Edge Davao Volume 12 issue 34 | Friday-Saturday, April 26-27, 2019

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‘BUKO’ NOT DEPED 11 exec says ‘buko’ is not official Palaro energy drink

SALVAGE. An exhausted young boy lays on the ground to take a rest as his family try to salvage scrap metals from a lot formerly occupied by a junkshop along R. Castillo Street in Davao City on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

By ADAM B. MORRELL

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or the record, there is no official Palarong Pambansa energy drink.

Department of Education (DepEd) Davao Region spokesperson Jenielito “Dodong” Atillo, on Thursday, April 26, clarified that no Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been officially signed yet relating to making a coconut water or ‘buko’ brand as the official energy drink for the athletes of Palarong Pambansa 2019 on April 28 to May 5 in Davao City.

This followed after Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Manny Piñol recently announced via Facebook that ‘buko’ will take the centerstage as the official health and energy drink for the week-long

sports conclave for secondary and elementary athletes.

Piñol, in his post, said coconut farmer-leader Laureano Callao, Jr. and his group has started talking with the organising committee of the Palarong Pambansa for the launching of the “Buko Vida Kiosk” on April 29 in the Palarong Pambansa 2019 to be held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao Campus in Mintal District.

“There was a meeting conducted but we did not confirm yet any further agreements since before we operate we need to have a doc-

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GMOVIES: CHANGING FILM EXPERIENCE THROUGH DATA AND CONVENIENCE

►COMPETITIVE EDGE P7

SAVING DAVAO GULF’S CORAL REEFS FROM BRINK

►SCIENCE P13

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

(Left to right) Divina Grace L. Del Prado (OIC, ESSS), NEDA XI regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim and Ruben D. Abaro Jr (PSA XI) during the 2018 Report on the Performance of the Davao Region Economy press conference on Wednesday, April 24. Leebai S. Ambolodto

Davao City remains PH’s fifth biggest economy P I

PRRD lauds HUDCC for ‘sturdy’ housing units in Marawi City

cent share.

Accordingly, there is an immense expectation of growth in 2019. As such, an expected increase in consumption is also deemed inevitable.

Of the 86 percent economic growth posted by Davao region, Industry contributed the most with 4.3 percentage followed

by Services with 4.0 percentage. On the other hand, AHFF contributed the least with 0.3 percentage point.

Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) measures the goods and services produced in each of the geo-political regions of the country. It provides for an analysis of the regional distribution of the country’s GDP, the industries and factors that contribute to the regional economies, and the pace at which these economies are moving on an annual basis. The GRDP is compiled on an annual basis by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

resident Rodrigo R. Duterte commended the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) for building resilient housing units for the victims of Marawi siege in 2017.

"Your office (HUDCC) is one of those performing na maganda 'yung housing ninyo (housing is really good). Pati 'yung sa mga sundalo (Including those of the soldiers),” Duterte said during a situational briefing at the Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Tuesday.

“But the thing I admired most was the speed that you built the houses in Marawi," he added.

Duterte particularly lauded HUDCC Chairman Eduardo del Rosario for helping the Marawi residents including informal settlers rise from ruins caused by a five-month armed conflict between government troops and Islamic State-affiliated terrorist Maute group.

"Yung mga (Those) informal settlers, the squatters so to speak, 'yung ginawa ni del Rosario (what del Rosario did) was really good.

It's sturdy, it can stand another whatever,” Duterte

said.

“Tapos sabagay manmade naman ang calamity doon (Then anyway calamity there was manmade). It was bound to happen because of what they were doing there," he added.

The President said he is not keen on funding the reconstruction of the buildings of rich residents in Marawi City.

"Marami man 'yang pera 'yang mga tao diyan (Those people have a lot of money). Every Maranao, there is a businessman, kasali na 'yangshabu (including shabu). May pera sila (They have money). The debate there is whether I would also be building the same kind that they lost. I don't think I am ready for that," he added.

Duterte, meanwhile, underscored the need for the government to build elevated housing units with sufficient amenities.

"I think it has to be an elevated one. A little bit higher than the usual," he said.

Before attending the situation briefing, Duterte inspected some areas badly damaged by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck parts of Luzon particularly Pampanga on Monday (April 22). (PNA)

country needs such law because there is massive recruitment of terrorist fighters globally.

With this law, Mangudadatu said, the government can also secure the country’s protected area, particularly the still untapped Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao that can be a huge source of natural gas reserve.

The Human Security Act of 2007 is a primary anti-terrorism law that brings the Philippines in line with its Southeast Asian neighbors battling Islamist militants.

Its passage is aimed at

Citing a study on the potential of Liguasan Marsh, Mangudadatu said, it can produce 583 billion barrels of natural gas that could raise one trillion in US dollars for the country.

If this happens, Mangudadatu said the government can deliver better social services for the people - free education, health, affordable food, among others. He added that the country can provide more jobs and Overseas Filipino Workers will return home to work here.

“We can preserve the Liguasan Marsh. Hintay-

investors will come in,” Mangudadatu said.

This is why, Mangudadatu said, the anti-terror law because this can also be used to strengthen security in the protected areas like Liguasan Marsh.

Mangudadatu banners his PEACE platform that stands for Prosperity, Education, Agriculture, Cultural Unity, and Education.

His PEACE agenda earned him the support of President Rodrigo Duterte and Hugpong ng Pagbabago founding chairperson Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. (PR)

By LEEBAI S. AMBOLODTO

n 2018, Davao Region’s economy posted an 8.6 percent growth -- the second fastest growth among all 17 regions, along with MIMAROPA, in the country.

Davao City remains as the fifth biggest economy in the country despite a slower growth rate in 2018.

The ranking was based on the Percent Share of Regions to Total GDP 2018.

Davao City recorded a 10.7 percent growth in 2017 which catapulted it to the no. 5 ranking.

“Best part of this economy growth, as record in the Davao region, is that it is broad based and inclusive”, Maria Lourdes D. Lim, Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) XI said during the 2018 Economic Performance of Davao Region press conference on Wednesday, April 24, at the Pinnacle Hotel, Davao City.

According to the Growth Rates by Major Industry /Sub-Industry

(Davao Region), in percent (2016-2017 and 20172018) data, as released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) XI, the region’s top industry contributors grew immensely as compared to the previous year.

Services grew by 8.1 percent in 2018, faster than the 6.9 percent growth in 2017, is considered the top economy contributor.

Top contributors include Trade and Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Personal and Household Goods (recoded 7.4 percent increase). Also included are Public Administration and Defense, Compulsory Social Security, Financial Intermediation, Other Sentices, Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities and Transport, Storage and Communication.

On the other hand, Agriculture Hunting Forestry and Fishing (AHFF) recorded a 2.9 percent growth, faster than the 1.7 percent growth in 2017.

And while Industry posted a 10.9 percent growth, it is a decrease from 19.0 percent growth in 2017. Top contributors included Mining and Quarrying, Manufacturing, Construction and Electricity, Gas and Water Supply.

“Government will need to shift to a catch up mode, fast track implementation as well as the completion of projects in the Davao region to keep up with the growth”, Lim added.

In terms of economic contribution, PSA’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by Industrial origin data showed that Services continued to be the biggest contributor at 49.3 percent followed by Industry with a 40.1 percent share and Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing with 10.6 per-

BI boosts drive against fake Mangudadatu to push counter-terror law in Senate aguindanao sec- filtrated by its enemies. tackling terrorists in the in natin magkaroon tayo overseas employment certs ond district RepreMangudadatu said the Southern Philippines. ng kapayapaan. By then

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he Bureau of Immigration (BI) bolstered its campaign against the proliferation of fake overseas employment certificates (OECs) by fielding additional personnel to screen documents of departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

BI Port Operations Division (POD) chief Grifton Medina said all personnel have been alerted against bogus documents being used by OFWs who were victimized by human trafficking syndicates and illegal recruiters.

