Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 97 | Wednesday, July 24, 2019

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

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Serving a seamless society

GOING OVERBOARD

FESTIVE VIBE. A City Engineer’s Office (CEO) personnel arranges colorful flags which represent the colors of the new Kadayawan icons at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Tuesday. The flags will be installed around Davao City to add festive vibe in time for the celebration of Kadayawan sa Davao festival 2019. Lean Daval Jr

DCPO says rallyists’ vehicle violated traffic laws

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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he Davao City Police Of�ice (DCPO) shrugged off allegations of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Mindanao accusing the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies for interfering in the conduct of their anti-SONA (State of the Nation Address) rally in Davao City on Monday.

In an of�icial statement released by the DCPO through its spokesperson police captain Ma. Teresita Gaspan, DCPO defended the action of its personnel as the leftist protesters

committed traf�ic violations.

Because of this, Gaspan said, they were blocked by the authorities upon retreating right after the rally they held against President Rodrigo Duterte's

fourth SONA on Monday, July 22.

"There is no truth to these claims.The jeepney they claimed to have been waylaid unjusti�iably by the PNP Davao was in fact duly intercepted by the PNP and Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for grossly violating: overloading and out-of-line, a clear violation of law provided for by Republic Act 4136

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APE ARMY WINS OBTC TITLE ►SPORTS P11

HYUNDAI PH SET TO LIGHT UP EV SUMMIT WITH IONIQ, KONA

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

LIGHT MOMENTS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte grants request of congressmen for a “selfie” after his 4th state of the nation address (SONA) at Batasang Pambansa on Monday (July 22, 2019). The President’s speech lasted for 93 minutes. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

SPMC raises alarm T on dengue cases

Teachers in Davao Norte get threat of 'tribal war'

By DAVE STEPHENN VILLAMORA

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he Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) reported on Monday raised the alarm on dengue cases after it recorded 22 dengue cases in just one day from different areas in the region.

Dr. Nemia Asiong, Chief Resident of the SPMC Pediatric Division bared the alarming report as the in�lux of dengue cases in SPMC rose to 5 to 8 dengue cases a day compared to 3 to 7 cases during the same period last year. Of the reported cases, 3 to 4 severe dengue cases per day are con�ined in the hospital’s

Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

With the increase in dengue cases, the SPMC Pediatrics has allotted a separate ward for dengue patients to accommodate the increase in volume of admissions every day.

“Imagine, the highest number is 22 cases in a day for dengue and not only the mild ones or the usual

dengue fever with warning signs but the dengue severe cases,” Asiong said.

SPMC Vice President for External Affairs Dr. Michael T. Manalaysay said that Davao region is prone to dengue and dengue-like disease because of the geographic location and climate situation. He also added that the climate change has affected the disease incidents and prevalence.

“With the climate change, mas mataas ngayon ang humidity factor, mataas ang dew factor,

at tsaka ang rainfall natin nag e-increase talaga. All of these affect the incidents and prevalence of dengue because this are affected by meteorological factors or atmospheric factors,” Manalaysay said.

He also cited that a 3 to 5 days regular dengue admission without any complication can cost up to P50,000. Manalaysay encouraged Davaoeños to observe preventive measures all the time as there is no de�inite time pattern when will the dengue virus will infect the region again.

they gathered from the child victims, the current trade price on the streets start at one hundred �ifty pesos to two hundred pesos for oral sex while the pick-up price starts at �ive hundred to one thousand.

She also said that in threeyear term, the youngest child in prostitution is a 9 year-old girl.

Factors of children in prostitution “Ang main factor ana kay poverty. Isa pud ka factor, kung naa silay his-

tory of sexual violence, sexual abuse,” Escabarte said.

Escabarte also said that the conditioning rate of pimps or ‘bugaw’ to the victims of sexual exploitation also pushed these women to enter the sex trade.

Dysfunctional family also caused children to enter prostitution Escabarte added. She said that the physical, economic and psychological abuse from quareling parents inside

he mayor in the Davao del Norte town of Talaingod said he requested the Department of Education (DepEd) to temporarily halt the deployment of teachers in the town after receiving a “pangayaw” or tribal war threat.

Mayor Jonnie Libayao said Monday he received the threat through a text message on Saturday, the same day the local government declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) "persona non-grata" in the municipality.

Libayao said he immediately called a meeting on Sunday with the local police and the military stationed in the town, adding he was worried over the safety of the teachers--especially those assigned in the town's far-�lung areas.

Talaingod, a second-class municipality, is mostly mountainous and has been a �lashpoint for communist rebel activities. The town is home to Ata-Manobo tribal communities.

“As the mayor, I want to make sure that our teachers are safe. This is why I sought the temporary halt on their deployment to their assigned schools,” Libayao said.

In particular, Libayao said he requested that DepEd teachers temporarily cease classes in four areas covering three barangays because of their isolated locations.

To further ensure the teacher’s safety, Libayao said he asked tribal leaders in the three communities to verify the threat and obtain assurance for the teachers' safety.

Growing concern over child prostitution, cybersex hubs: NGO

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pro-women and children non-government organization based in Davao revealed that there are 93 young women engaged in prostitution based on its January to June 2019 case study.

Speaking through its advocacy program of�icer Sarah Jane C. Escabarte, Talikala Inc., an organization working for women and children’s rights, said the number does not include unreported cases.

Escabarte added that Talikala has recorded 160 victimized and exposed cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation in Davao City from March to May 2019. She cited that cyberprostitution is still a challenging problem to monitor. Despite of the passing of the Cybercrime Law, law enforcers are still having a hard time �iguring how to track cybersex hubs in the city.

Escabarte said that based on the information

their home can motivate children to go out to survive and �ind prostitution as their immediate answer.

Talikala observed that the trend of children in prostitution has changed over the years. The numbers of Out of School Youth (OSY) in prostitution has declined while the InSchool has increased.

“Kasagaran pud sa ilaha (children in prostitution) gusto mo skwela.

Ang tendency ana, para

ma suportahan nila ang ilang pag eskwela kay dili makaya pag suporta ilang mama ug papa, mo sulod na silag prostitution,” Escabarte said.

She also said that prostitution is the usual option of these children whenever they need to pay their tuitions, projects and other requirements to comply in school.

Government and non-government interventions

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VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

NEWS 3

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C-MAP Choreographers Festival slated July 25

By DAVE STEPHENN VILLAMORA

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CAB SEC AT 4th SONA. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Bendigo Nograles (right) walks the red carpet with wife Marga (left) at the North Wing of Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City to attend the 4th State of the Nation

Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (July 22, 2019).

(PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

New PCSO head hopes to change people’s perception

o uplift capabilities of Filipino choreographers in the country, students of Composition and Movement Analysis Program (C-MAP) will be holding their 3rd Choreographers’ Festival in Davao City on July 25 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

The C-MAP students will hold their biennial festival to showcase their culminating projects and bring some of the best Dance Schools in the country and notable International Dance groups.

Founded in 2015, C-MAP has been nurturing and popularizing the art of making dances in the Philippines. The organization also wants to create a greater desire for

patronage of dance of diverse genres all over the Philippines.

The Choreographers Festival will also feature keynote speeches and plenary session by the industry leaders, workshops by international dance masters and 3 gala night performances; the �irst and second gala nights will showcase international and Philippine dance companies while the �inal gala will feature C-MAP choreographers and international performers.

For inquiries and reservations, you can email them at cmapfestival. davao@gmail.com or call/text them through +63 908 887 9141/ +63 917 120 7349.

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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ewly-assumed Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Of�ice (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma hopes to change the people’s perception about the of�ice with its new slogan “Sa PCSO bawat pisong tulong tungo sa pagsulong”.

“We changed the slogan because we want to send a message that PCSO is not about gaming or gambling but it initiates charity works through donations,” the former Cebu City police director told Edge Davao on Tuesday, July 23.

Although the form of business of this of�ice is through ticket sales that correspond to monetary prizes, Garma said people should always consider

that every ticket purchased is a form of donation.

“Yung kita ng PCSO is being returned to the people that’s why it is a donation,” she explained.

She added that one of the most important duty of the of�ice is to literally generate funds to help and support the agencies and clusters under its umbrella.

More than the usual provision of health care to

Water service interruptions on July 27, 31 to August 1

D

avao City Water District advises the public of two separate sets of water service interruptions.

First set is on July 27, 2019 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM affecting portion of Davao-Agusan Road (from Bunawan Brgy. Hall to Lasang), Tambongon, and Bucana.

Water supply has to be temporarily shut off in the affected areas to give way to the tapping of the newly realigned pipe bridge crossing affected by the bridge widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Second set is from 9:00 PM of July 31, 2019 until 2:00 AM of August 1, 2019 affecting the entire Lim Street in Toril (including McDonald’s and Gaisano Mall).

Water supply has to be temporarily shut off to give way to the tapping of the newly installed pipeline to DCWD’s existing pipeline for the mainline improvement

at the affected area.

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 schedules. Water supply may be restored earlier if works go 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 235-3293 (DCWD) and press “4” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. They may also contact 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293, and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin)

people in need, Garma said PSCO should have been known for fuelling different sectors including education, agriculture, sports and security as part of its charter mandate.

Among the clusters that is being funded by the charity of�ice includes Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Boys Scout of the Philippines and its distaff side, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The people should know where the funds go.

We are also giving share to the Local Government Unit (LGU)s but the biggest amount we are allocating

is for the health care,” Garma said, adding that PCSO is also bankrolling crop insurances, anti-tuberculosis and anti-drug campaigns among others.

