Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 83 | Thursday, July 4, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

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Hugpong proposes Ungab as Speaker to break impasse

By NEILWIN JOSEPH BRAVO

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he Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) pushed an alternative to the seemingly unresolvable impasse for the House Speakership endorsing instead Davao City third district Rep. Isidro Ungab.

The Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) pushed an alternative to the seemingly unresolvable impasse for the House Speakership endorsing instead Davao City third district Rep. Isidro Ungab.

The coalition, in a statement released on Wednesday morning, July 3, said it has "been patiently observing the developments in the House of Representatives."

HNP has in its fold the three incumbent Congressmen from Davao Region in Rep. Paolo Duterte (�irst district), Rep. Vincent Garcia (second district) and Rep. Ungab (third district).

The proposal came after Rep. Duterte on Tuesday �loated the idea of joining the Speakership race of the matter is not resolved among aspirants Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano (Taguig), Lourd Alan Velasco (Marinduque) and Martin Romualdez (Leyte).

"We understand if President Duterte, because of delicadeza, will not accept the intent of our brother from Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, Congressman Paolo Duterte, to resolve the con�lict among candidates,"

the HNP statement read. "Therefore, we are endorsing the bid of Congressman Isidro Ungab for Speaker."

HNP is chaired by presidential daughter and Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

President Duterte has earlier said he will resign if his son, Rep. Paolo, will vie for the Speakership.

A report released to media on Tuesday morning, July 2, claimed the presidential son �loated the idea that he might vie for the speakership position in the House of Representatives to break the standoff.

The neophyte lawmaker has previously said he has no interest in the position, but according to the report, he has changed his heart because of talks of ‘term sharing’ being obsessively pushed by Cayetano, who has openly aspired for the Speakership.

“Moapil na ko pagka-speaker,” Rep. Duterte declared on Tuesday.

“The house is divided, I might be able to help unite it. Pareho lang kaming binoto ng mga tao ah. Kung term sharing, term sharing na kaming lahat.”

PLANT, P9

HALAL TOURISM IN THE DAVAO REGION ►INDULGE A2

JOLLIBEE FOUNDER OFFICIALLY TITLED ‘PILLAR OF BRAND GLOBALIZATION’

►COMPETITIVE EDGE P5

IMPROVISE. A resourceful father uses egg trays to protect his infant child from the sweltering heat of the sun while they are on their way to Agdao Public Market in Brgy. Agdao, Davao City on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

edgedavao@gmail.com

BATANG GILAS FALLS TO RUSSIA

►SPORTS P11

P 15.00 • 16 PAGES

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

PTV to launch ‘Digong 8888 Hotline’ program

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72ND PAF ANNIVERSARY. President Rodrigo Duterte attaches the streamer on the banner of one of the award-winning Philippine Air Force (PAF) units during the 72nd PAF Anniversary at the Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday night. Assisting the President is PAF Commander Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez.

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

n line with the concerted effort to bring government service closer to Filipinos, a new TV program focusing on the works of Citizens’ Complaint Hotline 8888 and the Presidential Complaint Center (PCC) is launching this July.

Titled “DIGONG 8888 HOTLINE”, the one-hour program airs on the People’s Television (PTV) and its af�iliate provincial stations every Thursday from 2:00 PM-3:00 PM. CENTERPIECE PROJECT Immediately after his oathtaking in 2016, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order No. 6, institutionalizing 8888 as the Citizens’ Complaint Center - a mechanism for addressing grievances related to red tape and corruption in government.

Throwing his full support behind the project, the President personally endorsed the hotline to

the public. “Kung kayo’y inabuso, kung kayo’y pinagsamantalahan, kung may hindi kayo nagustuhan sa gobyerno, tumawag kayo, day and night at ‘yung mga importanteng problema na nakikita ko, aksyunan ko kaagad,” he said.

Managed by the Of�ice of the Executive Secretary, 8888 operates 24 hours, 7 days a week and receives thousands of calls everyday for various requests and complaints on government service, slow processing of papers, �ixers, overcharging and misdemeanor of some government employees. It is mandated to deliver concrete and speci�ic action on complaints within a 72-hour time frame.

Meantime the Presidential Complaint Center or PCC is a frontline desk of the Of�ice of the President which serves as a liaison unit to various departments and agencies of

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday night appealed to members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) not to overturn the government during his term.

In his speech during the 72nd anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Duterte said staging a coup would not be necessary since he was willing to step down if he was asked to.

“I know that the Armed Forces and the Police will have to decide one day somehow. Do not do it please during my term,” Duterte said.

Stressing he wanted to avoid violence, Duterte said soldiers and policemen who no longer �ind him deserving to lead the

country could simply talk to him over a cup of coffee.

“I told you before all you have to do kung ayaw ninyo ako (if you don’t like me), do not bring your weapons and mechanized armors there,” Duterte said.

“Just call me and we’ll have coffee and I am ready to say, ‘It’s yours for the taking,’” he added.

This is not the �irst time Duterte mentioned coups in his speeches.

In February this year, Duterte scolded military and police of�icers for joining coup attempts to return the power of the government to political rivals.

The President, in September 2018, has also described coup attempts as a "waste of time" since he was willing to step down if they were discontented with his leadership. (PNA)

‘No Jackets’ at P checkpoints: TF

PTV, P9

PRRD to soldiers, cops: Don’t stage a coup during my term

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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ask Force (TF) Davao has tightened its security inspection procedure by implementing “no jackets” policy and mandatory body checking during inspections following the bombing of military camp in Indanan, Sulu on June 28.

This was announced

by TF Davao commander colonel Consolito Yecla during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media brie�ing held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, July 3.

Yecla said people approaching designated inspection areas in Davao City must remove their jackets to easily identify or detect suicide vests

worn by suicide bombers.

“Mas madali ang makita yung suicide vest na suot ng suicide bombers pag wala silang jacket. So we implemented na upon approaching the inspection area, dapat hubad na nila yung jacket nila,” the commander said, adding that they may wear the jackets once passed through the inspection.

He said jackets must be removed 30 meters away from the inspection area to ensure that if there are possible suicide bombers, it is far from the convergence area.

“Malayo pa dapat kasi para bago ma activate yung suicide vest, ma neutralize na ang bombing,” he said.

The request of this new safety policy, explained Yecla, is yet to be submitted to the City Government of Davao but they already started implementing it to provide the highest level of security for the people of

PH to probe China’s ‘missile test’ off WPS

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he Philippines will conduct its own inquiry on China’s alleged anti-ship ballistic missile launches off the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Del�in Lorenzana said Wednesday.

“We have no �irst-hand knowledge about this missile launch except this news report. We will conduct our own inquiry and will decide later what to do if proven correct,” Lorenzana said in a message to reporters.

Per reports, the tests took place last weekend with China warning ships not to approach the test area.

At least one missile was reportedly �ired into the sea.

Meantime, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday clari�ied that the supposed verbal �ishing agreement

between President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping is not a policy.

The clari�ication came after the chief executive got some �lak when he bared that he had an informal agreement with Xi to allow the Chinese to �ish within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) if Beijing allowed Filipinos to �ish in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal during their �irst bilateral meeting in October 2016.

Upon assuming his position as the country’s top diplomat, Locsin said he was not told about the said deal.

“Which goes to show that this was not written down, otherwise I would be briefed upon taking the position,” he said in a television interview.

“It’s something he said, I don’t know if he actually

said it. If he said he did then perhaps he did under the impression that there is a surplus,” he added.

Locsin said President Duterte may have been given the impression that there is a level of beyond allowable catch, that if there is a surplus then it can be shared with foreign �ishermen.

Locsin said the criticism hurled at the president is “pointless” as a verbal agreement cannot be enforced on the Philippines.

Some critics allege that the president’s informal agreement with China to allow foreign �ishermen to �ish within the country’s EEZ undermines the Constitution.

“The verbal agreement cannot be enforced on us because it’s verbal. You need a document to prove an agreement. That’s the way it is,” Locsin stressed.

PH TO PROBE, P9

Davao.

“Initiative lang muna namin na i-implement ito para din sa safety,” Yecla said, adding this is in line with the exisiting “No Back Pack Policy” of Davao City.

The mandatory body search, said Yecla, aims to amplify the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) of TF Davao despite the existing metal detectors and baggage machines issued by the government of Davao City.

Yecla said they already coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on this new policy.

INDO EXPO 2019. Indonesian Consul General Dicky Fabrian says business delegates from various parts of Indonesia are expected to participate on the upcoming Wonderful Indonesia: Tourism, Food and Trade Expo 2019 slated at SM Lanang Premier on July 12 to 14. Fabrian also said during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that Indonesia is a very big market for trade and tourism that Filipino companies need to explore. Lean Daval Jr

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

Drilon urges Congress to end political dynasties

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UPDATES. Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) spokesperson Police Major Jason Baria provides updates on the investigation and police operations against companies engaged in investment schemes during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr

enate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is urging Congress to ful�ill its constitutional duty to end political dynasties as he �iled a measure prohibiting the continuous existence of such practice.

According to a statement on Tuesday, Drilon has �iled Senate Bill No. 11, or the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, for the �irst regular session of the 18th Congress.

The measure seeks to prohibit spouses or relatives of an incumbent elective of�icial seeking re-election to hold or run for any elective of�ice in the same province in the same election.

"The Constitution entrusted to Congress the duty to end political dynasties. Unfortunately, we have failed in our duty and, hence, political dynasty still persists and so does poverty," Drilon said.

Also included in Drilon’s pet bills �iled at the Senate is the bill seeking to strengthen the political party system in the country and discourage political "turncoatism".

