Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 86 | Tuesday, July 9, 2019

GILAS YOUTH SETTLES FOR 14TH ►SPORTS P11

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

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KADAYAWAN 2019 LAUNCHING. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, together with Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc (DCCCII) president Arturo Milan and deputy mayors from the 11 tribes of Davao City, witnesses the unveiling of the new Kadayawan icons during the media launching of the 34th Kadayawan sa Davao held at dusitD2 Davao in Lanang, Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

KADAYAWAN IS ON Mayor Sara officially launches 34th Kadayawan Festival DAVAO DOCTORS HOSPITAL: MILESTONE AT 50

►INDULGE A1

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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t's Kadayawan season once again.

On Monday, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio formally launched the 34th Kadayawan Festival at Dusit Thani Hotel ushering another season of the world-renowned festivities traditionally beginning on August.

“We celebrate it annually not just to give Dabawenyos a reason to celebrate; we do it so we do not forget where we come from and what blessings we have received through the years, blessings which

we continue to receive today,” the mayor, in her message, said.

Hints of Kadayawan are beginning to show this early. It is clearly the season of Kadayawan

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

Bong backs Ungab

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INAUGURATION. President Rodrigo Duterte unveils the marker of the Chen Yi Agventures Rice Processing Center during its inauguration in Alangalang, Leyte on Friday. With the President is Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

enator Christopher "Bong" Go said he supports the House leadership bid of Davao City 3rd District Rep. Isidro Ungab, adding he shares the Duterte Coalition's call for unity among lawmakers.

In an interview with reporters here Sunday, Go acknowledged that his support for Ungab was in�luenced by the formation of the Duterte Coalition that has endorsed the latter's candidacy.

But the neophyte senator clari�ied that his support for Ungab should not be misconstrued as meddling in the affairs of the Lower House, noting that both chambers of Congress have the freedom to choose their own leaders.

Instead, Go said his expression of support for Ungab was out of respect for the Duterte Coalition, which was formed by Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) and the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL).

Both parties are Davao-

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he Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) appealed to the public not to wear jacket and backpacks during the celebration of the 34th Kadayawan Festival as part of the security measures being prepared.

DCPO director police colonel Alexander C. Tagum made the appeal on Monday, July 8 at the sidelines of the Kadayawan launching at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

“We are requesting the public not to wear jackets and backpacks to control or counter any bomber kay kabalo man ta na pag

makakita sila ug lusot, ilusot jud nila sa Davao City,” the city director said.

Tagum hopes the people will cooperate on their request as the agency’s primary concern is to ensure the safety of Dabawenyos.

“Sabton nalang nato na this is for everyone’s bene�it. Kung gusto nato muuli

NBI files estafa raps vs.

Kapa founder, officers

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he National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday �iled estafa charges against the founder and of�icials of the Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. (Kapa), a religious group allegedly involved in investment scams.

The NBI accompanied three complainants, who were Kapa investors, but their identities have been withheld.

The complainants include a female senior citizen from Dinagat Islands, who was duped of her retirement fund amounting P500,000; her 38-yearold son who invested P45,000; and a woman who invested P30,000.

The three are the �irst of Kapa's 3 million members to formally �ile a complaint.

Facing charges of �ive

counts of violations of the Securities Regulations Code and eight counts of syndicated estafa are founder Pastor Joel Apolinario and 13 other of�icials of the group.

Also named in the charges were the �irm's incorporators namely Nonita S. Urbano, Junnie G. Apolinario, Nelia V. Nino, Maria Pella B. Sevilla, Jaquelyn A. del Castillo, Cristobal R. Barabad, and Joji A. Jusay.

Corporate secretary Reyna L. Apolinario, director and treasurer Modie S. Dagala, and corporate directors Benigno D. Tipan Jr., Marnilyn M. Maturan, Ricky A. Taer, and Margie A. Danao.

In its report, the NBI said Kapa's of�ices in Taytay, Rizal and Quezon City continued to transact with the public despite a

NBI, P10

sa atoang panimalay na secure and safe, please cooperate with our security of�icers,” he appealed.

He also explained that this “no wearing of jacket” is not yet a policy but more of a counter-terrorist measure initiative by Davao City’s security forces including the police and Task Force (TF) Davao.

“It is just a request na mu-cooperate, kung dili sila mu-cooperate, dili sila pasudlon sa area,” he explained.

The police chief, however, said they will have the usual augmentation of personnel for this year’s celebration.

“Double ang security forces na i-deploy this year compared to last year kay naay development.

We have just received additional 400 police personnel from the Police Regional Of�ice (PRO) 11 na mag co-conduct ng OJT sa Davao City which means additional manpower for our security forces,” Tagum said.

BONG, P9

Drilon optimistic on passage of bill raising teachers' salaries

DCPO’s Kadayawan appeal: S No backpacks, no jackets

By ADAM B. MORRELL

based and founded by the Dutertes.

“I am one with the Dutertes's effort to unite Congress and for the betterment of the Filipino people,” Go said, referring to HNP and HTL stalwarts, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

Although Go said President Duterte has already said he will not interfere with the Speaker race, the senator said the majority of members in the Lower House remains keen on seeking guidance from the Chief Executive.

“They (lawmakers) want to thrust the issue back to the President, hoping he will provide guidance. But the President said all contenders are equally competent, and that he hopes the congressmen will be enlightened in their choice," Go said in Filipino.

He added: "The choice for the next Speaker of the

enate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon is optimistic that the bill seeking to increase the salaries of public school teachers will be passed in the 18th Congress.

In a statement on Monday, Drilon said the "longsought increase" in teachers' pay has been attracting bipartisan support in the Senate.

"If we truly care about our country and its people, it would serve us well to invest in them. Devoting resources for their bene�it means investing in our future," Drilon said.

Drilon �iled his own version through Senate Bill 19, which proposes an entry-level salary for public school teachers of not less than PHP30,000 a month.

The current monthly salary of an entry-level pub-

lic school teacher (Teacher 1) is at PHP20,754.

"We should provide teachers with the right incentives to encourage them to remain in the noblest profession of educating and molding our youth to become productive citizens of this country," Drilon said.

"This proposed salary increase will invigorate our teachers as they help build the nation, one student, one classroom at a time," he added.

Drilon said the proposal aims to improve the performance of educators, thus resulting in a better quality of education.

SB 19 also seeks to adjust the minimum basic salary received by entry level teachers in state universities and colleges to PHP31,000. (PNA)

TIDYING UP. Volunteers collect empty plastic bottles in front of a water station during Penong’s 5150 Triathlon in Km. 9 Sasa, Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

City gov’t steps up dengue info drive

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he City Health Of�ice (CHO) has intensi�ied its information and education campaign against dengue fever as it noted that the disease has claimed the lives of �ive persons since January 1.

Speaking in the I-Speak Forum at the City Hall, CHO pest control worker Melodina Bavante cited the data that the dengue fever cases this year were higher compared to those in 2018 to explain the reason for intensi�ication of the information drive .

Bavante revealed that from last January to June, they already recorded 937 dengue fever cases while from January to June in 2018, 665 cases were recorded.

She said there were more deaths attributed to dengue fever in the whole of 2018 at 14 while only �ive cases as of June in 2019 particularly in Barangay Lubogan, Toril, Banto, Toril, Bunawan, Barangay 76-A in New Matina SIR, and

Talomo South.

She said CHO considers areas with large area and number of populations as areas.

Congestion due to large number of people and climate change has aggravated the problem, she added.

Bavante said areas that have to store water due to inadequate water supply like Barangay Cabantian in Buhangin are also high risk.

She said blue drums used in storing water are breeding grounds of Aedis Aegypti, the carrier of dengue fever virus.

“We urge the barangay residents to intensify the four o’clock habit by destroying the breeding grounds of Dengue Fever-carrying mosquitoes like tires, unused aquariums, blue colored drums, water-collecting plants and �lowers,” she said.

She noticed that residents need to have behavioral change, particularly real concern for cleanliness.

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DPWH set to turn over Davao City’s first evacuation center

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he Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)11 will hand over to the city government the �irst evacuation center located in Barangay Los Amigos, Tugbok District here next month.

In an interview on Sunday morning, Dean Ortiz, DPWH-11 spokesperson, said the project cost is about PHP34 billion and was funded by the DPWH but the site is owned by the city government.

APPEAL TO PINOYS. Tribal leaders speak up against the atrocities of communist terrorist groups in the Philippines, in a forum hosted by the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday (July 7,

US-based Pinoys told: Help stop funds flow to CPP-NPA

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ISCONSIN — Indigenous people’s (IP) leaders on Sunday appealed to the Filipino community here to be vigilant in giving support to organizations asking for �inan“We are just doing a �inal inspection and �inishing cial assistance, saying these might be channeled touches of the facility then, to groups af�iliated with the Communist Party later on, we can turn it over of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National to the city government,” OrDemocratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). tiz said.

He added that the facility can cater to about 130 families.

Aside from the facility here, Ortiz disclosed that DPWH had constructed seven evacuation centers around Davao Region.

These are located in Cateel, Tarragona and Lupon in

DPWH, P10

2019). They called on Filipinos to be more discerning of providing financial assistance to groups, citing that communist front groups get funding from countries abroad in the guise of pro-poor programs. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

“They have campaigns of adoption of schools, adoption of students, adoption of alleged teachers, but the CPP-NPA-NDF imposes a policy on these organizations, where 60 percent of funds goes to them,” Datu Jacob Lanes said in an interview.

Lanes, of the Mandaya

tribe from Davao City, said the CPP-NPA-NDF has built its networks across the world while fostering a strategy that includes armed struggle and the use of progressive fronts.

“The Filipino community, especially in the United States and Europe, should be vigilant so that they will

not fall to the deception of the CPP using their different organizations,” Lanes added.

Stopping the channeling of funds to the Reds’ front groups, Lanes said, would constrain the capacity of the their armed wing to operate and frustrate their ability to launch attacks.

Hypocrisy Datu Ramon Bayaan, on the other hand, said communist insurgents have been deceiving IP communities, bringing them to rallies that go as far as Manila.

“Itong problema namin, malaki ang koneksyon sa

from the Presidential Security Group during the recent PSG Anniversary celebration in Malacañang.

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Largest satellite tracking facility up in Davao City

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PSG RECOGNITION. Davao City businessman Glenn Escandor (second from right), president-CEO of the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) and Davao Security and Investigation Agency, Inc., receive a plaque of recognition

US. Mag rally ang mga komunistang terorista sa Manila, sa Davao, unsa ilang gi-singgit? Ibagsak ang US, ibagsak ang imperyalismo (Our problem has a huge connection here in the US. The communist terrorists would rally in Manila, in Davao, what do they shout?

Bring down US, bring down imperialism),” he said.