PCSO also vowed to contribute to the universal health care drive of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Garma, who formally assumed of�ice seven days before this interview, said there’s more to know about the of�ice and she will divulge it in time.

She, however, vowed a transparent of�ice during her watch.

“My duty is to make the lives of the poor better, the middle class comfortable and the rich to give more,” she shared.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma talks about the new slogan of the agency "Sa PCSO bawat pisong tulong tungo sa pagsulong".

SECURITY MEASURES. A Task Force Davao security personnel inspects a pedestrian’s backpack along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Tuesday. The city government of Davao has reminded Dabawenyos to strictly follow the “no backpack policy” specially in public places. Lean Daval Jr

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

Proposed 2020 nat’l budget to be submitted in August

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COMPREHENSIVE. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) president Arturo M. Milan says President Rodrigo Duterte’s 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) is very comprehensive and re-

flect more or less the actual state of the nation for the first three years of his administration. Milan added that he is excited to see these positive changes happening in the coming days. Lean Daval Jr

resident Rodrigo Duterte will be submitting the proposed 2020 national budget in the �irst or second week of August, a Palace of�icial said on Monday.

In an interview over PTV-4, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the proposed budget is still being �inalized.

Last year, Duterte submitted the proposed PHP3.7-trillion national budget for 2019 to the Congress on the same day he delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In his 4th SONA on Monday, Duterte did not mention national budget but urged members of the 18th Congress to pass pieces of priority legislation concerning major tax reforms, salary increases, national land use policy, new

Duterte to Land Bank: Fund agri enterprises

PRRD orders gov’t agencies P to simplify transactions

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resident Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered �ive government agencies to simplify their transactions and use technology to accelerate service delivery.

The President issued the directive to Land Transportation Of�ice (LTO), Social Security System (SSS), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and Pag-IBIG Fund as he delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the House of Representatives.

“Based on complaints received by the Contact Center [ng] Bayan, Contact Center [ng] Bayan --that’s in my of�ice-- the LTO, SSS,

BIR, LRA, and PAG-IBIG are the top �ive agencies that need to drastically improve their service,” he said.

The Chief Executive also directed other government agencies and corporations, as well as local government units (LGUs), to simplify their processes.

“Just like the others, you can do it electronically.

You do not have to go to the of�ice. I’ve been asking that from you since three years ago. ‘Pag hindi pa ninyo nagawa ‘yan ngayon, papa-

Economist still eyes above 6% output for PH in 2019

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n economist at ING Bank remains optimistic about an above 6 percent growth for the Philippine economy this year due to interest rate cuts and the government’s spending plan.

In a report Monday, ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa expects better domestic performance in the second half of this year on account of the “reinvigorated household spending” and the government’s catch up plan.

In the �irst quarter of the year, growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) slipped to 5.6 percent from quarter-ago’s 6.3 percent, which authorities attributed to delays in the approval of this year’s national budget, which, in turn, prevented the government to spend according to plan.

The government’s

PHP3.7 trillion national budget for the year was signed only last April.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) on Monday reported that revenues in the �irst half this year rose 9.71 percent year-on-year to PHP1.547 trillion while expenditures contracted by 0.83 percent to PHP1.59 trillion.

This resulted to the 77.91 percent decline in the budget gap to PHP42.6 billion from year-ago’s PHP193 billion.

Last June alone, budget de�icit amounted to PHP41.8 billion, 22.93 percent lower than the PHP54.3 billion in the same period in 2018.

Revenues amounted to PHP233.9 billion, 4.32 percent up year-on-year, while spending went down 0.99 percent to PHP275.7 billion.

Mapa noted that even

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tayin ko talaga kayo (If you cannot do it, I will really kill you),” he said.

“Simplify and make your services responsive to client. Your client is the Filipino, our employer --from where the money in our pockets comes from, from our salaries,” he added.

President Duterte said he signed last year the Ease of Doing Business and Ef�icient Government Service Delivery Act, a signi�icant piece of legislation to improve service delivery and �ight corruption.

The implementing rules and regulations of the Ease of Doing Business law were signed last week.

With the signing, the

President also urged Filipinos to report corruption to the government’s 8888 hotline that is open 24 hours a day.

“Sinasabi ko na sa inyo (I am telling you), be assertive. At ‘pag kayo o ikaw hiningian (When you are asked) more than the required payment by government at humingi pa sa iyo (and they ask more from you), I’ve been telling you mag-eskandalo kayo sa opisina (create a scandal in the of�ices). Make a scene. Sampalin mo ‘yang mga ‘yan kasi aabot rin sa akin ‘yan (Slap them in the face, this will come to my knowledge),” he added. (PNA)

ECONOMIC GROWTH. An elderly woman buys root crops at the vegetable bagsakan area of Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Economic experts are positive that the country will be able to continue posting high economic growth and will keep the inflation un-

departments and restoration of death penalty for drugs and plunder, among others.

Despite having transmitted the 2019 budget early, the government operated on a reenacted budget since January 1 this year after lawmakers failed to pass the bill on time.

Its passage was stalled due to allegations of last-minute amendments made by the House of Representatives after both the House and Senate rati�ied the bicameral conference committee report.

After ending the budget impasse, the Congress transmitted the proposed budget spending to Duterte on March 26, 2019.

Duterte �inally signed the 2019 budget but vetoed several provisions on April 15, 2019. (PNA)

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte called out the state-owned Land Bank for having turned into a “commercial bank” when it should be prioritizing the �inancing of agriculture enterprises.

In his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA), Duterte urged Land Bank to help the farmers.

“That's why itong (this) Land Bank na ito, 'pag hindi ito na... You know, you are called Land Bank but you are now the number one commercial bank in the Philippines,” Duterte said.

“What the heck is happening to you? You are supposed to �inance agricultural enterprises and endeavors.

Bakit wala (Why aren’t you doing it)? Bakit --- why can't you just buy a few wagons or whatever? Go to the countryside and ask the people if there are cooperatives, tulungan ninyo (help them) to form one,” he added.

Duterte said Land Bank should “go back to land.”

“Why are you mired in so many commercial transactions? Bumalik (Return) kayo where you were created for and that is to help the farmers,” Duterte said.

He stressed that he will give Land Bank only until the end of July to present him a plan on how to help farmers.

“You better decide on that, I will give you until the end of July to give me a plan or else I will ask Congress to recon�igure you what-not,” Duterte said.

He said if there is no viable plan for the farmers, then Congress might as well “abolish” it and the money intended for it might go to the congressmen for their development funds.

In a press conference after his SONA, Duterte further clari�ied why he wanted to recon�igure Land Bank.

“It’s called Land Bank.

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der control as investment confidence is expected to increase after President Duterte delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Lean Daval Jr

5 SUBURBIA RISING EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

Tagum City’s new police station to boost peace and order drive

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AGUM CITY—This city’s police force now holds its main headquarters in a new complex replete with spacious halls and new facilities, in what could be a bold testament to the city’s solid advocacy in putting optimum focus on peace and order.

No less than former Philippine National Police Director General and now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa graced the twin inauguration and blessing of the highly anticipated Tagum City Police Station and Training Complex last July 17, 2019.

The complex — built on a parcel of land donated by the City Government of Tagum to the PNP — was materialized using part of the 650 million peso- loan obtained by the LGU from the Development Bank of the Philippines, with a Php 50 million counterpart funding from the PNP. The new facility, included as one of the banner projects under Mayor Allan Rellon’s localized Build Build Build initiative, will also house the Security Management Of�ice, a �itness gym, a covered court, a canteen, and an indoor shooting range.

Senator dela Rosa, credited for being instrumental in the approval of the funding from the PNP national leadership during his time as PNP Chief, heaped praises on PNP Tagum for its performance on peace and order but also challenged the policemen to take care of the building, citing that its cleanliness and orderliness will re�lect on them as men in uniform.

The neophyte solon also called the city the “Pride of Mindanao” for what it has achieved, including the quality and standard of living in Tagum.

Meanwhile, Mayor Rellon ensured Tagumenyos of heightened measures that will lead towards the achievement of genuine peace, safety and security in his remaining three years as the local chief executive.

Among those that he enumerated is the possibility of conducting seminars regarding Citizen’s Arrest, as well as the development of reward schemes for people who will contribute to police intelligence.

For his part, Tagum City Chief of Police Philip Jefferson Ayban also said that the local police will implement the law as best as they could and stressed the importance of having human resource in the maintenance not only of the new building complex, but most especially in the achievement of genuine peace, safety and security in the city. He added that the Tagum PNP is ready to work with Force Multipliers while awaiting for new graduates to join the police ranks.

The event was also witnessed by the Police Regional Of�ice XI Regional Director, PBGen.Marcelo C. Morales, Davao del Norte Vice Governor Rey T. Uy, Tagum City Vice Mayor Eva Lorraine Estabillo, the members of the 8th City Council, of�icials of/and men in uniform, LGU department heads, and other guests.

ati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat lauded the directives made by President Rodrigo Duterte to all local government units during his fourth State of the Nation Address Monday, July 22.

In a statement, Mayor Michelle welcomed Duterte’s directive for LGUs to

cut the red tape in government especially on the approval and releasing of government permits.

