Edge Davao Volume 12 Issue 167 | Wednesday, October 30, 2019

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VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

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LIKE MASSIVE DRILLING Felcris Centrale along Quimpo Blvd. is cordoned off after sustaining structural damage in its facade from the 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Davao City Tuesday morning. Edge Davao

Davao City shakes with the 'bigger one'

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Pooled Reports from MAYA PADILLO, ARMANDO FENEQUITO JR., ATHENA JILLIAN BRAVO AND PNA

f it shook and swayed in the �irst one last October 16, Tuesday's magnitude 6.6 quake was like a giant drilling machine grinding underground.

"The ground felt like it vibrated from a giant drilling machine," one of�ice worker gushed as she and the rest of her of�icemates

were told to go home and leave the building at once.

Elsewhere, Napoleon Montano, a condo unit owner of DMCI, said there

was so much damage from the condominium ground �loor to third �loor. "Thank God there is no damage on my unit but all our water pipes are busted."

The 'bigger one' shook the whole of Mindanao at Magnitude 6.6 at 9:04 am Tuesday from an epicenter located outside the town

of Tulunan, North Cotabato. Only two weeks ago, a similar strong quake, of magnitude 6.3 occurred in North Cotabato on October 16. It generated an Intensity 7 impact in the surrounding Kidapawan City, Kabacan and Makilala.

Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte immediate-

ly called off all classes in public and private schools, from kindergarten to post-graduate studies.

Mayor Sara noted that the earthquake may have caused structural and electrical damage to school buildings, making them unsafe for learners.

She also instructed all

school owners, teachers, and other school personnel to immediately subject school structures to safety inspection with a quali�ied engineer.

Duterte said that if they �ind building defects that are dangerous and need repair, they should imme-

LIKE MASSIVE, P9

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

Residents urged to stay calm, vigilant

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alacañang urged the public to remain calm but vigilant after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake rocked parts of Mindanao anew on Tuesday morning.

This is the second quake to hit Mindanao this month. The �irst was a magnitude 6.3 temblor that rocked North Cotabato province and other parts of Mindanao on October 16.

“We ask our citizens to remain calm but vigilant and we urge them to refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm, panic, and stress to many people,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a

statement.

“We also urge them to monitor developments through the alerts and bulletins of of�icial government channels,” he added.

Panelo said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Of�ice of Civil Defense is closely monitoring the situation in Mindanao.

He said all responsible government agencies and local government units are currently undertaking rapid damage assessment and needs-analysis of affected areas and communities.

This will determine how to properly assess the situation and coordinate rescue and relief operations, he added. (PNA)

CASUALTY. Jessie Riel Parba, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student of Kasuga National High School in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after he was hit by falling debris in the said school. (Photo courtesy of Ronnie Jhun Otero)

5 dead, dozens hurt in quake

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ive people were con�irmed dead in separate locations and and dozens were hurt when a magnitude 6.6 quake struck parts of Mindanao at 9:04 a.m. Tuesday, with the epicenter traced in the same North Cotabato town during the 6.3 magnitude temblor on October 16.several others injured.

Consolidated reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

(NDRRMC) and Philippine News Agency revealed that dozen towns and cities lost power, while some

school buildings collapsed and triggered �ire in one city.

Those killed include a student struck by debris during evacuation in Magsaysay town, Davao del Sur, a 66-year-old man also hit by debris in Koronadal, a father and his child killed in Arakan town, Cotabato, and a pregnant woman in Tulunan town.

Local of�icials identi�ied the casualties as 15-year-old Jessie Riel

Parba, a resident of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, and Koronadal City resident Nestor Narciso, 67.

Parba, a Grade 9 student, was declared dead on arrival after he was hit by falling debris in his school, of�icials said.

Narciso was also declared dead on arrival at a local hospital after being hit with blocks of concrete at their church where he was working, church caretaker Isaiah Donaire told

the Philippine News Agency.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Tuesday’s quake traced to Tulunan town, Cotabato, was the main shock that came after the 6.3-magnitude temblor that struck the same area on Oct. 16, killing 7 people and hurting 215 others.

Between the two major shocks, some 870 tremors were recorded and 53

Moro reps urge Duterte to appoint Dimaampao as SC Associate Justice

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THE EARTHQUAKE AFTERMATH AROUND MINDANAO. Ian Vargas Carlos posted on social media photos of a injured middle aged male resident and a girl in Tulunan, North Cotabato. Carlos was asking for medical assistance.

were felt, with magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 5.5 and intensities between I and 7, according to the latest situation report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday afternoon.

A 6.1-magnitude aftershock was recorded an hour after Tuesday’s main temblor, hitting the epicenter. Several smaller aftershocks have been recorded throughout the day.

ajority of the Moro representatives in Congress are urging President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint in the Supreme Court Japar Dimaampao, a Moro who rose from the ranks as government prosecutor to regional trial court judge and in the last 15 years, as Associate Justice in the Court of Appeals.

Earlier, on July 29, the Bangsamoro Parliament passed a resolution endorsing appointment of Dimaampao, who was born in Marawi City.

In a press statement on Monday, October 28, House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman said he and seven other Moro representatives in the House – Maguindanao’s Datu Roonie Q. Sinsuat and Esmael G. Mangudadatu; Sulu’s Munir M. Arbison; Tawi-Tawi’s Rashidin H. Matba; Lanao del Sur’s Yasser Alonto Balindong and Ansaruddin Abdul Malik A. Adiong and Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan — are calling on President Duterte to choose Dimaampao for the post vacated by Justice Mariano del Castillo who retired last July 29.

The present Congress has 10 Moro represenatives — eight district representatives – two each from Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Sulu and one each from Basilan and Tawi-tawi – and two other party list members.

Dimaampao is among those on the shortlist of candidates submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) to the President.

“The fact the the JBC deemed Dimaampao to make it to the shortlist is a testament to his high quali�ications to join the SC. He has been a member of the CA for the past 15 years. The time is really ripe for a Muslim to sit on the SC bench,” Hataman explained.

He noted that if the President appoints him, Dimaampao will only be the second Moro to sit in the history of the Philippine Supreme Court.

The �irst and so far only Moro appointee was Abdulwahid Bidin who was named Associate Justice by then President Corazon Aquino in 1987 or 32 years ago.

Hataman said that if President Duterte names Dimaampao, Bidin and Dimaampao’s appointments would be “exactly 32 years apart.”

“That is how long we have been waiting for a Muslim magistrate in the high bench. And we believe that Associate Justice Dimaampao is competent, quali�ied and possesses both the moral and legal authority to sit as a member of the SC,” Hataman said.

Bidin, a native of Sitangkai in Tawi-tawi, served as SC Associate Justice from

MORO, P9

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

Duterte says search for next PNP chief difficult

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inding an “appropriate guy” to lead the corruption-tainted Philippine National Police (PNP) has proved dif�icult for President Rodrigo Duterte.

“It’s kind of a... Hindi naman messy but... It’s very hard to at this time to choose a candidate na... who would really... the appropriate guy. Mahirap eh,” the President told reporters in Malacañang.

Honesty, he said, is a quality he is looking for the next PNP chief who will replace Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

Albayalde relinquished his post on Oct. 14 amid allegations he protected some police of�icers ac-

cused of selling seized narcotics.

During the interview, Duterte refused to comment on the case of Albayalde who is set to retire on Nov. 8.

The President earlier said he would instead let the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Justice (DOJ) decide on Albayalde’s case as well as those of his men who have been tagged as “ninja cops.”

A Senate panel on Oct. 18 recommended the �iling of drug and graft charges against Albayalde and 13 of his men.

Albayalde had denied the allegations, saying the case was being politicized.

