there is also an anti-bullying law that Congress passed in 2013 that included protection for LGBTs and child protection policies covering LGBT children and youth.

The Philippines is also a signatory to various international covenants promoting human rights under the United Nations.

Recently, the World Health Organization had removed

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VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

3

GSIS to require gov’t agencies to submit remittance files electronically by July

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ORIENTATION. Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (right) chats with fellow newly-elected Senators, Ronald dela Rosa (center) and Francis Tolentino, during a Senate orientation at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City on Tuesday. Contributed photo

Bangsamoro normalization process gains momentum

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he preparation for the implementation of the Normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is now moving at an accelerated pace and gaining momentum.

This developed as representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), and members of Basilan-based civil society organizations gathered here to participate in a multi-stakeholder forum on Normalization.

Spearheaded by the GPH Joint Normalization Committee and the Government of the Philippines Implementing Panel, the forum is the third in a series which aims to update participants on the Normalization Track’s various aspects, identify points of con-

vergence, and recommend con�lict-sensitive interventions to enhance the Normalization phase.

Signed by the Philippine government and the MILF in 2014, the CAB has two tracks: Political and Normalization.

The Political Track includes the rati�ication of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Normalization Track, on the other hand, mainly involves the decommissioning of the combatants and putting their weapons beyond use, and the transformation of six MILF camps into peaceful and

NAIA safe despite red lightning alerts

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he Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Monday assured the public that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) remains safe against lightning.

MIAA, which manages the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has declared red lightning alerts several times this month, and this resulted to temporary halt in ramp operations.

A red lightning alert is a safety measure to prevent any untoward incident from happening when lightning is prevalent in the immediate area and may endanger passengers, personnel, and �light operations.

On Monday, the management announced that the NAIA has 20 lightning arresters in the four terminals. These devices are

to protect electrical and telecommunication facilities of buildings from the damaging effects of lightning.

“A lightning surge is captured through the arrester onto the ground which absorbs it,” MIAA explained.

NAIA’s lightning arresters are being checked every three years to ensure adherence to international standards.

In a statement, MIAA said the continued movement of ground personnel is discouraged during lightning alert because of the possibility of current to travel on the pavement before it �inally discharges on the ground.

“Personal protection equipment or gears worn by ramp workers may not be enough to protect them from at least 24 megavolts

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resilient communities.

Cementing partnerships At the forum, Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 104th Brigade, noted that the security sector has, over the years, established very good relations with the MILF. “They are very adherent to the various peace protocols,” he said.

He described this strong partnership as the “cement” that binds the government and the MILF, and the reason why Basilan is now enjoying the dividends of peace and development.

“What happened in Basilan is very encouraging. We should use [this in pursuing] our collective dream: peace and progress in Basilan,” Reyeg said.

“We have to sustain the strong engagement among stakeholders. We have gained

each other’s trust,” Reyeg added.

For Maj. Gen. Andres Centino, AFP’s Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, the transformation that people are witnessing in Basilan “is very encouraging”.

He underscored the importance of working together to move the peace process forward.

“The commitment of the AFP is to support and acknowledge the primacy of the peace process,” he said. “We aspire for peace that’s why we need to collectively work for it.”

For the MILF’s part, Malik Caril, Deputy Commander of the MILF-BIAF Western Mindanao Front, said they are now preparing their communities for the Normalization process.

“Because of the positive progress in the peace process,

BANGSAMORO, P9

tarting July 2019, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will require government agencies to submit remittance documents electronically and will no longer accept the submission of printed remittance lists (RLs).

“The complete shift to paperless transactions reduces paper production cost and yields savings in government resources.

More than that, a paperless working environment enhances data organization, storage, and retention which are all vital in protecting the privacy and security of members’ records,” GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint O. Aranas said.

With this development, government agencies will be able to fully utilize GSIS’s web based facility, dubbed Electronic Billing and Collection System (eBCS), by downloading their billing

�iles on the �irst day of the month and uploading their respective RLs electronically on or before the 10th day of the following month.

Introduced in July 2014, eBCS aims to ensure the seamless and timely posting of GSIS members’ premium and loan payments.

“After almost �ive years since eBCS was implemented, remitting of�icers of government agencies have been adequately trained and should be prepared by now to maximize the use of the system. Thus, hard copies of remittance �iles are no longer necessary,” Aranas said.

By working online through eBCS, agency remitting personnel will save time and resources that would be otherwise spent in personally going to GSIS of�ices to submit remittance documents. By going paperless, they may download and upload �iles in no time.

PNP submits P14.8-B infra projects to DPWH

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he Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeking a PHP14.8-billion worth of infrastructure projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to improve its facilities as part of the modernization program, Maj. Gen. Edwin Roque said on Monday.

Roque, PNP Director for Logistics, said all documents and requirements needed for the proposed infrastructure projects have been submitted to the DPWH for �inal validation for 2020 prioritization program.

He said out of the PHP14.843 billion infrastructure projects, PHP11.018 billion worth of 117 projects will be in Luzon while 70 projects worth PHP1.96 billion will be in Visayas and 104 projects worth PHP1.85 billion

have been allotted in Mindanao.

Roque said the infrastructure projects in 17 PNP regional of�ices include police station buildings, combat simulation facility, �iring ranges, additional of�ice buildings for provincial police of�ices, City Police Of�ice and Provincial Mobile Force Company barracks, quarters and dormitories, additional national and regional headquarter buildings, among others.

Maria Catalina Cabral, DPWH Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership, commended the PNP Directorate for Logistics for the fruitful PNP-DPWH convergence program meeting over the weekend.

Cabral acknowledged the urgency of the proposed PNP infrastructure

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GLUED. Video and still cameras are glued on outgoing City Councilors, including 3rd District Councilor Victorio Advincula Jr, as they deliver their farewell speeches during the farewell session of the 18th City Council on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

SEC okays ACE-Butuan P1-B maiden offering

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COBBLER. A cobbler repairs a sandal at his makeshift shop along the sidewalk of E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

BFAR to distribute 5,000 transponders by yearend T he Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR) will be distributing an initial 5,000 “transponders” or vessel monitoring measures (VMM) to commercial �ishing vessels before the year ends.

DA Undersecretary and BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona bared this on the sidelines of the “Kapihan sa Talakayan Tungo sa Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan” held Monday at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City. Gongona added that commercial �ishing vessels will also be out�itted with electronic reporting systems (ERS).

He noted that all Phil-

ippine-�lagged commercial �ishing vessels allowed to operate in the high seas and those with access rights to �ish in other countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs) should be VMM- and ERS-compliant.

VMM logs the vessel’s position, course, and speed at any given time for the purpose of traceability and management of �isheries resources and �ishing

effort.

On the other hand, ERS is a device used to transmit and record catch data to the BFAR near real time or simultaneous to transitions of location data.

The ERS must be able to transmit the following information: species and volume of �ish caught, position of the vessel where the �ish was caught, date and time, vessel activity, and port of origin and arrival.

Vessel operators will have access to the information generated by VMM and each will be issued a unique username and password by the BFAR.

International advocacy group, Oceana, earlier said the sinking of F/B Gem-Ver 1 in the Recto Bank (Reed Bank) by a Chinese �ishing boat last June 9 “should drive us to put in place mechanisms for the safety of our people and tracking behavior of �ishing vessels within and even outside our territorial waters”.

The group said VMS should be installed in all commercial �ishing vessels, as required in the amended Fisheries Code.