“Those victims with questionable documents

will be immediately subjected to secondary inspection.

If their papers are found to be indeed spurious, they will not be allowed to depart and will be turned over to the IACAT (Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking) for investigation and assistance,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

A total of 17 OFWs with fake OECs have been apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the Holy Week.

BI Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) head Erwin Ortañez said the victims carried fake

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sentative and senatorial candidate Dong Mangudadatu has vowed to push an anti-terror law anchored on the Human Security Act of 2007, as he cited the need to bring peace and development in the country.

If elected, Mangudadatu said, the anti-terror law would be on top of his agenda because it fits to his peace and development platform.

According to Mangudadatu, the Philippines is a preferred destination of terrorists because the Philippines is archipelagic which can be easily in-

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS

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PRRD arrives in Beijing for 2nd Belt and Road forum

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EIJING, China --- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte arrived here on Wednesday, April 24, to participate in the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, cementing the country’s dedication to strengthen connectivity and economic integration by working with regional partners.

President Duterte’s plane touched down at the Beijing International Airport at 7:40 p.m.

The President and his partner Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña and daughter Veronica Duterte were received by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana.

“The President’s participation reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to work with partners in the region to further enhance regional connectivity and economic integration in order to advance the country’s development agenda and sustain regional growth and development,”

the departure statement stated.

President Duterte will join other world leaders and heads of international organizations in the forum “to discuss, among others, how to boost connectivity, further strengthen policy synergy and build closer partnerships, and promote green and sustainable development.”

Also, the gathering is an opportunity for the Philippines “to explore synergies on connectivity initiatives,” including projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, and the country’s Build, Build, Build and other development programs.

The members of the President’s official delegation include Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Tourism Secretary Berna-

PRRD IN CHINA. President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua upon his arival at the Beijing International Airport in the People's Republic of China on Wednesday night. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO dette Romulo-Puyat, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Socioeconomic

Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, National Se-

curity Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador

Panelo.

Also part of the official

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4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

Comelec optimistic to get high voter turnout in OAV

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FOOD PREPARATION. A volunteer cooks food for athletes from Masbate province at Jose Rizal Elementary School along Suazo Street in Davao City days ahead of 2019 Palarong Pambansa opening. Following recent food poisoning incidents in

athletic meets, a group of personnel from Davao City Health Office (CHO) has been created to monitor and oversee the food preparation for the Palarong Pambansa delegation. Lean Daval Jr

he Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it is ‘cautiously’ optimistic that overseas absentee voting (OAV) for the May 13 midterm elections will have a high voter turnout.

This after Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez noted that a good number of Filipinos abroad have cast their votes for the national positions during the first week of OAV. “It seems like the interest is high. The turnout has been high so far,” Jimenez said in a media interview.

He said one Philippine post in the Middle East reported that some 1,000 people went out to cast their votes.

“I got a report the other day that in just a day, in just one post, about 1,000 voters in a Middle Eastern country arrived to vote,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez, however,

explained that number cannot be used as a basis to project the final figure of voters’ participation.

“We don’t know how it will affect the final turnout. But, at this point, we’re cautiously optimistic that we might get a good turn out,” he said.

Comelec data showed that 2007 and 2013 midterm elections have only 16 percent of voter turnout.

The number is lower compared to the number of voters’ participation in the 2004 presidential elections with 64 percent; in 2010 with 26 percent and in 2016 with 31 percent.

The overseas voting period started on April 13 in a total of 83 Philippine posts abroad.

Records from Comelec showed that there are 1,822,173 registered overseas voters who will be electing 12 senators and a party-list group in the elections. (PNA)

Young NPA couple thrilled to get ‘VIP’ treatment after surrendering

By ADAM B. MORRELL

“N

a surprise po kami dahil nung nag surrender kami, sinundo pa kami ng kotse, pinakain pa kami.”

These were the words of excitement coming from a New People’s Army (NPA) couple, who formally turned themselves to the government last week.

Allem and her partner Jinggoy, not their real names, surrendered to the 75th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) after almost a year of hiding from their former group.

Allem, 21, said she wasted almost 4 years of her life for joining the rebel group.

She said she was a 3rd year college taking Bachelor of Science major in architecture at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila but halted for her studies and migrated to the mountains along with other rebel recruits.

“Three years ko activist tapos 6 months ako sa NPA,” she narrated.

At first, they were hesitant to surrender because they thought that the forces of the government would maltreat them only to

find out it’s the other way around.

Being with the NPA, she said was way different from what she thought would be.

They said the NPA group they joined promised respect and welfare but instead, they were abused.

Allem, a former member of the militant League of Filipino Students (LFS), also said that going back to the mainstream was way better as the government promised livelihood, education and home among others.

Lt. General Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, said the sur-

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DAR employees warned against procuring agency lots

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epartment of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary John R. Castriciones recently warned the agency’s employees against acquiring lots within DAR’s resettlement projects and other agrarian areas.

In an order released April, Castriciones said sanctions await personnel who process applications “resulting in the transfer of lots in DAR administered resettlement projects to individuals/ entities who are not actually qualified beneficiaries under the agrarian reform program.”

This warning form part of DAR Administrative Or-

der No. 3, Series of 2019, that outlines new rules and procedures in the disposition of homelots in barangay sites and residential, commercial and industrial lots in townsites within DAR resettlement projects.

The objective of DAR A.O. No. 3, Series of 2019 is to accelerate the completion of titling of the said parcels of land in the resettlement projects of the agency.

The same AO also describes qualified applicants as Filipino citizens who are residents of the concerned barangays, at least 18 years of age, and should be “willing to occupy and have the

aptitude to improve/develop the homelot or other lots within the project.”

Rebel returnees and those affected by disasters or calamities may also apply.

Meanwhile award limits are set at a maximum of 1,000 square meters in aggregate of residential and commercial lots per applicant.

The mode of disposition, cost of lots, and terms and manner of payments, among other details can be found in the new A.O. “A.O. No. 1, Series of 1992 and all orders, circulars, memoranda, rules and regulations or portions

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VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

From L-R: Globe Senior Advisor for Globe myBusiness Derrick Heng, Globe myBusiness Marketing Head Celeste Porto, Mober Founder Dennis Ng, Globe myBusiness Segment Marketing Head Anne David

Mober, Globe myBusiness driving success for SMEs

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ending products to various places can be a hassle for most small businesses that may not have the resources to buy their own trucks or which simply want to avoid the heavy traffic that drivers and commuters in the metropolis face every day.

As a solution to this problem, Dennis Ng founded Mober, a Filipino tech startup that offers an on-demand mobile platform for same-day delivery services, thereby, providing cost-effective, safe, and fast logistical assistance for small businesses.

Starting in 2015, Mober was the first on demand delivery tech startup that connects small businesses to their customers and clients, as well as helps families move from one place to another.

“Our clients’ business is a business that we’re taking care of. We feel that this responsibility is really loaded on our shoulder, that we have to fulfill it,” Dennis said.

This commitment to service was why Dennis partnered with Globe myBusiness, the micro, small, and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom which values clients’ businesses just as much.

“Venturing into a fastpaced digital world, the need to keep up with the latest trends and innovative solutions has become more evident than ever.

Therefore, we want our clients, like Mober, to stay on top of their operations to ensure that their business is more secure and efficient. We want them to enjoy peace of mind with the help of our easy-to-install and affordable tracking solutions,” said Celeste Porto, Marketing Head of Globe myBusiness.

Globe myBusiness provides Mober with a tracker and fleet management system to monitor their vehicles; easily coordinate with customers and drivers in case of delays, early arrivals, or other emergencies;

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Economist urges PH to update poverty threshold

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n economist of the World Bank (WB) is urging the Philippine government to update its poverty threshold in order to present a more realistic view of the country's poverty situation.