Bayaan, however, said he wondered why amid their call to oppose the US and bring down capitalism and imperialism, they would still ask �inancial aid from organizations in the US.

he Davao Ground Receiving Station (GRS) is the largest satellite tracking facility in the country.

The Davao GRS was launched on Sunday (June 30) and is aimed at communicating with the earth observation satellites particularly the country’s micro-satellites, Diwata-1 and Diwata-2.

The Davao GRS or the Philippine Earth Data Resource and Observation is the second PEDRO of its kind in the country. The �irst PEDRO was installed at the Department of Science and Technology-Advanced Science and Technology compound in Quezon City.

The facility is designed to communicate with the satellites by receiving, processing and distributing the space-borne imagery.

The satellite tracking system helps in addressing pressing challenges such as disasters.

“This tracking system will take images of the affected areas. It will be processed and downloaded and will be distributed to the agencies concerned,”

said Harold Bryan Paler, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST- ASTI. According to Paler, PEDRO has direct access to a broad range of data ranging from high-resolution, multispectral optical data to cloud-penetrating, daynight imaging synthetic aperture radar satellite data.

Aside from disasters management the PEDRO is also utilized for maritime surveillance, urban mapping and agricultural monitoring, The Davao GRS has a 7.3-meter satellite tracking antenna larges compared to the 3.7-meter antenna in Quezon City. The Davao facility allows for a more ef�icient download of spaceborne data at a higher bandwidth.

The facility is located at the Civil Aviation Authority Philippines Transmitter Facility.

The launching of the Davao GRS is the realization of the plan in setting up a satellite ground receiving station in the city which is considered as a suitable site for such facility.

LARGEST, P9

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

Pag-IBIG grants 12K housing loans to low-wage earners

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MODERNIZATION. A food snack vendor entertains customers at a newly-built stall at Agdao Public Market in Davao City on Monday. Dozens of stalls were built for traders as part of the modernization project of Davao City’s second largest public market. Lean Daval Jr

Customs collects P5.9B in taxes from rice imports T he government has so far collected P5.9 billion in tariffs from some 1.43 million metric tons (MT) of rice stocks imported by private traders, following the enactment of a law in March that liberalized the importation of the grain, preliminary data from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) showed.

A report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero revealed that the BOC collected the highest amount of rice import tariffs from the Subic Bay port at P1.37 billion.

The Port of Manila collected P978.51 million in tariffs, followed by the Manila International Container Port with P942.76 million, said Guerrero during a recent Department of Finance (DOF) Executive Committee meeting.

The Port of Cagayan de Oro collected P754.13 million in tariffs from rice

imports, while the Port of Davao collected P703.93 million, preliminary BOC data show.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11203 or the Rice Liberalization Act was signed and approved by President Duterte last February 14.

Dominguez has described the rice liberalization law on the shift from quantitative restrictions (QRs) to tariffs on rice imports as a “proud” accomplishment of the Duterte presidency and the DOF, given that it took more than 30 years under various administrations to get the Congress to approve this

game-changing reform.

Liberalizing rice imports, he said, will not only make quality rice more affordable and accessible to Filipino families, but will also lower the country’s in�lation rate, revolutionize the agriculture sector and help farmers become more productive and competitive in the global economy.

Dominguez said rice tarif�ication has proved to be challenging because it was “a politically dif�icult reform to pass.”

Liberalizing rice imports has made the staple food more affordable to Filipinos, making retail prices this summer cheaper by P10 per kilo.

RA 11203 created the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to help palay growers and their farmers’ cooperatives transition to a new

tate-run housing fund Pag-IBIG extended socialized housing loans to 11,894 members from the minimum-wage and low-income sectors totaling PHP4.52 billion in the �irst half of 2019.

The �igure represents nearly 30 percent of the total number of housing loans �inanced by the agency from January to June.

Pag-IBIG Fund �inanced record-highs of 41,746 housing loans amounting to PHP37.07 billion in the �irst half of this year to assist members acquire or improve their homes.

“Socialized housing is designed especially for minimum and low-wage workers. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte directed that there be government programs catering to this underserved sector, hence, we have this housing program that is suited for their �inancial capacity. This is the essence of the BALAI (Building Adequate, Livable, Affordable and Inclusive) Filipino Communities Program of the government’s housing sector towards providing decent shelter for every Filipino family,” said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and

Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

Socialized housing loans are up to PHP580,000 for a 32 square-meter residential unit in a horizontal housing project.

Under its Affordable Housing Loan Program, Pag-IBIG Fund maintains the lowest interest rate in the market of 3 percent per annum – a special rate it has provided for minimum and low-wage workers since May of 2017.

Pag-IBIG Fund subsidizes this low-interest rate, being a tax-exempt agency as speci�ied under Republic Act No. 9679.

“Our charter allows Pag-IBIG Fund to offer the lowest rates for home loans of minimum and low-wage workers. And aside from keeping our interest rates low, we also reduced the insurance premiums of our home loans. As a result, quali�ied borrowers under this program will pay an affordable monthly amortization of only PHP2,445.30 for a socialized housing loan worth PHP580,000.00.

All these are part of our efforts to provide the best home �inancing program for our members. That’s what Lingkod Pag-IBIG is all about,” Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Of�icer Acmad Rizaldy Moti said.

(Pag-IBIG PR)

CUSTOMS, P10

Water service interruption in Toril July 11

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avao City Water District advises of a water service interruption on July 11, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM in some Brgy. Toril areas particularly along Bayabas-Toril Road (from Bato Bridge Toril to corner Flying V Gasoline Station), along Bayabas-Eden Road (from Flying V Gasoline Station to Marapangi Resettlement Area), and Marapangi Resettlement Area in Brgy. Toril.

DCWD needs to temporarily shut off water supply in the affected areas to give way to the interconnection of newly installed pipelines to DCWD’s ex-

isting pipelines near Don Lorenzo Subd., across Eden-Marapangi Road, and across Piedad Road near Flying V Gasoline Station for the pipeline improvement from Bato Bridge to Marapangi Resettlement Area as part of the Toril Water Supply System improvement project.

On behalf of the DCWD management, general manager Engr. Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers and advises them to store enough water prior to the schedule.

Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes

smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and of�icial Facebook page (www.facebook. com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 235DCWD (3293) and press “4” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. Contact 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services.

(Camille Margarette U. Solon)

FULL PARTICIPATION. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president and Kadayawan cochair Arturo Milan encourages the city’s private sector to

participate and support this year’s month-long Kadayawan Festival during the festival’s launching held at dusitD2 Davao in Lanang, Davao City on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

5 VANTAGE

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

EDITORIAL Happy Vox populi is an ages-old maxim which means “voice of the people.” The longer term would be vox populi vox dei which means “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” Indeed, if you ask the man on the streets if he is happy with the government’s performance under President Rodrigo Duterte and he tells you he is happy, that is a classic manifestation of the Latin maxim. It is quite a re�lection of the people’s voice when the recent Social Weather Station (SWS) survey showed President Rodrigo Duterte’s net satisfaction rating soaring to new record high with four of �ive Filipinos saying they are contented with his work. That means, 80 percent of Pinoys are happy with his administration.

The SWS survey was conducted on June 22-26 and the results showed 80 percent of adult Filipinos are satis�ied, 9 percent undecided, and 12 percent dissatis�ied with the performance

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of President Duterte. This despite the storm of controversies whipped by his critics and the opposition. The rating of 80 percent actually showed a one percent increase from the previous survey which means that despite all those impeachment talks and criticisms on President Duterte’s foreign policy with China and his response to the sinking of the �ishing boat by a Chinese vessel, his satisfaction rating was not dented. The SWS survey on March 2019 yielded a gross satisfaction of 79 percent. Signi�icantly, the gross dissatisfaction also fell by one point from 13 percent. In sum, the President earned a net satisfaction rating of +68 (percent satis�ied minus percent dissatis�ied).

Overall, the SWS classi�ied this as “very good.” Which, if we go down to its real signi�icance of these numbers, is the voice of the people that are satis�ied and happy.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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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

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6 VANTAGE POINTS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

JOHN CARLO B. TRIA MY TWO CENTS’

IT’S TIME FOR DAVAO’S TOURISM TO SOAR HIGHER The last year has seen three new international destinations connect with our CIty. Jinjinang and Hongkong in China, Qatar in the middle east. The possibility that a Japan and South Korea �light may come is high, and so will the revival of the Manado, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu �light.

With the Davao region appearing on investors maps, the desire to see more of our region may prompt airlines to mount direct international �lights.

With that, the record number of total tourist arrivals to the country in 2018 at 7 million ought to make us wonder how many of these foreign tourists have actually arrived in Davao.

This will help us contemplate our own offerings and strengths, and challenges as a region, and ask The truth is that ours is a region that

something for a wide range of tourists.

After all, we have nice beaches in Samal, world heritage sites in Davao Oriental, adventure trips in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, highland resorts in the cool climes of our uplands, and cultural attractions in our towns and cities. We produce exotic and world class food, fruits and export quality chocolate and coffee that will create a craving.

Davao is a good destination worth exploring and discovering.

Yet the truth is that we still need to boost our inbound foreign tourist numbers. The 2.5 million tourists we hosted last year are mostly local visitors. Little wonder why domestic air tickets have become very expensive.

Local demand for travel to Davao is very high, but

international air travel not as much. this lack of international passengers worries airline operators and may sometimes force them to discontinue the �light.

While have become experts at promoting our destinations to local tourists, the direct international �lights serve the opportunity for us to attract foreign guests Its time we marketed ourselves to a wider world of visitors.

I cannot fault Our City Tourism of�icer Gene Rose Tecson for calling on the national government’s Tourism Promotions Board to lend Davao, and Mindanao, more attention in their promotion efforts.

In a recent tourism related event i attended in Manila, Mindanao did not �igure prominently as other regions in the country’s tourism promotion efforts.

Is it because we still have

negative travel advisories from some countries? Are our facilities not enough for foreign tourists? our our tourist products suited for the foreign tourists?.

Perhaps understanding the needs and looking at the challenges will require industry level cooperation, and a strong partnership of stakeholders such as tourism organizations, hotels and restaurants with government, particularly the Department of Tourism (DOT). Only this kind of cooperation can harness the opportunities and address the challenges.

Towards this, some hope has been created to help put Davao in the global tourist map. Our Regional Tourism Director Tanya Rabat Tan is doing her best to push Davao into the orbit of international tour operators and tourist groups. The Japan National

Tourist Organization JNTO attended our Davao investment conference two weeks ago and will look into cooperation with us to promote tourism ties. New hotels will come up in a few months.

Likewise, social media has brought many to see what the Davao region has to offer. impressive youtube videos and tourist testimonials will go a long way to convince would be tourists to visit us.