“We need solutions, recommendations, and not analysis,” Gongona said in reaction to the Recto Bank incident. (PNA)

frastructure and logistics, small and medium enterprises, social services and community development, and the environment. It has a total 137 branches including 10 branch lite of�ices that cater mostly to underserved communities in the country.

Herbosa said total assets have grown to P635.6-billion in the �irst quarter of 2019, which is P17.6-billion, or 2.85 percent higher than the P618-billion recorded in March 2018.

He said DBP’s net worth stood at P54-billion as of end-March this year while total capital adequacy ratio is 14.01 percent, higher than the industry level of 11.89 percent.

Development Lending Expansion Herbosa said the bank expanded its development lending activities as gross loan portfolio grew by 7.71 percent to P323.18-billion for the �irst three months

of the year compared to the P300-billion recorded during the same period in 2018.

He said bulk of the DBP’s loans or about P118.39-billion went to infrastructure and logistics projects, while the Bank’s loans to social services projects amounted to P49.2-billion, and about P17.24-billion for environment projects.

“Initiatives in these priority sectors also supported businesses in the SME sector which received almost P22-billion,” Herbosa said, adding that DBP “…continued to support agriculture and other developmental projects with over P90.6-billion in �inancial assistance…”

Herbosa said DBP was recently cited as the second most aggressive lender in the country for the �irst quarter of 2019, which generally re�lects the Bank’s optimism on the growth prospects of the Philippine economy.

Healthy Deposit Growth Herbosa said total deposits reached P446-billion for the �irst three months of the year, showing a 4.09 percent increase from the P428.46-billion in the same period last year owing to, or driven by, aggressive marketing activities of its branches.

He said Current Account-Savings Account Average Daily Balance (CASA ADB) grew yearon-year by 12.7 percent, fromP180.59-billion to P203.53-billion, while total deposit ADB went up 11.3 percent, from P386.79-billion to P430.33-billion.

“DBP posted double-digit growth rates on CASA ADB in the areas of Metro Manila (32.3 percent), Southern Luzon (16.3 percent), Central and Eastern Visayas (15 percent), and Western Visayas (11.8 percent),” Herbosa said.

The bank also posted

DBP books P1.57-B net income for Q1

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tate-owned Development Bank of the Philippines’ (DBP) net income reached P1.57-billion in the �irst quarter of 2019, surging by 44 percent from the P1.09-billion posted during the same period last year on the back of strong earnings from lending activities, a top of�icial said.

DBP president and chief executive of�icer Emmanuel G. Herbosa said the bank’s net income growth was fueled largely by interest income which grew by 23 percent to P3.9-billion from P3.2-billion in the �irst quarter of 2018.

“DBP has maintained a strong �inancial position this year while remaining true to its developmental mandate by lending to key sectors of the economy,” Herbosa said. “We are on track to meet our full-year target.”

DBP is the eighth largest bank in the country and provides loans to strategic sectors such as in-

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he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cleared the initial public offering (IPO) of another member of the Allied Care Experts (ACE) Group for up to PHP1 billion.

In its meeting on June 20, the Commission En Banc approved the registration statement of ACE Medical Center-Butuan, Inc. covering 228,000 shares with par value of PHP1,000 apiece, the SEC announced in a statement on Monday.

The registration statement covers 36,000 common shares, which ACE Medical Center- Butuan will offer to the public at an offer price ranging from PHP200,000 to PHP400,000 for every block of 10 shares, in cash or installment.

ACE Medical Center-Butuan will offer the �irst 600 blocks at PHP200,000, the next 900 blocks at PHP250,000, the following 1,850 blocks at PHP300,000, and the remaining 250 blocks at PHP400,000.

The company looks to net P951,930,895 for construction (30%), medical equipment (30%), pre-operating expenses (20%), debt servicing (10%), furnishing (5%) and professional fees of architects and other professionals (5%).

ACE Medical Center-Butuan is building a Level II multidisciplinary health care facility at South Montilla Boulevard, Villa

Kananga, Butuan City. It will provide services to residents of Butuan City and nearby municipalities.

As of May 31, the construction of the 8-storey, 176-bed hospital with a total �loor area of 20,370 square meters is 42.47% complete. ACE Medical Center- Butuan expects to inaugurate the hospital by May 2021.

The intended markets for the IPO are mostly medical specialists and individuals related to medical specialists. The offer shares will be traded over the counter.

Subscribing to the offer shares is a prerequisite for physicians and medical specialists to practice at ACE Medical Center- Butuan. Such stockholders, however, must undergo a screening process and possess the minimum requirements provided in the company’s articles of incorporation, bylaws and internal rules.

The offer comes with bene�its and privileges such as discounts on medical and dental services, which the principal investor, his/her spouse, dependents and natural parents may avail of in other medical facilities that have entered into a memorandum of agreement with ACE Medical Center- Butuan.

Previously, the Commission En Banc approved the maiden offerings of ACE Malolos Doctors, Inc. for P1 billion and ACE Medical Center Iloilo, Inc. for P1.44 billion. (PR)

SIDA fund slashed to P67-M in 2020

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he Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA) fund will be further slashed next year -- from the original PHP2 billion annual budget down to only PHP67 million.

For this year, SIDA's allocation was at PHP500 million.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier said the budget cut was due to underutilization or underspending.

It believes that the agencies involved in the use of SIDA fund have no capacity to fully spend their allocation.

SIDA was created to boost the production of sugarcane and sugar, and increase the income of sugarcane farmers or planters and farm workers, for which the law provides the allocation of PHP2 billion a year.

Of the PHP2 billion annual fund of SIDA, some PHP1 billion should go to infrastructure for farm to mill roads; PHP300 million for credit; PHP100 million for scholarship; PHP300 million for block farm of the agrarian reform bene�iciaries; and PHP300 million for shared facilities program.

"We have been often told that the only way for

our sugar industry to be globally competitive is to improve our productivity for which the SIDA law was created so that we can mechanize, have technical and �inancial assistance and more," Confederation of Sugar Producers (CONFED) spokesperson Raymond Montinola, said in a statement.

Montinola said underutilization of the fund has been the constant excuse to slash the budget "but the industry has very little to do with it."

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is set to come up with a strategic planning for SIDA alone to ensure prioritization of projects.

Stakeholders are also calling for the review of the law to determine its bottlenecks and see rooms for improvements.

"We have continuously urged to revisit the law, especially the implementing rules and guidelines which has been very constricting for the sugar producers to access, particularly the small planters and our agrarian reform bene�iciaries which comprise over 85 percent of sugar producers, yet none has been made," Montinola said. (PNA)

VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

ECONOMY 5

DENR-NCR eyes greening alliance with public schools

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he Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) plans to partner with public primary, secondary and tertiary schools on growing plants in their respective campuses around this megalopolis where green space for healthy urban living is already below the World Health Organization (WHO) standard.

Jacqueline Caancan, DENR-NCR executive regional director, said they may soon discuss the matter with Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the agencies having jurisdiction over such schools.

“Those schools still have considerable open space for growing plants,” she said Monday in Quezon City on the side of DENRNCR’s brie�ing on the 2019 Philippine Arbor Day and Philippine Environment Month celebration this June.

She said DENR-NCR has seedlings which the schools can avail of for free, plant, and grow in their campuses.

Greening these campuses will help improve environmental quality, promote better health, enhance the academe's

appreciation and understanding of plants’ importance and increase planted areas in NCR, Caancan noted.

According to DENRNCR Production Forest Management Section chief, Arturo Calderon, WHO sets 9.5 square meters per capita as the standard size of green space for healthy urban living.