The Philippines must consider setting a multidimensional poverty measure that will not only take into account the shortfall in income and consumption, but also low educational achievement, poor health and nutritional outcomes and lack of access to basic services, according to Andrew Mason, WB Acting Chief Economist for the East Asia and Pacific region.

“The Philippines has been using a national poverty line. It is a monetary-based measure. It is very useful to look at that as a consistent poverty line over time because it gives you an abso-

lute metric on how well-being increases and poverty decreases over time,” Mason said in a press briefing held Wednesday.

“As countries like the Philippines increase their income levels and general levels of well-being, two things can be advantageous: reconsider from time to time whether the poverty line is appropriate and if not, consider updating the line based on the basket of goods that the poor consumes,” he added.

The economist pointed out that the threshold must move from the absolute poverty line to a level, which is closer to a lower middle income or upper middle income economy such as the Philippines.

An updated poverty threshold will enable policymakers in the country to

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6 ECONOMY

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

BSP releases first tranche of Nat’l Payment Systems Act IRR

SEA GRAPES. A tourist boat operator shows a bunch of sea grapes – locally called “latô” – he got at Pamaliwan Sand Bar in the municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Island Tuesday afternoon. MindaNews photo by ROEL CATOTO

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released the draft circular providing for the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11127 or the National Payment Systems Act (NPSA), a landmark legislation that supports the BSP's mandate relating to the third pillar of central banking -- the maintenance of a safe, efficient, and reliable payment system.

As the first comprehensive legal and regulatory framework governing the payment systems in the Philippines, the NPSA can well support the twin objectives of maintaining a payment system that is necessary to control systemic risk and providing an environment conducive to the sustainable growth of the economy, the BSP said in a statement on Wednesday.

Through a safe, efficient, and reliable payment system through which funds are transferred among banks and other institutions to discharge payment obligations arising from economic and financial transactions across the entire economy, the cost of exchanging goods and services is reduced.

It is likewise an essential tool for the effective implementation of monetary policy, and the smooth functioning of money and capital markets.

Considering that usage of payment systems is not necessarily limited to banks and nonbank financial institutions, the scope of the regulatory powers of the Bangko Sentral are likewise expanded under the NPSA to cover non-financial insti-

he Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is expected to help in closing investment gaps in infrastructure sector in low- and middle-income countries, World Bank Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva said here Thursday.

During the Financial Connectivity Meeting of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF), Georgieva said low- and middle-income countries need to spend USD2.7 trillion or 8.2 percent of gross domestic product per year until 2030 to close infrastructure gap.

She mentioned that these countries can maximize the opportunities under the BRI and can source their infrastructure investment requirement through this cooperation.

But the governments of these countries shall implement policies that will attract these investments, Georgieva said.

“The question is: What

can we do to open up more opportunities for private sector to invest because without it we will not close this gap,” the World Bank chief said.

“That means our work should focus on stable and transparent regulations; institutional capacity; to secure the right conditions for the private sector, standards in place in the world of climate change, standards for low-carbon climate resilient investment; and reducing risk,” she noted.

Georgieva also urged countries to be “very careful” in using macroprudential tools to secure investors of the stable macroeconomic policies in the domestic markets.

She mentioned that the World Bank Group, along with the International Monetary Fund, is in close cooperation with China in BRI. For the World Bank Group, Georgieva noted that it already raised finan-

Group targets 2K GenSan T OSYs for employment E

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World Bank: BRI to help close infra investment gaps

ducation advocacy group Philippine Business for Education (PBED) is targeting to train and open work opportunities to at least 2,000 out-of-school youths here in the next five years through its workforce development project dubbed YouthWorks PH. Karol Mark Yee, YouthWorks PH chief of party, said Tuesday they are set to start in June the full implementation of the project, which mainly aims to provide work-based training programs to local youths.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), he said the initiative intends to assist the beneficiaries in getting stable employment and at the same time address the need for skilled workers of local industries.

He said the project will cater to youths aged 18 to

24 who are out of school, training and employment.

Under the initiative, Yee said the selected beneficiaries will undergo “handson” technical-vocational trainings for three to six months in local companies and industries.

He said the beneficiaries will receive living allowances equivalent to 75 percent of the minimum wage, which is currently set at P311 per day in Region 12, for the duration of their training.

“We will link our trainees to local companies and industries, where they will

Hunger rate down for 2nd consecutive quarter: SWS

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he Philippines registered a decrease in its hunger rate for the second consecutive quarter, a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

The SWS first quarter 2019 hunger rate survey showed that only 9.5 percent or an estimated 2.3 million families experienced 'involuntary hunger' at least once in the past three months.

The latest figures showed a decline from the 10.5 percent or an estimated 2.4 million families, who experienced involuntary hunger in the fourth quarter 2018 survey in December and the 13.3 percent or about 3.1 million families in the

September 2018 survey.

Hunger significantly dropped by 6.6 points in Metro Manila from 18.3 percent in December 2018 to 11.7 percent in March 2019.

The hunger rate also declined by 2.2 percent in Mindanao, from 8.3 percent in December 2018 to 6.1 percent in March 2019.

Balance Luzon and Visayas tallied a little higher hunger rates with 0.6 percent and 0.8 percent increase, respectively.

The survey, conducted from March 28-31, 2019, had 1,440 respondents and sampling error margin of ±2.6 percent. (PNA)

get skills trainings and possibly gain permanent employment later on,” he said in a forum.

Yee said they have partnered with the city government and the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. for the rollout of the work-based trainings.

He said they also tapped scholarship opportunities being offered by the government through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

As part of their initial preparations, Yee said they approached and engaged with several companies and industries here.

“We’re telling them, do you want to help us train the youths? Help those who can really meet the needs of your company so that you can employ them and also

get the skilled work that you need,” he said.

Yee said they will start in June the provision of life skills trainings focusing on personal development to the prospective beneficiaries.

He said they have scheduled a career caravan in August wherein qualified youths may already start applying for work-based training positions.

Launched by PBED and USAID in June last year, YouthWorks PH is a P1.7-billion project that “aims to make education and training more responsive to the needs of the economy by working with the government, industry, and academe to provide opportunities to youths not in education, employment or training.”

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HIGHER VALUE OUTPUT. The Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) owned by Anflo Group Companies in Panabo City, Davao del Norte has become one of the main gateway for products in and out of Mindanao. All industries in the Davao Region such as manufacturing, real estate and agriculture posted higher

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value output in 2018 compared to the previous year based on the 2018 Economic Performance reported by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 on Thursday. Lean Daval Jr

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

COMPETITIVE EDGE

7

GMovies: Changing film experience through data and convenience

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Movies, a product developed and enabled

by Globe Telecom, is changing the very nature of the film going experience. By providing movie buffs a chance to purchase tickets even before the premiere date, GMovies is bringing convenience, embodying their tagline for customers to “Get Inside, Not in Line.”

GMovies is the only movie ticketing platform in the Philippines that aggregates more than 100 cinemas nationwide while including capabilities that elevate the ticket purchasing experience -- from advanced booking and automated movie alerts about showing schedules, to seat reservation, preferred cinema selection and multiple payment options.

It has forged strong partnerships with some of the malls chains in the country, such as Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas and Robinsons Movieworld, in order to provide another avenue for their consumers.

“GMovies was designed to address the pain points of the Filipino moviegoers,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and Chief Executive Officer. “We love going to the movies and it has become part of our culture to visit the cinema several times during the month. Our goal was

always to make it easier for them, to elevate the experience, to allow them to focus on what matters: the movie and their enjoyment.”

However, having the best platform is only one part of the equation. It is important to reach the audience in the most efficient way possible. This is where data and an effective digital strategy comes in.

“The movie watching habits of Filipinos vary,” said Glenn Estrella, Senior Vice President of Globe Digital Ventures, the business unit that manages the platform. “Some base their selections on the genre, some on the influence of their friends, and some on when it’s convenient.