“The directive of President Rodrigo Duterte for LGUs and all government agencies to simplify and make services responsive to the people is very much welcome. Our automation and computerization

(L-R) PBGEN Marcelo C. Morales, Vice Governor Rey T. Uy, Senator Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa, Mayor Allan L. Rellon, Vice Mayor Atty. Eva Lorraine Estabillo, and PLTCOL Philip Jefferson Ayban pose for a photo opportu-

nity after Senator Bato delivered his inspiring speech to Tagumenyos as the guest of honor on the inauguration and blessing of Tagum City police station and training complex. Kelvin Palermo/CIO Tagum

Compostela to celebrate 71st founding anniversary

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nother milestone in the history of the Municipality of Compostela is set on August 1, 2019. This event also coincides with the 13th Buganihan Festival with the theme: “Kayang-kaya Basta Maghiusa, Kalambuan Maangkon ‘Ta.” This captures the indomitable spirit of inclusiveness which is a relevant concern pervading in the Compostela Valley province at this time.

It may be worthwhile to mention that Compostela successfully rose from the hopelessness and struggled between the forces of nature in 2012 - with the devastation of Typhoon Pablo - and the years of labor unrest. Its people together with the

continuous collaboration from entities such as Dept. of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Dept. of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), the Oplan Pagbabago of the Provincial and Local Government

Units - the Governor and the Mayor; the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Service Providers/Cooperatives, the Land Bank of the Philippines, the growers, land owners, workers; including a leading banana exporter, Sumifru Philippines Corporation, have formed yet another corporate social responsibility (CSR) project to be launched on said event dubbed as “Compostela Tulong Pangkabuhayan.”

program forms part of our 10-point agenda to make government processes as fast and as easy as possible, including government services, for the people especially those who belong to the marginalized sector, the poorest of the poor,” Mayor Michelle said.

“On clearances and permits from the LGU be

released within 3 days, all of our department heads and employees are mandated to be in their respective of�ices by eight in the morning for this purpose.

To readily sign and approve papers submitted to their of�ices and to cut red tape in the government,” Rabat added.

On the President’s no-

tice to LGUs for the protection of environment and strict implementation of environmental laws, Mayor Michelle said that her administration would take heed and ensure that the Mati of City would be a front runner in this endeavor.

“Tourism is one of our priorities and we know

“Compostela Tulong Pangkabuhayan” is a sustainable livelihood community development program intended for 450 displaced workers from the recent labor dispute which is a positive action plan of above-mentioned entities in keeping with peace building and the achievement of progress in Compostela. The initial project offers vegetable and corn planting, dressmaking/ tailoring and t-shirt printing, and swine raising.

for a fact that for tourism to �lourish and sustain, the environment needs to be protected no matter what.

We do not want a Boracay-like scenario happening in Mati thus this early we are already instituting measures for environment protection,” she said.

Mayor Michelle said

Mati mayor lauds Du30’s SONA directives to LGUs M New incoming provincial IPMR to sit in SP is Kagan Datu Ariel Macla of Panabo City

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Kagan Datu Ariel Macla

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new provincial Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) has been selected by and among the 11 municipal and city IPMRs and 7 tribal chieftains including the IP youth and IP women representatives and the reigning Kagan Sultan Maug.

The incoming provincial IPMR who would sit as ex-of�icio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is concurrent Panabo City IPMR and Kagan (or Kalagan)-blood Ariel Macla.

But he would have yet to sit on January 10 next year when the three-year term of Datu Marcial Ligonan of San Isidro town

would expire.

He is the third provincial IPMR following �irst Datu Victor Pandian (2013-2016), a Mansaka, and 2nd IPMR Datu Ligonan (2017-2020), a Dibabawon.

Last June 27 at the SP conference in Capitol eighteen IP representatives and leaders cast their votes in secret balloting using a bettle nut (mama in Bisaya) which they put inside a garapon (glass) designated to each of their chosen candidate.

There were 6 candidates vying for the provincial IPMR and they were (with their counted votes): Macla- 5 votes; Datu Francisco Bucadon of BE Duja-

li- 4 votes; Datu Damiano Cipro of Tagum City- 3 votes; Datu Arturo Davao of Kapalong- 1 vote; Datu Angelito Ongos of New Corella- 3 votes; and Datu Roberto Sugoyan of Asuncion- 2 votes.

The selection process �irst made through consensus building and then decided by the secret balloting was administered

by National Indigenous Peoples Commission (NCIP) provincial of�icer Emmanuel Cacal.

Datu Macla vowed for empowerment of IP youths and leaders through capability building trainings, the institutionalization of Tipanud Festival through provincial

ordinance, among others.

Asked on how he described Kuya Gov. Edwin Jubahib, he answered: “I �ind him very humble, inato, dili ka mataha, makamasa kaayo.”

As to 2nd District Cong.

Alan “Aldu”a Dujali, Datu Macla said: “Si agaw, daan na ko kaila sa iya mga bata pa mi dire (sa Panabo), mestizo Kalagan siya, may dugong Kalagan, natural lang, simple lang si agaw kong Congressman Alan.”

Davao del Norte is original home of seven dominant tribes which are Kagan, Mandaya, Dibabawon, Manguangan, Sama, Ata Manobo and Mansaka.

(Rural Urban News/Cha Monforte)

6 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

Successful failure

What use is the State of the Nation Address (SONA) if people already have �ixated opinion even before they hear it?

That’s the prevailing observation before, during and after the fourth SONA of President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday. Whatever it is that he said in his report, the mentality of people will not change. Those who support him will be �illed with hope and will see opportunity beyond. But those who are against his administration, his policies and his person, will always �ind in what he said all the faults and impasses.

This is the sad reality of the SONA, an event prepared for a considerable amount of time, exhausting considerable resources and researches to make happen. Only that, at the very end, it will still be a divided nation.

So do we need a SONA afterall?

Isn’t it hypocrisy for people antagonistic of the programs and policies of the sitting President come to the occasion, all dressed up, but only to have ears shut to the actual report because even before the �irst word is said, the mind is just as wide shut as the ears.

The SONA contained just about everything, but yes, not completely everything the people expected to hear. It wasn’t a perfect SONA, but it was a sincere one. President Duterte, known for his knack of deviating from prepared speeches to deliver his unguarded chatter, spoke about the

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

�ight that he will battle through to the rest of his term. These �ights include the controversial war on illegal drugs, corruption, and crime. And then there is also the ‘�ight’ that he will wage without going head on against the perceived enemy--the sovereignty issue on the West Philippine Sea which President Duterte said he will not engage a direct con�lict with against China after seeing through the country’s capabilities to defend itself. This has been an issue mistaken for cowardice but the President reiterated on Monday the government is performing a delicate balancing act.

He skipped some subject matters like charter change and Federalism perhaps knowing that it is better discussed within the con�ines �irst of immediate policy makers and political experts rather than throw the issue wide open without having anything concrete to defend it to the world.

Another SONA went and with it are the same perceptions and reactions. The same scenes too in and out of the halls where the President spent over two hours to make his report. The report, to say the least, re�lected the government’s progress halfway through the Duterte era. But to the minds and ears that were shut from the very beginning, the SONA was another failure.

Another SONA done, another failed success.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

7

FRED C. LUMBA SPECKS OF LIFE

FINDING THE PEACE THAT ELUDES US Peace has become relative, I guess.

My take is that, in this material world, many of us assume that having so much possessions and wealth provide the peace that we human beings seek and understand.

Can’t blame them.

The citizens of this planet have been enamored by the attractive come-ons of capitalism that they have partially – if not completely – ignored and set aside their moral responsibility to their fellowmen.

If, then, one has no peace, a person has so much worries, right?

“Peace,” said Albert Einstein, cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”

The Dalai Lama counters: “Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.” Deep, huh?

What about John Lennon of the Beatles fame who said: “If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace.”

The restiveness in the Mid-

dle East – speci�ically the situation between Israel and her Muslim foes – should keep us all awake.

The unrelenting Iranian oath to annihilate Israel from the face of the earth – made since time immemorial - threatens the fragile peace this world is enjoying at this moment.

Should Filipinos then worry about the Mid-East developments as if the occurrences therein affect our lives as we tackle our own domestic problems?

Yes, unfortunately.

We cannot separate our domestic situation from the Israel vs Iran et al feud because once con�lagration there erupts, our country will suffer as we suffered during the 1967 Six-Day war.

Millennials (known as Generation Y, demographically follows Generation X, who are born in the early 1980s and the mid-1990s to early 2000 – Wikipedia) and before them, martial law babies, may not be able to experientially relate because they – unlike us who did –

did not painfully encounter the kilometric queues of motorists agonizingly lining up for oil rationing.

Hey, our total dependence on Middle East oil almost crippled the country’s economy during that time.

(That is why the late President Ferdinand Marcos engineered our search for renewable sources of energy which we discovered the Philippines has plenty of, and even created a line department known as the Ministry of Energy for the purpose.)

A country such as ours is inhabited by people coming from a great number of diverse culture and ethnic origins, that inevitably saddles it by a multi-partisan outlook – political and otherwise. The road to oneness, unity and cooperation seems too hazy ahead of us that interest groups – businessmen, investors and capitalists who turn into oligarchs – maneuver and manipulate their way into the hierarchy of things and schemes.

Filipinos should have a

deep sense of history and determination if they are to successfully navigate the waters of biased partisanship and violent transformations.

We cannot be like the Russians and the French who toppled their monarchies via violent revolutions. They are a distinctive race.

We cannot be like the Chinese and the Americans who underwent respective bloody civil wars to emerge what they are today – powerful and economically strong. They are themselves. They built institutions on which their people lived and continue to believe.