PH-China joint oil deal to proceed: Malacañan

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alacañang on Monday said the joint oil exploration between the Philippines and China will proceed as long as the terms of the 60-40 sharing scheme to explore the West Philippine Sea is in favor of the Philippines.

Panelo made the remark after Vice President Leni Robredo said China should �irst recognize Philippine ownership and sovereignty in the disputed waters before any agreement to a joint oil deal.

The Palace of�icial said Robredo is entitled to her own opinion, but dismissed it as a statement that is “divorced from reality”.

“Kung minsan kasi si VP Leni divorced from reality kung mag statement e. Kagaya nung sa war on drugs sabi niya failure (Sometimes VP Leni is divorced from reality when she gives statements. Just like her statement on the war on drugs which she described as a failure),” Panelo said in a Palace brie�ing.

He acknowledged that China refused to recognize the Philippines’ win at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCO) which invalidated China’s claims to most of the South China Sea. However, he stressed that despite this, China remains open to bilateral talks to resolve the sea row.

“We know that China is not recognizing our rights over there. They are saying it’s theirs but nevertheless, they are open to negotiation. So if it’s open, then we will proceed provided the terms are to our favor,” Panelo said.

Panelo said regardless of whether China recognized the Philippines’ arbitral win, President Rodrigo Duterte would prefer a joint oil exploration as it would give way to economic activity with China.

“As far as this President is concerned, in this country, we will move with respect to our foreign policy

PH-CHINA, P9

NEWS 3

President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath to the newly appointed government officials during their oath-taking ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on Monday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MinDA, DILG to launch $500-M water project

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o provide water supply in remote villages of Mindanao and Palawan, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are set to launch the $500-million Mindanao Rural Water Supply project on November 22 here.

The program aims to establish Solar-Powered Water Supply and Desalination Facilities in barangays across Mindanao, including the island provinces of Sulu and Palawan, according to a MinDA press statement on Monday.

MinDa said the project materialized after DILG Secretary Eduardo Año and MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol both agreed

to jumpstart the ambitious project during an inter-agency meeting recently.

“Soon, each barangay in Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan will have clean water for drinking and irrigation,” Piñol said.

The solar-powered water supply project will be offered in three packages.

The �irst package is the solar-powered rural com-

The Kasuga National High School building where a 15-year old girl died from a fallen debris in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. (PNA photo by Anthony Allado)

bo water program, which will provide water both for drinking and excess water for small irrigation projects for vegetable farms and backyard livestock projects.

Coastal and island communities will get solar-powered desalination water projects, while the solar-powered irrigation systems, which are the third package will be for rice and high-value crops.

An estimated USD$500 million loan from Israel will be used to fund the project, which is channeled through the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

“All governors and mayors of towns and cities of Mindanao, including, Palawan, are expected to be

present during the rollout of the program,” Año said.

According to MinDA, local government units (LGUs) could avail of the loan with concessional interest rates and will also be provided with capacity-building training to implement the projects as an income-earning economic enterprise.

Piñol said it will be the �irst massive program that will address the twin problems of remote barangays -- water for drinking and water for irrigation.

“The availability of safe drinking water is necessary for better health of rural people while the excess water for irrigation improves agricultural productivity”, Piñol said.

(PNA)

Phivolcs says its 6.6 not 6.4 T he Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has revised Tuesday morning’s earthquake that hit some areas of Mindanao to 6.6 from the initial 6.4.

The quake of tectonic origin struck some 26 kilometers northeast of Tulunan in Cotabato at 9:04 a.m.

Phivolcs initially placed the earthquake’s magnitude at 6.4. It had a depth of 7 kilometers.

It said aftershocks and damages from the quake are both possible.

Phivolcs reported the following intensities: * Intensity VII -- Tulunan and Makilala, Cotabato; Kidapawan City;

Malungon, Sarangani * Intensity VI -Davao City; Koronadal City; Cagayan de Oro City * Intensity V -- Tampakan, Surallah and Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Sarangani * Intensity IV -- General Santos City; Kalilangan, Bukidnon * Intensity III -- Sergio Osmeña Sr., Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City; Dipolog City; Molave, Zamboanga del Norte; Talakag, Bukidnon * Intensity I -- Camiguin A series of aftershocks continue to rock these areas, according to Phivolcs. The strongest aftershock was recorded at 10:42 a.m. at magnitude 6.1. (PNA)

4 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

EDITORIAL Keep safe, Davao Davao City has yet to move on from the recent two separate temblors in the past two weeks when Tuesday’s earthquake came. This time, it’s de�initely bigger.

The damages left behind by the magnitude 6.6 quake, although the epicenter is in Tulunan, North Cotabato, is a strong statement that nature’s wrath is stronger than human technology. That no matter how much advances we make in construction, how high we have gone up in building structures, the earth’s movement is still more powerful and that anything that man can build it can destroy.

That’s the fact.

The many structures that were damaged also reverberates with a lesson that there is a need to be stricter in implementing the building code and that building inspections must regularly be made to check on the

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structural integrity.

Of the buildings affected, mostly damaged were school buildings. In nearby Magsaysay, Davao del Sur a student died after getting hit by a fallen debris as part of the school’s second �loor and stairs collapsed. In Davao City, the Public Safety Of�ice reported over 30 buildings damaged, most of these are public school buildings.

Moving forward, the city government has to implement massive building inspections especially the high-rise ones as there could be more damages in structures than has been reported. Damages may not manifest immediately or may even be not visible from the external.

For now, extra caution must be taken by everyone not only from the expected aftershocks but also from the information being shared.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

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HENRYLITO D. TACIO THINK ON THESE!

WHEN ENOUGH IS NOT ENOUGH “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi *** On May 18, 1986, American �inancier Ivan F. Boesky delivered a commencement address at the School of Business Administration of the University of California in Berkeley, and said these words: “Greed is all right, by the way. I think greed is healthy. You can be greedy and still feel good about yourself.”

This statement was later picked up by Oliver Stone in his award-winning �ilm, Wall Street (1987), which was spoken by Gordon Gecko. “The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good,” said Michael Douglas, who portrayed the role and received an Oscar trophy for his tour de force performance. “Greed is right.

Greed works. Greed clari�ies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.”

Christmas is coming and I think the message of Pope Benedict XVI, which he delivered some years back, is timely as ever.

“Wherever the sel�ishness of individuals and groups pre-

vails over the common good,” he said, “may the light of Christmas shine forth and encourage all people to do their part in a spirit of authentic solidarity.”

The pope warned, “If people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart.” The rich people accumulate more wealth while the poor individuals become poorer. “Among the rich, you will never �ind a really generous man even by accident,” wrote G.K. Chesterton in A Miscellany of Men. “They may give their money away, but they will never give themselves away; they are egotistic, secretive, dry as old bones. To be smart enough to get all that money you must be dull enough to want it.”

“What is mine is mine, what is yours is mine, too,” that seems to be the mantra of those who are in power. American comedian and television host Jay Leno points that out. “If you think of life as like a big pie,” he said, “you can try to hold the whole pie and kill yourself trying to keep it, or you can slice it up and give some to the people around you, and you still have plenty left for yourself.”

I came across the story below but couldn’t recall now who wrote it:

A teacher and the school principal were standing near the playground where the children were frolicking to their heart’s content. The teacher asked the latter, “Why is it that everyone wants to be happy, but so few ever are?”

The principal looked at the playground and replied, “Those children seem to be really happy.” The teacher answered back, “Why shouldn’t they be?

All they do is play. But what keeps the adults from being happy like that?”

“The same thing that can keep children from being happy,” the principal said. Then, without saying any word, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a handful of coins, and threw them among the playing children.

Suddenly, all laughter stopped. The children tumbled over one another, fought and argued. The principal told the teacher, “Well, what do you think ended their happiness?”

“The �ighting,” the teacher answered. “And what started their �ighting?” the principal inquired.