The 2014 land satellite images indicate NCR’s green spaces totaled 12,152.79 hectares, he said.

Citing 2015 National Statistics Of�ice data, he said NCR’s population totaled 12,877,253 people.

“NCR lacks about 80.60 hectares of green space,” he said at the brie�ing.

Calderon said Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig, and San Juan

DENR, P8 RAIN OR SHINE. Rain or shine this sidewalk vendor sells knock off sunglasses along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

Doping awareness

There is a lesson to learn from the story of national basketball team player Kiefer Ravena.

The promising young cager has spent the last 487 days out of the sport closes to his heart: basketball. The reason he spent time away from the sport is that he was slapped by International Basketball Federation with a 16-month suspension for testing positive for banned substances, otherwise referred to in sports as performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

In the case of Ravena, he innocently took a pre-workout drink which turned out to contain a banned sustance unknown to him. In a random test routinely conducted by FIBA, banned substances were found in his system in February 26, 2018.

Ravena took the bullet head on. He did not blame anyone. Not the manufacturer of the pre-workout formula. He also did not bury himself into isolation during his suspension. Instead, the 25-year-old became the face in the country’s anti-doping awareness program--something that is uncommon as there had been no prior major cases of PEDs in the country.

At a time, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was accused by Floyd Mayweather of taking PEDs. The accusation died as just that, a false accusation.

In competitive sports, doping is the use of banned athletic performanceenhancing drugs by athletic competitors. The term doping is widely used

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

by organizations that regulate sporting competitions. The use of drugs to enhance performance is considered unethical, and therefore prohibited, by most international sports organizations, including the International Olympic Committee. Furthermore, athletes (or athletic programs) taking explicit measures to evade detection exacerbate the ethical violation with overt deception and cheating.

Ravena’s case was an eye-opener not only for him but also for Philippine sports. There are so many products being sold in the market designated by their manufacturers and advertised as energy drink, pre-workout drink, or performance boosters. Their chemical contents are barely discussed by sports and medical experts and leaves athletes who take them unaware of these formula. Now, the need for medical sports education is more imperative than ever for the protection of athletes who are the prime market of these products.

The bitter lesson Ravena learned from his experience is to trust natural training like doing the right exercises, eating the proper food, getting enough sleep and keeping hydrated. Every athlete must realize that the best drink on earth remains water and not what is advertised everywhere.

Excellence, afterall, comes from the purest of forms--the human machine running on its natural, unadulterated state.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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

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VANTAGE POINTS

7

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

A GREAT ICON WE HAD What an event it was.

7 ambassadors, around 19 diplomatic missions. Almost 200 foreign delegates out the 600.

This year’s Davao investment conference held last June 20-21 has exceeded expectations, and helped the Davao region break out as an investment destination in Southeast Asia.

These �igures alone show how interesting the Davao region has become for investments.

This event brought together many people to see what the region, and indeed the island of Mindanao has to offer.

The prebooked foreign delegations from various countries like Malaysia, Chi-

na, Japan and Singapore, the European Union were a �irst, as were the various country pavilions. Even the inaugural �light from Doha, Qatar was a vital element that created a bandwagon for Davao.

The Mayors night was a spectacle, giving the foreign delegates a taste of the annual Kadayawan harvest festival.

During the event itself, the inspiring growth numbers ofthe region over the last �ive years and the new infrastructure programs of the Duterte administration, not to mention the success of many foreign businesses in the region was the main topic of discussion and interest.

After the conference, various Business to business meetings took place, with a few agreeing to pursue further discussion and push the envelope for new business ventures.

Many of the delegates were impressed by the city and local leadership, with a few noting the positive vibrations that have encouraged them to return.

Truly, the witness of successful businesses, consistent local governance and robust economic numbers are what will drive interest of others in investing in the region. In particular, this is what helps them overcome the stigma or fear of Mindanao.

The coming months will

be crucial to sustaining the buzz that has begun. The challenge will be to prepare the local business community for new partnerships and expanded operations to cater to this interest and demand. This will be the challenge moving forward.

It is time to get our business �inancials ready for the possibility of joint ventures or partnerships, or increased funding from �inanciers or investors. There is no time to waste.

An enabling reality is the recent amnesty on Estate Taxes under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law that can now enable families to utilize their landholdings for new ventures. Many

families were deterred from paying this tax owing to the once steep price requiring them to fork out funds that they could barely afford to pay.

The 6% value upon time of death of the previous owner will also boost our revenues to fund new infrastructure that can increase access and connectivity further.

Another enabler is the new direct �lights we have from Hongkong, Doha and Jinjiang. The possibility therefore for a Tokyo and Incheon direct �light is strong.

These enablers are what can expand the opportunity coming from the ICON. The rest will be up to us.

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

DAVAO JAPANESE ASSOCIATION Four years after the �irst wave of Japanese laborers arrived in Davao in 1903, the �irst seed of the Davao Japanese Association was hatched. The intention to create a small community of migrants with same roots was �loated at the advice of the Japanese consul in Manila.

This initiative, though, did not take off. Nine years later, the idea was revived but the interest in the plan remained tentative. In 1918, a functioning Davao Japanese Association (DJA) was established; this transpired a year before the Public Land Act was revised in 1919.

One of the aims of the association was to avoid any form of discord with the Filipinos. An example of this was the hiring of Japanese girls in brothels, which was construed as a disgrace to the local Japanese population. Davao, in 1917, had around 13 licensed prostitution houses.

Cecil E. Cody, in ‘The Japanese Way of Life in Prewar Davao’ (1958), wrote about the issue, saying: “Following considerable concern and agitation among wor-

ried leaders, the Japanese consulate in Davao forced the houses to close, reportedly upon orders issued by the Foreign Of�ice in Tokyo.

By 1923 four or �ive of the houses had registered ostensibly under Filipino operators, but with Japanese involved in ownership.”

The association did not receive the Japanese involvement in brothels sitting down. It sent several petitions to local and national authorities who, two years later, ordered the closure of the remaining prostitution houses owned and managed by Japanese.

Cody also wrote that the association, as early as 1920, was already strongly campaigning against the participation of Japanese in gambling, which was a favorite Filipino pastime. The drive eventually led to the drastic reduction of Japanese involvement in games of chance.

With around 7,000 members by 1938, the society had a vital role in strengthening education in Davao, but not necessarily in terms of training teachers and providing supplies.

The contributions it made

was in the solicitation of funds from its members for use in the building of schools and their upkeep.

The donations are aptly highlighted in many accounts. During this time, DJA was sustaining 12 exclusive Japanese schools with 65 educators, 12 of them Filipinos.

The Japanese association later became the “nerve center of the entire Japanese colony,” as described by Sera�in D. Quiason in ‘The Japanese Colony in Davao, 19041941’ (1958). With consular support, it operated with �ive committees, namely administrative, �inancial, educational, informational, and social and owned a building where it held regular meetings and celebrations.

Four reasons were cited why the association was formed, which are “(1) to assure better living condition for all its members and their families; (2) to protect the individual member as a business partner; (3) to provide �inancial or medical assistance to those who are in need of it, and (4) to extend educational bene-

�its to the children of the settlers.”

Quiason explained that there were actually �ive “dominant institutions” established in Davao as part of the “high consciousness of [the] Japanese way of life.

These were the Japanese primary schools, the Davao Japanese Association, the Davao Buddhist sects, the Japanese language school and the Japanese newspapers.