"Turncoatism should never be tolerated since it only distorts the concept of word of honor and dignity of a leader. It is therefore imperative that the country's political party system should be strengthened in order to achieve genuine political development and democratization," Drilon said.

Other priority measures of Drilon are the amendments to the Public Service Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act; institutionalization and strengthening of Public-Private Partnerships; and creation of Boracay Development Authority. (PNA)

he Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed the petition �iled by Rhema International Livelihood Foundation Inc,. or Cirfund, a key investor of the controversial Kapa Community International Ministry, seeking to stop the closure of the �irm.

In a message to reporters, court spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka con�irmed the suit �iled last June 21 was dismissed by the court en banc Monday.

In a petition �iled by Manuelito Traya and Roberto Apduhan, Sr., through lawyer Engracio Icasiano, they asked the High Court to stop the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) from pursuing Kapa’s closure.

They asked the court to expunge "Cirfund from the list of the unregistered investment entities as it is an online platform of Rhema International Livelihood Foundation, Inc. and further declare that [cirfund. org] is backed up with hard documents that support the legality of its business act and deeds, and Kapa to resume their religious activity."

It also sought that all respondents -- President Rodrigo Duterte and SEC Chairman Emilio Aquino be ordered "to pay the compensatory damages amounting to PHP3 billion for allegedly destroying Cirfund -- an online platform project of [Rhema]

19th City Council committees bared T

SC junks investors' plea vs. Kapa closure

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he newly-elected committee heads took their oath during the �irst regular session of the 19th City Council on Tuesday, July 2 at the Sanguniang Panglungsod.

The 19th Davao City Council spearheaded by presidential son Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte elected committee chairpersons, vice chairpersons and members of the different standing committees.

Davao City Council’s standing committees and its members are the following:

• Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairperson: Ralph Abella Vice chairperson: Wilfredo Al-ag Members: Mabel Sunga-Acosta, Mary Joselle Villafuerte, and Conrado Baluran • Committee on Appointments and Government re-

PRO 11 probing if Tagum killings are scam-related

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he Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 is still investigating the consecutive killing incidents in Tagum City if it is related with investment scams proliferating in the Davao del Norte capital.

"It is not con�irmed yet if related ba sa mga investments schemes yung mga pag patay sa Tagum City but we are still investigating the real motives of these killings," PRO 11 spokesperson police major Jason Baria, during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media brie�ing held on Wednesday, July 3 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, said.

On June 29, a man who was identi�ied as a live-in partner of a certain investment scheme manager in Tagum City was shot dead at the Circumferential Road corner Suaybaguio, Barangay Magugpo North.

People believed that the suspects were among the "investors" who were not

able to get their promised payout.

Baria, however, appealed to the public especially the netizens not to spread invalidated information as the authorities are currently investigating the true motive of the crime.

"Nag co-conduct pa kami ng background check to see the real motive bago ma-establish if connected or related ba ito sa investment schemes, kaya wag muna mag spread ng false information," he added.

On June 30, another killing was reported in Tagum City.

The Tagum City Police Of�ice identi�ied the victim as Reymond Faciol, a PIO cameraman in Davao del Norte who was killed outside his apartment at Barangay Mankilam.

"Regarding sa cameraman na pinatay, tinitingnan pa namin yung angulo

PRO, P9

organizations Chairperson: Alberto Ungab Vice chairperson: Bonifacio Militar Members: Antoinette Principe-Castrodes, John Louie Bonguyan, and Jessica Bonguyan • Committee on Barangay Affairs Chairperson: Edgar Ibuyan, Sr. Vice Chairperson: Mable Sunga-Acosta Members: Nilo Abellera, Dante Apostol and Jaye

Campos

• Committee on Civil, Political and Human Rights Chairperson: Antoinette Principe-Castrodes Vice chairperson: Pamela Librado Members: Mabel Sunga-Acosta, Louie John Bonguyan, and Bai Cassandra Advincula

• Committee on Cooperative Development and People’s participation Chairperson: Jonard Dayap,

19TH, P8

SC, P9

TURN OVER. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John R. Castriciones turns over a project to an IP community during the DAR, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), turn over ceremony of various infrastructure and crop and food production projects in support of the country’s rural development program. Photo courtesy of DAR

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

Globe partners with Aboitiz to build common towers

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lobe Telecom has partnered with the Aboitiz Group and Frontier Tower Associates Philippines (FTAP) for the deployment of cell sites in Cebu, Davao, and Subic to support the common tower policy being implemented by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday, Globe announced that it has signed last Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding with Aboitiz infrastructure business unit Aboitiz InfraCapital and FTAP on the leasing of cell sites, towers and other passive

ECONOMIC COOP. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) officer in charge Nathaniel Dalumpines says the The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) summit in Bangkok was fruitful and successful as a discussion resulted to a deal to strengthen a more conducive economic cooperation between the all four countries. Dalumpines said during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall that current barter trade system of BIMP-EAGA was also discussed. Lean Daval Jr

DAR turns over P334-M rural projects for Minda farmers, IPs

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grarian reform bene�iciaries (ARB) and indigenous people (IP) in Mindanao will soon enjoy greater economic opportunities after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), turned over various infrastructure and crop and food production projects in support of the country’s rural development program.

The P334-million worth of support services include solar dryers, farm-to-market roads, bridges, communal irrigations, potable water systems, and production of rubber, coffee, abaca, pili, rice and corn.

These were constructed and implemented in the provinces of Lanao del

Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, South and North Cotabato.

DAR Secretary John R. Castriciones, who led the ceremonial turnover, said he expects a big economic turnaround for farm communities in Mindanao now that these infrastructure projects are completed and

Davao Region PESO gear up for national search

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ying for the 2018 National Search for Best PESO Awards �ive contenders from Region XI gear up for the prestigious search that will be held in October 2019 in Bacolod City. The contenders are chosen based on their accomplishments anchored on the PESO core services of 1/Referral Placement, 2/Career Guidance, and 3/ Labor Market.

The contenders who will vie for the awards are PESO Province of Davao del Sur (Provincial Category), PESO Mati City (Component City Category), PESO Asuncion, Davao del Norte (1st – 2nd Class Municipality), Magsaysay, Davao del Sur (3rd – 4th Class Municipality Category) and SPAMAST Digos Campus (Job Placement Of�ice Category). These PESO of�ices will be represented by their PESO Managers in Bacolod City.

The PESO or Public Employment Services Of�ice is created to ensure the prompt, timely, and ef�icient delivery of employment service and provision of information on other DOLE employment and self-employment program.

PESO speci�ically provide a venue where people could explore simultaneously various employment options and actually seek assistance they prefer; serve as referral and information center for the various services and programs of DOLE and other government agencies present in the area; provide clients with adequate information on employment and labor market situation in the area; and network with other PESOs within the region on employment for job exchange purposes.

(By Eduardo P. Monreal, DOLE RO XI LCO-Designate)

the food and crop production are on-going.

“These projects are signi�icant in achieving progress in rural communities.

These were implemented not only to make life easier for our farmers, but also to sustain the development of their communities,” Castriciones added.

“Projects such as these were provided because it is what the farming communities really need to spur rural development, and it is the reason why DAR is here for them,” he added.

The DAR chief said that among those who will bene�it from the infrastructure projects are the IPs, specif-

ically, the Blaans, Mansakas and Mandayas, who were given land titles under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

These IPs reside in settlements established by the government in the municipalities of Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur (for the Blaans) and in Maragusan and New Bataan in Compostela valley (for the Mansakas and Mandayas).

DAR Undersecretary for Foreign-Assisted Projects Bernie Cruz said the projects implemented under the Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD)

DAR, P8

infrastructure.

“Tower sharing is a means to address the demand for better internet experience. Our collaboration with tower experts will enable us to fast track the construction of cell sites and towers in unserved and underserved areas as well as congested urban centers,” Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu said.

For her part, Aboitiz InfraCapital Chief Operating Of�icer Cosette Canilao explained that the initiative will strengthen the existing coverage and capacity of Globe in these areas. The towers and other infrastructures may also

GLOBE PARTNERS, P9

Interagency database of foreign workers to be set up

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he Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is now working with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in developing an interagency database of foreign nationals working in the country to effectively monitor them and ensure that they pay the correct amount of taxes to the government.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay said revisions were made to a draft joint memorandum circular (MC) being crafted with the DOLE on the issuance of work permits to foreigners to include a provision on setting up the database.

“To effectively pursue our mandate (of taxing foreign workers), we need accurate data on foreigners working in the Philippines,” Dulay said during a recent Department of Finance (DOF) Executive Committee (Execom) meeting.

Dulay told Dominguez during the Execom meeting that the DOLE had invit-

ed the BIR to a meeting to discuss the joint MC on the issuance of work permits to foreign nationals.

“Revisions were made to develop an inter-agency database to be administered by the DOLE,” Dulay said.

Dulay also reported that several of the 15,176 foreign nationals working in 174 establishments, mostly Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), that the DOLE said had no working permits were subsequently determined by the BIR to have the proper working permits and visas.

“DOLE was informed of these �indings,” Dulay said.

The BIR, Dulay said, has also sent out 29 letter-notices to several POGO service providers telling them to remit the taxes due them as withholding agents in the amount of P4.44 billion.

During the last meeting called by Dominguez with members of the interagency task force created to monitor and list down the

INTERAGENCY, P8

PESO Davao Region Bidbooks are now ready for the national search of the 2018 Search for National Best PESO Awards. Reviewing and finalizing the entries are (Sitting) Rodolfo T. Castro, Chief, DOLE DOFO; Paul V. Cruz, OIC-Chief, TSSD DOLE XI; Carolina A. Agdamag, Chief, POEA XI; Rosario C. Peñaflor, LOO II, DILG; Engr.