“Greed,” the teacher replied.

God created this world for everyone to enjoy. “In this world there’s room for every-

one, and the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone,” said Charlie Chaplin in the movie, The Great Dictator.

“The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Greed has poisoned men’s souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goosestepped us into misery and bloodshed.”

As Seneca pointed out, “To greed, all nature is insuf�icient.”

Why is this so? “Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction,” American psychologist Erich Fromm explained.

This reminds me of the story of Jonathan, the only son of an af�luent family.

When his father died, he inherited all what his parents had and became the heir of the land. But he wasn’t contented; he wanted more land.

Once, a stranger came by, apparently a man of means and power, and offered to give him all the land he could walk around in one day, on condition that he would be back at the spot from which he started by sundown.

Early the next morning, the boy set out, without eating any breakfast or greeting anyone.

His �irst plan was to cover six

square kilometers. When he �inished the �irst six, he decided to make it nine, then twelve, then �ifteen. That meant he would have to walk 60 kilometers before sundown. By noon, he had covered 30 kilometers.

He did not stop for food or drink. His legs grew heavier and heavier.

About 200 yards from the �inish line, Jonathan saw the sun dropping toward the horizon. Only a few minutes left.

He gathered all his energies for that one last effort. He staggered across the line, just in time. Then, he reached for his heart and fell down in a heap – dead. All the land he got was a piece six feet by two.

“From top to bottom of the ladder, greed is aroused without knowing where to �ind ultimate foothold. Nothing can calm it, since its goal is far beyond all it can attain.

Reality seems valueless by comparison with the dreams of fevered imaginations; reality is therefore abandoned,” French sociologist Emile Durkheim reminded.

“The point,” to quote the words of American businessman Donald Trump, who is now the president of the United States, “is that you can’t be too greedy.”

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

CARDINAL TAGLE: “BE ONE WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA” Kaohsiung, Taiwan - Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle encouraged port welfare workers and chaplains to listen to the people of the sea, particularly seafarers and �ishermen, and not merely impose their plans for them.

“It makes a lot of difference to touch the hand of a �isherman/ seafarer , to see their distress, they are not numbers but they are human beings.” Tagle said during his at speech the 2019 World Conference of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Tagle noted that the Church has always acknowledged the role of the people of the sea as the successors of the 12 disciples, mostly �ishermen, who later disseminated his teachings.

“Coming together is not just a strategy but an imperative that comes from discipleship as Christ’s call to working together” Tagle said adding that ICMA members must work and walk together respecting each others gifts and strengths.

“In celebrating the strength and gifts of the other, we cannot

work together if we are threatened by the gifts of others. This has to be mutual,” Tagle added.

In a fragmented and divided society, it is the mission of ICMA to promote unity, peace and tolerance as it is the duty of every chaplain and welfare worker to serve the stakeholders regardless of nationality, religion, culture, gender or ethnic origin.

ICMA is a free association of 29 charitable organisations working for the welfare of seafarers, �ishers and their families.

These organisations represent various Christian churches and communities that operate in more than 400 seafarers’ centres in more than 100 countries.

ICMA was founded in 1969 to encourage collaboration and mutual assistance among seafarers’ ministry organisations.

Some of the members organizations of ICMA include Apostleship of the Sea (AoS), Mission to Seafarers, Sailor Society, German Seemannsmission, among others.

“Greatest of gifts is love, without love the many gifts present in community might be misused

I may have the gift of healing. But if I do it without love I could use it to promote myself” Tagle said.

Pope Francis earlier said in his video message that the port welfare workers must “help the people of the sea to know Jesus Christ and to live according to His teachings”.

Pope Francis stressed that without seafarers, the global economy would come to a standstill; and without �ishermen, many parts of the world would starve.

The international shipping industry is the life blood of the global economy as it is responsible for the carriage of around 90% of world trade.

However, Pope Francis said that they face the seafaring dangers of storms and piracy, long periods of time away from their families and working conditions that are often harsh and low-paying.

“With compassion and discretion, you give them a chance to pour out their hearts”, Pope Francis earlier said In another statement adding that listening to the people of the sea and

to their material and spiritual needs is part of the ministry.

Cardinal Tagle also acknowledged the presence at the conference of the Filipino �ishermen who survived the October 1 incident where six �ishermen -- three Indonesians and three Filipinos -- were killed when the port bridge came crashing down onto the boats below. The incident also left 18 migrant �ishermen, 14 Filipino and 4 Indonesian homeless.

As of the end of April, there were 12,406 migrant �ishermen in Taiwan where 12,383 work on �ishing boats, while 23 are employed at �ish farms.

The Philippines earlier hosted in 2016 the ICMA “Training and Immersion Course” for workers serving seafarers from the Philippines which allowed participants to gain a �irst-hand knowledge of Filipino seafarers’ social and cultural background and other institutions in the Filipino maritime sector.

Due to the high number of Filipino seafarers who visit port based welfare centres around the world, the course gave ship visitors and port based welfare

providers the opportunity to learn more about the community of Filipino seafarers so as to better serve them.

China, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Russian Federation and Ukraine are estimated to be the �ive largest supply countries for all seafarers (of�icers and ratings).

To date, the Philippines is the biggest supplier of ratings while China is the biggest supplier of of�icers.

It is estimated that there is one Filipino seafarer for every four to �ive complements on board a vessel at any time.

The estimated 337,502 deployed Filipino seafarers in 2018 remitted $6.14 billion or around P318.55 billion. The seabased sector’s remittances comprise at least 22% of the total dollar remittances of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). *** Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law of�ices. For comments, email info@sapalovelez. com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786).

6 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

RCBC, Bayad Center merge mobile payment solutions

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New Hope Precision Agriculture Corp. chief executive officer Anthony Tan shows an audio visual presentation of one of the models of drone being used to spray fruit trees and bananas which could help farmers and growers during this week's Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr

Gov't to nearly triple local rice purchases

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he government will nearly treble rice purchases from local farmers this year, of�icials said on Monday, after it rejected a proposal last week to impose safeguard duty.

The National Food Authority (NFA) said it will now buy up to 1.14 million tonnes of unmilled rice from local farmers, who

were hurt by the removal of quantitative import restrictions, compared with the previous target of 389,000 tonnes.

The state-run agency's purchases this year have already exceeded half of the new target, spokeswoman Rebecca Olarte said.

NFA also said it has been authorized by its

council to buy the staple grain at 19 pesos ($0.37) per kilogram, from 17 pesos previously, and sell them to retailers at 23 pesos per kg, reduced from 25 pesos.

The announcement comes after Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said on Friday that the "foolhardy idea" of im-

posing safeguard duty on rice imports, which could push up in�lation, has been dropped.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar had pushed for the safeguard duty to be imposed on top of existing tariffs, as proposed by some farmers' groups, to ease the pain of local pro-

GOV’T, P9

izal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) has partnered with payment platform CIS Bayad Center Inc. for the integration of basic account, lending, and Malayan insurance products into Bayad Center’s mobile application.

Bayad Center’s customer base of over 10 million will be able to access basic banking transactions such as savings account, loan application, travel, and health and personal accident insurance.

“This synergy is … a milestone, a reality that would redound to the bene�it of all the unbanked and underserved Filipinos. We are committed in making this a huge success,” said Eugene Acevedo, RCBC president and CEO. “This strategic collaboration with RCBC complements our digital agenda focused on purposeful automation and transformation. All these digital �inancial services such as savings, lending, and insurance would complete our compelling proposition to our customers nationwide,” said Ray Espinosa, Bayad Center chairman and Meralco president and CEO. The partnership covers the cash-in and cash-out facility of RCBC’s DiskarTech in Bayad Center’s 34,000 touchpoints, the deployment of RCBC’s mobile ATM in select 500 Bayad

Center branches catering to conditional cash transfer bene�iciaries, and the Bankard-Bayad Center card, the s �irst utility credit card for enrolling automatic payment of customer’s monthly bills.