There’s even a growing population that just wants to be the first to watch for fear of spoilers. You can’t just create blanket ads and hope that it reaches the right people. You have to be smart. You have to be precise. You have to make each impression count.”

This is where the power of data insighting and smart social media targeting comes in. Utilizing transaction history, social media behavior, and Facebook’s powerful ads manager, GMovies has been constantly reaching its desired audience: Genre-based, mobile agile

consumers who value convenience and efficiency brought on about digital transformation.

The results from these Facebook ads have been nothing short of impressive as GMovies saw an increase in reach and engagement and a reduction in marketing spend. The impact on sales is also undeniable as advance booking numbers grew more than 59 times than what it was in previous years.

“The Philippine consumer landscape is complex, and competition is tough,” says John Rubio, Country Director for Facebook Philippines. “But with Facebook for Business, we help companies spend their marketing dollars more efficiently by reaching the right customers at the right time and place. We’re happy that GMovies can deploy a more sophisticated strategy using our platform, and we’re even happier that they are changing the movie watching habits of the Filipino.”

With its suite of features and its solid strategy, it looks like the long lines at the cinema will be a thing of the past.

GMovies is available on Google Play and the App Store. Users can also purchase through the GMovies website and through GCash.

its host communities through Education and Employment.

The foundation envisions a country where the underprivileged youth and students, especially the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines, enjoy a free education that propels them toward sustainable and transformative life they deserve.

The RTVFI also partners with the communities and stakeholders to provide free educational assistance to their chosen scholars from preschool to college, where the possibilities, oppor-

tunities, and dreams are all in the same ground through its Education to Employment (E2E) program.

Recently, together with the foundation’s President, Roland T. Votacion, 23 Elementary student-scholars from Ganatan Elementary School, Arakan, North Cotabato graduated from Elementary level since education is the forefront initiative of Dev Partners’ CSR and 85% of their scholars are members of the Bagobo Tribe.

The foundation will also celebrate its 1st Foundation Day this

RTVFI Website launched T

he Roland Torres Votacion Foundation, Inc., (RTVFI) – the heart and Corporate Social Responsibility of Dev Partners in establishing a sustainable community has officially launched its website – designed to facilitate the needs of its students/ scholars.

RTVFI works towards improving the social and intellectual well-being of the Filipino Youth through Education. The foundation continues to pursue its mission by providing educational assistance: to serve, support and empower

23 Elementary student-scholars from Ganatan Elementary School, Arakan, North Cotabato graduated from Elementary level together with the foundation’s President, Roland T. Votacion

coming May 25th, 2019 at Ganatan, Arakan, North Cotabato and will also be giving full payments of their student-scholars’ school fees for SY 2019-2020 and at the same time, distributing school bags, school supplies, school shoes, books, food packs and other stuff to its 260 student-scholars and counting and also to their parents (the majority are members of the Bagobo tribe).

Visit www.rtvfoundation.org Roland Torres Votacion Foundation, Inc., website: www.rtvfoundation.org to know more.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

EDITORIAL Are our buildings safe?

After the massive earthquake that hit Zambales and Eastern Samar, is it possible to build an earthquake-proof building?

A scholarly article published online says the answer is yes and no.

The magnitude 6.1 quake damaged the Clark International Airport and several other buildings. The airport has been repaired in no time by the government and is back in operations.

But we wonder if there are more government-built buildings out there made with substandard materials? Let’s face it. It is not surprising that there are buildings constructed with government funds that are not up to the standards expected of them because of unscrupulous officials and contractors.

There is a need to upgrade technology and knowledge of building officials in the country especially so that the Duterte administration will embark on an aggressive “Build, Build, Build” program. Consider this: construction techniques can have a huge impact on the death toll from earthquakes. An 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Chile in 2010 killed more than 700 people. On January 12, 2010, a less powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0, killed more than 200,000 in Haiti. The difference in those death tolls comes from building construction and technology. In Haiti, the buildings were constructed quickly and cheaply. Chile, a richer and more industrialized nation, adheres to more stringent building codes.

The article says there are engineering techniques that can be used to create a very sound structure that will endure a modest or even strong quake. However, during a

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ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. CHA MONFORTE Correspondent

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

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

very strong earthquake, even the best engineered building may suffer severe damage.

Engineers design buildings to withstand as much sideways motion as possible in order to minimize damage to the structure and give the occupants time to get out safely.

Buildings are basically designed to support a vertical load in order to support the walls, roof and all the stuff inside to keep them standing. Earthquakes present a lateral, or sideways, load to the building structure that is a bit more complicated to account for.

Further, the report revealed that engineering technology has developed a solution to the earthquake problem and this is to make structures more resistant to these lateral forces by tying the walls, floor, roof, and foundations into a rigid box that holds together when shaken by a quake. The most dangerous building construction, from an earthquake point of view, is unreinforced brick or concrete block. Generally, this type of construction has walls that are made of bricks stacked on top of each other and held together with mortar. The roof is laid across the top. The weight of the roof is carried straight down through the wall to the foundation. When this type of construction is subject to a lateral force from an earthquake the walls tip over or crumble and the roof falls in like a house of cards.

The horrors everyone went through in the affected areas during the quake on Monday leaves a lot to the imagination if the buildings people are staying and working are built to withstand earthquakes.

Most definitely, these are possible matters for legislation in order to raise the standards of building laws in the country.

SOLANI D. MARATAS Finance

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

VANTAGE POINTS

9

MUJAHID NAVARRA UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

A GLIMPSE OF RAMADHAN Ramadan is fast approaching and the Muslims are very happy to welcome it once more this year. Ramadhan is a whole month dedicated to doing all manners of worship but the highlight of this month is fasting during the day and spending the night in prayers. Ramadhan begins with an announcement from the Islamic religious authorities that the new moon for the month of Ramadhan has been sighted. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon is acted upon by the whole Muslim world as the official way of identifying the coming of Ramadhan. This tradition of using the lunar calendar and the moon sighting instead of using the Gregorian Solar calendar is in compliance with the methodology of Prophet Muhammad despite the modern means of calculation we have today. It is a manner of the preservation of the universality of Islam that it transcends time, geographic locations and nationality and the adherence to the methodology of Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadhan is probably most known for the fasting that is performed during the whole 29 or 30 days of this month. Fasting in Islam is performed through the avoidance of anything that shall

invalidate it such as eating, drinking sexual intercourse and others between the beginning of sunrise at dawn and until sunset. Muslims prepare for fasting by eating a pre-dawn meal called sahur and ends it with a meal called iftar.

Contrary to popular belief, fasting is not a form of penance where a Muslim voluntarily puts himself to difficulties in order for his sins to be forgiven. Islam does not put the Muslims in any difficulty in order for them to perform good deeds or acts of worship.

In fact, Islam has many forms of exceptions and alternatives to many obligatory acts of worships so that they do not become a burden to anyone. Fasting is not even required to those who are sick to the point that fasting shall affect their health negatively such as those who suffer from stomach ulcers, diabetes, the pregnant, the breastfeeding mother and others.

Travelers, those who work in arduous jobs and others may even opt to postpone their fasting to other days when it shall be easier for them.

It is believed that daytime fasting during Ramadhan has many spiritual, physical and social benefits to mankind. The spiritual benefit of fasting is obvious as fasting is done for the sake of Allah. A Muslim fasts and

avoids all manners of things that invalidate it even if there is no one to see him because he knows that Allah sees him. Because of this, fasting is called as the secret worship between God and his servants because only God could see who among His servants really fasts, unlike prayers or charity that could be witnessed upon by other people.

Fasting is also one of the acts of worship that reinforces self-discipline among Muslims. A Muslim fasts by avoiding things that are otherwise allowed in other days other than Ramadhan such as food and drinks, therefore, it is easier for him to avoid all the others sins that are forbidden even during the other months beyond Ramadhan. Muslims scholars pointed out that the thirst and hunger that the Muslim feels actually diminishes any worldly desires he may have. While hungry and thirsty, the Muslims feels more reliance upon his Lord because he is feeling the weakness of his being and is therefore far from any illusion of grandiosity or magnanimity. He feels more and more in need of his Lord as he is humbled and weakened by fasting.