Reynaldo Dennis V. Badilles, Chief, DOLE DSFO; Angelina A. Talingting, Chief, DOLE DNFO, (standing) Garneth S. Lucero, Employment Focal, DSFO; Amelie T. Bello, Job Placement Officer, SPAMAST Digos Campus; Pauline Elsa F. Olita, PESO Manager, Mati City; Rolly M. Impas, Provincial PESO Manager, Davao del Sur; Eufronia J. Mangle, PESO Manager, Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

COMPETITIVE EDGE

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DCWD college academic scholarship now open

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avao City Water District opens three slots for the 20192020 Academic Excellence Scholarship Grant for incoming �irst year college students planning to take up computer technology or any engineering courses at the University of Southeastern Philippines Obrero Campus.

The scholarship coverage includes tuition and miscellaneous fees, transportation, meal, boarding house, and uniform/textbook allowances. Once in their graduating year, scholars can also avail of a thesis allowance.

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must

be a senior high school graduate in academic year 2018 - 2019 of any school in Davao City with a general average of at least 85%.

Annual household income must not exceed P80,000.

Applicants must also pass the Readiness Test for Colleges and Universities and submit the results to DCWD’s Community Relations Division at the DCWD Matina of�ice for a series of evaluation and interview.

For more details, interested applicants may inquire at 235-3293 local 1621. Applications are accepted until July 15, 2019 only. (Camille Margarette U. Solon)

BARMM inks agreement with Save the Children Philippines

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Memorandum of Agreement advancing children's rights was signed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Government, Save the Children Philippines and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) on Monday, July 1, 2019 in Cotabato City.

The Ministry on Social Services (MSS), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), and Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHT) are among the local partners of the said non-government organizations that support and promote the rights of children, particularly in Mindanao.

To fully understand the MOA, Fanny Divino, SCP senior program manager for Mindanao, underscored the different roles and responsibilities of each party.

She said the MOA pertains to the conduct of a contextualized Child Rights Situational Analysis (CRSA) in selected BARMM areas.

“This is to ensure that every needs of every last child in the region are effectively and meaningfully provided by the duty-bearers, through evidence-based and participatory approach," she

added.

She said the result of the CRSA will be utilized in the development of programs and policies for children by all concerned institutions. An individual or group of individuals will also be assigned to participate during the actual research conduct for collaboration and assessment.

The Save the Children Philippines is an independent organization that aims to create better lives for children in the Philippines and across the world. SCP has been operating in the Philippines for the last three decades and is dedicated in helping children.

It has been providing emergency and long-term support for Filipino children to have access to quality education, health services, child protection, child rights governance, disaster risk reduction or climate change adaptation, food security, livelihood, and other humanitarian response interventions.

The agreement took effect today and shall remain in full effect until December 31, 2019. Its duration may be extended for any duration upon mutual written agreement of all parties.

Jollibee Founder and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong (6th from right) receiving the President’s Award as “Pillar of Brand Globalization” from PRA president Rosemarie Bosch Ong (5th from right), Trade Undersecretary Zenaida Malaya (center), PRA chairman emeritus Samie Lim (4th from right), PRA chairman Atty. Paul Santos (3rd from left), Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Pena (6th from left), PRA vice chair Mars Chua (4th from left) PRA vice chair and Platinum Awardee Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco (5th from left), with (from left) PRA vice chair Bernie Liu, vice chair and Platinum Awardee Roberto Claudio, vice chair Lorenzo Formoso, vice president Chan Kok Bin, and director Arthur Coronel.

Jollibee founder officially titled ‘Pillar of Brand Globalization’

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ollibee Founder and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong received the highest recognition in the just concluded 21st Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards, bagging the President’s Award during elaborate rites at the Rizal Ballroom, Shangri-La Hotel, Makati.

Tan Caktiong was honored for his contribution in globalizing Philippine retailing by establishing Jollibee branches in other countries, thus, bringing Filipinos abroad closer to home. He also gave other nationalities a taste of the Philippines by experiencing the Filipino’s fast-food chain. He is branded as “Pillar of Brand Globalization.”

“Jollibee and Mr. Tony Tan Caktiong gave other Filipino retailers and brands the inspiration and encouragement to conquer the international market.

De�initely, Mr. Tan Caktiong is our Pillar of Brand Recognition,” Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) President Rosemarie Bosch Ong commented.

The PRA said Tan Cak-

tiong received this year's top honor "for his great success and in�luential contribution to the Philippine food retail sector by creating a super brand which brought to the world the true Filipino taste and the culture of spreading joy through food."

After a yearlong hiatus, the PRA brought back the OFR this year to recognize exemplary Filipino retailers who are models in terms of growth, creativity and best practices in business.

This year’s OFR Awards is aimed at encouraging more local retailers to go global, just like the President’s Award recipient this year.

Three new categories have also been launched

Their passion, leadership and longtime dedication to the PRA led to the development of the local retail industry.

SM Center Las Piñas, Megaworld Uptown Mall and SM Megamall were awarded Shopping Centers of the Year in the small, medium and large categories, respectively. Robinsons Supermarket was recognized for being the Supermarket of the Year. Metro Retail was awarded as Regional Retailer of the Year, while Commonwealth PH is the Most Promising Retailer of the Year.

At present, Commonwealth PH has only four retail stores across the metro.

The Retailer of the Year Award was won by Penshoppe, in recognition of its efforts to exercise excellent business practices, as re�lected in sales growth, store operation, product marketing and promotional campaigns, omnichannel adoption and corporate social responsibility.

celebrate PLCs that have put in signi�icant effort to promote and sustain good governance within their respective organizations.

“We have done several corporate policy and practical improvements to uphold high standards of corporate governance, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency, and integrity in all aspects of the business.

This recognition serves as a testament to our commitment to go beyond mere compliance when it comes to protecting the rights of all stakeholders, from our customers to

our investors,” said Ciocson-Co. ACGS is an instrument for assessing and ranking publicly-listed companies in six participating ASEAN countries, namely: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) is the appointed domestic ranking body for the Philippines.

ICD assessed 247 publicly-listed Philippines companies. Of these, the average score was 62.3 points, and only 48 companies scored at least 80 points.

Globe Telecom tops anew in corporate governance in ASEAN

G In the photo are (L-R) Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Corporate Directors; Marisalve Ciocson-Co, Senior Vice-President – Law & Compliance, Chief Compliance Officer & Asst. Corporate Secretary, Globe Telecom, Inc.; and Emilio Benito Aquino, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

this year, namely, Outstanding Visual Merchandising Campaign, Outstanding Marketing Campaign and E-Commerce Excellence.

Fashion brand Penshoppe was recognized for having the Outstanding Visual Merchandising Campaign. Penshoppe presented the best display of merchandise that engages interest and entices customers to purchase.

E-Commerce Excellence was awarded to CLN for its digital marketing efforts, logistics and credibility, while Levi’s was awarded with Outstanding Marketing Campaign for its best practice in improving sales and market share.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco, also president of Central Books and Roberto Claudio, chairman of Toby's Sports received Platinum Awards for their signi�icant and in�luential roles and contributions to the Philippine retail industry.

lobe Telecom showed once again why it is one of the top organizations in the Philippines, after it was named among the 6 top-performing publicly-listed companies (PLCs) in the country under the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) 2018.

Marisalve Ciocson-Co, Globe Senior Vice-President for Law and Compliance, Chief Compliance Of�icer, and Assistant Corporate Secretary, received the award for the company at the recent ACGS recognition ceremony, which

GLOBE TELECOM, P8

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

EDITORIAL Tightening up From ‘no backpacks’ to ‘no jackets.’

It makes sense for the improvement of security, then the new measure implemented by the Task Force Davao at checkpoints to ensure that the bombing incident in Sulu recently, which is believed to be a case of suicide bombing, will not be replicated.

Yes, the new measure is now being implemented in all security checkpoints although TF Davao has yet to coordinate with the Philippine National Police on this new policy.

With the threat of suicide bombing being undertaken by terrorist groups planning to sow terror in Mindanao, Davao City is going a step ahead by ensuring that nothing of that

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sort will happen. The ‘no jackets’ policy calls for all persons going through the security checks to take off their jackets or vests or any garment meant to possibly conceal weapons or bombs. This is reminiscent of the ‘no jackets’ policy on x-ray checks in major airports in the country and overseas as a means to prevent hidden weapons or explosives.

The implementation of this new policy calls for everyone’s cooperation even if it meant additional time delays and inconvenience during travels or when commuting from one point to another. The bottomline objective of these stringent measures is to ensure the public’s safety. Terror is like a thief in the night. We will never know when it strikes.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

the national association of newspapers

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net edgedavao@gmail.com

ADAM B. MORRELL Reporter

KENNETH IRVING K. ONG MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FERINA SANTOS Lifestyle

ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JASPERSOLANI V. BACSAL General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist VP Operations General Manager JOCELYN S. PANES Director of Sales

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA FAST BACKWARD

FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY OF QUEBEC Founded on February 2, 1921 in Quebec, Canada, the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec is known more by its PME initials, which stand for Société des Missions-Étrangères du Québec.

The earliest attempt to bring in Canadian missionaries to Davao was in the early days of the Commonwealth. But the plan was beset by jurisdictional issue. At the time, the PME, as a missionary society with Latin America and the Far East as principal assignments, was under the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith while the Philippines, as a Catholic country, was under the Consistorial Congregation.

It was not until 1937 when the plan to send PME fathers to Davao was bolstered following the attendance of Bishop Louis Lapierre, PME, in the International Eucharistic Congress held in Manila early that year. The bishop also conferred with Msgr. Guglielmo Piani, then Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines (now Papal Nuncio), who expressed support tod the idea.