Over 2,000 billers of Bayad Center will be available in the bank’s mobile app, online banking, and Diskartech.

RCBC said it will also utilize the alternative credit scoring algorithm for newto-credit Filipinos enabling Bayad Center app users to quickly avail of affordable and immediate access to credit, in compliance with data privacy laws.

Credit decisions will be done using the customer’s utility bill payment behavior upon his or her consent.

“This shared vision of providing more innovative and creative ways for Filipinos to have better access to �inancial services with Bayad Center accelerates our goal of having a �inancially inclusive nation,” said RCBC chief innovations and inclusion of�icer Lito Villanueva.

“Together with RCBC, we are able to provide the luxury of convenience for providing a whole suite of digital �inancial services beyond payments by utilizing the next-generation mobile payment application,” Bayad Center president and CEO Manny Tuason said.

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 7

BPI-Philam presents P3.4M, gadget donations to Philam Foundation

B

PI-Philam Life Assurance Corp.

(BPLAC), the leading bancassurance company in the country[1], recently presented a cash donation worth P3.4 million and handed over 200 iPads to Philam Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Philam Group.

“We at BPI-Philam, in partnership with Philam Foundation, are passionate about empowering Filipinos by bringing quality education, �inancial literacy, and healthcare to underprivileged youth and other communities in need across the country. This donation reinforces our commitment to this advocacy

and re�lects our support to Philam Foundation and all of its programs,” said Surendra Menon, BPLAC CEO and Philam Foundation Executive Director.

The cash donation is expected to reach marginalized sectors and the common Filipino through Philam Foundation’s three main programs—Philam

Paaralan, Philam SAVES, and ALPHA (Alliance for the Philippines’ Health and Advocacy) with initiatives involving quality education, �inancial literacy, and hospital-based health programs.

The 200 iPads, together with 18 desktop computers from Philam Life, meanwhile, were donated by Philam Foundation to Sandiwaan Center for Learning (SCL), a technology-based learning center that provides education to out-ofschool youth. SCL equips its students with technopreneurial knowledge and skills, from basic computer literacy to robotics through alternative teaching and learning methodologies.

the seven-day facility was offered for PHP20 billion and was fully awarded after tenders reached PHP32.563 billion.

The 14-day facility was also fully awarded at PHP30 billion even as the bids were only slightly higher than the offer at PHP30.24 billion.

On the other hand, the 28-day facility was undersubscribed at PHP37.686 billion against the

PHP40-billion offer.

The overall decline in TDF offerings this week may be attributed to monetary of�icials’ liquidity forecast ahead of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.

In the past, monetary of�icials said TDF tenders were low ahead of the holidays because banks intend to keep their funds to be able to cater to their clients’ needs. (PNA)

BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corp. (BPLAC) Executive Director and CEO Surendra Menon (left) turns over the check for P3.4 million to Philam Foundation President and CEO Max Ventura.

BSP cuts volume of term deposits offering

T

he Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) lowered by PHP10 billion its term deposit facility (TDF) offering this week to PHP80 billion relative to the previous week’s offer.

Data released by the central bank showed the seven-day and 28-day facilities will be offered for PHP30 billion, while the 14-day facility will be offered for PHP20 billion.

In last week’s auction,

Sandiwaan Center for Learning Executive Director Fr. Benigno Beltran, SVD (second from left) receives technological equipment donations from BPLAC CEO Surendra Menon (second from right). Also present in

the turnover ceremony are Philam Foundation President and CEO Max Ventura (leftmost) and Philam Life Chief Legal Officer Carla Domingo (rightmost).

8 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

Security Bank and St. Luke’s Medical Center Foundation, Inc. held a fundraising concert together with the Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY). OFY is the main performing arm of Ang Misyon, a nonprofit organization working towards creating a better Philippines by teaching orchestral music to the youth. This 50-piece ensemble of gifted young musicians comes from mostly less-privileged families across Luzon and Visayas. Guests

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

were treated to an evening filled with a repertoire of classical and pop music led by OFY and their renowned Venezuelan conductor Joshua Dos Santos as well as guest artist Cris Villonco. Entire proceeds from the show will benefit the indigent patients under the Medical Social Service Program and underserved communities around the country.

earns P32B Rain, tremor failed to stop BDO in Jan-Sept 2019 Sambuokan’s Indak-Indak B

D

espite the heavy downpour just as entry number 1 was about to start, Sambuokan Festival’s Indak-Indak pushed on.

Hours earlier, the City of Mati also felt the 6.6 magnitude quake that struck most parts of Mindanao.

The strong tremor and the aftershocks plus the heavy rain however failed to dampen the Sambuokan vibe of the Matinians and visitors who trooped to the FGR Park and Baywalk to witness the street dancing competition participated in by 13 different schools in the city.

After more than fours hours of dancing, chanting and singing, the Matiao Central Elementary School (MCES) in the Elementary Level Category proved to be the team to beat as they won the top spot and bagged two other special awards.

MCES went home

with P100,000 in cash for the championship and additional cash prize of P10,000 for each of the special awards Best in Musicality and Best in Costume and Props.

Second placer with P75,000 is Don Luis Rabat Sr. Elementary School.

RAIN, P10

DO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) delivered P32.1 billion in net income for the �irst nine months of the year compared to P21.5 billion a year-ago, largely driven by the expansion in the Bank’s recurring core revenues. The 9M19 net income translates to a Return on Common Equity (ROCE) of 12.5 per cent, compared to 9.5 per cent in 9M18.

Customer loans in-

creased by six (6) per cent year-on-year (yoy) to P2.1 trillion, led by the sustained growth in the middle-market and consumer segments.

Meanwhile, total deposits went up by three (3) per cent to P2.4 trillion, with low-cost Current Account/Savings Account (CASA) deposits increasing by six (6) per cent and accounting for 72 per cent of total deposits.

BDO, P10

INdulge!

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

STYLE

WEAR YOUR BEST AND WALK DOWN THE AISLE IN

COCOMELODY FINDING a wedding dress can be a frustrating and difficult task for brides-to-be. And the dress must be perfect, exuding allure and elegance in the cut, fit, color, fabric, and embellishments. With Cocomelody’s exquisite collections, every bride can confidently say “I do” in a wedding gown that makes her feel extraordinary.

Cocomelody is a global bridal brand that has long been providing the widest selection of custom-made gowns. The brand employs professional in-house fashion designers and over 100 sample makers and seamstresses to turn our clients’ creative visions into the gowns of their dreams.

THE PROCESSION With so many styles, fabrics, and silhouettes to choose from, Cocomelody makes the choice easy.

Brides can browse through the stylish, high-quality dresses in-store or online, at their convenience. Exceptional service awaits the graceful bride in the physical store, as she tries on our sample dresses, getting a sense of their look, feel, and quality. And for the busy modern woman, she can shop online while on-the-go. Once selected, the dress is ordered to the bride’s specifications and will be delivered in 2-3 months.

THE VOW Every bride deserves all the love and happiness, as she enters a lifelong commitment to love one man. Cocomelody values this important milestone

and promises to assist every bride’s needs with utmost care.

Internationally renowned Filipino designer Puey Quiñones, who is the Creative Director of Cocomelody, knows the most flattering silhouette for a bride’s figure, while properly reflecting her personality. He has trained our stylists to do the same. Feel like a queen in one of our high-quality, budgetfriendly bridal gowns: Classic, Grace Luxury, Lily White, LB Studio, Fall Collection by Puey Quiñones, and Bohemian Nomad Collection.

For the elegant and traditional bride, we suggest the Classic collection. Inspired by British royal weddings and old Hollywood films, fine silks, Chantilly laces, and forgiving stretch crepes create the timeless and

COCOMELODY A4

EDGED

A2 INdulge!

EVENT

UP AND ABOUT

A HALLOWEEN MONSTER BASH

WHO said all monsters are scary? Not by Park Inn by Radisson Davao that celebrated the Halloween Monster Bash at the RBG Bar & Grill last October 26, 2019.

The spooktacular party was attended by more than a hundred kids and kids-at-heart who had their Saturday family bonding in the hotel. They came in their hippest spooky outfits that wowed the crowd.

Dabawenyo families got a thrill out of the party’s line-up starting with games that energized the tots.

Then, everyone had their eyes and ears on the amusing puppet show that engaged the crowd. This was followed by the Costume Contest where kids and an adult with the best costumes took home prizes.

Of course, each one had their share of sweets in the Trick-or-Treat! Our warm staff from the RBG Bar & Grill, Front Desk, and Pool Lounge gave out the goodies.

Guests enjoyed more their afternoon with RBG Bar & Grill’s Halloween bento specials. Kids feasted on their chicken fingers, mummy sausages, spaghetti and Shirley Temple drink. Adults had mummy sausages, spaghetti, chicken buffalo wings, chicken puttanesca, and Dark Matter drink. In between the feast and fun, families dropped by our ice cream trolley and facepainting corner. The Halloween Monster Bash was truly filled with a spooktacular family bonding at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

REDD RedDoorz, Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing hotel management and booking platform, is now the leading hotel chain in the country with the most number of hotel properties across the country.

The industry’s leading affordable hotel chain credits its award winning technology that provides business solutions to generate more partner hotels that are strategically located in major central business districts and key cities all over the country. RedDoorz has also produced both loyal and new customers who are on the lookout for deals and cost efficient arrangements, solutions to the traffic situation and opportunities to travel and enjoy new experiences.

RedDoorz, now has more than 200 hotels in more than 20 different cities nationwide, providing standardized hotel experience for domestic and international travelers. When it started Philippine operations in October 2018, the hotel chain was operating with less than a hundred properties.

A year later it has experienced 300% growth, with total number of employees increasing from just around 50 employees in 2018 to 200 at present.

It is targeting 300-plus properties, 30 plus cities, 300 direct employees and 3,000 indirect hotel staff by the end of 2019.

RedDoorz has been disrupting the hotel and hospitality sector in Southeast Asia since the company was formed in 2015. With RedDoorz’s presence in major cities in the country including Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Tagaytay, the company focuses on opening new properties in tourist-

NOW LEA AFFORDA CHAINS

heavy destinations especially for the upcoming holidays in areas like Boracay, Bohol, Antique, Capiz, Dumaguete, Palawan, Tacloban, and other key cities in Visayas and Mindanao before the year ends - whereas RedDoorz Philippines also plays to be the leading local tourism driver as they cater to both domestic and international travelers from across different strata and for various reasons.

“We can say that about 90% of RedDoorz customers are domestic travelers. Most of them travel to and from Manila or Davao or any other cities in the Philippines for business as well as travelers who wants access to nearby tourist areas. We also observed that our customers who are usually booking rooms in the city wants to lessen stress especially because of traffic... or even booking our hotels to be able to do more lifestyle activities and spend more time for important moments with family and friends. We want to

be in every relevant street corner in the Philippines,” RedDoorz Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications Liviu Nedef bared in an intimate media engagement in Makati last Thursday.

Nedef noted that more and more commuters and city workers are booking rooms in conveniently located, affordable hotels because of the traffic. “As travel time gets longer and traffic situations looks more unpredictable, we are observing that the majority of our consumers try to save time and money by just booking accommodations in the city. Instead of going through a 3-hour per way commute time, booking a hotel can be more practical especially if they have our app which definitely offers more affordable rates..” said Nedef.

“And interestingly, that has led to greater demand for our hotel accommodations.”

Nedef explained that RedDoorz does

not own t ners with tions to pr gy and ma that all Re provide st amenities ers can ch hotel categ Doorz Sta and RedD category o value serv All RedDo tee simple - from cle free Wi-Fi and bottle ally associ RedDoorz fective but convenien ers - being choice of t Nedef said

EDAVAO

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VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

ONE OF THE BAES TOPPLES COMPETITION, RECORDS HIGHEST RATINGS TO DATE

DOORZ

ADS IN THE DABLE HOTEL S CATEGORY

he hotel properties but partexisting hospitality institurovide them with technoloarketing strategies to ensure edDoorz partner properties tandardized services and s at affordable costs. Travelhoose from three different gories ranging from Redandard to RedDoorz Plus Doorz Premium, with each offering a varying degree of vices for all guests. oorz partner hotels guarane but essential traveler needs ean rooms, clean bed sheets, i connectivity, to toiletries ed water - perks not usuiated with affordable hotels. z not only makes it cost efut ensures standardized and nt app usage for consumg RedDoorz as the brand of traveling Filipinos. d RedDoorz’s popularity

highly stems from its award-winning technology that is continuously being upgraded to understand demands, pricing algorithms, make hotel management easier for partners, and bookings efficient for different consumer journeys. Recently recognized as the top travel app, the RedDoorz app has made a massive impact in the travel and hospitality industry. “We are continually thinking of ways to make the travel experience easier and accessible to more and more people from different walks of life. We want to heavily contribute on changing and uplifting lifestyles whether it may be for business or leisure travels.” said Liviu.

RedDoorz’s presence in many cities and towns for sure has helped spike local tourism and has benefited local government revenues as RedDoorz supports and acts upon the growing unique rates of domestic and inbound tourism.

MORE and more viewers are going crazy over the adorable love team of RitKen—Rita Daniela and Ken Chan—as Jowalyn Biglangdapa and Grant Altamirano, while enjoying the timeless comedic touch of Roderick Paulate as Paps Fernando in the hit primetime series One of the Baes.

The millennial fairy tale is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the primetime block as it continues to draw in more viewers every night.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s overnight ratings data for October 25, One of the Baes toppled competition after it recorded a people rating of 9.4 percent in National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM), beating the rival program Killer Bride which only managed to get 7.7 percent.

The win sets another record for One of the Baes after its remarkable triumph against its counterpart last October 24 with a people rating of 9.0 percent against Killer Bride’s 7.8 percent.

Since its pilot airing last month, the GMA Public Affairs teleserye has been winning the hearts of viewers despite its schedule, which usually sees the number of television viewers declining from the earlier time slots.

The first-ever primetime series of the RitKen love team, One of the Baes not only pays tribute to Filipino seafarers but also empowers women through the story of Jowa (Rita) who is bent on making waves to achieve her dream of becoming a ship captain. It also touches on protecting the seas through the character of Grant (Grant), a rich yet kindhearted environmental vlogger.

The Jowa-Grant love story continues to draw in fans who cannot get

enough of the natural chemistry of the Rita and Ken. Just recently, the two Kapuso actors were conferred the “Power Tandem of the Year” award by the 33rd Star Awards for TV. Every night, viewers take it to social media to express their ‘kilig’ over their characters in One of the Baes.

Viewers and netizens have also been raving about the classic comedic prowess of Roderick Paulate as Paps, who made his television comeback as Jowa’s adoptive father in the series. In fact, prior to the show’s pilot airing, one of his scenes in the program had set the internet abuzz, getting 1 million views just a few days after it was uploaded. This was followed by more videos and memes that also drew million views as of this writing.

The fun, romantic series is further highlighted by the colorful characters

There’s a new shoe brand waiting for you at The SM Store.

Check out Dr. Martens, the original iconic English footwear that is stylish and functional, at the First Level of the SM Store SM City Davao.

Choose from classic shoe designs and a range of accessories to keep your Dr. Martens in tip top form.

of Jo (Amy Austria), Francis Aragoza (Tonton Gutierrez), Alona Aragoza (Melanie Marquez), and Steve Altamirano (Jestoni Alarcon). Joining the veteran actors are Maureen Larrazabal, Edgar Allan Guzman, Rodjun Cruz, and Joyce Ching together with the hilarious ensemble of Archie Alemania, Buboy Villar, Kenneth Medrano, and James Teng.

More existing twists await viewers in One of the Baes. This week, Paps will discover that Jowa already knows about his secret. Will he also reveal to Jowa her true identity?

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

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

STYLE

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

A4 INdulge!

COCOMELODY A1

A4 INdulge!

sophisticated look.

For the glamorous and luxurious bride, we recommend the Grace Luxury Line.

Every single piece in this collection looks as though it fell out of a book of fairytales — mermaid, fluffy skirts, and intricate details, add a sense of drama and fantasy to the wedding.

For the carefree and outgoing bride, we suggest the Lily White collection. Inspired by the motion of air — soft, flowy, and easy, the gowns are embellished with delicate laces and illusion tulles. These blush and pastel-colored dresses are picture perfect for garden, beach, destination, or even cliffside weddings.

For the romantic bride, we recommend the LB Studio designer wedding dress

collection. With the extensive use of lace and tulle, these dresses are made to perfection, which is no wonder why this is one of Cocomelody’s most beloved collections of designer wedding dresses.

SEALED WITH A KISS A beautiful wedding dress is often something our brides have been dreaming of since girlhood. Cocomelody wants to help make that dream a reality. And just like the moment everyone is waiting for — the bride and groom’s first kiss as a married couple — the journey to finding that perfect wedding dress can be just as magical.

Cocomelody’s bridal boutique store is located at Bel-Air, Makati City with telephone numbers: 02-2755282/+63 9162163147 or you can visit www.cocomVOL.12 VOL.12 ISSUE ISSUE 9484 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY JULY 19-20, 5-6, 2019 elody.ph.

EDGEDAVAO DAVAO EDGE

UP AND FURNITURE A1 ABOUTa silly method but for EJ and

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

9

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of

Accounting Clerks

An injured woman is carried to a stretcher by medical personnel to the emergency room of the M'lang District Hospital after she sustained injuries from the magnitude 6.6 earthquake in Mlang, North Cotabato.

(From the Public Information and Inquiry Page Davao City)

LIKE MASSIVE... FROM1 diately condemn the area and not allow students to use the same.

She added that the suspension of classes tomorrow (Oct. 30), shall be on a case to case basis and shall depend on the individual schools' announcement.

Still reeling from the October 16 magnitude 6.3 temblor and hundreds of aftershocks that followed, Davao City experienced the "biggest" in recent memory leaving some 35 structures damaged including a high-rise building and a shopping mall.

According to Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center, a crack damaged the façade of the 10-storey Felcris Centrale, a mixed-use building with a call center and mall at the second �loor while major cracks were also reported from the Gaisano Grand Mall in Toril.

As of noon, on Tuesday, there were no reported casualties in Davao City but elsewhere in separate locations, the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported at least �ive persons dead and dozens others injured (see separate story on page 2).

Around Davao City, moderate cracks were reported in Erico National High School, a minor damage to Deco Arts in Ecoland, collapsed stall inside Toril Public Market, and some cracks reported in Bolton Bridge Southbound lane.

There were also social media posts of the inclined building of Oroderm City Complex along C.M Rec-

RAIN...

FROM 2 January 12, 1987 to April 7, 1995. There has been no Moro Justice in the SC in the past 24 years.

Hataman added that

PH-CHINA...

FROM 3 in the basis of whether it is to our interest and whether or not it will boost the development leading to the progress of this land,” Panelo said.

Last September, Panelo said Duterte is not setting aside the arbitral ruling in favor of a joint oil exploration with China.

Panelo said the President would rather focus

to Street but its president and CEO Neil Oropeza denied these reports saying it is the building's featured architectural design.

Dr. Neil Oropeza, President and CEO of Oroderm City said in a statement: "Oroderm City has been inspected by our team.

We have not suffered any structural defects nor has the building inclined to one side. The picture shown on viral photos is just the yellow aluminum cladding extending on our other building."

According to PSSCC, structures reported to have minor cracks on walls initially were the following: Tacunan Elementary School, Tacunan National High School, Mintal Comperehensive High School, Mintal Elementary School, Calinan Elementary School, Calinan High School, Matina Pangi Elementary School, UM, Maa, Maa National High School, Palmeto Building, Barangay Maa, A�lect Elementary School, Barangay Panacan, Corquera Elementary School, Barangay, Wilfredo Aquino Elementary School, Wilfredo Aquino Barangay Hall, Tagurano Barangay Hall, Lots for Less, Matina Aplaya, SPED Bangkal, Matina Biao, Matina Biao High School, Gumalang Elementary School, Talomo Elementary School, Dona Carmen National High School, USEP Obrero, and Holy Cross of Mintal, Senior High Building 3rd Floor.

A massive rapid assessment conducted by CDRRMO in coordination with CEO Safety engineers

to assess buildings noted with damages.

The Metrobank building in R. Magsaysay Avenue incurred broken windows.

As soon as the earthquake happened, Metrobank personnel implemented the bank's emergency preparedness plan.

Metrobank Davao immediately issued a statement to its clients that structural engineers will be conducting safety inspections at all branches within Davao City.

In Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, a 15-year-old student died after being hit with a concrete debris after hit with earthquake on Tuesday morning.

The victim was identi�ied as Jessyryl Reil Farva, Grade 9 of Kasuga National High School. The information was bared by its School-in-charge Juland Domingo in an interview with local reporters.

Domingo said Farva along with other students came from their break since it was their exam day when the quake hit around 9:00 a.m.

He said the students were immediately evacuated in their ground but while going down the stairs a debris coming from the newly completed fell into Farva's head.

Farva was rushed to Viacrusis Medical Hospital in the town of Bansalan but was referred to Southern Philippines Medical Center due to severe wound sustained.

But, upon reaching Barangu Binugao in Toril, Davao City, the victim was declared dead past 10:00 a.m.

Duterte’s appointment of a Moro justice would “signify compliance, although coming very late, with an unenforced provision in the

ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) law for the appointment of a Muslim jurist coming from the region.”

on the other concerns that may mutually bene�it the two countries.

He also assured that the government will always consider what is bene�icial to the Philippines in so far as the terms of reference on the joint oil exploration.

The Philippines and China signed a memorandum of agreement on joint oil exploration in the West

Philippine Sea during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2018.

In an interview over ANC, Robredo said although a joint exploration is allowed under the Constitution, it should be one of the Philippines' "most basic demands" for China to recognize ownership and sovereignty before any contracts are signed. (PNA)

Qualifications: • BS Accountancy / Accounting Technology Graduate or any business related courses • Male/Female • Can work with minimum supervision • With or without experience

Account Executives Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate or any related courses • Male/Female • With pleasing personality • With or without experience and willing to be trained

Social Media Lead Qualifications: • Candidate must be creative and enjoys social media • Experience in creating social media post for news, business and organization • Good command of English • Experience in graphic design is a plus Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

GOV’T...

FROM 6 ducers hit by a surge in rice imports.

The Southeast Asian nation, which is one of the world's biggest rice importers and often buys grains from its neighbors Vietnam and Thailand, lifted a two-decade-old cap on purchases early this year and replaced it with tariffs.

The policy shift has led

to unhampered rice importation by the private sector, with this year's purchases seen reaching a record annual volume of more than 3 million tonnes, way beyond what the country needs to �ill the supply gap.

While that helped bring down retail prices and ease in�lation to the lowest in nearly three years in

September, from its peak in almost a decade last year, farmers suffered as farmgate prices plunged.

The fall in farmgate prices is not a nationwide concern, however, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, saying those in central and southern Philippines in particular "seem to be holding up".

built the lead to as many as 26 points before taking a 103-79 lead after three quarters.

The �inal margin was more respectable thanks to a 44-point fourth quarter fueled primarily by

New Orleans’ bench.

The Warriors got off to a much faster start than they did in a 120-98 loss at Oklahoma City a day earlier. They fell behind the Thunder 15-3, but scored the �irst seven

points against the Pelicans and held a 27-23 lead after one quarter.

Golden State built the lead to 20 points midway through the second quarter before taking a 72-55 halftime lead.

bas graceful ang mga galaw ni Jerwin."

By graceful, the coach meant perfect timing and delivery of punches. "'Pag mas graceful at �luid ang galaw niya, mas perfect ang timing, perfect ang delivery, accuracy, pati power," he said.

Jimenez added that they based their strategy on Rodriguez's movements and his tendencies on the ring. "Pinag-aralan namin ng husto ang magiging posibling gagawin ng kalaban, nere-review namin palagi."

Regarding weight, Team Ancajas is con�ident he will be able to comfort-

ably make the 115-pound limit. With the help of nutrition expert Jeaneth Aro, Ancajas has been tapering down steadily.

"Masigla at nasa condition siya. Hindi po manghihina dahil maganda ang programa ni Ma’am Jeaneth. Normal na normal at ang mood ay masiyahin," he said.

The Mexican challenger Rodriguez, meantime, is touted as a live-wire opponent whose last opponent, former two-time world title challenger Felipe Orucuta, suffered near-fatal injuries after their battle.

In preparing for Ro-

driguez, the southpaw Ancajas (31-1-2, 21 KOs) has so far logged in 27 sparring rounds at their training camp located inside the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales.

Ancajas has been training at the NETC with the approval and support of rear admiral and �lag of�ice-in-command Robert Empedrad in coordination with Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe and Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad.

Ancajas, 27, is a reservist with the Philippine Navy where he was recently promoted to reserve senior chief petty of�icer.

WARRIORS... FROM11

GRACEFUL... FROM12

10 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

PRECISION FARMING: ANSWER TO LOOMING FOOD INSECURITY?

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“Y

ou cannot and should not impose technological solutions on farmers.

On the contrary, the solutions that industry must �ind should focus on the farmer and the people.” – Dr. David Benell, Manager – Food, Land and Water, World Business Council for Sustainable Development *** United Nations demographers predict that the 2017 global population of 7.6 billion is expected to grow to 8.6 billion by 2030 and 9.8 billion by 2050 – an increase of 13% and 29%, respectively. Despite falling global fertility rates, some 8.3 million people are born in the world each year.

“While the population continues to increase, the availability of arable land is decreasing,” says a new study released by Roland Berger, the only leading global consultancy of German heritage and European origin which was founded in 1967.

Quoting a report from the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, soil destruction is caused mainly by chemical-heavy farming methods, deforestation, and global warming.

“Since three centimeters of topsoil take 1,000 years to develop, our current rate of replenishment is unsustainable,” the study said. “Given the rate of population growth, the amount of arable and productive land per person by 2050 would equal only a quarter of the total available land in 1960.”

Consumers, on the other hand, demand ecological farming practices and sustainable food. How can the world feed the forthcoming almost 10 billion mouths if these issues and concerns are not met?

Are there ways to solve the impending problem? Some people claim conventional agriculture and organic farming are not the possible solution.

There are those who are against with biotechnology as genetically modi�ied organisms are not riskfree.

“Farmers, as the original custodians of the land, understand these challenges as well,” the study pointed out. “In the midst of all this upheaval, however, farmers are getting older. They are �inding it increasingly dif�icult to �ind and keep labor to support them in the �ield. They are often under �inancial pressure.”

The study recognizes that there’s no bullet to address the challenges the world is facing in terms of food security. “No magic wand we can wave to ensure everyone has bountiful, nourishing food on the table,” it said.

So, how can the world increase food production and yet protect the environment that can sustain food production? It’s possible by adopting modern farming techniques.

“Modern technologies can help: digitalized systems can detect disease in farm animals at an early stage, for example, or enable farmers to spray fertilizer exactly where it needs to be, measures that can improve operating performance all round,” the study said.

The new study entitled, Farming 4.0: How precision agriculture might save the world, talks about using new hardware and software to respond to the challenges agricultural production is facing today.

“With the use of webbased technologies, current agriculture is moving away from smallholder farming towards precision farming,” the study ex-

plained. “Precision farming is a collective term for new production and management techniques in agriculture.

“Using the technical means available today, it is possible to develop a highly ef�icient, site-adapted style of farming that is signi�icantly more ef�icient than conventional agriculture,” the study said.

Precision agriculture came into existence with the introduction of GPS guidance for tractors in the early 1990s, and the adoption of this technology is now so widespread globally that it’s probably the most commonly-used example of precision agriculture today.

“John Deere was the �irst to introduce this technology using GPS location data from satellites,” says Remi Schmaltz is chief executive of�icer of Decisive Farming, a Canadian software program for farms offering precision agronomics, data management, crop marketing, and telematics services.

“A GPS-connected controller in a farmer’s tractor automatically steers the equipment based on the coordinates of a �ield. This reduces steering errors by drivers and therefore any overlap passes on the �ield.”

“Precision farming is the future, there is no chance to put this genie back in the bottle,” says Dr. David Benell, food, land and water manager of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

“Feeding 10 billion people in a healthy manner cannot be done with existing farming technologies.”

In precision farming, technology solutions include a vast range of applications such as the management of �leets, drones and data, farm management (soil, seed, crop health and pest monitor-

Third placer is Rabat Rocamora Mati Central Sped School with P50,000 in cash prize.

For the Secondary and Tertiary Level Category, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy was ddclared champion with P100,000 cash prize plus another P10,000 prize for the Best in Musicality special award.

Second placer is Mati National Comprehensive High School with P75,000 cash prize plus another P10,000 for Best in Costume and Props.

Third prize of P50,000 went to Dawan National High School.

For the consolation prize, each losing team were given P10,000 cash.

Aside from the cash prizes, the City of Mati LGU under Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat also gave a �inancial assistance of P100,000 to each of the 13 participating schools for their props, costumes and other equipments.

Below are the names of the participating schools: 1. Mayor Santiago Garcia Memorial School 2. Dawan National High School 3. Mati Doctors College 4. City of Mati National

High School 5. Matiao National High School 6. Rabat Rocamora Mati Central Sped School 7. Matiao Central Elementary School 8. Benito G. Rabat Executive Elementary School 9.

Rabat-Rocamora Mati Central Elementary School I 10. Badas Elementary School 11. Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy 12. Don Luis Rabat Sr. Memorial School 13. Mati National Comprehensive High School (CIO MATI)

RAIN... FROM8

Organic Farming ing), prescriptive seeding and spraying, implement and row guidance systems, vertical farming, and hydro/aeroponics.

Smart management systems not only minimize business risks, they also protect livestock and the environment. “Precision farming is therefore a growth market that is set to increase in volume by nearly 13% a year in the period leading up to 2021,” the study predicted.

“While precision agriculture principles have been around for more than 25 years, it’s only been over the past decade that they have become mainstream due to technological advancements and the adoption of other, broader technologies,” Schmaltz wrote.

“The adoption of mobile devices, access to high-speed internet, low cost and reliable satellites – for positioning and imagery — and farm equipment that’s optimized for precision agriculture by the manufacturer, are some of the key technol-

ogies characterizing the trend for precision agriculture,” he added.