The truth is, our native land is in a quandary. Our countrymen are in a state of political confusion and partisan activities. Either you are Yellow, Green or not.

While the national leadership is manifesting a strong commitment to structural and social change, there are a few among us selling their birthright to foreign interests.

They would rather see the government fall on its knees

rather than see it standing on its own two feet. How un-patriotic. Rizal and company must be groaning in their graves.

The oligarchy wants to keep their wealth and riches intact while the people are scrounging around for a decent income and livelihood. Totally unfair.

These are the reasons why peace eludes this country. Only the marginalized the poor, the lowly, the indigenous, the unshod and the un-schooled desire peace.

The oligarchs want the status quo.

Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi re�lected on peace: “There is no way to peace; there is only peace.”

Pope John Paul II has the �inal word: “Do not be afraid to take a chance on peace, to teach peace, to live peace…

Peace will be the last word of history.” (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) 1 Sam. 2:30. “Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

MERCY IN ACTION “I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.” – Mother Teresa in A Gift for God: Prayers and Meditations *** It was getting dark and raining outside. My �ive-yearold nephew, Cole, was with me in my living room when suddenly he asked, “What is compassion?” I was totally �labbergasted by his question. But knowing that he is just a little boy, I opted to share a story in order for him to better understand the answer to his question.

In the United States, I told him, there was this former black world heavyweight champion boxer. He invested some of his earnings in a 500-hectare farm.

One day, he went out riding, to visit his newly-bought farm for the �irst time.

In the course of his inspection, he came upon an old whitewashed house in a secluded corner of the farm. Like the rest of the farm, it belonged to the ex-boxer; but he knocked politely at the closed door. An elderly white man and his venerable wife came to the door.

“What do you want?” the old man demanded, full of hostility. “Good morning,” the ex-boxer said, tipping his hat. “I was just riding by and…” “Keep riding!” the old man declared.

The ex-boxer looked a little sad. “Is there anything wrong,” he asked. The man replied, “Wrong? Of course, something’s wrong. Some nigger just bought this place.”

The ex-boxer looked down at his feet, embarrassed, and thinking. “I come with a message for you,” he said, looking at the old couple. Without telling that he was the “nigger” the squatters were talking about, he added, “You see, I know the fellow who bought this place.

He sent me to tell you that he wants you to stay here, just like you have been doing, for the rest of your lives. And he told me to tell you that you’ll never be bothered, and that there won’t be any rent anymore.”

The ex-boxer tipped his hat, went back to his horse and rode off, humming.

“You see, the ex-boxer was showing his compassion to the old couple. Although he was called a ‘nigger,’ which a big slap on his face, he still managed to forgive the couple and showed mercy by allowing them to stay at his farm,” I told my nephew.

“Now, I know what compassion is!” my nephew said.

“If you want others to be happy,” the Dalai Lama XIV once reminded, “practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Sam Levenson also said, “Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

it’s at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: the �irst is to help yourself, the second is to help others.”

More often than not, we help others because we know they can also repay sometime in some ways. This is what we call as “utang kabubut-on” or “utang na loob.” It is some kind of a debt that can never be repaid.

But that is not what compassion is all about. Compassion is about doing something to someone who can never repay. It does not necessarily mean helping those who have less in life. It is more of aiding a complete stranger.

In Guideposts, an American publication, Sidney Robbins shared this story: “I was with an infantry platoon standing at ease at the railroad siding in the Canal Zone during World War II. The blistering tropical sun frayed our tempers and we were harassed by a group of barefoot ragged children who milled about begging for candy, a stick of gum, or anything.

Suddenly, the youngsters propelled an urchin forward, jeering in broken English, “He got six toes; he got six toes.”

The embarrassed boy tried to hold back, ashamed. A corporal who, I had always thought insensitive and hard as nails, suddenly cried out, “Everybody

with sex toes gets a reward!” and proceeded to press some candy into the hands of the surprised youngster.

Swiftly, other men followed his lead and the grateful boy’s hand were �illed with dimes and gum and candy. His tormentors, suddenly quieted by this unexpected turn of events, trailed after their gift-laden friend, begging for his favor.

“Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded,” explained Pema Chodron, author of The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Dif�icult Times. “It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.”

Henri J.M. Nouwen has the same view in mind. “Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish,” he wrote. “Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears. Compassion requires us to be with the weak, vulnerable with the vulnerable, and powerless with the powerless.

Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.”

John Wesley’s rule of life was to save all he could and give all he could. When he was at Oxford, he had an income of L30 year. He lived on L28 and gave L2 away.

When his income increased to L60, L100 and L120 a year, he still lived on L28 and gave the balance away.

At one time, the Accountant General for Household Silverware demanded of him a report of his silverware. His reply was, “I have two silver tea spoons in London and two at Bristol. This is all the silverware I have at present, and I shall not buy anymore while so many around me want bread.”

Wesley summed up his life with these words: “Do you not know that God entrusted you with that money (all above what buys necessities for your families) to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to help the stranger, the widow, the fatherless, and, indeed, as far as it will go, to relieve the wants of all mankind?”

To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of Amit Ray. In Meditation: Insights and Inspirations, he wrote: “It does not matter how long you are spending on the earth, how much money you have gathered or how much attention you have received. It is the amount of positive vibration you have radiated in life that matters.”

8 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

WHY RISING HIV INFECTION MATTERS

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

While undergoing treatment for tuberculosis (TB), 36-year-old “Kevin” came to know that he was positive for human immunode�iciency virus (HIV) when the doctor told him. A call center agent from Cagayan de Oro City, he didn’t reveal his status to his colleagues.

But TB had taken a toll on his health. With frequent stints in the hospital, his colleagues started talking about the root of his health problems. They were speculating that he had HIV. “I felt discriminated against because when I went inside the of�ice one day, I actually heard people whispering, “That’s him!

That’s the guy who has HIV!” Kevin recalled.

It was a matter of time that the company’s human resources of�ice came to know the situation. He was called and was asked bluntly whether he had HIV. Kevin felt he had no choice but to disclose his status. He said that immediately following that disclosure, his coworkers started shunning him and refused to speak to him. That treatment prompted him to quit the job. “I could no longer take it,” he said.

The case of a 26-year-old Elizabeth, another HIV-positive, was even more pitiless. A single mother of a 6-year-old boy, she worked as a cashier at a café in Manila. When she learned about her status, she was totally devastated. “I cried all the time, every time I’m reminded of what happened,” she said, adding that she cried even more “because of the discrimination I’m going through.”

Two years after she was diagnosed of having HIV, Elizabeth started to suffer from double vision and frequent headaches. Her doctor, who could not determine whether she was suffering from an opportunistic infection, suggested that she undergo an MRI on her eyes.

Because the doctor recommended rest, she needed to �ile a leave of absence from her company. “I told our human resources about my status so I can have a valid excuse for my leave, which was going to take a long time because the doctor wanted me to rest,” she said.

She was �ired as a result.

“My supervisor said she understood me and would like to help,” she said. The supervisor then referred Elizabeth to the manager of a manpower company that supplies workers for restaurants. The

manager told her: “Since there may be people who won’t understand what happened to you, I need to pull you out of the coffee shop.”

The manager then asked Elizabeth to �ill out forms, one of which turned out to be a resignation letter from employment agency, not just the coffee shop. “I asked why and he told me it’s because I was exposed to food,” she said. “He was very good at convincing me to resign for my own good, that resigning would reduce my stress, things like that. But it was painful. I know what he was asking me to do was wrong.

It felt wrong.”

At the manager’s urging, she signed the resignation letter.

These were just two of the several accounts of workplace discrimination against people infected with HIV compiled by Carlos Conde, the country’s researcher of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The names were changed to protect the privacy of the people interviewed for the report.

“Workers and employees in the Philippines living with HIV who suffer workplace discrimination often do not seek redress,” HRW said in a statement. It added that the government’s response to unlawful �irings and harassment is “weak.”

Aside from unlawful �iring, workplace discrimination also refers to refusal to hire and forced resignation of people with HIV. “Some employees may also disregard or actively facilitate workplace harassment of employees who are HIV positive,” the statement said.

In most of the discrimination cases that HRW documented, “employees with HIV did not �ile formal complaints, most frequently due to fear of being further exposed as HIV positive, which could prevent future employment.”

HIV is the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune De�iciency Syndrome (AIDS).

It was �irst reported in 1981 in the United States. “(AIDS) is a syndrome because there are a range of different symptoms which are not always found in each case,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook: A guide to the understanding of AIDS and HIV. “It is acquired because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of

LAST OF TWO PARTS

routes. This makes it different from immune de�iciency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system suppressing drugs given to persons receiving transplant operations.”

In the Philippines, the �irst case of HIV infection was reported in January 1984.

As of January 2019, about 42 Filipinos are infected with HIV each day, according to the HIV/AIDS and Art Registry of the Department of Health (DOH). From 2 cases in 2009, it went to 7 cases in 2011, 16 cases in 2014 and 32 cases in 2018. In 2015, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) pictured the Philippines as “having the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world.”

“The Philippines faces a double whammy of increasing HIV infection and fears by workers with HIV that they can’t seek justice if they are discriminated against on the job,” Conde said. “The government needs to ensure that people living with HIV get better protection in their jobs and that the public gets more and better information on HIV.” Actually, HIV is a relatively weak virus outside the human body. But once it is inside, HIV cannot be killed.