The �irst batch of PME mis-

sioners, namely Fathers Clovis Thibault, Clovis Rondeau, Conrad Cote, Omer Leblanc and Leo Lamy, arrived in Manila in October 1937 and were initially billeted at the Jesuit house in Sta. Mesa, Manila. They were welcomed by Msgr. Luis del Rosario, bishop of Zamboanga who had ecclesiastical authority over Zamboanga, Cotabato, and Davao.

Days later, aboard the passenger ship, S/S Bisaya, they left for Davao via Cebu and Zamboanga, arriving in their destination at the end of the month. The entourage was welcomed by Davao City mayor Santiago Artiaga and a small party.

After completing their Cebuano language studies with the Jesuits of Davao, all the PME fathers were �irst assigned in the eastern seaboard of Davao, except for Fr. Rondeau, head of the group, who fell ill and had to be sent back to Canada.

A month later, the second batch of PME fathers arrived with Fr. Joseph Geoffroy as the mission’s new superior. The sec-

ond contingent was composed of fathers Maurice Michaud, Lionel Labelle, Joseph Dupuis, Yvon Guerin, Paul-Emile Lahaye, and Leo Poirier.

Four months later, in March 1939, the missionaries were given their �irst assignments. Fr. Guerin headed for Caraga; Fr. Dupuis to Baganga; Fr. Leblanc to Cateel, and Fr. Lahaye to Mati to assist Fr. Lamay who had left earlier.

A year thereafter, Fr. Thibault, who would become the �irst archbishop of Davao City, was installed parish priest of San Pedro Parish with Fr. Poirier as assistant. Fr. Labelle, on the other hand, was chosen director of St. Peter’s High School, and Fr. Cote was sent to Kapalong to open a new parish.

Three more contingents of PME priests arrived in Davao in the years leading to the start of the war. The third batch, which reached the city in January 1940, was composed of fathers Robert Lemay, Roland Hebert, and Andre Pigeon; they were assigned in Caraga, Cateel, and Baganga, respectively.

The fourth group, which landed in Davao in November 1940, was comprised of fathers Eugene Ouellet and Gerard Campagna. Three of their companions, namely fathers Jean Bernard Bazinet, Henri Desjardins, and Marcel Turcotte, arrived two months later.

The last delegation, which took a circuitous trip, arrived in November 1941, a month before Davao was dragged in the global war. The newcomers were fathers Alfred Tremblay, Octave Rheaume, and Julien Vezina.

An article in Tambara, a Jesuit journal in Davao City published by the Ateneo de Davao University, described their dangerous detour: “Because of the fear of the oncoming war, the Dutch ship on which they were travelling was ordered to sail to Surabaya, Indonesia. The priests were left there but �inally found a French ship which brought them to Manila.

When the war broke out, they were immediately sent to the East Coast [Davao Oriental]. They reached Caraga where they rest-

ed for three months and adapted themselves to the tropical climate of the Philippines. After this they went to their assignments: Fr. Tremblay to Cateel, Fr. Rheaume to Baganga, and Fr. Vezina remained in Caraga.”

During the war, the experiences and challenges faced by the missionaries were ambivalent.

Coming from a country identi�ied with Allied nations, the priests were deemed enemies. Many of them were taken prisoners while a few died in the hands of the Japanese Imperial Army.

In terms of recruiting novices to join the congregation, the PME was not active. It only had one Filipino member, the Most Rev. Generoso C. Camiña, DD. Ordained priest in 1962, Msgr. Camiña was appointed auxiliary bishop on May 24, 1978 and, two year later, headed the newly established Digos diocese.

He founded the Apostolic Daughters of Mary, a congregation of religious nuns working for the poor, on August 22, 1989, the feast day of Digos parish. He died of liver cancer on February 1, 2007.

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

DON’T WORK YOURSELF TO DEATH “Come to me, all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 *** When God created Adam and Eve, He told them that they would be the caretakers of the Garden of Eden. In like manner, when we came into this world, we also have to work in order for us to live. I think there is no one in this world who doesn’t work – even the kings and queens.

Although it is not true to everyone, an average working week is some version of 8 am to 5pm (with one-hour break from 12 noon to 1 pm). Generally, people work from Monday to Friday – that’s 40 hours per week or 48 hours (if Saturday is included).

But there are people who overwork. These are people who work too hard, too much, or too long. A person is said to overwork if he or she works beyond his or her strength or capacity.

In 2015, the state-owned Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that around 8.1 million Filipinos did the unthinkable: working for more than 48 hours in a week. This �igure represents a 41% increase since 1995.

Compulsory and mandatory or forced overtime are the words used by employers to make their employees work more than what the law recommends, according to theWikipedia. Not doing so would mean a job loss or other reprisals such as demotion or assignment to unattractive tasks or work shifts.

Voluntary overtime, as Wikipedia de�ines it, is “work which the employer may ask the employee to do but which the employee is not required to work unless he agrees at the time to do so.”

It is considered compulsory overwork when “the individual has no choice but to work more than his capacity.” In simpler terms, compulsory overwork “is the lack of control that workers exercise over the boundary between work time and private time.”

Whether compulsory or mandatory, some recent studies have shown that costs of these overworks.

Recently, a study conducted by the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research and published in the journal Stroke showed that “people who work an average of one 10-hour day a week increases a stroke risk by nearly a third.”

“Researchers looking at the impact of working cultures on cardiovascular health found that people who said they worked 10 hours or more for at least 50 days a year were around 29% more likely to have a stroke,” wrote Alex Matthews-King in The Independent report.

“Those who worked long hours chronically, over a period of 10 years or more, were even more at risk, with a 45% higher chance of having a stroke,” he added. Surprisingly, stroke risk was “most pronounced” in younger workers, under the age of 50.

Another study, conducted

by Kansas State University in the United States in 2013 found that people who work more than 50 hours per week were likely to suffer both physical and mental health consequences.

“The inability to detach from work may initially appear to result in increased productivity,” Amy Morin, psychotherapist and international bestselling mental strength author, wrote in Forbes.

“Over time, however, productivity decreases and relationships breakdown. The stress takes a cumulative effect and eventually, the addiction to work can increase health risks and even contribute to premature death.”

In Japan, the problem of overwork has become so severe that the term “karoshi.” Literally means “death by overwork,” was coined. Estimates from the Japanese government health of�icials showed 200 people die from karoshi annually because of heart attacks or cerebral hemorrhages due to long hours spent at the work place.

Overwork was believed to the reason of the fatal stroke of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi in 2000. The most recent case, however, was that of Miwa Sado, which Jenny Darmody reported in Silicon Republic. A 31-year-old employee of Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, she logged 159 hours of overtime and only took two days off in the month leading up to her untimely death.

In a feature he wrote for Rappler, JC Punongbayan of the

University of Philippines School of Economics said that overwork “can lead to higher risks of impaired sleep, depression, and heart disease.”

Contrary to common belief, “overworked employees are also not necessarily more productive because of their longer hours,” Punongbayan contended.

In other words, the longer a person works, the lesser is his productivity.

Some experts use the word “workaholic” to people who are addicted to work. Although it implies the person is enjoying his work, it can also imply that he simply feels compelled to do it.

One such workaholic person is Kilroy J. Oldster. In Dead Toad Scrolls, he wrote: “People frequently ask me why I work so hard – prolong hours, infrequent vacations, and never calling in sick or missing work for any other reason. The short answer is that work is indivisible from life itself.”

To some being workaholic is good, but to most, it isn’t. “The incessant work-related activity masks anxiety, low self-esteem, and intimacy problems,” Wikipedia points out. “And as addictions to alcohol, drugs or gambling, workaholics’ denial and destructive behavior will persist despite feedback from loved ones or danger signs such as deteriorating relationships. Poor health is another warning sign.”

Some workaholics, though, know it but can’t get out from it.

“For years, I worked seven-days

weeks, through birthdays and most public holidays, Christmases and New Year’s Eves included,” wrote Antonella Gambotto-Burke in Mama: Dispatches from the Frontline of Love. “I worked mornings and afternoons, resuming work after dinner. I remember feeling as if life were a protracted exercise in pulling myself out of a well by a rope, and that rope was work.”

The best possible solution: take a break and rest. Take it from Maya Angelou, author of Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now: “Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”

Rest and work go hand in hand – like cart and carriage. Listen to the words of Elisabeth Elliot, the woman behind Discipline: The Glad Surrender: “Work is a blessing. God has so arranged the world that work is necessary, and He gives us hands and strength to do it. The enjoyment of leisure would be nothing if we had only leisure. It is the joy of work well done that enables us to enjoy rest, just as it is the experience of hunger and thirst that make food and drink such pleasures.”

8 EDGEDAVAO GLOBE TELECOM... FROM 5

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

For ACGS 2018, eight Ayala companies were recognized by the ICD to be among the top performing PLCs overall in the domestic assessment. Two of which ranked among the six top-performing PLCs. Alongside Globe was Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) in the top 6. Ayala Corporation (AC), Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWC), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Cebu Holdings, Incorporated (CHI), Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation (CPV), and Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI) were also recognized.

Starting this year, the trophy indicates the level of the PLC’s compliance with the ASEAN Corporate Governance principles by arrows. Globe received a

trophy with four arrows as part of the top 6 Philippine PLCs at the recognition ceremony. ICD said the top six PLCs obtained a score ranging from 110 points to 119 points. The possible maximum score in the ACGS is 130 points.

As a top performer, Globe was also among the top �ive Philippine PLCs by sector in the ACGS 2018 domestic assessment, bagging the top score among PLCs in the Services sector. Other Ayala companies were also recognized among the top �ive Philippine PLCs by sector. These were Ayala Corporation (holding �irm), BPI (�inancial), Manila Water (industrial), as well as ALI, CHI and CPV (property).