With these developments and enabling opportunities, perhaps its time the tourism sector and other stakeholders, and yes, we, all of us help develop and push the Davao brand and its product offerings for the foreign guest, and harness our collective effort to market and sell Davao as a destination to a larger market.

For reactions, facebook. com/johntriapage

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 missioners, 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 second con-

tingent 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 rested 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.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18th City Council 32nd Regular Session Series of 2018 PRESENT:

ABSENT:

Councilor Jimmy G. Dureza - Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Nilo M. Abellera Jr. Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta Councilor Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre Councilor Dante L. Apostol Sr. Councilor Conrado C. Baluran Councilor Joanne M. Bonguyan-Quilos Councilor Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Councilor Pilar C. Braga Councilor Carmelo J. Clarion Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang Councilor Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz Councilor April Marie C. Dayap Councilor Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes Councilor Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Councilor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Councilor Rene Elias C. Lopez Councilor Halila Y. Sudagar Councilor Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Councilor Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Councilor Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Councilor Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III Vice Mayor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr.

Councilor Leah A. Librado-Yap Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar Councilor Marissa P. Salvador-Abella

- On Vacation Leave - OB - Attended the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas National Convention - On Sick Leave - On Vacation Leave -On Vacation Leave

ORDINANCE NO. 0532-18 Series of 2018 AN ORDINANCE STRENGTHENING, IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, AS AMENDED AND EXPANDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10364, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “EXPANDED ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT OF 2012” AND PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it ordained by the Honorable Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City in session aassembled that: SECTION 1. TITLE - This Ordinance shall be known as “AN ORDINANCE STRENGTHENING, IMPLEMENTING AND ENFORCING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10364, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “EXPANDED ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ACT OF 2012” AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”; SECTION 2. STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES – In light of the declaration of the state in valuing the dignity of every human person and guarantees the full respect of individual rights, the Local Government of Davao City shall give the highest priority to the enactment of measures and the development of programs that will promote human dignity and protect the people from any threats of violence and exploitation.

The City Government of Davao likewise recognizes its vital role in addressing the problem of trafficking in persons, especially women and children, at the local level by helping institute the policies and programs mandated by law to prevent, protect and rehabilitate victims of trafficking.

It is also the policy of the City of Davao to take a firmer stance against trafficking in persons by strictly penalizing the acts or omissions specified under the law. For this reason, the City Government of Davao is hereby invoking the principle of local autonomy embodied in Article X of 1987 Constitution and the plenary police power of local government expressed in Section 16 (General Welfare Clause) of the Local Government Code, in relation to Section 16 (j) of R.A. 9208 (Section 16 (k), as amended and expanded by R.A. 10364), which explicitly mandates LGUs to monitor and document trafficking cases and Section 19 of its Implementation Rules and Regulations, which clearly directs LGUs to “enact ordinances or issuances aimed at providing protection and support to trafficked persons and adopt measures to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons.

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. As used in this Ordinance, the following shall mean: (a) Trafficking in Persons - refers to the recruitment, obtaining, hiring, providing, offering, transportation, transfer, maintaining, harboring or receipt of persons with or without the victim’s consent or knowledge, within or across national borders by means of threat, or use of force, or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of position, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the person, or, the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation which includes at a minimum, the exploitation or the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery, servitude or the removal or sale of organs.

The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, adoption or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation or when the adoption is induced by any form of consideration for exploitation purposes shall also be considered as ‘trafficking in persons’ even if it does not involve any of the means set forth in the preceding paragraph. (b) Child - refers to a person below eighteen (18) years of age or one who is eighteen (18) or over eighteen (18) years of age but is unable to fully take care of or protect himself/ herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition. (c) Prostitution – refers to any act, transaction, scheme or design involving the use of a person by another, for sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct in exchange for money, profit or any other consideration. (d) Forced Labor – refers to the extraction of work or services from any person by means of enticement, violence, intimidation or threat, use of force or coercion, including deprivation of freedom, abuse of authority or moral ascendancy, dept-bondage or deception including any work or service extracted from any person under the menace of penalty. (e) Slavery – refers to the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attached to the right of ownership are exercised. (f) Involuntary Servitude – refers to a condition of enforced and compulsory service induced by means of any scheme, plan or pattern, intended to cause a person to believe that if he or she did not enter into or continue in such condition, he or she or another person would suffer serious harm or other forms of abuse or physical restraint, or threat of abuse or harm, or coercion including depriving access to travel documents and withholding salaries, or the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process. (g) Sex Tourism – refers to a program organized by travel and tourism-related establishments and individuals which consist of tourism packages or activities, utilizing and offering escort and sexual services as enticement for tourists. This includes sexual services and practices offered during rest and recreation periods for members of the military. (h) Sexual Exploitation – refers to the participation by a person in prostitution, pornography or the production of pornography, in exchange for money, profit or any other consideration or where the participation is caused or facilitated by any means of intimidation or threat, use of force, or other form of coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, debt bondage, abuse of power or of position or of legal process, taking advantage of the vulnerability of the person, or giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person; or in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct caused or facilitated by any means as provided in this Act. (i) Debt Bandage – refers to the pledging by the debtor of his/her personal services or labor or those of a person under his/her control as security or payment for debt, when the length and nature of services is not clearly defined or when the value of the services as reasonable assessed is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt. (j) Pornography – refers to any representation, through publication, exhibition, cinematography, indecent shows, information technology, or by whatever means, of a person engaged in real or simulated explicit sexual activities or any representation of the

7

sexual parts of a person for primarily sexual purposes. (k) Council – shall mean the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – Davao City (IACATDC) created under Section 20 of R.A. 9208 as amended and expanded by R.A. 10364. (l) Local Task Force – refers to the Local Joint Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (LJTFATP) created under Section 13 of this Ordinance.

SECTION 4. AS PROVIDED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9208, THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE CONSIDERED UNLAWFUL, AS APPLIED IN THIS ORDINANCE (A) The following shall be considered as “Acts of Trafficking in Persons”: a) To recruit, obtain, hire, provide, offer, transport transfer, maintain, harbor, or receive a person by any means, including those done under the pretext of domestic or overseas employment or training or apprenticeship, for the purpose of prostitution, pornography or sexual exploitation; b) To introduce or match for money, profit, or material, economic or other consideration, any person or, as provided for under Republic Act No. 6955, any Filipino woman to a foreign national, for marriage for the purpose of acquiring buying, offering, selling or trading him/her to engage in prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; c) To offer or contract marriage, real or simulated, for the purpose of acquiring, buying, offering, selling or trading them to engage in prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor or slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; d) To undertake or organize tours and travel plans consisting of tourism packages or activities for the purpose of utilizing and offering persons for prostitution, pornography or sexual exploitation; e) To maintain or hire a person to engage in prostitution or pornography; f) To adopt persons by any form of consideration for exploitative purposes or to facilitate the same for purposes of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; g) To adopt or facilitate the adoption of persons for the purpose of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude or debt bondage; h) To recruit, hire, adopt, transport, transfer, obtain, harbor, maintain, provide, offer, receive or abduct a person, by means of threat or use of force, fraud, deceit, violence, coercion, or intimidation for the purpose of removal or sale of organs of said person; i) To recruit, transport, obtain, transfer, harbor, maintain, offer, hire, provide, receive or adopt a child to engage in armed activities in the Philippines or abroad; j) To recruit, transport, transfer, harbor, obtain, maintain, offer, hire, provide or receive a person by means defined in Section 3 of this Act for purposes of forced labor, slavery, debt bondage and involuntary servitude, including a scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause the person either: (1) To believe that if the person did not perform such labor or services, he or she or another person would suffer serious harm or physical restraint; or (2) To abuse or threaten the use of law or the legal processes; and k) To recruit, transport, harbor, obtain, transfer, maintain, hire, offer, provide, adopt or receive a child for purposes of exploitation or trading them including, but not limited to, the act of baring and/or selling a child for any consideration or barter for purposes of exploitation. Trafficking for purposes of exploitation of children shall include: (1) All forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, involuntary servitude, debt bondage and forced labor, including recruitment of children for use in armed conflict; (2) The use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography, or for pornographic performances; (3) The use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs; and (4) The use, procuring or offering of a child for illegal activities or work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm their health, safety or morals; and (l) To organize or direct other persons to commit the offenses defined as acts of trafficking under this Act.” (B) Attempted Trafficking in Persons – Where there are acts to initiate the commission of a trafficking offence but the offender failed to or did not execute all the elements of the crime, by accident or by reason of some cause other than voluntary desistance. Such overt acts shall be deemed as an attempt to commit an act of trafficking in persons. As such, an attempt to commit any of the offenses enumerated in Section 4 of this Act shall constitute attempted trafficking in persons.

In cases where the victim is a child, any of the following acts shall also be deemed as attempted trafficking in persons: a) Facilitated the travel of a child who travels alone to a foreign country or territory without valid reason therefor and without the required clearance or permit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), or a written permit or justification from the child’s parent or legal guardian; b) Executing, for a consideration, an Affidavit of Consent or a written consent for adoption; c) Recruiting a woman to bear a child for the purpose of selling the child; d) Simulating a birth for the purpose of selling the child; and e) Soliciting a child and acquiring the custody thereof through any means from among hospitals, clinics, nurseries, daycare centers, refugee or evacuation centers and low-income families, for the purpose of selling the child.”

(C) Accomplice Liability – Whoever knowingly aids, abets, cooperates in the execution of the offense by previous or simultaneous acts defined in this Act shall be punished in accordance with the provision of Section 10 (c) of this Act.” (D) Accessories – Whoever has the knowledge of the Commission of the crime, and without having participated herein, either as principal or as accomplices, take part in its commission in any of the following manners: (a) By profiting themselves or assisting the offender to profit by the effects of the crime; (b) By concealing or destroying the body of the crime or effects or instruments thereof, in order to prevent its discovery; (c) By harboring, concealing or assisting in the escape of the principal of the crime, provided the accessory acts with abuse of his or her public functions or is known to be habitually guilty of some other crime.

Acts defined in this provision shall be punished in accordance with the provision of Section 10 (d) of R.A. 10364 as stated thereto.

(E) The following shall be considered as “Acts that Promote Trafficking in Persons”: 1. To knowingly lease or sublease, use or allow to be used any room, house, building or establishment for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons; 2. To produce, print and issue or distribute unissued, tampered or fake counseling certificates, registration stickers, overseas employment certificates or other certificates of any government agency which issue these certificates, decals and such other markers as proof of compliance with government regulatory and pre-departure requirements for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons; 3. To advertise, publish, print, broadcast or distribute or cause the advertisement, publication, printing, broadcasting or distribution by any means, including the use of information technology and the internet, of any brochure, flyer, or any propaganda material that promotes trafficking in persons; 4. To assist in the conduct of misrepresentation or fraud for purposes of facilitating the acquisition of clearances and necessary exit documents from government agencies that are mandated to provide pre-departure registration and services for departing persons for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons; 5. To facilitate, assist or help in the exit and entry of persons from/to the country at the international and local airports, terminals, territorial boundaries and seaports who are in possession of unissued, tampered or fraudulent travel documents for the purpose of promoting trafficking in persons; 6. To confiscate, conceal or destroy the passport, travel documents, or personal documents or belongings of trafficked persons in furtherance of trafficking or to prevent them from leaving the country or seeking redress from the government or appropriate agencies; 7. To knowingly benefit from, financial or otherwise, or make use of, the labor or services of a person held to a condition of involuntary servitude, forced labor, or slavery; 8. To tamper with, destroy, or cause the destruction of evidence, or to influence or attempt to influence witnesses, in an investigation or prosecution of a case under this Act; 9. To destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate or possess, or attempt to destroy, conceal, remove, confiscate or possess, any actual or purported passport or other travel, immigration or working permit or document, or any other actual or purported government identification, of any person in order to prevent or restrict, or attempt to prevent or restrict, without lawful authority, the person’s liberty to move or travel in order to maintain the labor or services of

8 EDGEDAVAO that person; and 10) To utilize his or her office to impede the investigation, prosecution or execution of lawful orders in a case under this Act. (F) The following are considered as “Qualified Trafficking in Persons”: 1. When the trafficked person is a child: 2. When the adoption is effected through Republic Act No. 8043, otherwise known as the “Inter-Country Adoption Act of 1995” and said adoption is for the purpose of prostitution, pornography, sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude of debt bondage; 3. When the crime is committed by a syndicate, or in large scale. Trafficking is deemed committed by a syndicate if carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiring or confederating with one another. It is deemed committed in large scale if committed against three (3) or more persons, individually or as a group; 4. When the offender is a spouse, an ascendant, parent, sibling, guardian or a person who exercises authority over the trafficked person or when the offense is committed by a public officer or employee; 5. When the trafficked person is recruited to engage in prostitution with any member of the military or law enforcement agencies; 6. When the offender is a member of the military or law enforcement agencies; 7. When by reason or on occasion of the act of trafficking in persons, the offended party dies, become insane, suffers mutilation or is afflicted with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); 8. When the offender commits one or more violations of Section 4 over a period of sixty (60) or more days, whether those days are continuous or not; and 9. When the offender directs or through another manages the trafficking victim in carrying out the exploitative purpose of trafficking.

(G) Confidentiality – At any stage of the investigation, rescue, prosecution and trial of an offense under this Act, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, court personnel, social workers and medical practitioners, as well as parties to the case, shall protect the right to privacy of the trafficked person. Towards this end, law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges to whom the complaint has been referred may, whenever necessary to ensure a fair and impartial proceeding, and after considering all circumstances for the best interest of the parties, order a closed-door investigation, prosecution or trial. The name and personal circumstances of the trafficked person or any other information tending to establish the identity of the trafficked person and his or her family shall not be disclosed to the public.

It shall be unlawful for any editor, publisher, and reporter or columnist in case of printed materials, announcer or producer in case of television and radio, producer and director of a film in case of the movie industry, or any person utilizing tri-media facilities or electronic information technology to cause publicity of the name, personal circumstances, or any information tending to establish the identity of the trafficked person except when the trafficked person in a written statement duly notarized knowingly, voluntary and willingly waives said confidentiality.

Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, court personnel, social workers and medical practitioners shall be trained on the importance of maintaining confidentiality as a means to protect the right to privacy of victims and to encourage victims to file complaints.

(H) Any person who buys or engages the services of trafficked persons for prostitution shall be penalized for “Use of Trafficked Persons” SECTION 5. AS PROVIDED UNDER R.A. NO. 9208 AS AMENDED AND EXPANDED BY R.A. NO. 10364 AND FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ORDINANCE, THE PENALTIES SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS: The aforementioned acts shall be “strictly” penalized in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9208 as amended and expanded by R.A. 10364.

SECTION 6. ROLE OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF DAVAO CITY In order to help in the international and national efforts to address the problem of trafficking in persons, the Local Government of Davao City shall implement programs, services and activities, in cooperation with the Council (IACAT-DC), that will help contribute to the prevention, protection and recovery and reintegration of trafficked persons in the City, pursuant to Section 16 (k) of R.A. No. 10364 and Section 19 of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of R.A. No. 9208.

SECTION 7. IMPLEMENTING AGENCY a. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Davao City (IACAT-DC) shall be the primary arm of the City Government of Davao in the implementation of the provisions of R.A. No. 9208 as amended and expanded by R.A. No. 10364 and this Ordinance.

Its Composition Shall Include, but not limited to, the following: Chair: The City Mayor, or his/her representative Vice Chair: The Sangguniang Panlungsod Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children and Family Relations Members: • City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) • Department of Social Welfare and Development XI (DSWD XI) • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) • City Health Office (CHO) • Philippine Information Agency (PIA) • Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) • City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) • Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City (OCPDC) • City Legal Office • Center for Overseas Workers (COW) • Bureau of Immigration (BI) • Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) • City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) • City Department of the Interior and Local Government (City-DILG) • City Civil Registry Office (CCRO) • Child Alert Mindanao (CAM) • Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) • Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) • Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) • Department of Labor and Employment XI (DOLE XI) • Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) • Commission on Human Rights XI (CHR XI) • National Bureau of Investigation – Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office (NBISEMRO) • Department of Justice –Region XI Anti-Trafficking in Persons (DOJ-RATF XI) • 3 Members from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) (b) The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking-Davao City (IACAT-DC) shall convene quarterly, and it may call for such special sessions as it may deem necessary. A majority of its members shall constitute a quorum to conduct official business. (c) The Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) shall serve as the Secretariat of the Local Council (IACAT-DC) SECTION 8. FUNCTIONS OF THE LOCAL COUNCIL The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking – Davao City (IACAT-DC) shall address and consider the following agenda, in addition to its present functions and duties: a. Formulate the comprehensive and integrated programs to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons; b. Coordinate the implementation of the City Government’s programs and activities on anti-trafficking, as enumerated under Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of this Ordinance; c. Coordinate with neighboring LGUs and its Punong Barangays about the viability of grouping together and pooling resources for a more effective delivery of the mandatory services under R.A. 9208 as amended and expanded by R.A. 10364; d. Recommend relevant policies or legislative measures to the Sangguniang Panlungsod; e. Spearhead the preparations and activities in the observance of December 12 and July 30 of every year as “ International Day Against Trafficking” and “World Day Against Trafficking” respectively; f.

Designs capability development program for LGU and other member agencies involved in anti-trafficking programs and/or activities; g. Establish a data base on cases of trafficking in persons and trafficking incidents; h. Submit an annual report on trafficking on the Local Chief Executive; i.

Report the city state of trafficking in persons to other stakeholders; j.

Create and convene a task force for case build up and case interventions; and

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019 k. Perform such other related functions or task as may be imposed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 9. MONITOR AND DOCUMENT CASES OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (a) The City Government shall monitor and document cases of trafficking in persons within its territorial jurisdiction; (b) The IACAT-DC or any member of the Council who has any knowledge or learns of facts or circumstances that a person will be, or may be, or has been trafficked shall immediately report the same, either orally or in writing or through other means of the Local Council, the nearest police or law enforcement agency, CSSDO or the IGDD; (c) The City Health Office shall likewise assist in the monitoring function by reporting to the police or law enforcement officers any suspected cases of trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation, incident to the conduct of the STI, HIV and AIDS surveillance, daily hygiene check-up and other similar medical examinations; (d) The concerned local government officers shall also contribute to the monitoring function by reporting to the police or law enforcement officers any suspected cases of trafficking in persons for purposes of forced labor, slavery or involuntary servitude, incident to the conduct of inspection of factories/plants, poultry, piggery and other agricultural structures, or other labor-intensive establishments; (e) The concerned local government officers shall also contribute to the monitoring of minors travelling alone on public utility buses, van terminals, sea ports and other modes of public transport that can potentially be the transportation or harboring of minors for purposes of trafficking; (f) All other local agencies or offices, including barangays, receiving reports of suspects cases of trafficking within the City, shall furnish the IGDD with an incident report and regular updates for monitoring and documentation purposes; and (g) All agencies and organizations involved in case management of trafficking in persons shall furnish documentation to the IGDD, and such shall be complied for a centralized database which shall also be managed by the IGDD. SECTION 10. REPORTORIAL DUTY The IACAT-DC shall submit an annual report to the Executive and Legislative departments on the situation of trafficking in persons within the City, as well as on the policies and programs instituted to respond to the problem.

SECTION 11. VISITATION POWERS (a) As an incident to its mandated duty under Section 9 of this Ordinance, the City Government of Davao, through the IACAT-DC, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) shall conduct inspection, in coordination with proper authorities, of rooms, houses, buildings or establishments reported as being used for trafficking activities, or in the course of regular and/or routinary inspection. The authorities shall have access to the employer’s records and premises and the right to copy therefrom, to question any employee and investigate any fact or matter which may be necessary to determine if there are trafficking activities. (b) The unjustifiable refusal of the owner or person in charge of any room, house, building or establishment to submit the same for inspection by the city officials and authorities shall give rise to the prima facie presumption of willfully impeding and/or obstructing the mandated duty of the City Government to monitor and document trafficking cases, and may expose said owner or person in charge to possible prosecution for violation of this Ordinance; (c) The Local Government shall formulate the proper guidelines and protocols that will be observed in the exercise of this power, in order to ensure compliance.

SECTION 12. CANCELLATION OF LICENSES OF ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH VIOLATE THE PROVISIONS OF R.A. NO. 9208 AS AMENDED AND EXPANDED BY R.A. 10364 (a) The Office of the City Mayor shall effect the cancellation or revocation of the business permits and/or licenses of any individual or establishment found to have violated the provisions of R.A. No. 9208 as amended and expanded by R.A. 10364. (b) All managers or owners of establishments applying for new business permits and/or licenses or applying for renewal thereof shall undergo an anti-trafficking seminar conducted by the IACAT-DC and sign a written undertaking that they shall not employ minors who are victims of trafficking. Bars, nightclubs, videoke/KTV Bars, and other similar establishments providing adult amusement or entertainment, as well as factories/plants, poultry, piggery and other agricultural structures, or other labor-intensive establishments, shall be required to keep copies of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated birth certificates of all employees as proof of age, and provide other proof of identification with recent photo of the employee duly issued by the government such as NBI, Police, Postal or Barangay Clearance/ID. The managers and owners as mentioned shall be required to conduct or attend anti-trafficking in persons seminar prior to the issuance or renewal of their license or business permit. (c) All boarding houses, pension houses, dormitories and similar establishments that provide temporary or permanent lodging facilities for the purpose of generating any rental/ lease income, shall be required to apply for business permits and/or licenses. The owner, proprietor or manager of any such establishment applying for new business permits and/ or licenses or applying for renewal thereof, shall sign a notarized written undertaking that they shall not engage in any acts, which promote trafficking such as, but not limited to, allowing the use of their premises to such acts. Further, the said establishment shall have the mandatory duty to report suspected cases of trafficking to the IACAT-DC. (d) The refusal and/or failure to sign the above-mentioned undertaking or the subsequent violation of the same, or the failure to keep employees’ birth certificates as required under paragraph (b), or the possession of falsified birth certificates in the records of employment, or the failure to report suspected cases of trafficking to the IACAT-DC or the POEA or other local authorities, shall constitute a ground for immediate denial or cancellation of the business permit and/or licenses of the individual or the establishment concerned.

SECTION 13. ENSURE EFFECTIVE PROSECUTION OF TRAFFICKING CASES (a) The City Government shall ensure the effective prosecution of cases of trafficking in persons committed within its territorial jurisdiction. (b) For this purpose, there shall be created a Local Joint Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons(LJTFATP) to be composed of: (1) The Head of the City Prosecution Office of Davao City, as chair; and (2) One personnel/representative each from the: a.Davao City Police Office; b.Regional Office of the Bureau of Immigration; c. Regional Office of the National Bureau of Investigation; d. Regional Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; e. City Social Services Development Office (CSSDO); and f. Non-government organizations with a track record in working and/or advocating on the issue of trafficking in persons. (c) The Local Task Force shall coordinate all efforts in the conduct of surveillance, investigation and rescue operations of trafficking cases. It shall likewise closely collaborate with the IACAT-DC in the formulation of plans and programs for the prevention and/or reduction of trafficking in persons. For this purpose, the Local Task Force shall convene at least once a month. (d) Within one (1) month from the adoption of this Ordinance, the IACAT-DC shall convene for a meeting with all the members of the Local Task Force for the specific purpose of developing the guildelines and protocols for the effective coordination in the conduct of surveillance, investigation and rescue operations on trafficking in persons. (e) To facilitate the successful prosecution of trafficking cases, the IACAT-DC shall establish a witness protection and support services program for victims of trafficking that shall include, but not limited to, the establishment of a safe house for rescued victims, basic welfare and legal services, incentives in the form of financial support or alternative livelihood opportunities. (f) The Local Task Force will formulate programs for preservation of evidences and the assurance of the appearance of witnesses, as well as assist in the build-up of cases involving violation of R.A. 9208 as amended and expanded by R.A. 10364.

SECTION 14. DEPUTIZING THE BARANGAYS (a) The City Government shall deputize the barangays in maintaining registries of local residents recruited for employment elsewhere, their respective destinations, the identities of the recruiters and other relevant data. (b) The barangays may likewise be authorized to require all licensed recruiters to first apply for a barangay permit before engaging in any recruitment activities in their respective areas of responsibility.

SECTION 15. INFORMATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS. (a) The City Government shall undertake an information campaign, that is monitored by the IACAT-DC as part of its functions, against trafficking in persons through the establishment of the Migrant Advisory and Information Network (MAIN) desk in coordination with the

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EVENT

DAVAO DOCTORS HOSPITAL:

MILESTONE AT 50

By LEEBAI SINSUAT AMBOLODTO 50 years of caring for life is truly a milestone.

And for Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH), commemorating the milestone on its golden year is a fleeting celebration of life beyond the corners of the hospital.

“At 50, DDH is increasing the pace of change,” President and CEO Raymund CS Del Val said in The Pulse, the DDH official publication.

“Reaching its golden year, Davao Doctors Hospital continues to prosper far beyond the vision casted by its founders. The idea they have started has been forged into a great legacy -- a distinguished institution built to last,” Del Val added.

Original Incorporations are Augusto Abela, Juan Belisario Jr, Rodrigo Casino, Valeriana Castillo, Honorio de la Cruz, Jose Gantioqui (first President and Medical Director, 1969), Luisitio Guanlao, Honorio Hilario, Benigno Magpantay, Gerino Pangan, Pacita Sanvicente,

Crisostomo Serrano Jr, Leonides Sicat, Herminio Villano Sr and Amador Villanueva.

Providing excellent medical services and state of the art medical facilities, DDH has become Davao’s premier healthcare and medical institution. Its commitment to provide the best services in Mindanao, according to Del Val, is a motivation to face industry challenges head on.

For its anniversary, DDH has several activities lined-up. Last 1 July, at the hospital lobby, DDH unveiled its new logo, launched a coffee table book (Kaleidoscope) and saw the lighting of the hospital’s façade.

A 20-minute AVP showcased its journey for fifty years – shown through the eyes of real life giants (stories of its original incorporators). The AVP was produced by Luisita Dumlao.

Efigenia E. Galacio, Accounting Clerk for 30 years, also reminisced her years in the company.

“My first and last employment,” she said. Galacio was employed from 1980 – 2010.

At the beginning of the year, DDH launched its premier episode of the MedTalk Series last January and by September, DDH will be hosting the first ever Healthcare HR Congress.

Come December, the company’s Golden Ball will take place.

As a form of giving back to the community, DDH, in collaboration with Balik Alay Foundation Inc., also has a number of corporate social activities lined up for 2019: Anniversary Free

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TRAVEL

THE MEANING OF ADVENTURE:

PART 3

Chasing sunsets is a regular past time, especially after a good day of surfing.

Photo by Morre Christophe.

THE last story in The Meaning of Adventure series, and we’re talking about the joys of being a discoverer and the conclusion to this illuminating topic.

The Joys of Discovery I never thought deeper into differentiating trips or labeling them according to nature—surf, business, family, or relaxation. My sister would argue that I never thought at all! I wouldn’t blame her. This time, she’s right. I didn’t think beyond my ultimate goal of getting stoked and the need to escape. Everything up to this point, I never bothered to figure the true meaning of adventure. I didn’t bother to until I needed to find out for sure because I myself wasn’t.

I have social media partially to blame for muddling adventure’s definition for me. It came to the point that I’ve mistaken the rugged, raw, and exploratory roots of adventure for glam, luxury, and the constant need of one’s self served.

“I have to do this (insert “local” experience), so they can say that I was here. Oh, please take it in this angle—I look better that way.” said no Instagrammer ever.

Circa 2015 during my first trip to Sagada. Photo by Lloyd Revilla.

Not everybody is like that or have pure self-serving inteneuphoric experience I’ve had go back.” is the biggest lie ever! tions like my judgemental before. I’d try to go to the same We can always go back, but the mind thinks. Some do it simply place, even without the same thought behind this is that we because Instagram is a fun and people (let’s be honest, adults hope to experience what we no-brainer, cloud-based album have so much scheduling and already experienced. of their life that they can go planning to go out), try the Nothing will ever be the back to. I have my own guilt in same process or formula like same. As a surfer, I should have this area, as well. I bet nobody it’s some magic spell only to accepted this sooner. No wave is really exempted. end up with unmet expectais ever the same. The weather The quest for stoke and the tions and sad feeling in the pit will remain as fickle as it desearch for the “same” experiof your stomach because you cides to be. Friends and lovers ence of stoke caused me to didn’t get the ‘same’ expericome, and we even experience fabricate in the hopes of acence. change within ourselves! curately replicating the same “It’s alright. We can always There’s this term, a close

friend told me about Chuck Palahniuk’s note about jamais vu”… an opposite to deja vu, it’s when you meet the same people or visit the places, again and again, but each time is the first. Everybody is always a stranger. Nothing is ever familiar.”

At one point, this seems almost depressing. I am one of those who long for belonging- In Bengu ness and a place to call Home.

Yes, Home. A sense of community that may or may not be a familial type of bond. Amid constant change, where does that leave me and the search for true adventure?

Acceptance.

Acceptance of the reality of change, willing resignation to the pursuit of adventure and the fact of God. He’s real, change is constant, and the search of adventure is something we’d gladly to for a lifetime, even if we do it, over and over again.

Xiamen Air launches direct Cebu-Chengdu route GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC), together with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, welcomed the inaugural flight of Xiamen Air (MF) from Chengdu to Cebu on June 27, 2019.

“We are glad to welcome Xiamen Air’s newest direct service to Chengdu, one of China’s busiest and economically-robust cities.

Through this partnership with Xiamen Air, we aim to achieve a

common goal which is to increase connectivity between Cebu to international destinations,” said Louie Ferrer, GMCAC president.

GMCAC is the private developer managing the terminal operations and other related areas of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Xiamen Air will service the Cebu-Chengdu route thrice weekly every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using a Boeing 737800 with 8 seats in Business class

and 161 seats in Economy class.

MF flight 8683 will depart from Chengdu to Cebu at 0630H; while the return flight MF8684 will depart from Cebu to Chengdu at 1910H. A water cannon salute welcomed the first flight from Chengdu and its 169 passengers at 10:45 a.m.

This is the first time that Cebu will have regular scheduled flights to Chengdu. Previously, Chengdu to Cebu is operated during the

Chinese peak travel season only.

“The launching of the Chengdu service is in line with Xiamen Air’s plan to open more routes between the Philippines and China, specially in Cebu and Chengdu as these two major cities have huge tourist markets and are internationally known for its tourism destinations and upbeat economic activities,” said Bruce Gong, Xiamen Air Cebu station manager.

Xiamen Air also operates regular thrice weekly flights to

The purs

Xiamen and Fuzhou.

“With the opening of this new service, Filipinos will have more reasons to visit and slowly discover the diverse culture and interesting destinations in China,” said Ravishankar Saravu, GMCAC Chief Commercial Advisor.

Aside from Chengdu, MCIA is connected to other key destinations in China namely, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Fuzhou, CAKE SLIC Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen, ceremon with Xiam and Xiamen.

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VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

SEDA BGC UNVEILS SECOND TOWER TO MEET COMMUNITY’S SURGING DEMANDS

Adventure doesn’t even have to be far from home. It can also be found in simple joys ike skateboarding on an empty road in the city. Photo by Joice Cudis.

uet, circa 2015 during a stop over on the way to Sagada.

suit of adventure started way back in 2015.

CING. GMCAC Chief Commercial Advisor Ravishankar Saravu (third from right) led the nial cake slicing to celebrate the inaugural flight from Cebu to Chengdu, together men Air’s flight captain and crew.

The growth of Seda Hotels over almost past seven years from a homegrown boutique chain to a dynamic nationwide brand is best captured by the expansion of its flagship hotel in BGC, Taguig.