Fasting does wonderful things to the body too. Fitness and health experts recommend

fasting, although in a non-religious manner in order to detoxify the body. During fasting, the digestive system gets some sort of rest which rejuvenates it which affects the body positively overall.

Fasting also reinforces the Muslim social structure as the voluntary avoidance of food and drink creates a spirit of social justice among Muslims. Due to fasting, every Muslim, rich or poor, young and old feel the same thirst and hunger as everybody else. This is why many Muslims feel like they are more generous during Ramadhan than in any other months. Aside from the fact that good deeds in Ramadhan are rewarded more, Muslims usually give more charity and even opt to pay their obligatory charity such as Zakah during this month because of the spirit of unity and equality that dominates the Muslim communities during this month.

Ramadhan is also called the month of the Quran as it is the month when Allah began revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago. The Quran was revealed gradually within the span of 23 years and is being recited by Prophet Muhammad to Angel Gabriel every month of Ramadhan to be re-

viewed. Being the month of the Quran, a voluntary act of worship was legislated during the nights of Ramadhan after the obligatory night prayer. This voluntary night prayer is called the Tarawih. The Tarawih is a voluntary congregational prayer where an Imam or a prayer leader recites as much of the Quran as possible during the nights of Ramadhan. Since Tarawih is voluntary, the Muslim may even choose to perform this prayer in his house with his family instead and he may even skip this altogether as any voluntary good deed in Islam is rewarded when performed yet there is no sin upon anyone who shall not perform it.

Ramadhan ends with a festival called the Eidul Fitr or Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is also a national holiday in the Philippines. But unlike other festivities, there is no dancing or singing or drinking liquor during this festivity because Eidul Fitr is also an act of worship. After religious authorities have announced that the month of Ramadhan has ended upon sighting of the new moon of the next month, the Muslims prepare to congregate in a designated area after the dawn prayer where there is prayer and a sermon led and delivered by the Imam.

DENNIS R. GORECHO PINOY MARINO RIGHTS

A SEAFARER AS A MAMA’S BOY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INCAPACITY A marriage may have failed because a seafarer acted as a Mama’s boy, but it cannot be declared void ab initio on the ground of psychological incapacity.

One of the unfortunate consequence of seafarers working away for several months is the falling out of marriage.

For couples desperate to find a way out of their troubled marriages, some choose to undergo trying and tedious legal process where they have to incur many expenses: the cost of litigation, filing fees, and even the professional fees.

The protagonists in most cases are in reality simply unwilling to work out a solution for each other’s personality differences, and have thus become overwhelmed by feelings of disappointment or disillusionment toward one another. Sadly, a marriage, even if unsatisfactory, is not a null and void marriage .

In Republic vs.

Cabantug-Baguio, (G.R.

No. 171042,June 30, 2008), the wife noticed after their marriage that every time she conversed with the seafarer , he always mentioned his mother and his family, and she soon realized that he was a mama’s boy. And she noticed too that when she would call up the seafarer at his parents’ house and his mother was the one who answered the call, she would deny that he was around.

On the insistence of his mother, the seafarer’s monetary allotment was shared equally between her and the wife.

Later on, the seafarer declared in his employment records that he was single and named his mother as principal allottee.

Less than three years after they contracted marriage, the wife filed a complaint for declaration of nullity of marriage on the ground of the seafarer’s psychological incapacity to comply with the essential marital du-

ties and obligations under chological (not physical) Articles 68-70 of the Fam- illness, which insensitivity ily Code or incapacity should have been existing at the time of In his medical report, the celebration of the marthe clinical psycholo- riage even if it becomes gist noted that the sea- manifest only after its solfarer’s personality disor- emnization. ders including his being a It is downright incamama’s boy are serious, pacity, not refusal or negrave, existing already glect or difficulty, much during the adolescent pe- less ill will, which renders riod and incurable . He a marriage void on the concluded that the seafar- ground of psychological er appeared to be depen- incapacity. The root cause dent upon his family and thereof must be mediunable to establish a do- cally or clinically identimicile for his family and to fied. There must thus be support his family. evidence to adequately esIn dismissing the tablish the same. case, the Supreme Court Psychological incapacruled that the mere show- ity must be characterized ing of irreconcilable dif- by: (a) gravity (i.e., it must ferences and conflicting be grave and serious such personalities does not that the party would be inconstitute psychological capable of carrying out the incapacity. Nor does fail- ordinary duties required ure of the parties to meet in a marriage); (b) juridtheir responsibilities and ical antecedence (i.e., it duties as married persons. must be rooted in the hisIt is essential that the tory of the party antedatparties to a marriage must ing the marriage, although be shown to be insensitive the overt manifestations to or incapable of meeting may emerge only after the their duties and responsi- marriage); and (c) incurbilities due to some psy- ability i.e., it must be in-

curable, or even if it were otherwise, the cure would be beyond the means of the party involved. (Cruz vs. Cruz (October 11, 2017 G.R. No. 201988), The Constitution sets out a policy of protecting and strengthening the family as the basic social institution and marriage as the foundation of the family. Marriage, an inviolable institution protected by the State, cannot be dissolved at the whim of the parties.

In petitions for the declaration of nullity of marriage, the burden of proof to show the nullity of marriage lies on the plaintiff. Any doubt should be resolved in favor of the existence and continuation of the marriage and against its dissolution and nullity.

(Atty. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, email info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 09175025808 or 09088665786)

10 EDGEDAVAO SAVING DAVAO... FROM 10 tabulate and rugose corals that barely survived the end of the Permian. Much of the framework of modern coral reefs is formed by Scleractinians.

Both discoveries are located in areas which are part of the Davao Gulf, a key biodiversity area in the Philippines. The World Wildlife Fund considers Davao Gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. It is the feeding ground for 11 species of cetaceans, which include sperm whales, killer whales, and bottle-nose dolphins.

Not only that, it also serves as the nursing ground for endangered marine turtles.

The regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a line agency of the Department of Agriculture, listed Davao Gulf – which has an area of 308,000 hectares that cuts into the island of Mindanao from Philippine Sea – as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Over 80% of Davao Gulf’s coral

reefs are already degraded, the regional technical director of the environment department reported in 2006. “The coral reefs in almost all areas of Davao Gulf are in bad condition,” the official said.

Only one-fourth of the coral cover was live, manta tow surveys covering 33.8 kilometers of reefs in the gulf showed. Of the 19 areas surveyed, only the corals in Tubalan were in very good condition. Areas with poor values of 10% and below were found in Agdao, Malita and Valez (Toril) in Davao City.

The coastlines of the cities of Panabo and Tagum – which contain “the most dense concentrations of fish larvae in the entire gulf” – are no better. “The coral reefs, which used to be extremely rich, are already buried,” said Harry D. Morris, a British-Filipino marine biologist. “What’s left behind are mostly coral skeletons and small patches still struggling to survive.” (To be concluded)

ROCKETS... FROM 15 floor.

But with the Rockets trailing 39-35, Harden found a spark, making his final three shots of the half to carry Houston to a 46-42 lead at the break. The Rock-

BUKO... FROM 1

umented material and as of the moment there is no Memorandum of Agreement referring that is already official,” Atillo said during the I-Speak Forum held at the City Hall of Davao on Thursday, April 26.

“It safe to say that it is already in the discussion board and as to what will be agreed, it is about to be released the soonest,” Atillo added.

Atillo, however, agrees with the idea of coconut water as the official energy drink for athletes it being naturally healthy and could also help the coconut farmers in Davao Region.

Once it is approved,

ets extended that run to 21-3 and led 56-44 when Tucker sank a 3 at the 9:56 mark of the third.

But the Jazz were undaunted and took a 77-75 lead early in the fourth.

Atillo said coconut farmers in the Davao Region are capable of supplying mass coconut for some 16,000 athletes.

“As I speak with the buko farmers, they said we have enough coconut to supply,” Atillo said.

Meantime, assistant city administrator lawyer Lawrence Bantiding said the hosting of Palarong Pambansa 2019 in Davao City is 99 percent ready.

“We refer the missing one percent to the aquatic event. Although the swimming pool is already filled with water.

As a matter of fact, there were delegations na nag test practice na,” he said.

Bantiding also said the

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

BI... FROM 2

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) clearances and pre-departure orientation seminar certificates.

“They mistakenly thought we will lower our guard due to the large number of travelers during the Lenten break. But we were on full alert. Their scheme did not work,” he said.

Ortañez said apprehended OFWs, most of them bound for Middle East, have working visas and job contracts but are holding fake OECs and POEA clearances.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the syndicates “will not succeed” even if they are using every trick, they can think of to get more victims. (PNA)

renderees will benefit from the government’s Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Allem, a mother of a four-month old baby boy meanwhile, encouraged the youth to avoid activism as it will only bring chaos to their lives.

“Kung wala lang unta ko nisulod ani, nakahuman na unta ko ug pag skwela ug mahatagan nako gwapong

kinabuhi akoang anak,” she said.

Meantime, seven other NPA surrenderees returned to the mainstream society after experiencing lies and deceit from the NPA. Most of them are farmers who were promised to with a P5,000 salary monthly with a sack of rice.

But according to them, no salary and rice were provided.

tutions such as operators, their service providers, among others.

The draft circular is part of the first phase of the phased-in implementation of the NPSA, which prioritizes the creation of a baseline inventory of all operators of payment systems (OPS). This is required under Section 10 of the NPSA which provides that all OPS shall register with the Bangko Sentral.

This inventory will also be used as inputs to the specific criteria for designating payment systems, as well as the oversight rules to be ap-

plied to such systems and the participants.

In addition, the draft circular provides descriptive examples -- albeit not exhaustive -- of activities to sufficiently guide the stakeholders on which persons are required to register with the Bangko Sentral as an OPS under the NPSA. In keeping with the thrust of the Bangko Sentral to promote efficiency and ease of doing business, said draft circular contains a simplified registration process and streamlined documentary requirements. (BSP PR)

Knights in Game 2 of the national finals on Saturday.

"It's my first time to watch your game," continued Loon, who was named the new Cocolife chief on June 28 last year, or when the MPBL season was already underway.

Davao Occidental won

the said game, with everyone teasing Loon as the "lucky charm".

Loon later assured that he will be back in attendance on Tuesday night, when the best-of-five national finals will shift to the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. (PNA)

YOUNG NPA... FROM 4

BSP... FROM 6

3RD... FROM 15

city will try to finish the bleachers beside the pool but he assured that tents for spectators will be installed.

Apart from the venues, security augmentation was already established.

On Wednesday, April 25, security agencies including the Police Regional Office 11, Davao City Police office, Task Force Davao and Public Safety and Security Command Center held a send off for the big event.

PRO 11 Police Major Jason Baria, in an interview, said PRO 11 will deploy 4,000 personnel which will come from the entire region.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Extension of Validity of a Certificate of Public Convenience with to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service.

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service.

CHARLENE FAYE ORTEGA, Petitioner.

SULPICIO L. SALES, Applicant.

Case No. R11-EV-TH-2019-4-583 (2013-XI-00583)

Case No. R11-NC-TH-2019-4-094

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF HEARING

Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issue in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN REGION XI accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of THREE (3) units, which Certificate will expire on May 8, 2019. In the petition filed on April 15, 2019, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of One (1) unit out of the Three (3) units previously authorized.

In the application filed on April 16, 2019, applicant request authority for a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK SERVICE for the transportation of freight on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY AND FROM SAID PLACE TO ANY POINT IN MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit.

NOTICE is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on MAY 7, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

NOTICE is hereby given that this application will be heard by this Board on MAY 7, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date applicant shall publish this Notice once in a newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao.

Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This application will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/ or oral evidence.

Davao City, April 17, 2019.

Philippines,

Davao City, Philippines, April 17, 2019.

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Atty. CATTLEYA B. ACAYLAR OIC-Regional Director

Petitioner, Charlene Faye Ortega Counsel, Atty. Victorio U. Advincula

Petitioner, Sulpicio L. Sales Counsel, Atty. Marvin G. Camino

Republic of the Philippines City of Davao OFFICE OF THE CITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Notice of Pending Application for Request for Reclassification Notice is hereby given that an application for a Request for Reclassification, per Article XII Section 1, of the Zoning Ordinance of Davao City No. 0546-13, series of 2013, series of 2013, for proposed LPU Town Davao located at Brgy. Sasa, Buhangin District, Davao City has been filed with the office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator by Lyceum of the Philippines Inc. The aforesaid application as well as the papers attached thereto is open for inspection during business hours by interested parties.

This publication is in compliance of Article IX Section 1.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Issued this 22nd day of April 2019.

PRRD... FROM 3

delegation are Commission on Higher Education Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, Information and Communications Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Dante Jimenez, Rep. Weslie Gatchalian Social Security System President and CEO

Aurora Cruz Ignacio, Bases Conversion and Development Authority head Vivencio Dizon, Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China Fernando Borja, Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China Wallie Lee, and Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China Ramon Tulfo. PND

maximize resources and improve vehicle routing with proper planning and assessment; and receive instant updates on vehicles’ or drivers’ location with live tracking functionality.

“We installed the Globe myBusiness Vehicle Tracker to our fleet,” Dennis said.

“We can see the fuel consumption of the vehicle. We can also see where they’re located, so we can give real-time information to our client,” he said.

Dennis added that an-

other thing that made them choose Globe myBusiness is the service. “We want to make sure that if there’s a problem, then they can address it right away. That’s one thing we are looking for from a partner,” he explained.

With Globe myBusiness as a partner, SMEs can easily reach their full potential and create their own success. For more business tips, sign up to https://mybusinessacademy.ph/ today for free.

MOBER... FROM 5

EDGE DAVAO

ELLA P. TINGZON | 0918 383 1511

GROUP... FROM 6

The five-year project has selected the city as among its seven priority areas, along with the Greater

Manila area and the cities of Iloilo, Cebu, Zamboanga, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. (MindaNews)

cial contributions across developing countries. She said some USD80 billion were already released by the World Bank for infrastructure projects, while another USD10 billion worth of financing are on the way.

China launched the BRI in 2013 as it aims to boost connectivity in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East by establishing investment cooperation in infrastructure.

To date, the BRI has established six major corridors for international

economic cooperation, which include the New Eurasian Land Bridge, the China-Mongolia-Russia, China-Central Asia-West Asia, China-Indochina Peninsula, China-Pakistan, and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar economic corridors.

China has also invested in countries in the BRI in connectivity infrastructures such as railways, roads, ports, air transport, energy facilities, and communication facilities.

The Philippines signed for the BRI in November 2018. (PNA)

thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby revoked or

cancelled accordingly,” the new order ended.

WORLD BANK... FROM 6

DAR... FROM 4

NOW HIRING!!!

• REPORTERS • LAYOUT ARTISTS • ACCOUNTING CLERKS • DRIVER

Kindly address application letter ASAP to

11

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

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

ECONOMIST... FROM 5

craft effective measures that will improve the condition of poor Filipinos.

In its latest study, the World Bank stated that monitoring poverty at higher poverty lines is increasingly important as countries grow richer.

“A poverty line that is too low can lead to an inaccurate assessment of an individual’s ability to function in society in a socially acceptable manner. Participation in society with dignity may require more goods in a richer country than in a poorer country,” WB said in its economic update for the East Asia and Pacific region, which was released this month.

The international financial institution noted that the International Poverty Line (IPL), which is set at USD 1.90 per day in 2011 purchasing power parity (PPP), has gradually become less relevant to the developing East Asia and Pacific region, which is today comprised exclusively of middle-income countries.

The WB reported that families in lower middle income countries must earn at least USD 3.20/day in 2011 PPP while those in upper middle income countries should earn at least USD 5.50/day in 2011 PPP for them to be not considered poor. (PNA)

AFFIDAVIT OF SELF-ADJUDICATION

James Paul R. Amorado married to Emeliza R. Amorado hereby adjudicate unto himself being the only legal force heir of the parcel of land described as Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-36749 under the name of the late spouses Teodosio F. Amorado who died on October 4, 2008 at Home at DDF, Mandug , Davao City and Esperanza R. Amorado who died on January 24, 1994 at East Avenue Hospital, Quezon City, Philippines, both without any known obligations will or any debt. The real property is solely owned by the same persons mentioned and is the subject of the AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION per Doc. No. 86 ; Page No. 19; Book No. 162 Series of 2019, of the NOTARY PUBLIC SALVADOR M. BIJIS.

12 ICT HUB EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

P30 Series Davao Launch

Huawei Brand Ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach in P30 Series Local Launch at Fashion Hall, SM Megamall P30 Series Cebu Launch

Huawei launches P30 Series in Cebu, Davao

I

t all started with the release of P9 Series – HUAWEI has always made a point that they are the leading manufacturer in the smartphone camera department. Several award-winning features later, and HUAWEI still maintains its winning streak in the DxOMark (112 points) with a meticulously-upgraded smartphone focused on masterful photography with the HUAWEI P30 Series.

And finally, the long wait is over! On Saturday, April 13, HUAWEI just unpacked their super photography camera smartphones at Fashion Hall, SM Megamall and even in Cebu and Davao!

Filipinos were excited and made sure that they get first dibs on the new flagship device. When asked, most of the consumers who lined up to get their pre-ordered P30

series, mentioned that having a phone that is equipped with superb imaging capabilities are remarkable and makes it easier for them to capture stunning photos real time.

Four Times the Imaging Power Each of the lenses in the Quad Camera System performs in a different capacity in a variety of shooting situations. First, the 40Mp SuperSpectrum Sensor replaces the traditional RGGB filter with an RYYB one, which lets in 40% more light (and higher maximum ISO) to produce exceptional night-time shots.

Second, the SuperZoom lens enables 5x lossless optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom and 50x digital zoom for tremendous magnification capabilities. To achieve this, the lens uses a prism to bend light at 90 degrees

– periscope-like – for superior zooming performance in tandem with the Dual Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) feature.

Third on the list is the ToF (Time of Flight) Camera for unparalleled depth of field effects during portrait photography. The ToF lens is capable of segmenting even the finest details like hair strands from backgrounds to produce beautiful bokeh shots every time.

Lastly, the Ultra Wide Angle Lens provides an enhanced field of view for landscape and architecture shots, even doubling as a macro lens capable of closely focusing on subjects 2.5 cm away. Rounding out the P30 Pro’s camera performance is AI-enhanced and Opticla Image Stabilization on the main and telephoto lenses, enabling tripod-free long

exposure shots, and other slow shutter-speed capture effects.

Visually, the P30 Series redefines smartphone design yet again with a set of new color options that reflect the planet’s mesmerizing geography: Amber Sunrise, Breathing Crystal and Aurora. Of course, powering the new devices is the blazing fast Kirin 980 processor with 8GB or 6GB of RAM, paired with EMUI 9.1 and a robust 4200mAh battery.

Faces of Huawei Express Excitement for the P30 Series Huawei’s representatives themselves can barely contain their excitement for the P30 Series’ launch, with George Li, Country Manager of the Philippines - HUAWEI Consumer Business Group, saying “We feel very proud to introduce the P30 Series

to the Philippines, as these devices represent Huawei’s values of empowering people through technology. As such, we believe that Filipinos will appreciate all the innovations we have incorporated into our new products, and we look forward to the great things they will achieve with the P30 Series, as well as our entire stable of smart devices.”

Brand Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach was also mightily impressed with the P30 Pro: “It was amazing using the P30 Pro, it really earns the name. Taking pictures with the phone and seeing the results made me feel like I was a pro photographer, and I loved how vivid and artistic my shots ended up. Huawei really knows how to leverage technology to enhance the way people use their devices.”

Together with the P30 Series, Huawei released a new set of devices aimed at filling the gaps in consumers’ digital needs, during the April 13th local launch event: the new Huawei MateBook 13 and Huawei Watch GT. All products are now available in the Philippines, giving every Filipino the unique opportunity of experiencing Huawei’s smart ecosystem of compatible devices.

Huawei Sells Php 650 Million Worth of P30 Phones on First Day Huawei has recorded 650 million worth of sales on the first day alone, which is a huge jump over the sales of their P20 Pro last year.

The demand for the P30 series of phones for HUAWEI is insane, thanks to the quadruple camera and imaging capabilities that no other phone can’t match!

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

13 SCIENCE

EDGEDAVAO

SAVING DAVAO GULF’S

CORAL REEFS FROM BRINK (First of Two Parts)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“When trees are cut and human beings are affected as a result of �lash�loods, people rallied against deforestation. But like forests, coral reefs are also suffering the same magnitude of destruction.” – Dr. Bernhard Riegel, associate director of the US National Coral Reef Institute “Large areas were ically-fragile cabbage are to the open sea.”

Reef Fish Communifound with very high corals.

There’s even more: ty” – conducted by the live coral cover, up to “This is unique,” “Diving amongst the regional office of the nearly 100 percent in British diver Andrew corals of Tubalan cove Department of Enviplaces, but live coral MacDonald and his offers great opportu- ronment and Natural coverage would have wife Jane Widdison nities for macro (small Resources (DENR). been much higher had commented. “We have marine creature) spot“We have more there not been heavy only seen one species ting and photography Scleractinian corals dynamite fishing dam- dominate an individu- as good as anywhere compared to those age in many areas in al offshore reef before in the world,” the two found in the Island the past.” but have never seen British divers reported. Garden City of Samal This was part of the any other ancient coral “We saw several spe- and in Davao Oriental,” submitted written re- colonies like this which cies of small animals pointed out Christine T. port of Dr. Thomas J. cover such a large area. that are highly prized Dompor, the provincial Goreau after he and his It appears that this col- by dive photographers.” tourism officer. “There team assessed the coral ony covers an area of Two provinces away is also one type of coral reefs in and around the several hundred hect- from Davao Occidental which the researchers Tubalan Cove of Mali- ares and it is likely that is Compostela Valley. could not identify since ta in Davao Occidental these corals have taken The province is known it is not found in their some years back. centuries to form like for its highlands as it list of classification.”

“Fish populations this.” is located in the up“The (discovery) were very poor except Before they joined per portion of Davao just shows there is a around promontories the survey team, the Region. But it has two dearth of information with higher water flow,” couple has lived and towns located near the out there and it is bewrote Dr. Goreau, the dived in some parts sea: Maco and Mabini. coming a race to get president of the Global of Mindanao for four Interestingly, a new this knowledge before Coral Reef Alliance, a years. According to study found out that of more and more of the non-profit internation- them, the presence of the 72 known genera of marine environment al organization found- the ancient cabbage Scleractinian or “stony” gets destroyed,” deed in 1994 working ex- coral colony alone corals identified in the plores Dr. Arnel “AA” clusively to save coral makes Tubalan Cove as Philippines, about 46 Yaptinchay, founder reefs. “The area has a “one of the most spe- of them can be found and director of the Mamix of prime dive sites cial and unique places in the pristine waters rine Wildlife Watch of suitable for ecotourism, in the world for marine of Mabini. (Around the the Philippines. “It also as well as extensively biologists and recre- world, only 110 genera confirms again and damaged areas badly in ational divers alike.” of Scleractinian corals again, the importance need of restoration as “The corals are very have been identified so of our country in mafisheries habitat.” varied and colorful – far.) rine biodiversity.”