ACGS was developed in 2011 by the ASEAN

Capital Markets Forum (ACMF), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The inaugural awarding ceremony was in 2015. ACGS is aligned with the corporate governance principles by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Companies are assessed on the scorecard's key parts: rights of shareholders, equitable treatment of shareholders, role of stakeholders, disclosure and transparency, as well as board responsibilities.

Globe has been consistently recognized as one of the top PLCs in the Philippines in terms of corporate governance since the 2015 ACGS run.

ACGS compliance is spearheaded by Ciocson-Co,

the Globe Corporate and Legal Services Group in collaboration with the Sustainability, Audit, Risk Management, Investor Relations, and other teams.

Components of the ACGS is annually published in the Integrated Report of Globe Telecom, which includes the company’s �inancial, environmental, social, and governance performance during that year. This is in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative, International Integrated Reporting Council’s Integrated Framework, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ACGS principles, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission's Integrated Annual Corporate Governance Report (i-ACGR).

Vice chairperson: Jessica Bonguyan Members: Danilo Dayanghirang, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, and Mabel Sunga-Acosta • Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim affairs Chairperson: Bai Halila Sudagar Vice chairperson: Alberto Ungab Members: Edgar Ibuyan, Sr., Wilfredo Al-ag, and Dante Apostol

Chairperson: Dante Apostol Vice chairperson: Conrado Baluran Members: Pamela Librado, Louie John Bonguyan, and Jonard Dayap

Chairperson: Jaye Campos Vice Chairperson: Nilo Abellera Members: Antoinette Principe-Castrodes, Pilar Braga, and Mary Joselle Villafuerte

Members: Danilo Dayanghirang, Pamela Librado, and Wilfredo Al-ag

19TH... FROM 3

• Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Art and Culture, Chairperson: Pilar Braga Vice chairperson: Bai Cassandra Advincula Members: Mabel Sunga-Acosta, Antoinette Principe-Castrodes, and Diosdado Mahipus, Jr.

• Committee on Energy, Transportation and Communication, Chairperson: Condrado Baluran Vice chairperson: Pilar Braga Members: Danilo Dayanghirang, Pamela Librado, and Wilfredo Al-ag • Committee on Environment and Natural resources Chairperson: Diosdado Mahipus, Jr. Vice chairperson: Danilo Dayanghirang Members: Pilar Braga, Nilo Abellera, and Conrado Baluran

• Committee on Ethics and Good government Chairperson: Antoinette Principe-Castrodes Vice chairperson: Alberto Ungab Members: Pilar Braga, Diosdado Mahipus, Jr., and Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III • Committee on Finance, Ways, Means and Appropriations, Chairperson: Danilo Dayanghirang Vice chairperson: Bai Cassandra Advincula Members: Nilo Abellera, Diosdado Mahipus, Jr., and Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III • Committee on Franchise and Public utilities

• Committee on Games and Amusements Chairperson: Danilo Dayanghirang Vice chairperson: Ralph Abella Members: Nilo Abellera Jr., Edgar Ibuyan, Jr., and Jonard Dayap

• Committee on Government enterprise and privatization Chairperson: Edgar Ibuyan, Sr. Vice chairperson: Conrado Baluran Members: Edgar Ibuyan, Jr., Dente Apostol, and Jaffar Marohomsalic • Committee on Health Chairperson: Mary Joselle Dilig-Villafuerte Vice chairperson: Richlyn Justol Members: Pilar Braga, Jaye Campos, and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz

• Committee on Housing, Rural and Urban development Chairperson: Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III Vice chairperson: Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz Members: Louie John Bonguyan, Diosdado Mahipus, Jr., and Dante Apostol • Committee on Housing and Subdivision on high end projects Chairperson: Bonifacio Militar Vice chairperson: Danilo Dayanghirang Members: Alberto Ungab, Jonard Dayap, and Antoinette Principe-Castrodes

• Committee on Housing and Subdivision development medium end projects Chairperson: Bai Cassandra Advincula Vice chairperson: Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz Members: Louie John Bonguyan, Diosdado Mahipus, Jr., and Dante Apostol • Committee on International relations

• Committee on Labor and Employment opportunities Chairperson: Pamela LIBRADO Vice Chairperson: Antoinette Principe-Castrodes Members: Jessica Bonguyan, Louie John Bonguyan, and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz • Committee on Peace and Public safety Chairperson: Mabel Sunga-Acosta Vice Chairperson: Edgar Ibuyan Jr. Members: Ralph Abella, Nilo Abellera, and Mary Joselle Villafuerte

• Committee on Public Works and Highways Chairperson: Edgar Ibuyan, Jr. Vice Chairperson: Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III Members: Louie John Bonguyan, Wilfredo Al-ag, and Ralph Abella • Committee on Social Services Chairperson: Wilfredo Alag Vice chairperson: Edgar Ibuyan, Sr. Members: Mabel Sunga-Acosta, Antoinette Principe-Castrodes, and Ralph Abella

• Committee on Tourism and Beauti�ication Chairperson: Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz Vice chairperson: Javi Campos Members: Pilar Braga, Louie John Bonguyan, and Bai Cassandra Advincula • Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry Chairperson: Nilo Abellera Vice chairperson: Ralph Abella Members: Danilo Dayanghirang, Dante Apostol, and Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz

• Committee on Transportation and Communication Chairperson: Conrado Baluran Vice chairperson: Pilar Braga

• Committee on Youth and Sports development Chairperson: Jaffar Marohomsalic Vice chairperson: Jonard Dayap Members: Edgar Ibuyan, Sr., Richlyn Justol, and Bai Cassandra Advincula • Committee on Information and Technology Chairperson: Jessica Bonguyan Vice chairperson: Mabel Sunga-Acosta Members: Pamela Librado, Louie John Bonguyan, and Bai Cassandra Advincula

• Committee on Government-owned real properties Chairperson: Bonifacio Militar Vice chairperson: Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III Members: Antoinette Principe-Castrodes, Nilo Abellera, and Jaffar Marohomsalic • Committee on Women and Children, and Family Relations Chairperson: Richlyn Justol Vice chairperson: Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz Members: Pamela Librado, Jaffar Marohomsalic, and Jonard Dayap

• Committee on Special Publications Chairperson: Maria Belen Acosta Vice chairperson: Mary Joselle Villafuerte Members: Jonard Dayap, Jessica Bonguyan, and Antoinette Principe-Castrodes

. Oversight Committee Chairperson: Diosdado Mahipus, Jr. Vice chairperson: Danilo Dayanghirang Members: Bonifacio Militar, Jesus Joseph Zozobrado, and Bai Cassandra Advincula Meanwhile, councilor Melchor “Jay” Quitain was re-elected as the �loor leader while councilor Louie John Bonguyan was elected as the assistant �loor leader and councilor Edgar Ibuyan, Jr. as the Speaker Pro Tempore.

DAR... FROM 4

Project aims to increase productivity and income of farmers through provision of agricultural infrastructure and enhance their knowledge and skills in farming and business through capacity building activities.

“Our intervention is to help farmers develop technologies to increase production and income.

We truly believe that the best incentive for our farmers to plant and for their agri-business to �lourish, is to support them through the provision of infrastructures like these,” Cruz said.

He added that more than 6,000 ARBs, non-ARBs

and IPs will soon start reaping the bene�its of these projects from MinSAAD. “Infrastructure such as roads, bridges and irrigation facilities are vital components in the Department’s drive to spur rural development in farm communities. These rural infrastructures would greatly help farmers and IPs increase their productivity and income,” Cruz said.

MinSAAD, a P4.4-billion project between JICA and the Philippine government, started in 2012 and has since been assisting 110,000 ARBs in Mindanao in DAR’s 12 settlements in 27 municipalities. DAR

number of foreign nationals working in the country, he said the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) need to step up their efforts and come up with creative solutions in tracking the entry and employment of foreign nationals in the country.

This is necessary, he

said, to accomplish the goal of coming up with an accurate database of taxable aliens in the Philippines.

Dominguez also said that while the government is currently focusing on POGOs, the BIR’s mission to ensure that taxes are properly collected cover all foreign nationals working in the Philippines. DOF

by Metba-Davao, a member of the Philippine Bowling Federation (PBF).

The veteran bowler defeated Metba-Davao president lawyer Joseph Flores who scored 637 pinfalls and Rene Dalayon who dropped 607 good for second and third, respectively.

Moradas, on the other hand, joined the elite class after topping the rookie division over Rhochel Jimenez by rolling down 448 pins.

Jimenez had 298 pinfalls.

Usman and Jimenez, meanwhile, booked a ticket to the monthly �inals slated July 7 in the same venue.

INTEREGANCY... FROM 4

USMAN... FROM 11

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

NOW HIRING!!!

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER Kindly address application letter ASAP to

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

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late JEAN JACQUES P. PELLEGRINELLI who died on August 20, 2017 at Davao City leaving certain properties consisting of Bank Accounts on the Bank of Commerce – Davao Lanang Branch with Account Nos. 078-20-0027875, 078-20-003278-0 and IMA # 050514 has been the subject of an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF THE INTESTATE ESTATE OF THE DECEASED executed among her heirs, ELISA N. PELLEGRINELLI and SAMANTHA DEBORAH PELLEGRINELLI per Doc. No.84; PageNo.18; Book No.684 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. ARNOLD F. CABALLERO.

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

The manager’s choice. Marco Polo Davao general manager Colin Healy with his favourite cocktail, the classic Mojito.

OF CHICKEN COCKTAILS, AND CHIKAS

Marco Polo Davao’s trio of Martinis.