The virus is spread through the exchange of body �luids with high viral load like cerebral �luid, amniotic �luid, blood, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions and breastmilk. The virus is transmitted by sexual intercourse (vaginal, penile, anal and in some instances oral), blood and blood products (through transfusion) and shared needles.

A woman infected with HIV may spread the virus to her child during pregnancy, during birth or shortly after birth, and through breastfeeding.

From the �irst time HIV infection was reported in the country in 1984 to 2006, the

predominant mode of transmission was male to female sex, according to the health department. “From 2007, the trend shifted to sexual contact among MSM as the predominant mode of transmission and has remained such to the present.”

MSM stands for men having sex with men. “From January 2014 to January 2019, 83% (38,925) out of the total (46,802) diagnosed HIV cases were among MSM,” the health department reports.

From 1984 to 2009, HIV t r a n s mission through sharing of infected needles were less than one percent of the total cases reported, the health department points out.

A glaring fact, however, is that most of those infected with the virus in recent years were young people. “From January 1984 to January 2019, 17,935 (28%) of the reported cases were 15-24 years old,” DOH reports. “Ninety-seven percent (17,349) were infected through sexual contact.”

Those who work abroad are not spared from being infected. In fact, 90 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) within the past �ive years were diagnosed in January 2019. “They comprised 7% of the total newly diagnosed cases for the month,” DOH reports. Majority of those infected were males and they were infected through sexual contact among MSM. The grim reaper has taken its toll among HIV infected Filipinos. “A total of 3,076 deaths were reported from January 1984 to January 2019, 92% (2,784) of whom were male,” the DOH notes. “Twenty-three (1%) were less than 15 years old at the time of death, 470 (15%) were 15-24 years old, 1,519 (49%) were 25-34 years old, 856 (28%) were 35-49 years old, and 206 (7%) were 50 years and older.”

According to the United Nations health agency, HIV targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense against infections and some types of cancer. “As the virus destroys and impairs

the function of immune cells, infected individuals gradually become immunode�icient.

Immune function is typically measured by CD4 cell count,” the WHO explained.

Immunode�iciency results in increased susceptibility to a wide range of

infections, cancers and other diseases that people with healthy immune systems can �ight off, the WHO pointed out.

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

“This can take from 2 to 5 years to develop, depending on the individual,” the WHO said. It de�ines AIDS as “the development of certain cancers, infections, or other severe clinical manifestations.”

A person with HIV will never know he is positive of the virus unless he or she undergoes an HIV test. “Having an HIV test is the only way to know for sure whether you have HIV,” said the website, www.aidsmap.com. “If you have HIV, it’s very important that it’s diagnosed. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well.”

Unlike in the past, being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence. “There’s no cure for HIV, but treatment options are much better than they were a few decades ago,” www.WebMD.com says. “Because of medical advancements, many people now live long, active lives with HIV. “The medicines that treat HIV are called antiretroviral drugs,” the website says. “There are more than two dozen of them, and they fall into six main types. Each

drug �ights the virus in your body in a slightly different way.”

Research shows that a combination, or so-called “cocktail,” of drugs is the best way to control HIV and lower the chances that the virus becomes resistant to treatment.

A doctor can recommend a patient to take three different medicines from two of the groups.

“Which speci�ic ones your doctor prescribes depends on what other medical conditions you have or are likely to get, how well your immune system is working, and even how many pills you want to take each day,” WebMd.com says.

Once an HIV-infected person starts having treatment, he should not stop doing so.

“Keep taking your HIV medications,” reiterates WebMd.com. “It’s dangerous to change how you’re taking them – or to stop altogether – if you’re unhappy with how you feel or how they affect you. That can make it easier for the HIV to become resistant to drugs and harder to treat.

“Continuing treatment is the key to not only preventing the development of AIDS, but is key to maintaining a relatively normal lifestyle. It is possible, with the correct treatment, to obtain a normal life expectancy,” the website says.

Despite this good news, people living with HIV are still struggling to �ind jobs.

“Keren,” 39, used to work as a warehouse supervisor for a sports brand but he quit his job after he was diagnosed with HIV in 2012. More than �ive years and four job applications later, he is still jobless, a situation he attributes to the refusal of employers to hire an applicant who discloses their HIV status.

“It’s dif�icult to �ind a job these days with my condition because I have to disclose my status so I can have a schedule that is good for my health, that �its my medical condition,” he says. “But if I disclose my condition, chances are I won’t get hired.”

Damned if you, damned if you don’t! – ###

Photos taken from the net

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

HYUNDAI PH SET TO LIGHT UP EV SUMMIT WITH IONIQ, KONA

LAST July 17 to 18, 2019, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) participated in the 7th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The Summit was organized by the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).

HARI’s display at the Summit featured the fully electric IONIQ and KONA. Additionally, visitors and participants had the opportunity to test drive the IONIQ hybrid.

In a statement of support, HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo underscored, “We at Hyundai believe that electric vehicles are the future of mobility. EVs have the potential to address the pressing concerns Filipinos are facing in terms of energy and environmental sustainability.

That’s why we are one with the government and EVAP in advocating sustainable mobility through EVs or new energy vehicles, and we are proud to participate in this important summit.”

The annual summit aims to heighten the public’s awareness of electric vehicles’ benefits and share industry success sto-

ries about EV adoption in the country. This year’s theme is modernizing the transportation landscape, driving sustainable growth.

Aside from the industry EV display, the summit featured panels and presentations on different aspects of the electric vehicle industry. The Honorable Ramon M. Lopez, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) delivered the keynote address, while Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Committee on Energy, spoke about proposed National Energy Policy and an EV Regulatory Framework.

Additionally, ASEAN EV experts, private sector repre-

sentatives, and government officials from the Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) and more weighed in on topics such as EV infrastructure and technology

during several discussion sessions scheduled throughout the summit.

Ms. Agudo added, “Making the shift to EVs from internal combustion engines in the Philippines requires coopera-

tion between the auto industry, government, transport groups, vehicle owners, and commuters.

We look to this summit to build stronger relationships between these sectors and thus bring us closer to the future of mobility.”

Hyundai brings convenient and accessible electric vehicle technology to the automotive market, aiming to empower sustainability and innovative the cars of tomorrow.

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

FREE BEE, GOLDILOCKS TEAM UP FOR THE GRADUATION SEASON TO REWARD OFW FAMILIES

JULIE PARCASIO is a 39-year-old single mother who works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Her son, 15-yearold Jeerhyll, graduated from the 10th grade from Malinta National High School, but she was not able to come home and celebrate this achievement with him.

“My son, he’s very independent. I can say that he deserves a treat because he studies hard and he is also mindful of his duties at home,” Parcasio wrote in Filipino. “I don’t know how he would celebrate because my trip back home got cancelled, and I feel like I can’t do anything about it because I am far away.”

Thanks to an innovative new service, Parcasio may have another way to celebrate with her son. She can call home from abroad for free and send food for the family celebration.

As part of its commitment to serve the overseas Filipino community, PLDT Global Corporation (through its awardwinning mobile app Free Bee) has teamed up with Goldilocks (through its Goldilocks Padala service) to reward deserving OFW families with a special treat during the graduation season under their “Sweet Success” program.

Free Bee is an advertising-based voice service which delivers high-quality IDD calls to the Philippines for free.

For longer calls and ad-free experience, users have the option to buy Premium

Free Bee Voice buckets at affordable rates - as low as 1 US cent per minute from global retailers or via in-app and online purchases. Free Bee has also recently been recognized as Telecom Asia’s Most Innovative Voice Solution.

Meanwhile, Goldilocks Padala is an online platform where OFWs can order and send food packages to their loved ones in the Philippines.

This year, Free Bee and Goldilocks have awarded four (4) families from Metro Manila and Iloilo a graduation feast to celebrate their children’s success in school, including Julie and Jeerhyll.

“We at PLDT Global will continue to find ways and means to connect overseas Filipinos to their loved ones back home especially during special occasions like graduation. And through this partnership with Goldilocks, we hope that we can make their celebrations better,” said PLDT Global Chief Commercial Officer Albert Villa-Real.

“Goldilocks has always been close to the hearts of OFWs, and we want to be part of their life celebrations. This partnership with Free Bee allows us to reach more Filipinos overseas and connect them to their families back home through our Goldilocks Padala service,” said Michael Estrada, Digital Marketing Manager at Goldilocks.

For more information, please visit www.pldtglobal.com and www.facebook.com/freebeecalls.

LIFE WITH A EVERYONE wants a clean home but our reality in Durianburg is that dust is a regular occurrence thanks to many building projects, roadworks, and pollen. So imagine the effort one must undertake to keep their spaces dust-free, let alone me with my unhousebroken ways.

I have been living in my own flat for the past year and-a-half and to say that the effort in keeping my tiny home nice and tidy is always a task I dread doing on my own.

From exposed surfaces such as floors and countertops, to upholstered seats, awkward nooks and hidden crannies, everything is prone to gather dust and need to be cleaned constantly.

Initially, I tried maintaining the cleanliness of my flat using a moist towel, mop and broom and to say that the tools were just adequate was an overstatement. While the towel and mop generally did a good job with the flat surfaces, absorbing the dust as I wiped along, sweeping the floor was a disaster. Although I can sweep away the bigger particles of soil and hair, the lighter particles such as dust and pollen would rise up and eventually fill the air of my flat making me teary eyed and sneeze.

After a few months of this, I decided to put my foot down

and decided to get for myself, and my domestic well-being, a wireless vacuum cleaner.