With the addition of its second tower that just opened, the hotel which first launched the Seda name in 2012 now offers a ballroom that can seat 300, a restaurant that can accommodate 220, and a chic lobby with contemporary lines that would be right at home in any global capital. When completed in the next few months, the hotel will have increased its room inventory to 521, consisting of guestrooms, suites and serviced residences.

Once the lone hotel targeted towards business executives in what was then an emerging Metro Manila business district, “Seda BGC was expanded to keep pace with the surging demand for premier accommodations and facilities in the area,” according to Andrea Mastellone, senior group general manager who opened the hotel in 2012.

Now with two towers joined together by the expansive ground floor lobby, the hotel has retained its contemporary design theme and added accent colors and pops of greenery to infuse warmth and a welcoming vibe. Overall, Seda BGC’s look is uncomplicated chic, a highly appropriate backdrop for contemporary art pieces by Filipino artists such as Ayala chairman emeritus and photographer Jaime Zobel de Ayala whose mural animates the Front Desk.

Ann Pamintuan’s familiar art pieces also adorn the lobby.

Guests, as well as BGC denizens and visitors, are also expected to converge at the adjoining Misto, which means “mixed” in Italian and indicates the restaurant’s international selection which can be enjoyed on its daily breakfast and lunch buffets. Its focal points are a show kitchen plus a private dining room for 10 persons and a semiprivate area for up to 30 persons.

“Misto is one of the new building’s highlights,” beams Mastellone, who states that the restaurant can accommodate more than 200 persons or six times the original. The new Misto offers a more sophisticated selection of dishes and will continuously showcase

Seda BGC Executive Deluxe Room. creative innovations to its offerings.

One floor up is the ballroom, a likely venue for important business meetings and social events owing to the hotel’s strategic location at the heart of BGC. It can accommodate up to 420 persons, theater-style, with a spacious pre-function area, and is divisible into three smaller function rooms. Nearby are four meeting rooms that can accommodate from 12 up to 50 persons.

All these have increased the number of function spaces to a total of 11 from the two towers combined.

The Seda BGC client, nevertheless, will most appreciate the hotel’s bright and airy deluxe guest rooms furnished with modern pieces in warm tones.

He may first notice the absence of the usual rectangular desk only to realize that this has been replaced by a more functional glass-topped round table flanked by an executive chair for serious work and a banquette for dining or lounging.

Mastellone explains that soon, some facilities and amenities will be transferred from the original to the

Seda BGC Lobby and Front Desk.

new tower. These include the Club Rooms and Club Lounge, Straight Up roof deck bar, the gym and pool. “All will be bigger than the original,” says the Italian hotelier. He adds that new room categories will be the Executive Suite and the top-of-the-line Seda Suite, as well as studios and one-bedroom serviced residences which will open within the next few months.

Over and above its rooms and amenities, the expanded Seda BGC is expected to remain an institution for decades to come in this vibrant business community because of its topnotch service. Staffed by locals, the Seda name has become synonymous with genuine Filipino hospitality that meets global standards as exemplified by its high rate of repeat and satisfied guests that average a high 42%, surpassing the industry standard.

Seda Hotels owned by Ayala Land now has 10 properties in key capitals of the country, including Bacolod; Cagayan de Oro; Cebu; Davao; Iloilo; Nuvali, Laguna; Makati; Lio, El Nido, Palawan; Quezon City, and BGC, Taguig.

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close, the logo shows DDH A1 AND ABOUTers. Up UP a bigger person extending his Clinic, Medical Mission, Singkwentree: A Mangrove-planting Activity, Balik Pasasalamat and Donation Drives.

EDGE EDGEDAVAO DAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUEVOL.12 84 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY JULY 5-6, 9, 2019

the book is a celebration of the Colors of Life with DDH.

hands to a smaller [person]. This, she said, signifies its readiness State-of-the-art digital imaging to give a helping hand to those equipment and Cath Lab in need.

For its anniversary, DDH Spa at Cebu, T2 Plaza Premi2nd Raffle 3 winners MACTAN-CEBU InternaCommercial Advisor of GMR The light green, depicted introduced threeDraw new- digital um Lounge, and T2 Aerotel; of 2 round trip tickets to from tional Airport (MCIA), the MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Anniversary Logo as a smaller person, then imaging equipment -- Computer or US$50 – from T2 Mactan Cebu to Cagayan De Oro Philippines’ friendliest resort Corporation (GMCAC), the The anniversary logo exhibrepresents the patients. Its Tomography Scan (CT Scan), Travel Retail, T1 or T2 DutyMammogram 3rd Raffleand Drawthe - 3Catherwinners airport, is raffling off a 2019 privateextended concessionaire its three colours that best reprearmsoperatrepresent its Free Philippines shops of 2 round trip tickets to from Mercedes-Benz A-Class and ing MCIA. sent DDH’s existence. long-standing relationship ization Laboratory (Cath Lab).

The Shop and Win Promo Cebu to Davao Royal Air roundtrip plane Launched today by GM“The colour yellow is a repwith its patient and their famiThe CT scan has a 256 slice, raffle draws are set on 31 July, Grand Raffle Drawsource - 1 winner tickets to travelers shop CAC inlies. “We are partners in taking partnership with resentation of ourthat existing dual energy, and dual 30 August, and 30 September. of Mercedes-Benz A at any of MCIA’s retail outlets.

Mercedes-Benz, Royal Air, logo, while the circle reprecare of their health for the rest of shared.

Corporate Communications capability thus providingClass better The grand draw is set on 16 2019 model; andexpo2 win“This is our way of givand Standard Insurance, the sents our unwavering comtheir life,” Tiu explained.

Bam Basan-Anino shared. imageA180 resolution and less October 2019.

All purchase ners of 2 round trip tickets ing back and thanking all ‘Shop and Win’ raffle promo mitment of providing accesThe interconnected Kaleidoscope: Celebrating the The book, she said, is a collec- sure to radiation. Meanwhile, to receipts must beover within thethe Mammography from Cebu to Manila the travelers, passengers, will run from 01 July 2019 sible and quality healthcare to big and small persons, forming a Colors of Life, Vibrant Stories tion of 50 stories captured performs a promo period of 01 July 2019 Entriestomosynthesis that fail to win durand stakeholders for MCIA’s until 15 October 2019. the Davao community,” Mirasol heart shape, symbolises love. To of Hope and Love in Davao the years – stories from patients, lesser painful and to 15 October ing thebreast 1st draw will be qualisuccessful andto Win Tiu, Vice operations President and for HR and MCIA’s loveShop means care and DDH’s Doctors Hospital their families, and DDH 2019. emstereotactic biopsy. raffle promo to all goes beyond minals 1 and 2 (T1 T2).

To &our Beverage (F&B) shops, T1 “These Lucky winnersofwill receive On fied the hand, next raffle the continued support the Admin explained.

Brandisofopen Care truly “As&we celebrate 50th-year ployees. are stories the for other the draws.

Cath qualify for the raffle promo, Retail shops, T1 or T2 WH the following raffle prizes: Moreover, all non-winning pastDark green, years especially since the domestic and international according to a patient’s stay at the hospital. anniversary, we would like to overcoming health challenges, Lab has an advanced digital 3D passengers must have a miniT2 K2 Pharmacy, 1st Raffle Draw of entries during the 2nd, opening of Terminal 2 (Inpassengers thatsaid, encompasses a lifearrive at or Tiu, represents the people beIt, Tiu share with you thisSmith, collection who and found love within the- 3 winnersimaging technology is 1st, expected depart from Mactan-Cebu mum single receipt purchase T2 Park & Fly; PhP 1,000 – 2 round trip tickets to from and 3rd raffle draws are qualiternational) a year ago,” said hind DDH -- founders, doctors, time. “This is because we truly of heart warming and vibrant hospital and lived to share the to provide a more refined imagInternational Airport’s TerworthPhP500 – from T1 Food from T2 F&B shops, T2 The Cebu to Puerto Princesa fied for the grand draw.

Ravishankar Saravu, Chief hospital staff and stakeholdand deeply Care for Life,” Tiu stories of Hope and Love,” DDH experience,” Anino said. Indeed, ing especially on the veins.

MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CELEBRATES SUCCESS WITH EXCITING RAFFLE PROMO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), NGOs and other concerned agencies, organizations and individuals; (b) The City Government shall conduct information dissemination activities at the barangay level and coordinate such activities with the BCPCs and the DILG. Information dissemination activities shall likewise be conducted in schools, churches and communities; (c) In partnership with the PIA, the city government shall produce and publish information, education and communication materials about trafficking in persons such as, but not be limited to, primers, flyers, brochures, posters, stickers, television/radio/print advertisements, and websites, which shall be made available in piers, ports, airports, bus, van, taxi and jeepney terminals and other similar places where acts of trafficking may be committed and/or facilitated. (d) In partnership with the Internet Café Association of Davao (ICAD) the City Government shall conduct an aggressive campaign against trafficking through social networking and monitor the promotion of the advertisement of trafficking in the internet.

SECTION 16. ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES (a) The City Government shall encourage and support community-based initiatives which address the issue of trafficking in persons; (b) It shall provide financial support and technical assistance to BCPCs and qualified and accredited NGOs and POs that are engaged in activities for the protection, recovery and reintegration of victims of trafficking.

SECTION 17. MANDATORY SERVICES TO TRAFFICKED PERSONS (a) Pursuant to Section 23 of R.A. No. 9208, the City Government shall, in coordination with the concerned government agencies, make available to the following mandatory services to trafficked persons, to wit: 1. Emergency shelter or appropriate housing; 2. Counseling; 3. Free legal services, which shall include information about the victim’s rights and the procedure for filing complaints, claiming compensation and such other legal remedies available to them, in a language understood by the trafficked person; 4. Medical or psychological services; 5. Livelihood and skills training; 6. Educational assistance to trafficked victim-survivors; (b) The CSSDO shall be the lead agency in the coordination and provision of (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6). On the other hand, the City Legal Office shall lead in providing (3). (c) All efforts shall be made to ensure that the above services will be rendered in childfriendly and gender-sensitive manner.

SECTION 18. ENACTMENT OF SUPPLEMENTAL ORDINANCES AND ISSUANCES The City Mayor’s Office and the City Council shall formulate and promulgate supplemental ordinances, resolutions or executive issuances aimed at providing support to trafficked persons and adopt necessary measures to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons within its territorial jurisdiction.

SECTION 19. STRENGTHENING OF EXISTING BODIES. The City Government shall exert effort to strengthen, activate and mobilize existing committees, councils, similar organizations and special bodies at the local level to prevent and suppress trafficking, in persons, through IACAT-DC. SECTION 20. PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE. The following acts or omission shall be deemed violations of this Ordinance and shall be subject to the imposition of the corresponding penal sanctions: a. Any public official/officer who has any knowledge or learns of facts or circumstances that a person will be, or may be, or has been trafficked, and fails to immediately report such to the IACAT-DC or other concerned agencies shall be penalized with a fine of P2,500.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months. b. The owner, manager, or person incharge of any house, building or establishment who refuses, without justifiable reason, to submit said premises for inspection by city authorities as provided under Section 11 of this Ordinance shall be penalized, at the first instance, with immediate suspension of the corresponding business permit and/or license issued By the city government until compliance. At the second instance, if the offender acquires a new business permit or license to operate and has committed another violation to the ordinance, he/she shall be punished with the cancellation of the business permit and/or license, without prejudice to re-apply or reinstate the same, and with a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of one (1) month. c. The unjustifiable refusal and/or failure to sign the written undertaking required under Section 12 (b) and (c) of this Ordinance, or the subsequent violation of the same, or the failure to keep employees’ birth certificates as required under Section 12 (b), or the possession of falsified birth certificates in the records of employment, shall be penalized, at the first instance with immediate cancellation of the corresponding business permit and/ or license issued by the city government. At the second instance, the offender shall be punished with a fine of P2,500.00. d. In addition to the penalty imposed in Section 20 (a), (b), and (c), the penalty of community service for six (6) months shall likewise be imposed if deemed appropriate by the court of competent jurisdiction. The community service to be undertaken shall be determined by the LGU. SECTION 21. REWARDS AND INCENTIVES. (A) The Local Council shall institute an incentive scheme whereby rewards may be given to persons who provide vital information that lead to the prevention or suppression of trafficking activities and to the apprehension of offenders involved therein; (B) Likewise, awards and recognition shall be given to persons, organizations, or establishments that champion or support activities which contribute to the prevention or suppression of trafficking in persons.

SECTION 22. APPROPRIATION The initial amount of P500,000.00 is hereby appropriated out of the General Fund (Statutory Obligations) of the IGDD/City Treasury to cover the first-year implementation of this Ordinance. Thereafter, the amount equivalent to 10% of the Gender and Development (GAD) funds from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) and 10% of GAD funds from any Official Development Assistance (ODA) shall constitute the annual budget of the IACAT-DC for purposes of implementing this Ordinance.

The funds allocated for this purpose shall accrue exclusively to the program, in accordance with the guidelines on the matter by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

SECTION 23. REPEALING CLAUSE – All ordinances, resolutions, executive issuances, or rules and regulations, or parts thereof, whose provisions are consistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance, are hereby deemed repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 24. APPLICABILITY CLAUSE – The provisions of existing ordinances, or executive orders dealing with related subject matter such as protection against child labor and exploitation, anti-violence against women and children, and the like, which are not contradictory with this Ordinance, are hereby adopted as an integral part of this Ordinance.

SECTION 25. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions hereof not affected by such declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 26. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval.

ENACTED, on August 28, 2018, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

KADAYAWAN... FROM 1

9

in Davao City when native fruits grows the best of its kind, and when culture is warmly celebrated and proudly showcased. It is that time of the year where Dabawenyos look back on how the elders passionately strived in the past to make Davao City such a precious heritage.

Mayor Sara said the celebration of Kadayawan is a thanksgiving of how the indigenous communities of Davao City have shaped the history of the city.

Among the reasons for this celebration, she said, is because “we have been blessed not just with natural resources but favorable climate conditions, a thriving economy and peace and order.”

“I am inviting everyone across the globe to come and visit davao this August to witness the highlights,

the sights and �lavors of Kadayawan in Davao,” she said.

Mayor Sara urged all Dabawenyos whether they are Lumads, Muslims and Christians to go out and not cherish the colorful festivities of the season.

"Use Kadayawan as an opportunity to continue to learn about one another, about what makes our culture unque and similar," she underscored.

She said Dabawenyos should use the Kadayawan as an opportunity to learn about what else they can do together as a multicultural Dabawenyo community to bring the city to a future de�ined by its own terms.

"Progressive yet sustainable, modern but guided by lessons of the past and the wisdom of our forebears.”

On the other hand, City

Tourism Operations Of�ice (CTOO) Chief Gene Rose Tecson thanked the 11 tribes of Davao for their continued support to the city and the community.

Through their support, she said, the Kadayawan has successfully showed not only the country but the world, the different cultural traditions of the city’s 11 tribes.

This year, she said, the Kadayawan will focus on the bantawan or cultural shows featuring the traditions and dances of the 11 tribes while dula Kadayawan will focus on the tribal games.

“This kadayawan is different, as we have spread out the events during the weekends of the whole month of August to ensure the city will be able to accomodate more visitors during the Kadayawan month,”she said.

“I am very happy because this is my �irst time to win a triathlon title,” Langhammer, who snared the pro-elite title after �inishing the grueling race in 1 hour and 46 minutes, said.

The Czech posted the fastest time of 57:28 in the bike leg that gave him a quite distant lead over New Zealand’s Kieran McPherson who checked in at 1:49.58 for second place.

“It is really great to race here in Davao City.

This is actually my �irst time in Davao City although I’ve been to a lot of places in the Philippines. The people are great, cheering us up while we are doing the bike. It truly boosted us up,” Langhammer said.

Mitch Robins from Australia and the Philippines’ August Benedicto placed third and fourth, respectively.

Robins clocked 1:53.07 while the Pinoy crossed the �inish line at

1:54:10.

Multi-titled Dimity Lee Duke, on the other hand, crowned herself as the female pro-elite queen with a total time of 2:02:10 with New Zealand’s Laura Wood coming in way behind in 02:09:02 in their side of the centerpiece event organized by Sunrise Events Inc. and sponsored by Davao’s favorite barbecue house Penong’s Barbecue and Seafoods Grill for the �irst time.

ond in a row after the 2015 victory in Canada.

"It's like history. I don't know how to feel right now.

It is ridiculous," said Rapinoe.

"We're crazy that's what makes us special. We just have no quit in us. We are so tight. We will do anything to win."

Rapinoe's earlier comments, regarding a rejection of any eventual invite to the White House, brought her

into the centre of political debate but the side's win was greeted positively by President Donald Trump.

"Congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team on winning the World Cup! Great and exciting play.

America is proud of you all!" tweeted Trump.

New York city mayor Bill de Blasio said the team would receive a "ticker tape parade" down the 'Canyon of Heroes" in Manhattan on Wednesday.

TWEAKED... FROM 12

US WINS... FROM 11

CITY... FROM 3

Bavante said they conducted clean up drive with the Ancillary Services, City Environment and Natural Resources Of�ice and the City Health Of�ice in Barangay 76-A but people tended to be unmindful of their dirty surroundings.

“Some residents even urged those who were conducting the clean up drive to pick up their garbage,” she said, stressing the need for them to be involved in cleaning their surroundings. (PIA XI)

LARGEST...

FROM 3

The distance from Davao to Manila makes the Davao GRS as an ideal back-up receiving station in case a disaster or calamity strikes one location. Also Davao is rarely visited by typhoons which makes the facility secure. Also being in an urban area it has access to high speed internet which the receiving station needs. (PIA IX)

NOTICE OF AUCTION

The VGM Pawnshop, Inc. will hold a Public Auction Sale to all unredeemed and unrenewed items on the following schedule listed below at 9:00 O’clock in the morning.

Ang VGM Pawnshop, Inc. magasubasta sa tanang prenda nga wala nalukat sa maong sumusunod nga mga petsa sa alas 9:00 sa buntag.

BRANCHES

DATE PAWNED

DAVAO Sasa Maa Panabo Main Panabo Branch

DAVAO Sandawa Matina Ecoland Ulas

Jan. 0131, 2019

Jan. 0131, 2019

DATE & PLACE OF AUCTION July 23, 2019(Tue.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sasa Branch VGM BLDG. Km. 11, Sasa, Davao City

July 23, 2019(Tue.) 9:00 AM VGM Pawnshop, Inc, Sasa Branch VGM BLDG. Km.11 Sasa, Davao City

THE MANAGEMENT July 8, 9 and 10, 2019

10 EDGEDAVAO BONG... FROM 2

House is particularly important in the last three years of of�ice of the President, especially on his legislative agenda. We hope that the next Speaker will help the administration push its agenda for the good of the country."

Mayor Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Duterte on Saturday met with Reps. Lord Allan Velasco, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Martin Romualdez, who are said to be the

three frontrunners in the Speakership race.

The creation of the Duterte Coalition led by the Duterte siblings is widely seen as an effort to break the impasse in the Speakership issue.

In a statement last week, the coalition underscored the importance of moving the legislative agenda of the President in the right direction in his last three years in of�ice.

(PNA)

Are we looking at the “Load Management Lakers”? This roster still looks very dependent on James being spectacular every night, which doesn’t leave much room for error — especially if he becomes more ground-bound as he advances in age.

Davis gets his chance to play in games that matter, for the franchise that matters most of all. Playing in New Orleans can insulate a great player from the responsibilities of talent, but Davis will have to be assertive enough not to quiver in this new ecosystem with a teammate whose presence seems to overshadow everyone in his orbit.

Presumably, for the Lakers’ sake, their free-agency additions were made with that thought in mind.

The moves came in waves Saturday: Danny Green, DeMarcus Cousins,

Rajon Rondo and JaVale McGee agreeing to terms.

Individually, nothing feels out of place. Green is a capable 3-and-D wing, and a stabilizing voice in the locker room.

Cousins, for all the things that have been said and written about him, played through two devastating injuries last season. While he’s looking for his big day, and a big year would help him, and �itting into that Golden State locker room is probably a good warmup for what’s in store this season.

How will the pieces �it?

Are the Lakers recklessly throwing pieces together to maximize James’ remaining prime years, an exercise that proved futile last season? Or is GM Rob Pelinka and company being a little more discerning, at least paying attention to the personality �it and some level of familiarity?

WILL LAKERS... FROM 11

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

US-BASED... FROM 3

“Sa madaling salita, nagilad gyud sila. Kay dili sila gusto sa gobyerno sa US, pero nangayo sila ug suporta gikan sa mga organisasyon sa US (In other words, they deceive us. Because they don’t want the US government, but they ask support from organizations in the US),” added Bayaan, tribal leader of the Obu-Manuvu tribe.

Lanes and Bayaan were among the eight tribal leaders who paid a visit to the Filipino community here to help disseminate their stories in America — how communist terrorists try to control and manage their ancestral domains, killing tribal chieftains who would go against them in the process.

Emotional persuasion Jocelyn Agoncillo Ramos, executive director of the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc., said the communist terrorists have been “utilizing emotions” to rally the Filipino community to believe in their narrative.

“It’s always the sad story that they’ll use, they will use issues on women, labor, and when you empathize with them, then you help them,” she said.

The groups, she said, sow anguish among overseas Filipinos through painting a climate of fear in the Philippines, so they would be convinced to donate money that would supposedly go to disadvantaged sectors back home.

‘Educate yourselves’

Meanwhile, clinic administrator Erlinda Ramos said she has been receiving e-mails from international groups asking donations to help vulnerable sectors in the Philippines.

“These groups appeal to you, like ‘join us,’ or ‘we need your support.’ Well, you need to �ind out where they are based, where your money is going, what it’s for,” she said.

“The bottomline is, if you’re going to give help to somebody, make sure you know, you research where your money is going to go.

You have to know,” she added.

In March, the European Union vowed to investigate allegations that its assistance funds were being funneled to the CPP-NPA. The Philippine government has requested the EU to “immediately cease” its funding being channeled to groups acting as legal fronts of the CPP-NPA. Based on a report presented by the Philippine government before of�icials of the EU, European Parliament, and the European Commission, communist front organizations receive funds from the Belgian government and some European countries in the guise of marginalized and pro-poor programs.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

DPWH... FROM 3

Davao Oriental, Nabunturan in Compostela Valley, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, Digos City in Davao del Sur and Malita in Davao Occidental.

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Of�ice (CDRRMO) head Alfredo Baloran said the evacuation center in this city will be used as temporary shelter for victims of calamities.

“It is complete with

amenities that will help alleviate their condition while away from their homes,” he added.

Baloran said there will be two more evacuation centers to be constructed in the city — in districts 1 and 2.

“For now, we are looking at Mahayag in District 2 while we are still identifying the location for District 1,” he added. (PNA)

rice regime.

RCEF will be used to provide farmers tools and equipment, assistance in the production, promotion, and distribution of certi�ied rice seeds, upgrading of post-harvest storage facilities, credit assistance, irrigation support, and research and development (R&D) support.

Section 13(c) of the rice tarif�ication law states that 10 percent of the P10-billion RCEF shall be made available in the form of credit facility with minimal interest rates and with minimum collateral requirements to rice farmers and cooperatives.

The rest of the RCEF will

be set aside for rice farm machinery and equipment; rice seed development, propagation and promotion; and rice extension services, as provided under the law.

On top of paying tariffs, rice importers will be required to secure sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSIC) from the DA’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), which assumed the food safety regulation function of the National Food Authority (NFA) under the rice tarif�ication law.

This requirement will ensure that rice imports are free from pests and diseases that could affect public health and local farm production. DOF

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decision on April 3, 2019 revoking its certi�icate of registration.

On May 16, 2019,

SEC's Market and Securities Regulation Department also stated that it has not registered any securities and has no permit to sell securities. (PNA)

CUSTOMS... FROM 4

NBI... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

Will Lakers' Plan B click?

T

he Los Angeles Lakers can look like equal parts contender and reality-show series all in the same day, even the same hour.

It’s hard to tell if acquiring two of the �ive best players in basketball in one calendar year has put them in position for a return to prominence, or if the subsequent moves surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis again show a lack of direction and foresight, leading many to wonder if another drama-�illed season is on the horizon.

After Kawhi Leonard revealed he was Keyser Soze, straightened out his walk and ended his dalliance with the Lakers, they at least moved swiftly to Plan B — although the difference between getting Leonard and moving on is as vast as the Grand Canyon.

Had Leonard not gotten Paul George to become a co-tenant at Staples Center and joined the Lakers instead, they would’ve been the heaviest favorites to win it all in quite some time. The other pieces wouldn’t have mattered as much, and all the work would’ve needed to be accomplished in the margins.

A big here, a shooter there, a point guard who knows better than to get in the way. Leonard was that important, and the stealth manner in which everyone moved showed how critical the Lakers

knew Leonard was to their present and future.

The �it wouldn’t have mattered as much, and the coaching journey sure to take place would’ve been obscured by the overwhelming talent advantage the Lakers would’ve had. Even if the Lakers didn’t truly need Leonard, eliminating a Leonard-led team from competition would’ve been the Lakers’ greatest bene�it.

But now, and especially with Leonard being on a more complete team with better direction and cohesion, the Lakers’ front-of�ice work is even more critical this year than last, when anyone with eyes knew it was a matter of time before the Lakers were in hot pursuit of Davis.

The Golden State Warriors as we know them are in neutral, reeling from departures, injuries and championship fatigue. And that has sprouted a new class of contenders that is not willing to cede space in the West to the Lakers.

The Lakers are out of excuses, and whether Leonard played them for a �iddle in free agency isn’t relevant to their championship aspirations. Their roster still comes with massive expectations that won’t be �illed by another lottery appearance or even a respectable second-round showing.

WILL LAKERS, P10

Los Angeles Laker players LeBron James and Anthony Davis take in an NBA summer league basketball game between the New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans in Las Vegas.

11

Dave Ildefonso had 16 points in Gilas Youth’s loss to New Zealand. FIBA photo

Gilas Youth settles for 14th

G

ilas Pilipinas Youth �inished its stint in the FIBA U19 World Cup in 14th place.

This, after the team lost to New Zealand, 70-76, in the battle for 13th place at the Heraklion University Hall on Sunday.

New Zealand held Gilas Youth without a �ield goal in the last 5:33 of the game while stealing the win after ending the match on a 9-0 run.

Flynn Cameron made 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal to lead New Zealand.

Carl Tamayo and Dalph Panopio’s explosions went down the drain for Gilas Youth.

Tamayo had 24 markers, while Panopio added 16.

Dave Ildefonso had 16 points of his own, while Kai Sotto was held to just eight

points and eight rebounds, although he too had four assists, two blocks, and two steals.

While Gilas Youth missed out on a podium �inish, its 86-72 win on Saturday against China that set up the New Zealand clash prevented the team from crashing to the bottom of the �inal rankings.

China actually ended up dead last after bowing to Senegal, 73-90, in the battle for 15th place.

It was a sorry loss for the Gilas Youth, who led 6861 midway through the �inal frame, thanks to a series of shots by Carl Tamayo.

But Max Darling helped New Zealand claw their way back, sinking the layup that made it a one-point game, 67-68, with 4:10 to go. Two free throws by Dave Ildefonso gave the Philippines a 3-point cush-

ion, 70-67, with 1:30 left, but the young Filipinos gave up a triple to Oscar Oswald in the next possession that knotted the count.

Flynn Cameron then put New Zealand ahead, 72-70, with a lay-up on the other end, and the Philippines fumbled a chance to tie when Ildefonso was stymied by Tom Higgins at the basket.

Gilas Youth stayed alive with a stop of their own, but Gerry Abadiano mis�ired on a �loater that could have tied the game with under eight ticks left. That allowed Cameron to ice the game from the free throw line.

Squandered in the loss was a 24-point, 12-rebound performance from Tamayo, while Ildefonso and Dalph Panopio each scored 16 points. Kai Sotto had 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a losing effort.

US wins women's World Cup title for fourth time

L

Alex Morgan of the U.S. and team mates celebrate winning the women’s world cup with the trophy. Reuters

Cameron �inished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists to lead New Zealand, while Darling put up 16 points and 8 rebounds.

This marks the �irst time that the Philippines competed in the Under-19 World Cup in 40 years. Gilas Pilipinas Youth �inished with a 1-6 win-loss record, with their lone win coming against China.

The Scores: NEW ZEALAND 76 -Cameron 21, Darling 16, de Geest 15, Oswald 6, Perrott-Hunt 5, Higgins 4, Mete 4, Moors 3, Faamausili 2, Mennenga 0, Poppe 0, Stephens 0.

PHILIPPINES 70 -- Tamayo 24, Ildefonso 16, Panopio 16, Sotto 8, Abadiano 2, Chiu 2, Oczon 2, Spencer 0, Amsali 0, Fortea 0, Torres 0.

Quarters: 20-15, 45-37, 59-58, 76-70. (PNA)

YON, France - The United States won a record-extending fourth women's World Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands on Sunday as second-half goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle con�irmed their status as the leading power in the women's game.

The defending champions struggled to gain dominance for an hour before a Rapinoe penalty, her sixth goal of the tournament, broke the deadlock and a �ine individual effort from Lavelle in the 69th minute put the outcome beyond doubt.

The Dutch, who are the European champions, ran out of steam after Rapinoe opened the scoring in the 61st minute, having done more than any team to frus-

trate the Americans.

A perfect occasion for Rapinoe, whose outspoken views have been most prominent on the pay disparity between men and women players, was capped when FIFA chief Gianni Infantino was booed amid chants of "equal pay, equal pay" by U.S. fans.

At 34, Rapinoe is unlikely to be back on this stage in four years' time, but it is hard to imagine her walking away from the battles she has led with the U.S. Soccer Federation and world governing body FIFA over fairer terms for the women's game.

However, amidst the �irework celebrations after the �inal whistle, Rapinoe's thoughts were on her team's triumph -- their sec-

US WINS, P9

12 SPORTS

EDGEDAVAO

TWEAKED THRILL

VOL.12 ISSUE 86 • TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019

Despite race changes, Penong’s ‘5150’ off to a good start

By ADAM B. MORRELL

D

espite the last minute changes that converted what was originally an Olympic distance 5150 triathlon race into a hybrid duathlon 5250 race, Davao City has proudly added another endurance race to look forward to.

After the organizers announced on Saturday, July 6, that the waters across the coastline of the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao was “currently not suitable for recreational use” based on the water quality test conducted on Thursday, July 5,

a quick revision was promptly applied which tweaked the race’s character and distance yet retained the challenge of �lexibility and resiliency of the 524 participating triathletes who came from different countries of the world.

The organizers decided to scrap out the swimming leg of the Olympic distance triathlon which changed the game entirely.

“After consultation with local health of�icials, we have decided to cancel the swim leg

having safety of the participants as our utmost priority,” Sunrise Events’ statement released the day before the event.

From the original 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10k run, it was reformatted to a much like duathlon race that started with a 2.5km run, 40km bike and 10km run in an out-and-back course from Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

Athletes who used to capitalize on their vast swimming skills had to completely adjust while those running-junkies

came basking on the adjustments.

After all, there were no excuses to those ironmen who seriously came in hungry for a podium �inish.

Just like in the pro-elite division where the best and prepared vied for honors and pride.

The omission of swimming leg, however, didn’t bother Jakub Langhammer of Czech Republic who �lashed his superb biking skills to check a long search for a local crown.

TWEAKED, P9

The Philippines’ August Benedicto races to the finish to wind up fourth in the Open Elite division.

Lean Daval Jr