Some experts have suggested that more than 50% of today’s farmers use at least one precision farming practice.

“The technological change facing the farming industry is less of a focus for the public at large, but it's just as radical as the transformation taking place in the automotive industry,” said Wilfried Aulbur, partner at Roland Berger. “But every individual can make a contribution: by living a sustainable lifestyle now, for example by cutting the amount of waste we each produce, we can all help ensure that we have a future worth living for.”

Wilhelm Uffelmann, another partner at Roland Berger, has the same opinion. “Many farmers are traditionally risk averse and lack the �inancial resources to drive the transformation alone,” he said. “That is why they need to involve partners from other parts of the value chain in their

transformation, such as agricultural machinery makers.”

Cooperation is particularly important when it comes to precision farming – both with other agribusiness �irms and with innovative startups. Because one thing is clear, says Uffelmann: “By failing to modernize, farmers will be jeopardizing their position in the market.”

Now is the time for precision farming. The study concluded: “Precision agriculture is undergoing rapid transformation from both a product and a service perspective.

Technology disruptions, business model transformations, and organizational changes are all creating an exciting but challenging opportunity.

“In truth, many agricultural companies are facing the same kind of pressure as cash-strapped and traditionally riskaverse farmers,” it added.

“Obviously, the required investments, technological uncertainty, and organizational risks are high.”

Net Interest Income (NII) increased to P88.5 billion, with net interest margins (NIMs) further improving in 3Q19.

Non-interest Income went up to P44.1 billion, led by fee-based income and insurance premiums which accelerated by 14 per cent and 23 per cent to P25.4 billion and P10.8 billion, respectively. Trading and foreign exchange gains in 3Q19 amounted to P690 million from P1.0 billion year-ago.

However, the trading and forex gains of P4.3 billion for the nine-month period re�lects a normalized level compared to 2018, where a more volatile environment

prevailed. As such, gross operating income rose to P132.6 billion.

Operating expenses rose by 20 per cent to P85.8 billion given the Bank’s continuing expansion as well as increased volume-related expenses (e.g., taxes and licenses and policy reserves at BDO Life were up by an aggregate 42 per cent). Excluding volume-related expenses, operating expenses would have risen by 14 per cent.

Provisions amounted to P4.2 billion as the Bank maintained its conservative credit and provisioning policies. Gross non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was steady at 1.2 per cent, while NPL

cover remained high at 168.2 per cent.

The Bank’s capital base increased to P364.0 billion, with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) improving to 13.1 per cent and 14.6 per cent, and remaining comfortably above the current regulatory minimum under the Basel III framework.

With its focused growth strategy, strong business franchise, solid balance sheet and extensive geographic reach, the Bank remains solidly positioned to capitalize on the country’s solid economic pace and growth opportunities in underserved and emerging markets.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

HALLOWEEN POUND WORKOUT. Arcadia Fitness Gym will stage a special Halloween POUND workout on Thursday, October 31, with potluck food and drinks to share. Participants may come in costume and win prizes. Each gym member can bring one non-gym member to join Pound & Pour with Pound Pro instructor Emily

Triggs. Plus, non-gym members may get exclusive gym membership discounts upon sign up on the day. The workout is limited to the first 28 registrants.

Warriors pull past Pelicans for first win

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tephen Curry scored 26 points and Draymond Green had a triple-double as the visiting Golden State Warriors defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 134-123 in a matchup of winless teams on Monday night.

The �ive-time defending Western Conference champion Warriors began the season with losses to the Clippers and Thunder by an average of 23.5 points, but they were sharp from the beginning against the Pelicans, who

had lost their �irst three games by an average of just six points.

Green had 16 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists, D’Angelo Russell scored 24 points, Damion Lee added 23 off the bench, Jordan Poole scored 13 and Glenn Robinson had 12. The Warriors out-rebounded the Pelicans, 61-41.

Brandon Ingram had 27 points and 10 rebounds to lead New Orleans in scoring for the fourth consecutive game, Jaxson Hayes added 19

points, Kenrich Williams had 16, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 15 and Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball had 12 each.

READ: Beware of early overreactions after the NBA’s opening week Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday missed his second consecutive game because of a sprained left knee and center Derrick Favors missed the game because of left knee soreness.

New Orleans has been without rookie forward Zion Williamson, who

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last week underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee that is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks.

Golden State was missing �ive players because of injury -- Kevon Looney (hamstring), Willie Cauley-Stein (foot), Alec Burke (ankle), Alen Smailagic (ankle) and Klay Thompson, who’s out inde�initely while rehabbing from ACL surgery.

Golden State led by 17 points at halftime and

WARRIORS, P9

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives past New Orleans Pelicans forward Nicolo Melli (20) during the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Reuters

RMSC venue 85% ready for SEA Games

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hilippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez on Monday said renovation of the sports facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) will be �inished 10 days before the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Ramirez said the assurance was made by the contractors of the six major facilities that will be used for the SEA Games which the country will host for the fourth time from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year.

He said the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which underwent major rehabilitation for the �irst since 1953, will be �inished by Nov. 14 while the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Tennis Center and football stadium will be ready

by Nov. 21.

“I’m excited to see these (renovated) sports facilities,” Ramirez said after members of the media visited the ongoing renovation of the sports facilities.

Architect Gerard Lico said the rehabilitation of the 85-year-old Rizal Memorial Coliseum is already at 85 percent, assuring that retro�itting, installation of air-conditioning, lights, new chairs, and other new features will be done before the Nov. 13 turnover to the PSC. Lico said at least 250 workers are rushing to �inish the renovation but assured that safety and quality of the arena will not be compromised.

“All materials we used are imported and we made sure that the historical design of the building are protected,” Lico said.

In 2017, the National Museum and National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared the RMSC as important cultural property and national historical landmark.

The coliseum will host the gymnastics while weightlifting and taekwondo will be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

PSC Commissioner Charles Reymond Maxey said the renovation of the sports facilities was made possible after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) donated PHP842 million to the PSC. “When the assistance from Pagcor came, we decided to rehabilitate these facilities. It’s been a long time that our historic facilities here have not been renovated. So, it’s just timely,” Maxey said.

“In fact, as (PSC) chairman, we did not implement this rehabilitation for the SEA Games,” he added.

PSC Commissioner Celia Kiram explained that Pagcor voluntarily gave the PHP842 million after learning that sports facilities both at the RMSC and Philsports in Pasig City need a major overhaul.

“When they learned the present condition of our sports facilities, they offered to help,” she said. (PNA)

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VOL.12 ISSUE 167 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

GRACEFUL, ACCURATE Ancajas faces dangerous Mexican challenger this weekend

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raceful and accurate.

Two things Dabawenyo world champion Jerwin Ancajas needs to be when he defends his world junior bantamweight title defense on November 2 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The Panabo City native who polished his skills as a Barangay Una �ighter is putting some �inishing touches on his technique a n d strategies

when he stakes his title against dangerous Mexican challenger Jonathan Rodriguez.

It will be Ancajas' eighth title defense.

According to a report by ABS-CBN Sports, Ancajas' coach Joven Jimenez wants his ward to come up with a decisive victory which could line himself up for an inevitable encounter against fellow world 115-lb titleholder Juan Francisco Estrada of Mexico.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons said that prospective meeting will probably be early next year, and Estrada will have no other option but to face Ancajas in a uni�ication match.

Estrada, 29, (40-3, 27 knockouts) is the holder of the World Boxing Council super-�lyweight belt and is said to be eyeing a uni�ication bout with unbeaten World Boxing Association ruler Khalid Yafai of the United Kingdom in December.

But �irst, he has to hurdle Rodriguez. "'Yung offense din Jerwin pine-perfect namin," said Jimenez. "Gusto namin lala-

GRACEFUL, P9