After doing much research and checking out all the pros and cons, I settled with the purchase of a Dyson V8 Carbon Fibre September of last year and it made me a believer of Dyson’s technology.

IT SUCKS (DUST THAT IS) Different from many typical vacuums, Dyson V8 was a cordless joy to use. It was not difficult to bring around from one room to another as it had no cords to encumber it. With its powerful 155 Air Watts generated by its Dyson digital motor V8 and Direct-drive cleaner head for carpets or Soft roller cleaner head for hard surfaces, the Dyson V8 Carbon Fibre picks up every bit of debris and dust from almost every surface.

Although there are other small hand-held vacuums also out in the market, the Dyson V8 Carbon Fibre goes one step better with its washable

URBANISSIMO A4

Dyson’s Bobby Yan shows off the new LCD screen on the Dyson V11 Absolute.

EDAVAO

INdulge! A3

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

‘FAMILY HISTORY’ HITS CINEMAS ON JULY 24

A DYSON

GMA Pictures and Mic Test Entertainment’s much-awaited collaboration, ‘Family History,’ finally opens in theaters on Wednesday (July 24.)

A perfect mix of drama, romance, and comedy, ‘Family History’ is a heart-warming movie which depicts values and virtues that are challenged when life takes a sudden turn.

‘Family History’ is written, produced, and directed by no less than multi-awarded comedian and content creator Michael V. The film also marks Bitoy’s return on the big screen.

“I’m really proud of this movie.

Gusto kong ma-share ito sa maraming tao. Gusto kong ipakita na kahit sinong tao can do something like this. It’s a story I really want to tell.

Hopefully, you learn you something from it. It’s a very special project for me,” said the highly-talented Kapuso comedian.

Bitoy teams up with seasoned movie actress Dawn Zulueta for the first time.

Joining the “BiDawn” tandem are talented GMA stars Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Paolo Contis, Nonie Buencamino, Kakai Bautista, Ina Feleo, Mikoy Morales, Nikki Co, Jemwell Ventenilla, Vince Gamad,

and John Estrada with special cameo appearances of Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and awardwinning comedienne and TV host Eugene Domingo.

‘Family History’ has been graded “B” by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

The Board lauded the film’s outstanding direction, screenplay, cinematography, editing, production design, music scoring, sound design and acting performances.

One reviewer said that Family History is “an effective film sensitively directed by Michael V.” Another positive note from a reviewer stated that its “a credible family drama with the unique Michael V touches of comedy.”

Likewise, the reviewers commended Bitoy’s directorial masterpiece, “the director doesn’t forget that the film is essentially fun” and “Michael V shows great potential as a director.”

They concluded that the movie is “nice to see that not everything has to be a rom-com for millennials” and “touches family relations from different angles. A must see for everyone.”

Family History will take moviegoers on a rollercoaster of emotions as it reminds everyone of the things that matter most in life…faith, hope and love.

Save the date and don’t miss the must-see family drama movie of the year – Family History - opens in theaters nationwide on July 24.

MARTHA STEWART COMES TO MANILA FOR ANC LEADERSHIP SERIES AMERICA’S most trusted lifestyle expert, awardwinning television host, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Martha Stewart is coming to Manila on August 20, Tuesday, for the latest leg of the ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel’s Leadership Series at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

The 18-time Emmy Award winner and successful businesswoman, who was named one of Forbes’ “100 Greatest Living Business Minds” in 2017, will share her story of success and business philosophy to the country’s business executives, entrepreneurs, and students in a forum moderated by multi-awarded ANC anchor Karen Davila.

Before becoming the “how-to” guru on all things home and living, Martha developed her early business training as a stockbroker.

Dyson’s Bobby Yan at the Dyson V11 Absolute launch at the Chimes flagship store.

The Dyson V8 can also convert into a small hand-held to vacuum those hard to reach spots.

She ventured into a successful catering business known for her elegant presentation and recipes and went on to publish bestselling books like “Entertaining,” “Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook,” and “Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook.” She later published the magazine “Martha Stewart Living,” which became the basis for her hit TV series of the same name.

Martha went on to build Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which offers consumers thousands of retail products, television and video programming, award-winning magazines, best-selling books, innovative websites and apps. The brand features an extensive range of product categories available in various retailers including Amazon, Macy’s, Staples, Michael’s, QVC and more. Martha also founded

the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Medical Center in 2007 and recently opened a second location at Mount SinaiUnion Square.

She has continued to expand her brand and appear in numerous TV shows, including “Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party” with rapper Snoop Dog, and Food Network cooking

competition “Chopped” as a guest judge.

The ANC Leadership Series: A Conversation with Entrepreneur and Lifestyle Legend Martha Stewart will be held on August 20, 2 p.m., at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. For inquiries and reservations, visit www.ktx.com.ph or call TicketWorld at 891-9999 or log on to ticketworld.

A4 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

VOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 •ISSUE FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, VOL.12 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

UP AND URBANISSIMO FURNITURE A1 A2ABOUTa sillycleaner methodhead. but for EJ and

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Still The Shop and Win Promo Cebu to Davao Royal Air roundtrip plane Launched today by GMbin. capacity.

But hey, that’s a good furniture headstakes for different a lot of energy, surfaces, adding the new Dyson V11 Absolute instead wishing to be accomplish his Grand Draw 1 winner tickets to travelers that shop CAC inthinking, partnership with path, right?” and planning.

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MACTAN-CEBU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CELEBRATES SUCCESS WITH EXCITING RAFFLE PROMO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 18th City Council 3rd Regular Session Series of 2019 PRESENT: Vice Mayor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor Councilor

Bernard E. Al-ag - Presiding Officer Victorio U. Advincula Jr. Al Ryan S. Alejandre Dante L. Apostol Sr. Conrado C. Baluran Joann M. Bonguyan-Quilos Ma. Cherry Ann M. Bonguyan Pilar C. Braga Carmelo J. Clarion April Marie C. Dayap Jimmy G. Dureza Edgar P. Ibuyan Jr. Edgar R. Ibuyan Sr. Rene Elias C. Lopez Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Jaffar U. Marohomsalic Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella Halila Y. Sudagar Mary Joselle D. Villafuerte Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III

ABSENT: Councilor Nilo M. Abellera Jr. - On Domestic Emergency Leave Councilor Maria Belen S. Acosta - On Domestic Emergency Leave Councilor Danilo C. Dayanghirang - OB-Meeting with the Director of DILG-BLGS re Local Legislative Awards Councilor Leah A. Librado-Yap - On Sick Leave Councilor Bonifacio E. Militar - On Domestic Emergency Leave Councilor Avegayle Dalodo Ortiz - OB-Meeting with the Davao City Council for the Welfare of Children ORDINANCE NO. 0682-19 Series of 2019 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY ORDINANCE NO. 0218-09, SERIES OF 2009, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE DAVAO CITY PARKS SYSTEM ORDINANCE” Be it ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City, in session assembled that: SECTION 1. Section 1 of Ordinance No. 0218-09, Series of 2009, is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 1. TITLE. – This Ordinance shall be known as “Davao City Park Systems Management Code”.

SECTION 2. Section 2 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. – It is hereby declared the policy of the local government of Davao City to establish and maintain free, publicly accessible, and safe green and public open places as an important component of a sustainable city. It shall ensure the protection and sustainability of the environment taking into consideration climate change adaptation in synergy with disaster risk reduction and management, principles of biodiversity and preservation of historical and cultural heritage in all development processes.

The City shall adopt the concept of Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) and shall also promote a participative, empowered, and environmentally conscious community by developing linkages and interactions between and among local and national government agencies and stakeholders, multi-sectoral participation, under a shared environmental governance of mutual accountability and collaborative management.

SECTION 3. Section 3 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. – As used in this Code, the following terms shall mean: A. “Green Space”- An area set apart to be planted with trees and ornamental plants and/or to be developed for water pond purposes to promote urban biodiversity and climate change mitigation.

B. “Green Strip” – A long narrow area of land planted with trees, shrubs, ornamental plants which include, but not limited to, sidewalks and street islands.

C. “Park”- refers to any public area of land set aside for aesthetic, educational, recreational or cultural use by the public in essentially urban surroundings, such as, but not limited to, public squares, plazas, promenades, center islands, heritage sites, historical sites, protected areas, conservation areas, riverbanks and memorials.

D. “Permeable Paving System” – is an architectural and engineering design that allows storm water or flood to seep through the surface material laid down on an area.

E. “Privately-owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS)” – are publicly accessible spaces in the form of plazas, terraces, atriums, small parks, and even snippets which are provided and maintained by private developers.

F. “Street Island” – a raised or marked-off area in the middle of the street or road designed as a guide for traffic, used as a safety island, or for separating lanes.

SECTION 4. Section 4 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 4. SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY. – The Davao City Park Systems Management Code shall apply to all existing public parks, green spaces and green strips, as well as areas declared as Open Space Easement Zones and Parks and Recreation Zones within the entire territory and jurisdiction of the City. This shall also apply to all those above enumerated which may later be established in the implementation of this Code.

SECTION 5. Section 5 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 5. DAVAO CITY PARK SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT BOARD. – For the purpose of the implementation of this Code, the Davao City Park Systems Management Board (DCPSMB) is hereby created which shall henceforth be referred as the Parks Board.

The Park Systems Board shall be responsible for formulating plans, policies and courses of action for the standards, regulations and maintenance of all public parks, green spaces and green strips within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Davao.