But what really a mixture of soft and The discovery was Scleractinia, also caught the attention of hard corals – just what among the initial find- called stony corals, are the team was the dis- dive tourists like to ings of a study – “Map- marine corals that gencovery of seeing almost see,” the husband and ping and Assessment erate a hard skeleton. the entire sea bed with- wife divers said in their of Mabini Protected They first appeared in in the cove to be almost report. “The corals are Landscape and Sea- the Middle Triassic and covered with only one better in condition and scape’s Coral Reef Eco- descended from the species of the ecolog- coverage the closer you system and Associated FSAVING DAVAO, P10

14 EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

EDGEDAVAO

VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

15

PH team arrives in Darwin as Arafura Games opens

D

The Philippine delegation led by Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo and Philippine Sports Institute director Marlon Malbog arrives in Darwin for the Arafura Games.

ARWIN, Australia—The 2019 Arafura Games formally opens tonight with 91 athletes set to represent the Philippines in the competition.

Muay athlete Philip Delarmino, silver medalist in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, will be the flag bearer for the country in the opening ceremony to be held tonight at the Darwin Waterfront.

The delegation arrived last Wednesday after a four-hour trip via a Philippine Airlines chartered flight from Manila as the athletes will compete in nine out of the 17 sports that will be played in the biennial competition.

The delegation was welcomed by consul general John Rivas and several Filipino work-

ing as volunteers for the Games which is making its return after an eightyear hiatus Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) national training director Marc Velasco, the deputy chef de mission of the Philippine contingent here, said the athletes are looking forward to the competition here in the Australian city located in the Northern Territory.

“The delegation is upbeat,” Velasco said.

“They are very excited.

I think it’s an advantage that we went on a chartered flight kasi they got to see kung sino ‘yung ibang tiga-Team Philippines. Last night, they were talking to each other which is a good sign that they will support each other.”

Velasco added the chartered flight even

allowed other teams to train hours after their arrival here.

“We saw a few teams doing their training and practice. It’s good to see them that they have time to practice before the games at hindi sila ipit at pagod especially with the flight. I think we have a good chance to give a good performance in the Arafura Games,” Velasco said.

Velasco also thanked the Filipino community who this early threw their support by giving away, meals, laundry powder, and other items for the use of the entire delegation.

“The athletes feel their presence (Filipino community). They are very warm in giving support. The athletes are overwhelmed with the support na binigay dito,” Velasco said.

Palaro wushu athlete rushed to hospital due to severe pain

T

hree days into the opening of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa, a-17-year-old Wushu athlete from Lanao del Norte was rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on Wednesday for severe pain and difficulty of moving her upper arm.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, Major Maria Theresita Gaspan, said that athlete Key Pauline Coyoca complained of severe pain and difficulty to move her arms.

Gaspan said this prompted Patrolman Zinjie Mutia to call the medical team deployed at the Calinan Central Elementary School, the billeting station

of the athletes from Baloi National High School, Lanao del Norte.

Gaspan said the girl was immediately checked by the attending physician and referred her for orthopedic evaluation and X-ray.

Coyoca's medical case is the first reported since the arrival of all delegates from 17 regions across the country for the 2019 Palarong Pambansa, which opens on Sunday, April 28.

The opening of the national games competition was moved on Sunday from Saturday at the Davao City-University of the Philippines-Mindanao Sports Complex in Bago Oshiro, Mintal, Tugbok District.

(PNA)

3rd PH Beach Games in Lingayen

T

he San Juan Knights took a commanding 2-1 lead in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Finals against the Davao Occidental Tigers with a 67-62 Game 3 win at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday night.

The Knights held the Tigers to just nine points in the final quarter to move to within a victory from claiming the championship.

Mike Ayonayon led San Juan, which can close out the series on Monday night back at home, with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Jhonard Clarito and John Wilson each chipped in 12 markers.

Bogs Raymundo made 15 points, five boards, one dime, and one steal for Davao Occ, which now has a daunting task of winning

Game 4 to force a Game 5 back in Davao City on April 25.

Meantime, Cocolife has renewed its alliance with Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League team, Davao Occidental.

In a press conference on Monday in its office in Makati City, the largest Filipino-owned life insurance company renewed its ties with the newly-crowned Southern Division champion as its primary sponsor.

"We will continue our support for the team and the players so we can further increase our stature and accomplishments as we go on in this league," Cocolife president and chief executive officer, Jose Martin Loon, said.

Loon was actually in Davao City when the Tigers hosted the San Juan

F3RD, P10

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) handles the ball against Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neal (23) during the first quarter in game five of the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Reuters

J

ames Harden scored a game-high 26 points despite struggling with his shot, and the Houston Rockets relied on their defense down the stretch of their 100-93 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of this Western Conference first-round series Wednesday at Toyota Center.

Houston claimed the series 4-1 by holding the Jazz scoreless following a Ricky Rubio 12-footer with 1:32 left.

Rubio pulled Utah to within 94-93 with his pullup jumper in the lane, but the Rockets responded with an Eric Gordon steal and a Harden block with

Rockets finish off Jazz the game in the balance.

Harden shot just 10 of 26 but added six rebounds, six assists, four blocks and three steals.

Rockets forward P.J. Tucker paced the defensive effort with nine defensive boards and four blocks, and his two free throws with 54.8 seconds left proved redemptive after he missed two from the line on the previous possession.

Tucker finished with eight points.

Clint Capela added 16 points and 10 boards for Houston while Chris Paul and Gordon scored 15 apiece, with Paul adding eight rebounds and five as-

sists.

The Jazz claimed a plus-1 advantage on the boards and Houston produced a 13-8 edge in second-chance points.

Rubio paired 17 points with 11 assists to co-author the attack for Utah, which received 18 points off the bench from Royce O'Neale.

Jae Crowder chipped in a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds) as well.

However, guard Donovan Mitchell labored again for the Jazz, shooting just 4 of 22 while missing all nine of his 3-pointers en route to 12 points. Utah shot 37.2 percent overall.

Utah withstood the

Rockets' initial punch, pulling even at 12-12 on a Mitchell layup after Houston scored the opening eight points. By the close of the first quarter, the Rockets had cooled off completely, shooting just 36.8 percent in the period while committing seven turnovers.

For a brief spell, the Jazz found some perimeter shooting, with Joe Ingles drilling 3 of 7 3-points while Utah wrestled away the lead. Harden, meanwhile, continued his struggles, even missing an open baseline dunk en route to a 1-for-11 start from the

FROCKETS, P10

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VOL.12 ISSUE 34 • FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 26-27, 2019

ALL SET

SBP 11 Coaching Clinic opens Saturday

By ADAM B. MORRELL

I

t’s all systems go for the staging of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao Coaches Clinic Level 1.2 which gets going on Saturday, April 27 at the Genesis 88 Gym. SBP Davao executive program officer Ronel Leuterio confirmed, on Wednesday, April 25, that the upcoming coaches clinic, a level up version of last year, will open on Saturday morning with a total of 71 coaches officially registered.

He said former PBA and Gilas Pilipinas coach Jong Uichico along with Batang Gilas coaching staff Ryan Betia, and coach Mark Solano will facilitate the two-day clinic.

Despite not reaching the 100 target participants, Leuterio is elated of how participants responded this year compared last year where over 100 coaches reserved a slot but didn’t came.

Leuterio, however, warned coaches that SBP Davao has the right to ban coaches who opt to do the same negligence last year.

“It’s a matter of discipline din kasi. We are only doing this to help the coaches,” he said.

The SBP executive assured that great learnings will be picked during the two-day clinic sponsored by SBP Regional Director and Presidential Adviser on Sports Glenn Escandor.

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas 11 executive director Ronel Leuterio with some young Davao hoopsters.