Speaking of newspapers, the Davao Mainichi and Manila Nichi Nichi, which carried “information concerning contemporary events and other matters of particular interest,” were the most popular. Other bulletins published in Davao as secondary sources were the Davao Japanese Association Bulletin, The Journal of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, and the Nanshin Jiho.

During the war, the club launched a drive among its members and patriotic Japanese to gather funds to buy an airplane for use by the Imperial Army in its war campaign.

In a March 30, 1944, report sent to Tokyo by news

agency Domei, the club was also involved in the “matrimonial problems of the Japanese residents” in Davao which was then getting serious. The association reported “that Consul General (Kato) had decided to invite girls soon from among the womanhood of Japan from various circles in Japan proper… in anticipation of the solving of the trouble of the matrimonial front.”

Interestingly, the association was also dragged in numerous claims of bribery, foremost of which was the charged �iled by Davao assemblyman Cesar M. Sotto against another lawmaker, Romualdo C. Quimpo, author of the bill elevating the old town of Davao to a city who was, at the time of �iling of the case, the private secretary to the Interior secretary.

In Administrative Order No. 126 signed by Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon on June 6, 1940 dismissing the charges against Quimpo, one of the allegations raised was the supposed 1938 bribery where Quimpo received P15,000 from the association.

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GIANNIS... FROM 11

Warm welcome for incoming DavNor officials

By NOEL BAGUIO

D

avao del Norte – Outgoing Davao del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario led the provincial of�icials, executives and employees in welcoming the new Capitol of�icials, as he passed the baton to incoming Governor Edwin Jubahib Wednesday morning at the Provincial Capitol.

The leaders exchanged pleasantries at the of�icial turnover of accountabilities and responsibilities to the incoming leadership, leaving the vestiges of the hotly-contested election behind.

Gracing the event were incoming Vice Governor Rey Uy, outgoing Senior Board Member Rodolfo

del Rosario, Jr., Board Member Hernanie Duco, Board Member Francisco Remitar and Board Member Dindo Parangan.

Incoming Provincial Administrator (PA) Engr.

Josie Jean Rabanos introduced her team of new Capitol executives after outgoing PA Samson Sanchez presented the outbound and continuing Capitol executives.

Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Abito Bernasor facilitated the turn over ceremony, as he stressed the importance of effective turnover of responsibility in ensuring continuity in local governance.

Since the �irst week

of June, the Local Governance Transition Team of the province conducted an inventory of the properties and assets of the provincial government, secured all of�icial documents or records of the PLGU of�icial transactions, and preserved all contracts and loan agreements, development plans, full disclosure policy documents, organizational structure, and inventory of personnel by nature of appointment, among other pertinent documents.

Bernasor also reminded the public servants of their responsibility to take care of government properties and facilities.

“We are stewards… so

let us always be conscious of taking care of government properties,” the of�icial said.

He explained his of�ice arranged the early turnover ceremony to give ample time for the new of�icials to review and verify the properties and assets handed over to them.

The incoming provincial of�icials are yet to of�icially take their oath of of�ice in June 30, 2019.

“If we have questions and clari�ications, we might no longer have someone to answer if we set the turn-over yet during the of�icial assumption of of�ice of the new of�icials,” Bernasor said.

LGU Tagum feted for excellent collection efficiency

T

AGUM CITY - The measures undertaken by the City Government of Tagum in relation to the generation of its local revenues had continued to reap rewards, with the Department of Finance’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BGLF) acknowledging the LGU for its outstand-

ing performance early this June.

The recognition was given due to the LGU’s invaluable support of the BGLF’s Revenue Generation Program for 2018 and its successful implementation which led to the LGU’s actual collection of more than 829 million pesos in local revenues, as com-

The department heads and employees of the City Treasurer’s Office, the City Assessor’s Office, the City Economic Enterprises Office and the City Business Permit and Licensing Office are lauded during a Monday Flag Raising Ceremony for their out-

pared to Tagum’s revenue target of 754.96 million set for 2018.

The LGU’s revenue generating sources include the Real Property Tax, the collection of which exceeded the target of 195,530 million pesos by 122.52%, and the Economic Enterprises which collected an actual income

standing performance relative to the implementation of the Revenue Generation Program of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF). (CIO)

of 157.171 million pesos in 2018.

The city also generated income from Business Tax amounting to 294,695 million pesos which translated to 102.06% collection ef�iciency. The income for Fees and Charges also amounted to 137.723 million pesos which was more than the 131.350 million peso- target set for 2018.

Over-all, the LGU posted a collection ef�iciency rate of 109.83% in all major revenue generation sources implemented by the City Assessor’s Of�ice, the City Economic Enterprises Of�ice and the City Business Permit and Licensing Of�ice.

The LGU’s surpassing of its Total Revenue Target by more than 100 per cent in all four major revenue sources had been a testament that the revenue generation activities of the city were wholly in line with the administration’s 6-year old developmental agenda on economy and affordability of taxes.

Notably, the LGU retained its status as a billionaire city, with the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for 2020 targeted to be set at 52% of the total income. (Richi Gulle/CIOTagum)

Young of the Atlanta Hawks getting the other two. The third �inalist was the top pick in last season’s draft, Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton.

Named Most Improved Player was power forward Pascal Siakam of the NBA champion Toronto Raptors, who won the award over fellow �inalists De’Aaron Fox of the Sacramento Kings and D’Angelo Russell of the Brooklyn Nets. Like Doncic, Siakam ran away with the award, receiving 86 out of 100 votes.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams was chosen the Sixth Man of the Year for the third time, matching Jamal Crawford for the most times winning the award. The only other two-time winners of the Sixth Man award were Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce and Detlef Schrempf.

The other �inalists for the Sixth Man award were Williams’ teammate Montrezl Harrell and the Indiana Pacers’ Domantas Sabonis.

Coach of the Year went to the Milwaukee Bucks’ Mike Budenholzer, who beat out fellow �inalists Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers and Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets.

Doncic, a 20-year-old guard who averaged 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 32.2 minutes per game, is Dallas’ second Rookie of the Year winner, joining Jason Kidd, a co-winner with Grant Hill in the 1994-95 season. Doncic played in 72 games last season.

Young, a point guard,

averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game last season. He played in 81 of the team’s 82 contests. A year ago, Young, the No. 5 overall draft pick in 2018, was dealt from Dallas to Atlanta along with a 2019 �irst-round pick in exchange for Doncic.

Siakam averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 31.9 minutes and played in 80 games.

ESPN noted that Siakam, a third-year player whom the Raptors drafted with the 27th overall pick in 2016, increased his point total by 9.6 points per game over the 2017-18 season, the biggest gain by any player to have played in 40 games in the consecutive seasons.

Williams, 32, put up 20 points, 5.4 assists and three rebounds per game in 75 appearances in 2018-19, starting just once.

Budenholzer, 49, led the Bucks to a 60-22 record in his �irst season in Milwaukee, their best record since going 60-22 in the 1980-81 season.

The 16-win improvement over the previous season was the best mark in the NBA this season and earned the Bucks the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the eventual NBA champion Raptors in six games in the conference �inals.

Budenholzer also won Coach of the Year in Atlanta in 2015 after leading the Hawks to a 60-22 record in his second of �ive seasons with the team.

cities, as well as Pateros municipality are the areas in the NCR that are now lacking green space.

As part of the celebration for this year’s Philippine Arbor Day, DENRNCR and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) will spearhead on Tuesday (June 25) various planting activities in NCR. DENR-NCR will partner with several civil society groups and public agencies like Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on planting mangrove species and other salt-tolerant plants in Baseco along Manila Bay. Such planting is a phytoremediation measure for helping improve water quality there -- contributing to clean-up and rehabilitation of Manila Bay, noted the DENR-NCR of�icial.

DENR-NCR also said students and faculty members of PUP will plant, in the school’s NCRbased campuses, some 6,000 seedlings mostly consisting of indigenous species.

“The planting in PUP is a pilot effort -- hopefully, more schools will join our greening bid,” said Caancan.

She thanked PUP for offering to grow trees and other plants in its campuses in Metro Manila.

Proclamation 643 series of 2004 declared June 25 of every year as Philippine Arbor Day wherein it must be "observed throughout the nation by planting trees and ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities.

“Grow more trees and beat air pollution” is the theme of DENR-NCR's Philippine Arbor Day celebration to highlight importance of trees in helping address dirty air.

"This is in accord with UN's call to action to combat air pollution as it has become the single biggest environmental health risk people around the world are facing today, according to WHO," DENRNCR said in a statement earlier.

Air pollution is also the focus of this year's Philippine Environment Month. DENR-NCR reiterated air pollution kills more people than either malaria or HIV/AIDS. "By planting and growing trees, we improve air quality at the local level and contribute to greener and cleaner environment," it added. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO EVENT

From waste to chairs:

MCM GIVES BACK

By LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO

“ON behalf of the City Government of Davao, I would like to express my gratitude to the Malayan Colleges Mindanao in partnership with Winder Recycling Company and PetroEnergy Resources Corporation for organizing this ecological platform which contributes in addressing the global issues pertaining to our environment”, Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said through a message delivered on her behalf.

After a yearlong commitment and effort in battling environmental issues, the Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MCM) last Monday, 20 May 2019, turned over some 100 classroom plastic chairs to their adapted school, Matina Aplaya Elementary School.

“As an institution whose mission is to provide solutions to problems of industries and communities locally and beyond, it imposes us to partake in the mitigation of this huge national problem and have to start in our own “backyard””, MCM Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer Engineer Dodjie Maestrecampo sd during the Pitch-In: Recycled Plastic Chairs Turnover Ceremony at the public elementary school’s gymnasium.

Maestrecampo further added that in the first year of operation of Malayan Colleges Mindanao, “we launched an Integrated Plastic Waste Man-

(left to right) Representatives from Winder Recycling Corp., Malayan Colleges Mindanao, PetroEnergy Resources, Mapua University, Matina Aplaya Elem School and Davao City Government.

MCM turns over recycled plastic chairs.

agement program whose goal is to contribute to the decrease the flow of waste plastics into the marine and agricultural ecosystem in Davao City”.

MCM’s program not only educated their staff and students, but more so, encouraged their families to understand the effects of plastic pollution in the environment.

MCM’s Integrated Plastic

MCM students and staff during one of their coastal clean-up activities.

Reduction project sees that the plastic wastes collected are immobilized through solidification and converted into chemically safe, functional, sturdy, classroom chairs.

“To the students, faculty and staff of Matina Aplaya Elementary School, may these new chairs inspire each of you to continue to do your part -- to study and learn, to teach

and encourage, to support one another and to also do what you can to reduce, reuse and recycle for the benefit of our only home, our planet earth.”, Mayor Duterte-Carpio said.

In less than a year (10 months), MCM has done four coastal clean-up activities.

In addition to that, there is continuous collection of domestic plastic wastes brough to the school during regular pitch-in activities. “The collection amassed a total of more

Dr. Reynaldo Vea, Mapua University President. than 3,000 kg”, Maestrecampo shared.

“Through our partners, the Winder Recycling Company, and PetroEnergy Resources Corporation, we immobilized this 3 tons of plastic wastes into 100 classroom chairs with armrest”, Maestrecampo enthusiastically emphasized.

Despite the turnover, MCM’s project does not end there. “We plan to donate 300 chairs in the next school year”, Maestrecampo added.

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WOMEN

CREATIVE ADVANTAGE ONE of the challenges parents face in this modern age is how to get little ones out of a passive lifestyle -- unplugged and disconnected from the gadget world. The fast and continuous developments in technology and connectivity make it inevitable for households to be devoid of smart devices, and it’s hard dismiss the fact that we do benefit immensely from all the conveniences and good they offer. However, when it comes to raising children, much attention is drawn towards getting kids more active -- off the couch and up and about.

While sports is always a top choice for parents to encourage skills training through body dynamics that involve strategy, teamwork, and discipline, another way to involve children in mind work and physical play is through arts and movement.

A lot of studies have shown that free movement give children room to develop selfawareness, aiding them to discover non-verbal styles of communication, as well as understand and appreciate their own being and abilities.

“Arts and movement are beneficial to every child’s brain, social, emotional and physical development,” explains Alyssa Marie Capuno, owner of Mari Yoga Dance Studio in Davao City. “Art feeds the children’s creativity.

It allows them to tap into their emotions and learn self-expression thru different art forms.

Art also picks your child’s

brain, improving their focus and attention span.”

She adds, “Movement, on the other hand, help strengthen a child’s body. They learn about their range of motion, balance, muscle strength, coordination, and endurance. Movement also helps in eye-hand-body coordination, which will be put to good use as they eventually grow into adults.”

Mari feels a deep connection to children, which explains her interest and commitment in putting up kiddie boot camps in her studio, replete with creative and interactive programs.

“I’ve always been drawn to kids. I am in awe of their openness and courage to try new things without the fear of being judged by peers. However, comparing my childhood from 20 years back to kids nowadays, I feel like kids today need more connection --- more ‘human touch’ or a better grip of the world outside their tablets. I wanted to create a venue with activities that allow kids today to be like the kids we were 20 years ago --- how we had so much fun even with the simple means of play and enjoyment. At the same time, I want to boost their confidence to open up and realize their own potential.”

During the summer season, Mari put together a boot camp where kids were taught yoga, basic and imaginative dance class, yoga theater presentation, bento box making, and art lessons. Plans for another children’s arts and movement assembly have yet to be finalized and announced.

Asked for simple ways parents can to nurture their kid’s creativity, she shares, “You can involve the little ones in preparing their snack or meal to bring to school. A no-frills sandwich shaped like a heart or a star, or sliced fruits formed as a flower, would do the trick.

Let your kids help along and,

at the same time, teach them the benefits of the leafy greens and other food sources. You can also set up an art wall in one corner of the house. Place a chalk board or white board on the wall, where the kids are free to draw and write anything they want. This gives them the freedom to express how they feel and release their creative juices!”

For updates and information on yoga classes for adults and upcoming boot camps for kids, follow @MariYogaDanceStudio on Facebook and @mari_yogadance_studio on Instagram.

You may also call 0956-9672096.

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ENTERTAINMENT

PACQUIAO VIES FOR WBA SUPER WELTERWIGHT BELT AGAINST THURMAN FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao guns for another win in a major boxing bout as he challenges Keith Thurman for the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship this July 21 live via SKY Sports Pay-Per-View.

The reigning WBA (regular) Welterweight World Champion faces an opponent ten years his junior after successfully defeating Adrien Broner last January and Lucas Matthysse in the latter part of 2018. Pacquiao currently holds a boxing record of 61-7-2 with 39 wins coming via knockout.

On the other hand, Keith Thurman also known by the moniker, “One Time,” is coming from a majority decision win over Josesito Lopez. He owns an unblemished record of 30-0-0 with 22 wins via knockouts and one No Contest.

Local boxing analyst Ed Tolentino said in an interview by news. abs-cbn.com that the bout between Thurman and Pacquiao will be a good one, stating that Thurman is better than Broner.

One thing he is concerned about Thurman, though, is his health since this fight is only the American fighter’s second after being inactive for almost two years.

Don’t miss the eight division world champion as he returns to the MGM Grand this July 21. Subscribe now until June 30 to avail an early bird promo for only PHP 649 instead of Php 949.This promo is available to all digital SKYcable, SKY Fiber, and SKYdirect subscribers nationwide.

Subscribers to the fight on SKY Sports Pay-Per-View will have access to its live and commercial-free airing in high definition, including its replays on the same day right

after the live event, as well as its livestream with a 7-day catch-up via SKY on Demand.

Call 418 0000 or your SKY local office or visit www.mysky.com/ pacman to subscribe. SKYcable, SKY Fiber + HD Cable TV Plan and SKYdirect subscribers can also activate their subscription by texting PPV <SKY Account No> to 23662. For SKYdirect prepaid subscribers, they can text PPV PACMAN <BOX ID> to 23667 (available to Globe Prepaid, or TM).

Mcoy Fundales releases comeback single ‘Bakit Kita Hahabulin?’

FORMER Orange and Lemons vocalist Mcoy Fundales treats his fans with a much-awaited comeback single, ‘Bakit Kita Hahabulin?’ under AltG Records.

The song, described as a “modern kundiman,” is composed by Kian Dionisio. According to Mcoy, Kian was able to capture his attention because of the many feelings conveyed by the song’s lyrics.

“Namiss ko rin kumanta. My last album was in 2010 so that’s almost nine years na. I’m happy and excited kasi for almost five to six years nagsusulat ako for TV, at ngayon, nagre-record na ako ulit ng mga kanta,” says the singer-songwriter.

Also a writer and producer for GMA Network’s various shows including Pepito Manaloto and StarStruck, Mcoy says he sees music as a “dessert” or “a wonderful break from writing.”

“This is my hobby, what I always wanted. Itong pagkanta kasi mahal ko at gusto kong gawin. I’m excited to promote this single.”

‘Bakit Kita Hahabulin? ’ is now available for downloading and streaming on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify and other digital stores worldwide.

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UP AND ABOUT

Go Green Revo 2019 launched in Davao City

By LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO “SINCE July is wellness month, we came up with an event to promote a greener and cleaner environment,” NCCC Supermarket Marketing Manager Janna Mutalib said during a press briefing last June 20, 2019, at Serenitea, NCCC VP Mall.

Go Green Revo 2019 is a one-day event that aims to strengthen the company’s campaign against the use of single-use plastics to encourage more consumers to adapt a zero waste lifestyle.

“Not only are we looking at the

promotion of going green in terms of shopping in our malls but more so, the promotion of a greener and healthier lifestyle for Dabawenyos,” Mutalib added. “We also have a special wellness selling expo. This is to encourage our shoppers to observe eco-friendly shopping,” she said.

“In connection with the campaign, we have launched the Green Counter last year,” NCCC Store manager Rowena Rabago said. Green Counter, she said, are special counters located in the stores wherein shoppers are encouraged to use reusable bags and cartons instead of the usual plastic bags.

NCCC Supermarket, for its part,

has also encouraged their suppliers to go gree. One of which is Helen’s Farm. Toots Campomanes, Operations Manager for Helen’s Farm shared “ Part of our advocacy is to go green.

As one of their suppliers, we changed our packaging.”

The Go Green Revo 2019 event includes a number of activities designed to inform and educate the participants of the need to go green.

“We would be launching the Run for Better Tomorrow -- the first plastic free run in the city,” Mutalid said.

Fun Run Categories: 3k (kids category 8yo to 12yo), 5k (15yo and above) and 10K. Avail of Milo products to

register. Gunstart is at 5pm.

There will also be a Dance for a Cause -- Zumba Challenge led by Regine Tolentino. Activity is supported by Century Tuna. Proceeds of the activity will go to a community in Marilog District.

An Eco Warrior Maze for kids 5 to 10 years old will also be available and a basketball shootout to enhance physical activity.

Also, a poster making contest, at

the parking of NCCC VP, will be conducted. NCCC VP car pack, according to Mutalib, will be dressed up like an eco park. A representative from DENR is also expected to discuss the importance of saving Mother Earth.

A giant coloring poster will also be available for kids 4 to 12 years old to participate in.

Go Green Revo 2019 will be on June 28, 2019 at NCCC VP from 6am to 6pm.

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FREE... FROM 1

“They are all for validation and all his claims must be backed up by pieces of evidence,” the PNP spokesman said.

“It may be his �irst assumption that there are threats to his life but it is also likely that these have already subsided. For now, we are not giving him any security,” he explained.

Earlier, PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Advincula is not yet off the hook despite his decision to voluntarily surrender to the police.

Albayalde said it is the court that will decide should Advincula ask for protection.

CIDG director, Brig.

Gen. Amador Corpus said

Advincula surrendered his desktop computer, a cellular phone which allegedly contains an exchange of text messages between him and the people he claimed to be behind the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.

Corpus said they are already coordinating with the security personnel of the places that Advincula mentioned to get copies of CCTV footages which may support his claims.

He said Advincula was placed under protective custody on May 27 when he returned to the police.

Advincula surrendered on May 23 to face estafa charges �iled against him but he was released after posting bail. (PNA)

peatedly declared that sovereignty is “non-negotiable” and vowed to assert it.

“It (sovereignty) cannot be bartered. Neither can it be surrendered nor diminished,” Panelo said.

“We shall assert and protect our sovereignty, from any assault coming from any part of the world. Let no man or country forget that nor doubt it,” he added. (PNA)

transgender in its classi�ication of mental disorders and calls it a legitimate sexual orientation.

The Philippines is praised for being one of the most gay-friendly nations, ranking 10thin a 2014 Pew Research Center survey of 39 countries, that are accepting of sexual orientations and gender minorities.

But Vallido said there are still areas that stigmatize and disadvantage LGBTs. She called attention to the situation of many LGBTs living with HIV who face discrimination when accessing health services, public places and facilities or wanting to go to school or wishing to work. (Bong Sarmiento/MindaNews)

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we are ready to undergo the decommissioning,” he said.

According to him, the MILF combatants will adopt the principle of “nonviolence and con�lict transformation in the transition period”.

Police Lt Col. Argel Antcheta, the Deputy Provincial Director for Basilan’s PNP, said it is crucial for the parties to sustain the level of con�idence.

“Rest assured that the PNP will support all the programs that will strengthen and fast-track the implementation of the Normalization process,” he said.

Vital role of security sector in Normalization process Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr, who placed a premium on relationship building with the MILF in Basilan when he was the Brigade Commander in 2012, stressed the value of the Normalization process as the government and the MILF work hand-in-hand towards rebuilding the lives of former combatants, their families and communities.

“The era of war has already ended. It is now the time for us to collectively work to sustain the peace in Mindanao,” Galvez said.

The peace adviser not-

ed that he achieved several accomplishments in Basilan because of the trust between the military and the MILF in the province that led to relative peace, with no major runins between the government forces and MILF �ighters.

Galvez said normalization process bodes well with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to promote good governance in the country.

“The practice of good governance will lead to zero poverty,” he said.

For this year, 12,000 combatants of the MILF are set to decommission.

Recently, the government and MILF joint bodies, and international partners under the Normalization process have met to set-up protocols for a smooth decommissioning process.

The Normalization Track will be implemented through four different components, security aspect, socio-economic development program, con�idence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Each of these components has a specialized joint body composed of different government agencies and the MILF. (PR)

The champion in the Vinta category went to Walter Escoltar; 2nd – Adrian Bocanegra; and 3rd – Tatay Nagar.

The Tabanog category champion was Alvin Suaner; 2nd – Arnel Genilza; and 3rd

– Leo Labawa.

The Kayak Fest held on June 22 to 23 was organized by the Bugsay Dabaw headed by Dan “Jhune” Bacus and the municipal government of San Isidro, Davao Oriental.

(PNA)

BANQUILLO... FROM 11

PNP... FROM 3

9

as she asked the PNP to secure the DPWH projects from terrorists and criminal elements in the countryside.

She said DPWH will continue to support the PNP modernization program, citing a PHP267.89-million 5-story multi-purpose carpark building funded by the DPWH. The carpark building has 176 parking slots, 12 multi-purpose function halls, drivers’ lounge, concessionaire spaces, pavilion

and roof deck, 32 comfort rooms for male, female and people with disability (PWD); vehicle ramp, four ground �loor PWD ramps, two passenger elevators, three staircases and an administration of�ice.

PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde said the realization of these projects will further enhance the effectiveness and productivity of the PNP in performing its mandated law enforcement and public safety functions. (PNA)

of current carried by a lightning,” it added.

For three consecutive Sundays, MIAA has issued a red lightning alert that caused a number of �lights to be delayed, cancelled, and diverted.

President Rodrigo Duterte conducted a surprise visit in NAIA during the wee hours of June 10 after hearing reports of �light delays and cancellations.

Authorities earlier claimed that the delay was due to the red lightning alert issued on June 9.

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal, meanwhile, appeals for public’s understanding.

He noted that the red lightning alert is being announced to protect not just the passengers, but also the airport personnel, especially those working at the ramp. (PNA)

double-digit growth rates on total deposit ADB in the areas of Metro Manila (30.5 percent), Southern Luzon (25.2 percent), Central and Eastern Visayas (14.3 percent), and Western Visayas (12.58 percent),” Herbosa said.

DBP also added 39 automated teller machines (ATMs) in the �irst quarter of the year, expanding

its ATM network to 828, most of which are located in unbanked areas of the archipelago.

H e r b o s a said DBP would strengthen linkages with traditional development partners such as rural banks to broaden its �inancial inclusion initiatives especially in marginalized areas such as Mindanao.

NAIA... FROM 3

DBP... FROM 4

10 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

IPC dares firms to innovate business models with Chrome Enterprise

L

ocal data center and cloud services provider IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.), the country’s longest-running Google Cloud Partner, challenges traditional business models in the Philippines with its offering of Chrome Enterprise, a comprehensive end-toend business solutions suite that allows enterprises to work safely in the cloud.

This is in line with a recent study by RightScale which reports that 77 percent of global enterprises and 80 percent of SMEs had their workloads up in the cloud. Meanwhile, IDC predicts that by 2020, at least 55 percent of organizations worldwide will be digitizing their business methods and

transforming markets by offering digitally enabled products and services.

As enterprises embark on their digital transformation journeys, IPC aims to provide a smooth and satisfying experience through a variety of collaborative cloud solutions such as Google’s Chrome Enterprise. In addition to G Suite, it encompasses an array of devices and services like video conferencing and cloud-based apps and features that increase business productivity.

“The business sector is inherently fast-paced.

As it continuously innovates and adopts new business models, it requires agility and �lexibility in tools of the

EDGE DAVAO

messaging, or simultaneously working on a single document.

Chrome Enterprise hardware offerings IPC collaborates with the country’s leading hardware vendors to equip businesses with Google-powered devices that support the Chrome Enterprise suite. Among these offerings are Hangouts Meet, Chromebook, Chromebit, and Chromebox.

The Hangouts Meet hardware brings an organization together into one HD-resolution video conference sans complications during setup. This is best utilized with the Chromebook, an essential tool that supports Chrome Enterprise features and apps. The Google

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trade. To cater to these demands, IPC strengthens its partnership with Google to provide business solutions such as the Chrome Enterprise that offers the complete cloud suite package, as well as multi-layered security,” said Niño Valmonte, IPC Director for Marketing and Digital Innovation. “We strongly recommend that business owners implement and experience the advantages that these collaborative tools bring.”

Because the Chrome Enterprise provides organization members with their respective Chrome accounts, a single sign-in allows them to stay connected with the rest of the organization—whether through video conferencing, emailing, group

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

Chromebit, meanwhile, is a candy-bar-sized computer that turns any HDMI monitor or TV screen into a computer, eliminating the need for a �lash drive. The enterprise suite also includes the Chromebox, a small and compact device that acts as the system unit of the package as it runs the Chrome OS. Aiming to provide businesses with topgrade assistance support, Chrome Enterprise hardware offerings also include the Chrome OS Device Management License and Chromebox

Hangouts Meet Support, together with IPC’s standard 24/7 local support.

As today’s global workforce is on its way to ultimately relying on the cloud for accessibility and productivity, Chrome Enterprise effectively helps enterprises, entrepreneurs, and SMEs from any industry work through their digital transformation journey seamlessly.

To know more about the Google Chrome Enterprise, visit the IPC Enterprise Cloud Applications webpage.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late EUSTAQUIO S. HERBOLINGO and CHARITA T. HERBOLINGO who both died on December 17, 2001 at Purok Santol, Mangagit, Maco, COMVAL and on July 26, 2017 at Davao Regional Medical Center, Apokon, Tagum City has been the subject of EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT With Deed of Sale executed among their heirs, per Doc. No. 141; PageNo.30; Book No.172 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN. 6/12/19/26, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12ISSUE ISSUE7777• WEDNESDAY, • WEDNESDAY,JUNE JUNE26, 26,2019 2019 VOL.12

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic poses with Rookie Of The Year award at the 2019 NBA Awards show at Barker Hanger.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo poses with his NBA most valuable player at the 2019 NBA Awards show at Barker Hanger.

Giannis is MVP, Doncic top rookie

M

ilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo became the second European player to be selected the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, winning the honor on Monday night at the league’s awards show in Santa Monica, California.

Luka Doncic, the No. 3 overall selection who was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft day in 2018, won the Rookie of the Year Award.

Antetokounmpo, a 24-year-old from Greece, joins Germany’s Dirk

Nowitzki (2006-07 Dallas Mavericks) as European NBA MVPs. The only other non-United States players to capture the honor were Nigeria’s Hakeem Olajuwon (1993-94 Houston Rockets) and Canada’s Steve Nash (2004-05 and 2005-06 Phoenix Suns).

In addition, two-time MVP Tim Duncan (2001-02 and 2002-03 San Antonio Spurs) was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Antetokounmpo was selected over fellow MVP �inalists Paul George of the

11

Oklahoma City Thunder and James Harden of the Rockets, last season’s MVP. “The Greek Freak” averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in 72 games.

Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who was selected the Executive of the Year on Monday, said in a statement, “We are beyond proud of Giannis for earning his �irst MVP award.

This well-deserved honor is due to his relentless hard work and dedication in becoming the most impactful

player in the NBA.” “Giannis propelled the Bucks to great heights last season with his leadership, drive and unsel�ish play.

His grace on and off the court has made him one of the most admired players in the world.”

Antetokounmpo also was a �inalist for Defensive Player of the Year, which went to Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert for the second year in a row. George also was a candidate for the defensive honor.

Doncic received 98 of the 100 votes, with Trae

GIANNIS, P8

MOSES BILLACURA

Banquillo, Diez rule Bugsayan kayakfest

R

odney Banquillo of Davao Oriental and Anna Rhodora Diez of Davao City ruled their respective divisions in the just concluded 3rd Mayor Tina Yu Bugsayan Kayak Fest in San Isidro, Davao Oriental.

Banquillo topped the Open Men followed by the son-and-father team of Carl Louie Escoltor and Walter Escoltor of Davao in second and third place, respectively.

Diez, on the other hand, won the Open Women by a come-from-behind victory over former Samal champion Kizia Marie “Kim” delos Reyes, who �inished second.

Davao’s April Joy Trinidad placed third. Diaz and Trinidad combined to win the All-Women Tandem.

Sheena Clate and Chris-

tine Pal �inished second followed by third placer delos Reyes and Jessa Gallosa.

The other results in the All-Men Tandem are Rodney and Reggie BanquilloChampion; Sowaib Madjib and Datdat Edno - second; and Walter Escolter and Tatay Nagar - third place.

Local kayak – Single Men champion was Reggie Banquillo; 2nd- Sowaid Madjib; and, 3rd – Datdat Ebno.

In the Single Women, the champion was Rosemarie Destresa; 2nd – Gina Victoriano; and 3rd – Faida Oxillo.

The Tandem Mixed champion went to Rodney and Reggie Banquillo; 2ndSowaib Madjib and Datdat Edno; and 3rd – Glenn Philip Dadivas and Narciso Edquilla.

BANQUILLO, P9

CLEAN SLATE

WT’S VICTORY, PSC MINDANAO OFFICE AND `BUDYONG’ Before I proceed to my main topic, I’d like to congratulate Willie Torres of W-Autosports for winning �irst place in the Open Pro Class and emerging Overall Champion in the Philippine Mini Racers Classic last June 23 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Torres, president of the University of Mindanao and a good friend to sportswriters, in fact, a godfather to a few of us, clocked a best time of 2:04.338 of the total 11:00.938 on board his 1967 Mini “Mark I”.

Congratulations Ninong Willie!

Enjoy the ride! *** There was a time when we have a Mindanao of�ice of the Philippine Sports Commission during the �irst chairmanship term of William “Butch” Ramirez. When he decided to come home to Davao, naturally, that satellite of�ice was not maintained by the PSC Board.

With Chairman Ramirez back in the PSC, thanks to the victory of Mayor Digong as president of this Republic, we got our PSC Mindanao of�ice back, this time located inside the DACS Compound in Juna Subdivision.

There I was able to meet Hannah Sagsagat and Allyster Astronomo, two of the �ive staff under PSC Cluster Head for Mindanao Prof.Ed Fernandez.

Technically, Mindanao as an island has an over-all overseer which is Commissioner Charles Maxey but he is based in Manila as member of the PSC Board.

The Mindanao of�ice has been very busy in the conduct of the Children’s Games and the Sports for Peace program which I hope will last even if Mayor Digong is no longer president.

I’ve been monitoring also the movements of Prof.Henry Daut, another amigo, who has been in and out of Mindanao on behalf of the PSC.

I am happy that professors Fernandez and Daut, upon instructions of chairman Ramirez, have established links to local government units, especially far-�lung LGUs that were never served or underserved by the national sports agency.

Sports development is about building communities with speci�ic target of molding the minds of children by teaching them the values of sports and to keep them away from illegal drugs and other vices. Mag sige kag computer diha, nah! You will never be physically �it. As children, our only thoughts are to play and follow our parents. Mag sige ra gyug duwa with our silingans. We run, climb the trees, build a tabanog, lothang, etc.

I’m really delighted because the PSC Mindanao of�ice has started to institutionalize our local games by professionally organizing it. This is the best way to invest in the develop-

ment of kids. We give them an avenue to play and believe me, they are very observant and so one day, when they become adults they will remember this and once they have the capacity to give back, they will do that for the next generation.

Sometimes, my head aches thinking of the squabbles of Philippine Olympic Committee of�icials in Manila. Hangtod karon baya nagka gidlay rang dagan kay sigeg away at the expense of the athletes. Hapit na baya ang SEA Games! Hay! Pastilan.

If only I have the “power” (kili kili power ra may atoa, hahaha), that POC will never receive a single cent from government coffers. Samok mo!

Instead, I will invest government money to the children of this country by intensifying the Children’s Games and Sports for Peace. Naa pay kapuslanan oi.

So our dear Professors Henry and

Edfer, please keep up the noble work and start thinking of maintaining this program even after the term of Mayor Digong and chairman Ramirez because we don’t know yet who will be the next president. Will the next president maintain the Mindanao of�ice so that the noble programs will keep going?

From what I gathered, okay lang if Mayor Inday will be the next president because being a mother herself, the more she will support the Children’s Games and Sports for Peace Mindanao. Mothers know best baya.

Ayaw lang na imbitaha, unya patan awon nimog mga bata pa kaayo nag boxing, kay mo walkout, hehehehe. *** If you happen to visit the PSC Mindanao of�ice, don’t forget to grab a copy of “Budyong”, the of�icial magazine of PSC-Mindanao.

Nindot.

12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 77 • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

SPORTS

National team captain Stephan Schrock led Ceres-Negros FC to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Cup 2019 ASEAN Zone Semi-final first leg match against Hanoi FC of Vietnam. Ceres-Negros FC remained keen on earning a trip to the ASEAN Zonal finals of the AFC Cup 2019.

ONE ASEAN Member nations of ASEAN to launch bid for 2034 World Cup

B

ANGKOK - Southeast Asian countries will jointly bid to host the World Cup in 2034, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Sunday, after meetings between the region's leaders in Bangkok.

Asia has held the quadrennial showpiece of international soccer only once when Japan and South Korea were joint hosts in 2002 and Qatar will bring it back to the continent in 2022.

"The leaders have support of the region to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, if possible," Prayuth said in a concluding news conference of this year �irst summit for the 10-members Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"I would like to invite the people of ASEAN to support the soccer associations in their countries in order to realize this dream," he said.

The ASEAN countries are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Brunei.

The region is home to more than 640 million people, many of whom follow soccer avidly even if their national teams are relative minnows with none having ever quali�ied for the World Cup �inals.

The idea of ASEAN hosting the World Cup was �irst mooted at the beginning of the decade and advocates say the move could help raise the region's pro�ile and integration.

However, experts said more

needs to be done to iron out the details of how the 10 countries should proceed with the bid, including the possibility of �ielding one regional team consisting of the best players from the region.

"Hosting the World Cup would raise ASEAN's global standing, and the �irst time a regional intergovernmental bloc would host a sporting event of such signi�icance," Fuadi Pitsuwan, a public policy scholar at Chiang Mai University and a long-term advocate of the initiative told Reuters.

The ASEAN bid would also be competing with China which is widely seen as the front-runner to host the next tournament in Asia.

"There is something to gain from the process of bidding itself, so winning the bid is secondary, the point is to bid and rally ASEAN regionalism to create a sense of community," he said.

"Friendly competition with China in this realm is great for unity, much better than political and social tensions."

The 2002 edition is the only World Cup to have been hosted by more than one nation but the United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly stage the 2026 tournament.

Myanmar and Thailand have expressed interest in co-hosting the under-20 World Cup in 2021, soccer's global governing body FIFA said last month, with Indonesia among the countries who are considering an individual bid for the tournament.