SECTION 6. Section 6 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 6. COMPOSITION. – The Parks Board shall be composed of the following: A. Chairperson - the City Mayor or his/her duly authorized representative; B. Vice Chairperson/Secretariat - the head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office or his/her duly authorized representative; C. Members: I. The Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources of the Davao City Council; II. The Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism of the Davao City Council; III. The President of the Liga ng mga Barangay; IV. The Department of Public Works and Highways; V. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources; VI. The City Tourism Operations Office; VII. The City Planning and Development Office; VIII. The City Engineer; IX. The City Legal Officer; X. The Interim Office of the City Architect; XI. The City Transport and Traffic Management Office; XII. A representative from Museo Dabawenyo; XIII. The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry; XIV. Two (2) representatives from non-government organizations who are members of environmental conservation or protection groups; XV. A representative from the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc.; XVI. A representative from the United Architects of the Philippines.

The Secretariat shall record all the activities of the Board, issue the resolutions passed by the same and shall retain the possession of all documents and records.

The representatives from the association of engineers and architects and duly accredited non-government environmental organizations must be members of a group, association, or organization approved and registered by the local government pursuant to laws relating to associations and shall be chosen by the Parks Board Chairperson from a short list of candidates formally nominated by the members of the Parks Board.

SECTION 7. Section 7 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 7: TERM OF OFFICE. – All members shall be coterminous with the appointing authority, provided that they shall be eligible for reappointment after the expiration of their

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respective terms.

If the Chairperson or any member fails to complete his/her term, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve only for the unexpired portion of the vacancy which he/she succeeds, provided, that such service of the unexpired portion shall not be counted as a term.

SECTION 8. Section 8 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 8. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS. – The Parks Board shall have the following powers and functions, to wit; a. Formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Code; b. Ensure the implementation of all the provisions of this Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations; c. Adopt guidelines for the use of parks for special occasions; d. Devise policies and procedures for the unitary parameter of all public parks, green spaces and green strips in Davao City, providing for their proper preservation and regulation for the furtherance of the ecological balance of the community; e. Propose ways and means to ensure the best and most desirable facilities that shall be placed in the City Parks; f.

Approved architectural design and structural models of public parks, green spaces and green strips prepared by the Parks and Playground Division of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), the City Planning and Development Office, the City Interim Office of the City Architect and the City Engineer’s Office; g. Identify and map out street islands and existing parks that are open for possible adoption; h. Conduct a continuing information and education campaign to generate public awareness and participation on the importance of establishing and sustainably managing public parks and open spaces.

SECTION 9. Section 9 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 9. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW PARKS. – The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), shall identify possible areas to be utilized as public parks, green spaces and green strips, subject to the approval of the Parks Board. The same shall be forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the appropriate legislation formally allocating the identified areas.

All new parks shall incorporate a permeable paving system, apply disaster risk reduction and management techniques, promote local biodiversity, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for Persons with Disability, families with children, senior citizens and other people with special needs in their engineering and architectural design.

SECTION 10. Section 10 of the said Ordinance is hereby amended to read as follows: SECTION 10. DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC PARKS. - Public Parks situated within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City shall be principally developed, maintained, regulated and preserved by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) through its Parks and Playgrounds Division, which should be coordinated with the Parks Board and other concerned agencies for the effective and proper maintenance of all parks in the City.

SECTION 11. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance which shall read as: SECTION 11. NAMING OF PARKS.- Pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, all parks, playgrounds, plazas and the like within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City shall be named in consultation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (previously the Philippine Historical Commission) and subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Names with historical, cultural, or ethnic significance shall be encouraged. None of the parks, playgrounds, plazas and the like shall be named after a living person. A change of name of an existing park, playground or plaza may not be made unless for a justifiable reason and, in any case, not oftener than once every ten (10) years.

SECTION 12. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read as: SECTION 12. PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS. A. Park Schedule. All public parks in Davao City shall have the following regular hours of operation, unless a different park schedule is provided by the Parks Board upon its creation or upon its resolution for valid grounds.

5:00 AM – 10:00 PM MONDAYS-SUNDAYS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC B. Prohibited Acts. To ensure the proper management and maintenance of all public parks, adopted parks or street-islands or green spaces and green strips, the following acts shall be prohibited, to wit: i. Smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape, and other similar acts; ii. Bringing and consuming alcohol and/or illegal drugs; iii. Bringing in of dangerous or hazardous materials, weapons (or similar objects), and glass containers; iv. Defacing, destroying, and vandalizing of park property; v. Gambling of any form; vi. Any form of indecent or immoral acts; vii. Littering, spitting, public urination and other forms of improper waste disposal; viii. Picking of flowers, nailing of trees and/or any destruction or injury to plants in the parks; ix. Climbing of trees, statues, sculptures, walls, or any park structure not intended for play or recreation; x. Leafletting, distributing or posting of bills or any printed materials; xi. Sleeping and lying down anywhere within the premises; xii. Putting up billboards, advertisement or signages; xiii. Staging of unauthorized events, such as, but not limited to religious activities, public gatherings, or unauthorized assembly; xiv. Selling, vending, peddling or displaying of goods of any sort; xv. Feeding of animals; xvi. Using of any socket for charging of any electronic gadgets and devices; xvii. Playing of loud music, unless part of an authorized park activity; xviii.Entry of pupils and students during school hours when unaccompanied by parents or guardians; xix. Blocking of entrances, exits, fire exits, handicap access areas, public walkways or roadways, obstruction of pedestrian traffic or otherwise interfering with the provision of services or use of park property; C. Regulated Acts. The following acts are regulated and applicable only to the public parks, adopted parks or street-islands, green spaces and green strips, specifically authorized by the Parks Board: i.

Bringing of pets; ii. Bicycling, skating, skateboarding, and the like; iii. Professional photo-shoots, video-shoots, filming and the like; iv. Picnics in park areas; v.

Playing of ball games, group sports activities, and the like; vi. Operation of remote-controlled drones, planes, cars and other similar Devices; vii. Dance practices, performance rehearsals or the like; viii. Artistic activities such as, but not limited to, sketching, painting,performance art, playing of instruments, may be allowed, provided that they are not intended for profit and have been authorized by the Parks Board; The Park Management reserves the right to refuse admission or deny the continued stay of any person in the premises, especially those who violate this section or who otherwise engage in disruptive or inappropriate behavior.

SECTION 13. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read: SECTION 13. PENALTY. – Any violation of the provision of this Ordinance shall be punished as follows, without prejudice to the prosecution of other actions: 1st Offense – fine of P3,000 2nd Offense – fine of P5,000 and/or imprisonment of three months at the discretion of the court 3rd Offense – fine of P5,000 and/or imprisonment of one year at the discretion of the court If the violation is committed by a corporation, trust, firm, partnership or association or any other juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the President, General Manager and other guilty officer or officers of such corporation, trust, firm, partnership, association or entity.

SECTION 14. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read as: SECTION 14. PRIVATELY-OWNED PUBLIC OPEN SPACES (POPOS). – The Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces Program is hereby established, in collaboration with private developers and entities, Private developers and entities that will provide POPOS may be given incentives as approved by the Parks Board and the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

SECTION 15. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read: SECTION 15. ADOPT-A-STREET ISLAND OR ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM. – The Adopt-AStreet Island and Adopt-A-Park Program are hereby established, allowing opportunities for companies, organizations, institutions, and private groups or individuals to adopt a street island or park through two options: (1) hands-on landscaping and gardening, or (2) sponsoring the beautification and maintenance.

Requirements and mechanics of these programs shall be defined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Code which shall be formulated by the Parks Board.

SECTION 16. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read: SECTION 16. FUNDS. – To ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of the Parks Code, any budgetary requirements needed for the operation and implementation of the Parks Code shall be taken from any available funds in the Annual Budget subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The Parks Board is authorized to secure other sources of funds for the management of public parks, green spaces and green strips, from grants and collaborations with private institutions or sectors, subject to existing laws and regulations. Such grants and donations

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shall be used only for the specified purpose for which they have been given and shall not be appropriated for any other programs unless a new agreement will be made. A trust fund will be set up for this purpose.

SECTION 17. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read as: SECTION 17. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. – The City Mayor, through an Executive Order, shall convene the Parks Board to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this Code. Such rules and regulations shall take effect immediately after publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in Davao City.

SECTION 18. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read as: SECTION 18. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – In the event that any word, article, sentence, clause or paragraph of this Ordinance is declared invalid for any reason, other provisions thereof shall not be affected by such declaration and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 19. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read as: SECTION 19. REPEALING CLAUSE. – All other ordinances and pertinent rules and regulations inconsistent with this Ordinance are likewise repealed and amended accordingly.

SECTION 20. A new section shall be included in the amended Ordinance and shall read as: SECTION 20. EFFECTIVITY. – This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in Davao City.

ENACTED, January 15, 2019, by a unanimous vote of all the Members of the Sanggunian, there being a quorum.

CERTIFIED CORRECT: ATTESTED:

CHARITO N. SANTOS Secretary to the Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Government Department Head II)

ATTESTED: ATTY. ZULEIKA T. LOPEZ City Administrator

SARA Z. DUTERTE City Mayor

ECONOMIST... FROM4 after the approval of the national government’s budget for the year last April and the lifting of the election ban last June government spending went down by about 2.3 per-

cent year-on-year compared to the second quarter of 2018.