THE WEEKEND is just around the corner and for many working class urbanites like me, we just can’t wait to kickback, and relax while we enjoy our favourite food paired with some booze and chitchat. Recognising this need, especially for urbanites hanging out at Durianburg’s city centre, the Marco Polo Davao is rolling out its July culinary offerings.

NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY Although not too familiar to me, this holiday still gets two thumbs up from me as I seriously cannot imagine anyone not loving a piping hot basket of fried chicken.

A punchy treat.

Trying out the Davao Punch with a real punch of vodka.

ered with lots of chilli flakes).

From July 1 to 31, Marco Polo Davao’s Eagles Bar and Pool Bar will be serving a trio of fried chicken created by the hotel’s executive chef Alex Destriza. Diners can sink their teeth into American-style Fried Chicken and Waffles, Singapore-style Salted Egg Fried Chicken Wings, and my personal favourite, the Honey Glazed Fried Chicken (smoth-

‘SPIRITUAL’ FUN Aside from the fried chicken offerings, what is a night out without some drinks to liven up the evening especially during happy hour?

The hotel that is the “Heart of Davao” also rolled out their new happy hour offerings from 6pm to 9pm at the Eagles Bar and from 3pm to 5pm at the Pool Bar. Happy hour treats include buy-1-take-1 on Mojitos on Mondays, buy-1-take-1 on local beers on Tuesdays, buy-1-take-1 on all Margaritas on Wednesdays, buy-1-take-1 on Cuba Libre on Thursdays, discounts on draft beer by the pitcher on Fridays, buy-1-take-1 on featured cocktails for female guests on Saturdays, and buy-1-

Crazy for fried chicken. Marco Polo Davao rolls out three fried chicken flavors for National Fried Chicken Day. take-1 on local beers, Mojitos, Margaritas and Cuba Libre on Sundays.

Mix in good music at the Eagles Bar performed by live bands such as Enrique Monte every Wednesday, Garnet Session every Thursday, The N Music Band on Friday, and the Tryo Band on Saturday and you have options for a “weekend night out” all days of the week.

MARTINI SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

As a treat only for this weekend, the Marco Polo Davao’s bars will be holding a special Double-Oh Seven promotion.

This July 7, let’s celebrate the big double seven by treating ourselves to Marco Polo’s 5-star rated Bars to get your martinis for only PHP77.00 nett.

Choose from the Ruby Martini, the Sapphire Martini, or the Classic Martini. Whatever martini you choose, just be sure to remember that classic James Bond line to get the conversation ball rolling. Cheers!

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

The story

DOT XI Re Director T Rabat-Tan can all be the devel of Halal in Philippin

HALAL TOURISM IN THE DAVAO REGION THE global halal market is one of the biggest in the world. A great global market force to say the least. From meat & poultry, food manufacturing, logistics & shipping, Islamic Banking & Finance and personal care products, the halal market is exponentially expanding parameters.

Halal is an Arabic term which literally means permissible. It also refers to a set of Islamic rules of what is considered permissible and forbidden.

As the gateway to Mindanao, Davao City has the biggest number of Muslim communities in the region. Thus, the halal market is one particular market that needs to be addressed. Although certain measures and policies are already in place, there is still a big void to fill in.

To address, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 11 held a two-day Halal Hari Raya Open House last 19 - 20 June 2019 at Hijo Resorts in Tagum City. As a respectable player in the halal ecosystem, DOT XI

as Philippines’ export,” DOT XI Regional Director Tanya RabatTan shared. The services, she added offered within the country is targeted to foreign Muslim and Non-Muslim visitors.

Republic Act 10817 or the Philippine Halal and Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016 recognizes the significant role of exports to national economic development, aims to cultivate the essence and the potential contribution of halal in the tourism value of Halal industries, it is hereby chain, not only by awareness, declared the policy of the State but by enhancing the skills of its to promote the growth and stakeholders. ensure the integrity and quality The two-day event follows of Philippine Halal exports. the mandate, as provided under The global Halal market and Republic Act 9593 or the TourHalal tourism has been estiism Act of 2009, which states mated at $177-B and is exponenthe development of tourism tially expected to grow (by as programs that encourages more much as $273-B in 2023). This, arrivals to the region while as Rabat said, is a great opporensuring sustainability as well tunity to tap. as social and cultural awareness.

As a member of the PhilipMore so, the event was depine Halal Export Development signed as a training and awareand Promotion Board, DOT ness for tour operators in creatcontinues to be a prime mover ing packages that shall highlight in delivering strategies and the available Muslim-friendly policies laid down by the Halal services in Region XI. Board. This, as Rabat empha“I am pleased to inform you sized, develops and promotes that Tourism has been identified tourism as [the country’s]

mechanism to strengthen [our] Halal industry.

Rabat explained that there are many opportunities in Mindanao that can be seized.

Business opportunities, she said, that are halal friendly for everyone to enjoy.

The event featured activities and a display of halal dishes. Datu Shariff Pendatun discussed on Halal and the Mindanao Cuisines and gave a cooking demo on the coconut cuisines of Muslim Mindanao while DTI Assistant Director Anthony Rivera talked about the Philippines Halal Export Program and Halal Market Opportunities. Ahmed Datukan of MinDa then discussed Bridging the Gap: Mindanao Halal Ecosystem Development.

Aside from tour operators and partners from tourism related establishments (TREs) and guests from the local government units (LGUs), present also during the event were Alim Muhammad Pasigan (Grand Mufti Davao Region), Sheikh Abu Muhannad Al-Kholaqi (Mercy Islamic Foundation President), Sedick Murod (Jam-

joom Mosque Administrator), Commissioner Samer Musa Along (NCMF), Alim Jamal Munib (Davao City Madrasah Program Executive Director), Tagum City mayor Allan Rellon and San Isidro, Davao Oriental mayor Justina Yu. The two-day Halal Hari Raya Open House was in cooperation with Hijo Resorts, TinHat Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), MinDa, The Mensahe TV International and other Tourism Related Establishments (TREs).

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ENTERTAINMENT

More kulitan moments await moms and kids on GMA-7’s Mars Pa More!

Datu Shariff Pendatun discussed about Halal and the Mindanao Cuisines.

y of Halal.

egional Tanya n says we e part in lopment n the nes.

GMA Network brightens up Kapuso viewers’ mornings with the family-oriented lifestyle magazine show Mars Pa More! beginning Monday, July 8.

Hosted by celebrity and handson mommies Camille Prats and Iya Villania, Mars Pa More! showcases fun-filled segments that are sure to bring moms and kids closer together.

After its successful sevenyear run on GMA News TV of highlighting trends and activities for mothers alone, now on GMA-7, Mars Pa More! has an added twist that brings to light special bonding moments shared by moms and their kids.

Mars Pa More! introduces a promising roster of kids who can sing, dance and even cook, who will take the center stage and spread the good vibes.

Every morning, viewers can expect non-stop talk and fun activities such as easy homecooked recipes, family-friendly games, interesting crafts, musical segments, trending challenges on social media, hottest places to

go for the family, and beauty and home tips for mommies.

Start your day right and don’t miss out on the fun for the whole family in Mars Pa More! starting July 8, Mondays to Fridays, 8:50 to 9:20am on GMA Network.

Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.

Darna to become 1st Filipino superhero to have a Funko Pop collectible

Participants enjoying dishes during the two-day event.

Inaul fabric.

PINOY comics favorite superheroine Darna is soon getting a Funko Pop variant, the first local superhero to have its own Funko collectible toy.

ABS-CBN collaborates with well-known global brand Funko for the creation of the limited edition Darna Funko Pop which will released to the public very soon.

The big Darna x Funko relevation happened at the just concluded TOYCON 2019 held at the SMX Convention Center, jumpstarting the yearlong Darna 70th anniversary celebration campaign.

Darna is one of the superheroes in the Ravelo Komiks Universe, the latest ABS-CBN brand

created based on the legendary works of famed comics artist Mars Ravelo. The Ravelo Komiks Universe also features the well-loved Captain Barbell and Lastikman characters.

Funko is one of the leading creators of licensed pop culture products, now with over 6,000 designs featuring characters from TV, films, comics, and more.

Headquartered in the US, its works were first previewed at the New York Comic Con 2010 and has, since then, been making waves worldwide.

Aside from the #DarnaFunkoPop toy, other Darna collectibles are also available in various stores, such the Darna

Card Game, statuettes, shirts, and other novelty items. Follow the Darna social media accounts @ officialdarna on Facebook, Twitter, and Ins-

tagram for more details.

For the latest on ABSCBN, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

CREAMY COFFEE DAILY

A COFFEE A DAY, keeps the grumpy away. For us caffeine infused beings (raise your hands up!), the statement is a real testimony that coffee, on a daily, beats everything. And for me, nothing is more real than a cup of caffeine any time of any day.

Now, coffee lovers have more reasons to indulge an aromatic cup --- Great Taste introduces their creamy variants to get you from bed to the world in no time.

A trailblazer in the instant coffee industry, Great Taste continues to brew new experiences for

Filipinos - from being the first to introduce white coffee mix, first twin pack size, and first resealable pouch, among others.

The trio of creaminess -- Great Taste White, Great Taste White Caramel and Great Taste White Crema -- is the latest in their repertoire of flavours. With their exponentially growing variants, now there’s more choices to delight our palates.

Classic white taste? The original Great Taste White is your best bet. It’s smooth, creamy taste is enough to coat our buds to give

By LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO us that much needed wake-me-up kick.

Who said coffee and caramel do not go well together is truly mistaken. For that sweet kick of caramel, you need some Great Taste White Caramel in your system. The taste creates a perfect mix of roasted coffee and cream with hints of luscious caramel, blending a sweet linamnam for

our everyday coffee fix.

For a more flavorful and fullbodied coffee experience, Great Taste White Crema combines real coffee taste with a hint of rich vanilla cream for a more elevated and bolder taste. This variant is reminiscent of our favorite latte.

All three variants come in fresh and attractive new packaging.

These two new exciting variants

come in 30g and 50g sachets.

Recently, singer and actress, Janella Salvador, joins Great Taste (White) as its newest ambassador in bringing amazing everyday experiences that start with great coffee.

Salvador shares, “l am absolutely ecstatic to be a part of this big family. It feels good to endorse a product you enjoy and personally, I love Great Taste White Caramel because it is sweet and creamy just like how I prefer having my cup of coffee! “ Whether it’s for starting the day right or for quick pick-me-ups in the middle of the day, Great Taste is sure to satisfy the busy and always on-the-go Filipino.

Follow Great Taste coffee on Facebook (@GreatTasteCoffeePH)

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VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

PLANT... FROM 1

PTV... FROM 2

He earlier proposed that the speaker of the house post be shared by representatives from Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, and the partylist groups.

“I will ask the Visayas bloc to elect their speaker for their term share, and so with the Mindanao bloc and the partylist coalition,” Duterte said. “We are not talking about two persons here. We are talking about our beloved country. It is not about speakership alone, but who is the right person to unite congress and I hope those running for the speakership stop in�luencing the cabinet.”

However, the idea of Rep. Duterte joining the fray was brushed aside politely by the Sara-led party

and instead endorsed Rep. Ungab.

According to the HNP, Rep. Ungab is more than quali�ied for the Speakership being a four-term congressman and the only lawmaker to hold the chairmanships of both Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees.

As an alternative, HNP is suggesting Rep. Cayetano to take the Majority Leader position, Rep. Velasco to take the Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Romualdez to head the Accounts Committee.

"We earnestly hope that everyone can see the light in this option and move forward with urgency in serving our country," the coalition said.

and be dismissed from the of�ice and the President be submitted for an impeachment proceedings for culpable violation of Article II, Section 6 and Article III known as the Bills of Rights of the Philippine Constitution."

The SEC, through Chair-

man Aquino, iasued in February a cease and desist order after it received reports on the recruitment and solicitation activities of Kapa.

It has subsequently �iled criminal charges against the group’s founder, Joel Apolinario, and other of�icers. (PNA)

gapore meet courtesy of the women’s squad.

“We hope to surprise everyone in this tournament and be a good build up for our campaign in the SEA Games,” said Ramos of the Asia-Oceania meet to

be held this weekend.

Thailand and Singapore remain the biggest threat to the Filipinos’ gold medal bid in the SEA Games, with Malaysia and Indonesia completing the �ive-team cast. (PR)

SC... FROM 3

PH HOPES... FROM 11

government on all requests for assistance and information, as well as complaints and grievances. It serves the public through its headquarters at the Bahay Ugnayan in Malacañang, and entertains clients through calls, letters, email messages and personal visits.

DIGONG 8888 HOTLINE A weekly public service program, DIGONG 8888 HOTLINE aims to bridge the gap between government agencies and the people through segments that will directly address the ordinary Filipino’s concerns on various government services. A featured agency of the week will tackle queries from viewers through �ield interviews and social media, including FAQs or Frequently Asked Questions for a thorough understanding of its processes.

It will also feature case studies culled from the PCC and 8888 �iles.

Radio-TV Malacañang (RTVM), meantime, will produce a regular segment called The Week That Was - a recap of the events and activities of the President during the week.

There are also plans to have special episodes where President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will personally answer and respond to calls and questions.

DIGONG 8888 HOTLINE will be hosted by Chief Presidential Legal Counsel And Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Assistant Secretary Kris Roman of the Of�ice of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and PTV news anchor Trixie Jaafar. The program premiers on July 11, 2019 .

“The question is if it’s policy? It’s not policy,” he said.

Locsin said the Philippine government has enforced “everything that is our right” under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and has continuously protested its violation.

“We insist on it, I protest its violation, can we go further than that? That’s the judgment call made by the president. The president feels that it may cre-

ate a con�lict that will hurt the country; (because) the more we progress, the more vulnerable we are because there’s more target. That’s his call because I’m not the president,” he noted.

Although Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo recently said a verbal agreement is valid, he noted in a June 25 press brie�ing that he will further clarify with the President if tolerating Chinese access to the Philippine EEZ is a policy statement. (PNA)

PH TO PROBE... FROM 2

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9

ng crimen. Wala pa tayong nakuha validated motive sa ngayon," he Baria added.

Speculations surfaced the social media that the consecutive killings in Tagum City renowned as the "Investment Scheme Capital" were all related with the people's obsession with investment schemes

that was slowly hunted down by the authorities following the closure order of president Rodrigo Duterte on these "ponzi schemes".

Thus, PRO 11 and other authorities are continuously monitoring these investment schemes and its investors. By Adam B. Morrell

be shared to other telco providers.

“Our partnership with Globe represents a signi�icant �irst step in our effort to ramp up the country’s connectivity through infrastructure. Through the new common towers that will be built, Aboitiz InfraCapital, in partnership with FTAP, aims to build the right infrastructure that will advance the digitalization of businesses and communities,” Canilao said.

Aboitiz InfraCapital has signed an agreement last June 19 with FTAP for the development, construction, operations and maintenance of a common tower network in the country.

The project will be able to utilize Aboitiz Group’s extensive experience in building and operating provincial utility networks such as Visayan Electric Co., Davao Light and Power Co., and Cotabato Light and Power Co.

On the other hand, FTAP is a member of the Frontier Tower Associates Group (FTA), an established international tower operator and service provider which had rolled out and operate thousands of towers in the Asean region as well as built more than 1,000 towers in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Globe has signed the �irst common tower agreement in the country with ISOC Infrastructure and Malaysia-based tower �irm edotco Group last June 17 to build 150 cell sites in the Calabarzon Region.

The DICT aims to build at least 50,000 towers in the country within seven to 10 years to increase cell tower density at par with other countries in the Southeast Asian region.

The department has identi�ied at least 2,500 sites in government-owned properties as locations for the common towers. (PNA)

GLOBE PARTNERS... FROM 4

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W

VOL.12 ISSUE 83 • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2019

COLON CANCER

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Last of Two Parts)

ilfredo (not his real name) grew up in a small town in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. He used to eat vegetables, which his parents brought from their farm in Balutakay. Being the eldest son of �ive siblings, he was groomed as the one who will bring them out from poverty.

He was an intelligent student, so it was not surprising that he was given a scholarship to study in one of the best universities in Davao.

He took accounting as his course. Since he was already far from his family, he started eating canned goods.

Going out with his newfound friends, Wilfredo also started smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

There were times that he would go home at his boarding house drank. His landlady complained because he smoked even at his room.

He did graduate and was able to be employed in a bank, where he met his future wife. They had already two children when he learned that his �irst-degree cousin was diagnosed of having a colon cancer.

He had forgotten about his cousin when one night he observed dark stools after relieving himself. There were moments also that he had this feeling of having a bowel movement but is not relieved. He was also losing weight.

His wife, Mary Ann, observed that Wilfredo often went home feeling so tired.

So, she decided to bring him to a hospital. “Let’s just have a physical check-up,” she suggested. At �irst, her husband turned down the idea. But she persisted and so he relented �inally.

After a thorough checkup, the doctor found out something. He never told them what he discovered but instead gave an address of another physician. “Go and see him,” he said. “He may be able to help you.”

They did go. To make the long story short, Wilfredo

was diagnosed of having a colon cancer. “That cannot be,” he cried out loud.

Colon cancer is one of the cancers that strikes Filipinos. Among those who died of colon cancer include president Corazon C. Aquino, actor Charlie Davao, and singers Susan Fuentes and Roel Cortez. (Hollywood actresses Audrey Hepburn and Farrah Fawcett and British singer Robin Gibb also died of the dreaded disease.)

Colon cancer goes together with cancer of the rectum and is called colorectal cancer (CRC). “CRC is the third most common cancer among Filipinos after breast and lung cancers,” says Dr. Jun R. Ruiz, a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and a consultant at The Medical City.

Like most cancers, CRC start as abnormal growths in the lining of the colon and rectum called polyps. “These polyps grow slowly and it can take around 10 years for some polyps to develop into cancer,” Dr. Ruiz explains, adding that not all polyps progress to cancer.

“Among cancers, colon cancer stands out as a disease that can be largely prevented, but few people believe it will happen to them,” Dr. Ruiz points out, noting that if discovered early, colon cancer is preventable and treatable. “If it is early stage and localized within the colon, the cure is 100 percent,” he says.

“Colon cancer is more common among women; rectal cancer is more common among men,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “About 5% of the people with colon or rectal cancer have cancer in two or more sites in the colon and rectum that do not appear to simply be spread from one site to another.”

No one knows why a person develops CRC. But the factors that increase the risk for cancer in the colon and rectum, according to Dr. Ruiz,

Dr. Atenodoro Ruiz Jr.

are as follows: age greater than 50; personal history of CRC or advanced polyps; family history of CRC; and pre-existing diseases involving long-term in�lammations of the colon.

“Age is the most common risk factor for this cancer, as 90% of these cancers occur after the age of 50,” Dr. Ruiz says. “A family history of a �irst-degree relative with CRC increases the risk two to three-fold. The risk is especially higher when the relatives’ cancer occurred before the age of 60, or when two relatives have CRC.” According to Dr. Ruiz, there are also lifestyle factors that likely contribute to the formation of cancer in the colon and rectum. He cites the following: cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and a diet high in the consumption of saturated far and red meat and low in �iber.

“Living a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking, not consuming excessive alcohol, exercising regularly, and eating the right food is already a good idea as it lowers your risk for emphysema, cirrhosis of the liver, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease,” Dr. Ruiz says. “In addition, all these measures can lower your risk for cancer in the colon and rectum.”

The Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center in Baltimore, Maryland says the following symptoms could indicate colon cancer: change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool that lasts for more than a few days; feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so; rectal bleeding or blood in the stool; cramping or steady abdominal (stomach area) pain; decreased appetite; weakness and fatigue; and jaundice (yellow-green discoloration of the skin and white part of the eyes).

Other conditions such as infections, hemorrhoids, and in�lammatory bowel disease

can also cause these symptoms. “But it is important to talk to the doctor since �inding CRC early makes successful treatment more likely,” the US colon cancer center states.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, so goes a saying. Since it takes times for polyps to develop into cancer, it is advisable that people who have the risk of developing the disease to undergo screening.

The two main accepted methods of CRC screening in average-risk individuals recommended by the various medical societies are colonoscopy every 10 years and fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year.

“Colonoscopy is regarded as the gold standard for

CRC screening because of its ability for diagnose and potentially remove early precancerous lesions,” Dr. Ruiz explains. “However, it is an invasive test, which requires procedural sedation and has potential to cause harm.”

FIT is also a good screening method. “The FIT detects only human globin (protein constituent of human red blood) and is speci�ic for bleeding in the colon,” Dr. Ruiz states. “Persons who have a positive FIT are 12 to 40 times more likely to have cancer than those with a negative test. The test is repeated every year if the initial test is negative. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy is needed to rule out the presence of cancer.”

As a gastroenterologist who advocates

CRC screening, Dr. Ruiz recommends a screening colonoscopy in persons between 50 to 75 years of age who are healthy and in whom the complications are low.

“If the patient does not want to start with a colonoscopy, I suggest starting with FIT,” he said. “After a discussion with his physician, the patient can choose his preferred screening test.”

No one should die of colon cancer but still people do. “Colon cancer is most likely to be cured if it is removed early, before it spread,” the Merck manual claims. “Cancers that have grown deeply or through the wall of the colon have often spread, even if metastases (spread) cannot be detected.”

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11

FLOORBALL. Floorball Association President Ralph Ramos (left) joins (left to right) player Ryan Hallden, coach Noel Alm Johansson, and team manager Peter Ericksson during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Amelie Hotel-Manila on Tuesday (July 2, 2019). Floorball officials are hoping to deliver golds for the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines later this year. (PNA photo Jess Escaros Jr.)

PH hopes to sweep SEAG floorball golds

Batang Gilas falls to Russia G Kai Sotto (left) and Dave Ildefonso (center) showed the way for the Filipinos. FIBA photo

ilas Youth dropped its worst decision in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, a 6492 beatdown at the hands of Russia, early Wednesday morning (Philippine time) inside Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena in Greece.

Kai Sotto and Dave Ildefonso yet again showed the way for the Filipinos with the former �inishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks and the latter ending with

14 markers, six boards, �ive assists, and two steals.

All those were for naught, however, as the Russians took complete control from the get-go and took away the Philippines’ last chance for a win in the group stage.

Russia showed no mercy until the �inal buzzer, increasing its lead to as much as 28 with under two minutes remaining.

In the end, Carl Tamayo also added 12

Usman, Moradas top Metba-Davao qualifiers

points and �ive rebounds for Gilas Youth which failed to get the better of all of higher-ranked Greece, Argentina, and now, Russia.

The Filipinos have no time to waste in going back to the drawing board as awaiting them in the Round of 16 is world no. 4 Serbia. The tournament goes into its knockout phase beginning late Wednesday night (Philippine time).

BOX SCORES

RUSSIA 92 - Ershov 21, Mikhailovskii 16, Kvitkovskikh 12, Dolinin 10, Kadoshnikov 9, Petenev 8, Vedishchev 6, Shcherbenev 5, Konovalov 3, Sorokin 2, Baryshev 0, Goldin 0.

PHILIPPINES 64 - Sotto 14, Ildefonso 14, Tamayo 12, Amsali 9, Abadiano 5, Spencer 5, Chiu 3, Fortea 2, Oczon 0, Torres 0, Panopio 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 28-15; 49-30; 72-50; 9264.

I

t’s a sport still unfamiliar to Filipinos but it might be able to deliver golds for the country in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Floorball returns in the SEA Games calendar of events when the Philippines hosts the biennial meet from November 3 to December 11 this year, and the sport can bring the gold in both the men and women’s divisions.

“I think we can win both golds in the SEA Games,” said team manager Peter Eriksson in the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila on Tuesday.

Philippine Floorball Association (PFA) president Ralph Ramos described the sport as basically ‘hockey minus the skates.’

“And you don’t play on ice. You just need a stick, a ball, rubber shoes and you’re ready to go,” said Ramos, who was also at the sports forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) along with coach Noel Alm Johansson and player Ryan Hallden.

The game is played with the object of shooting the ball in the goal with the use of a stick. It is played

5-on-5 plus a goal keeper each, with each team maximizing all 20 players in their roster.

“It’s very fast-paced, very exciting, and yung nature ng (the nature of the) sport is easy to play,” said Ramos.

It was �irst played in the 2015 edition of the SEA Games, where the Filipinos �inished last out of the four countries that competed.

“Yung team natin talagang last dahil inexperienced pa tayo (Our team really �inished last because we were still inexperienced),” said Ramos.

But constant foreign exposure despite the limited budget of the federation had help the team and the sport grow and develop in the country.

From July 7-12, the Philippines will actually host the Asia-Oceania Floorball Confederation Cup (AOFC Cup) set at the Alonte Sports Complex in Biñan, which forms part of the federation’s preparation for the SEA Games.

The national team also played in some tournaments in Sweden, where the sport originated, joined a qualifying tournament in Bangkok just last January, and only two weeks ago, won a silver medal in a Sin-

PH HOPES, P9

By ADAM B. MORRELL

D

anny Usman and Jingkie Moradas reigned supreme in their respective divisions in the Metro Davao Tenpin Bowling Association (METBA-Davao) qualifying tournament held at

the SM Lanang Premier bowling center over the weekend.

Usman started strong to �inish with a total of 655 pinfalls in the three-game regular division organized

USMAN, P8

Third placer Rene Dalayon, champion Danny Usman and second placer Joseph Flores pose at the scoreboard after the Metro Davao Tenpin Bowling Association (METBA-Davao) qualifying tournament held at the SM Lanang Premier bowling center over the weekend.

FUN RIDE. Primer Group of Companies cluster sales Mae Sanchez promotes an upcoming fun ride spearheaded by Fox in cooperation with R.O.X. , Sikad Davao and Cycle for Life during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza mall. The fun ride will be simultaneous with other key cities in the country to celebrate the international mountain biuking day or MTB day on July 20. Lean Daval Jr

12 SPORTS

SUPERFLY EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 7883 • THURSDAY, • THURSDAY, JUNE JULY27, 4, 2019

Ancajas wants to unify 115-lb belts D

abawenyo Pinoy boxing trainer agreed that Estrada is champion Jerwin Ancajas, the most signi�icant �ight for the who once dreamed of win- Filipino champion, who is 31-1ning a title even at a regional 2 with 21 knockouts. level, is now aiming to become “That’s the �ight that we the undisputed world champion want,” said Jimenez in the forum at 115 pounds. presented by San Miguel Corp., The 27-year old Panabo Braska Restaurant, Amelie HoCity native is the reigning IBF tel, and Pagcor. super-�lyweight champion, and The other world titles at 115 has defended the crown seven pounds are being held by Kazutimes since winning it in 2016. to Ioka of Japan (WBO) and KhaHis next �ight will come either lid Yahai of the United Kingdom late September or early October. (WBA).

“When I was starting out, I “If we can get the Estrada dreamed of winning a regional �ight that will be exciting,” said belt. Now, I’m a world champion. Ancajas, who defended his title I hope I can unify the belts if I’m for the seventh time last May blessed,” said Ancajas in Filipi- with a seventh-round stoppage no during Tuesday’s Philippine of Ryuichi Funai of Japan in Sportswriters Association (PSA) Stockton, California.

Forum at Amelie Hotel-Manila.

Ancajas said he has what His trainer, Joven Jimenez, it takes to beat Estrada, the said details of his next �ight 29-year-old Mexican (39-3 with should be known in a week or 26 knockouts) who outclassed two.

Thai pound-for-pound champi“We have a timetable. Top on Srisaket Sor Rungvisai last Rank is negotiating a �ight with April.

WBCVOL.12 champion Juan Francisco “We believe that there’s a VOL.11 ISSUE 241 ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 6looking • SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 24-25, 17-18, VOL.12 ISSUE 51 •FEBRUARY TUESDAY, MAY 21,2019 2019 VOL.12 ISSUE 45 • SUNDAYMONDAY, 12 -13, Estrada.

But we’re at way to beat MAY Estrada.

We can VOL.12 ISSUE55 21 • SUNDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-8, ISSUE • SUNDAY-MONDAY, 26-27, threeVOL.12 names, including Andrew beat him,” saidMAY Ancajas, who2019 has SEE STORY ON P11 Manny Pacquiao says even at 40, he is not finished yet.

Maloney (Australia, 20-0) and kept himself busy doing light UNIFY BELTS. IBF super-flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas and trainer Joven Jimenez discuss future plans of the Filipino champion during the Phil- Alexandru Marin (Romania, 18- training ahead of his next �ight, which is set in the United States. ippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Amelie Hotel-Manila on Tuesday (July 2, 2019). Ancajas said his goal is to become undisputed world 0),” said Jimenez.

Of the three, both boxer and (PR) champion at 115 pounds. (PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr.)

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