“Despite the government’s best efforts to implement “catch up spending”, the projected misstep

coming from the government spending side coupled with possible handicapped capital formation could mean 2Q GDP struggles to get past six percent again,” he said.

that all of President Duterte’s directives “will be re�lected in our next year’s

budget”.

“Priorities are health, agriculture social welfare,

to bring services to the poorest of the poor,” she ended. (CIO MATI)

The new facility sits on the site of the Old Slaugh-

terhouse in Tipaz, Magugpo East adjacent to the

CIty Hall Complex. Ziyarah Manalo/CIO Tagum

MATI... FROM5

TAGUM... FROM5

GOING... FROM1

or otherwise known as the Land Transportation Traf�ic Code," DCPO explained.

DCPO clari�ied that there was no truth to the claim that the government interfered or will be interfering these rallyists to conduct peaceful rallies and assemblies as the law enforcers are merely enforcing the law which was clearly violated.

"We also would like to reiterate that the DCPO has exercised maximum tolerance in all our dealing of lawful protest rallies in the past, as we always uphold and respect the rights of every individual including the right to freedom of expression, to peaceably

assemble to petition the government but we must not also forget that in doing so we shall all consider the prevailing laws of our Country and exercise self-restraint as not to violate the rights of others. We implement the law without fear or favor," DCPO said.

The statement came after the Bayan made an announcement on their social media, addressing the PNP, LTO and LTFRB for laying stress on their agenda.

"Matapos ang matagumpay na kilos-protesta sa mismong lungsod ni Rodrigo Duterte para sa People's Sona, ginipit naman ang jeep na

sinakyan ng mga kalahok," Bayan posted.

Bayan also posted that the PNP, LTO and LTFRB threatened them to con�iscate the unit without any concrete violation.

"Noong tinanong kung anoang violation, sabi ng pulis "Matagal na naming nakikita ang jeep na ito sa mga rally", Tapos hindi na makasagot ang PNP at tumawag na ng LTO at LTFRB. Nagsabwatan para gipitin ang driver ng jeep," the militant group said while accusing the PNP as the real law-breakers.

"Habang kitang-kita ang PNP na sila mismo ang lumalabag sa batas trapiko tulad ng overloading."

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the City Social Services and Development Of�ice (CSSDO) has provided shelters and psychosocial interventions to children in prostitutions.

The LGU of Davao also provides educational assistance to secure the chil-

dren’s right to education.

Meanwhile, PNP and other partner organizations rescue these vulnerable children from prostitution and sexual exploitation. They also monitor the victims of traf�icking and cybersex hubs in the city.

Non-government organizations like Talikala

practice proper handling of cases of children in prostitution. The organization are giving psychosocial counselling, life skills training and children’s rights workshop to prepare these children to stand up against traf�icking and sexual abuse. By Dave Stephenn Villamora

Primarily, it was a bank intended to serve people who are connected with lands, whether owners or tenants,” Duterte said.

“So ‘yang land reform na ‘yan, nandiyan na --- (So that land reform, that’s there) most of it. I’m going to complete the land reform whether the land owners like it or

not because there are still tenants who are not in possession but the owners are still --- the owners of the land control the --- they produce and everything,” he added.

Duterte said Land Bank was really crafted “to serve enterprises or whatever there is banking needs of the people who cannot --- who

can barely negotiate with a bank.”

Meanwhile, Duterte also asked Congress to pass “a more responsive version” of the bill establishing the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund to ensure utilization of coco levy funds for the well-being and empowerment of the coconut farmers. (PNA)

GROWING... FROM2

DUTERTE... FROM4

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

11

Ape Army celebrate with their trophy after winning the Online Basketball Training Camp (OBTC) peewee division title over the weekend.

Ape Army wins OBTC title

By ADAM B. MORRELL

A

pe Army went beast mode in the homestretch to bag the peewee (2008-2009) division title of the Online Basketball Training Camp (OBTC) over Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) 40-25, in the �inals on Sunday, July 21, at the Monteritz Subdivision covered court in Davao City.

Antonio Vergara and Zachary Gabriel Uy took charge of both ends to carry the young Apes to its �irst title capping an eventful summer vacation.

Vergara sizzled on the offense and dropped 14

points while Uy was phenomenal in the defensive end.

Vergara was hailed as the best player of the �inals while Uy romped away with the best defensive player award.

“I didn’t expect to be called the best defensive player. I just wanted to give my best and stay focused not only for myself, but for the whole team,” Uy, speaking on behalf of his teammates, said.

Although the two stood out to lead the charge for the Hungry Ape and Barcode-powered Ape Army,

the victory wasn’t even close without the efforts of Dioford Ramirez, Jari Pacada, Zandrei Edison Go, Vince Enzo Naranjo, Alexander Ejurango, Mark Andrande, JC Bueno, Martin Mapaa, Robert Nathan Yap and Kirk Colita.

Winning this pocket tournament ultimately means a lot for these young ballers. In fact, reaching the �inals is already worth a celebration for them.

“We felt nervous and excited. Also, we were very grateful because the kids were already playing

for the championship title.

That alone was already an achievement. Most of the kids in our team didn’t expect to win,” Morris John Uy, one of the supportive parents, said.

Playing against ADDU in the moment of truth was a big challenge for the Ape Army, who entered the game as the prohibitive underdogs.

“However, because of their team work, determination and heeding the advice of their coach, surprisingly, they were able to pull it off amid dif�icult circumstances,” Uy said.

Lakers sign Giannis' brother

K

ostas Antetokounmpo has been awarded to the Los Angeles Lakers on a waiver claim.

The younger brother of NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, he spent much of last season in the NBA G League. He was waived by the Dal-

las Mavericks.

The 21-year-old Antetokounmpo, signed to a two-way contract

by Dallas, appeared in two games last season with the Mavericks and another 40 games (25 starts) with the Texas Legends of the G League.

He averaged 10.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 25.4

minutes with the Legends.

READ: Spurs hire San Antonio legend Tim Duncan as assistant coach The 6-foot-10 forward played one season in college at Dayton, where he averaged 5.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Giannis Antetokoun-

mpo, 24, led the Bucks to the Eastern Conference �inals last season and averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.

The Bucks also recently signed another brother, 27-year-old Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who spent the past two seasons in the Greek Basketball League.

Kostas Antetokounmpo (37) of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during Day 1 of the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images/AFP

Best defensive player Zachary Gabriel Uy with the championship trophy.

Zion, Harris nix World Cup duties

Z

ion Williamson withdrew from the Team USA Select Team on Monday, closing the door on any chance he had of being promoted to the departure-ravaged main roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup. No reason for Williamson’s exit was given

by The Athletic, the entity that �irst reported the withdrawal. The Athletic cited managing director Jerry Colangelo as its source.

Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans, was one of 10 “select” upand-coming players chosen to participate in the Team USA training camp, which begins Aug. 5 in Las Vegas.

“We want to indoctrinate him in terms of USA Basketball,” Colangelo said last month of the 19-year-old forward from Duke. “We want to give him a platform to see how he can compete with some of the vets that are going to be there.”

Williamson pulled out on the same day that Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal and

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris withdrew from the Team USA roster.

Overall, six players have backed out, including Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, James Harden and Eric Gordon of the Houston Rockets, and CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers.

The competition runs from Aug. 31-Sept. 15, with Team USA playing its �irst game on Sept. 1 against the Czech Republic.

Meantime, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris became the latest player to withdraw from the Team USA roster for the upcoming World Cup in China.

Harris, the sixth player to pull out, said he wanted to focus on preparing for the 201920 season, according to published reports on Monday. Harris signed a �ive-year, $180 million deal with the 76ers earlier this month.

Washington shooting guard Bradley Beal withdrew earlier Monday, citing the upcoming birth of a son.

12 SPORTS

BIG LIFT EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 97 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

PRRD backs Nat’l Academy for Sports

“I

support the measure to create the National Academy for Sports for high school students.”

After a number of State of the Nation Address (SONA), sports �inally made it to the President’s speech. In his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Duterte announced his full backing for the establishing of the sports academy.

Team Philippines Chef de Mission and PSC Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez expressed his gratitude to the President for being a true leader and hands-on chief.

“There might be bigger priorities but President Duterte has always given sports his support,“ shared Ramirez citing the perfect attendance of the President in Palarong Pambansa opening ceremonies since his assumption of of�ice.

Ramirez added that this development will not only help the country in identifying talent, but will also elevate the sporting knowledge of every Filipino, and hopefully “provide us with a deeper pool of talent for the elite.”

Presidential adviser for sports Glenn

Escandor also welcomed the President’s endorsement of the sports academy saying it will widen the talent base for sports and ensure that athletes get education as well.

“I am happy that the President really has a heart for sports. This will surely help the development of sports nationwide,” said Escandor.

Since 2016, the PSC has made initiatives to promote sports education and sports science for national coaches and trainers with its partnerships with the Korean Institute of Sports Science (KISS) and the United States Sports Academy (USSA).

The President signed a landmark law on sports in Republic Act 11214 or “the Philippine Sports Training Center Act,” establishing a state-of-the-art sports training facility in the country that will rise in Rosales, Pangasinan in 2022.

The sports facility will feature numerous facilities for administrative, sports science, medical and dormitories for athletes and coaches; with sports amenities for 39 Olympic and non-Olympic sports.

Newly-elected House Deputy Speaker Rep. Paolo Duterte (center) with Presidential Adviser for Sports Glenn Escandor (right) and son Francis Gabriel (left) who plays for the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP.