Edge Davao 10 Issue 1

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

SUMMER AT LAST. Children spend their afternoon playing with their peers at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Madapo Hills in Davao City on Saturday as the annual summer vacation has officially started this week.

Lean Daval Jr.

News

Pag-IBIG Fund recognizes housing partners for 2016

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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AG-IBIG Fund took cognizance of its partner developers in providing channels for home acquisition by honoring them on Thursday, March 30, at the Ritz Hotel at Garden Oases.

The top developers in terms of take-out loan value were 8990

Housing Development Corp., Johndorf Ventures Corporation, Agan Land Corporation, VCDU Realty Corporation, Liberty Land Corporation, Gensan VSM Realty Corporation, Jukens Builders and Trade, Davao Joyful

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Ceasefire sought in 4th round of talks with Reds

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resident Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the government peace panel to hammer out a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in the resumption of peace talks in Utrecht, The Netherlands on April 2 to 6.

Government of the Republic of the Philippines chief negotiator Sec. Silvestre Bello III said Friday this was the instruction given to them by the Pres-

ident during their meeting last Monday in Davao City.

Also present in the meeting was Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza.

Bello said there will

be no unilateral declaration of ceasefire on the part of the government prior to the holding of the 4th round of talks. Bel-

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SPORTS P16

HORN IS IT Pacquiao fight in Brisbane now being finalized

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STRESSING A POINT. President Rodrigo Duterte gestures as he delivers his speech during the Digong’s Day for Women at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang on Friday afternoon. ALBERT ALCAIN/Presidential Photo

Girl, 14, abandons Duterte wants bilateral ceasefire NPA after 3 months signed during 4th round of talks A P

14-YEAR-OLD girl abandoned the rebel New People’s Army two months after she was recruited by the revolutionary group in January.

The Davao Oriental Provincial Information Office revealed on Friday that Shena (not her real name) of So Casunugan, Barangay Buso, Mati City, Davao Oriental sought the help of a barangay councilman of Buso to facilitate her surrender to the Army on Thursday.

Shena is a grade six student of Serafin Vizconde Elem School in Buso when she was recruited by an alias Kara in January.

Shena reportedly became a Medic of Squad 3, Baking

Platoon of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 7.

Shena’s surrender followed an encounter between government troops and NPA rebels that left a member of the NPA dead and two soldiers wounded.

The latest armed encounter between the communist insurgents and Army troops happened noon Thursday in Barangay Tagbinonga, Mati City, Davao Oriental.

Buso and Tagbinonga are adjacent barangays.

Capt. Andrew Linao, of the Civil Military Operations (CMO) of the 701st Infantry Brigade, reported that the troops of 28th Infantry Battal-

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has instructed the government peace panel to produce a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) when both panels resume talks in Utrecht, The Netherlands on April 2 to 6.

Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) chief negotiator Sec. Silvestre Bello III said Friday this was the instruction given to them by the President during their meeting last Monday in Davao City. Also present in the meeting was Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza.

Bello said there will be no unilateral declaration of ceasefire on the part of the government prior to the hold-

ing of the 4th round of talks.

Bello stressed that the bilateral ceasefire issue is first on the agenda of the negotiations.

Bello said the government panel composed of lawyers Angela Librado, Antonio Arellano and Rene Sarmiento and Hernani Braganza are prepared to hold the next talks with the NDFP. Amid the increasing offensive attacks by the rebel New People’s Army especially in Bukidnon, Agusan and Davao areas, Bello said the government panel will continue to be steadfast in their efforts and resolute in putting a closure to the armed conflict.

“We owe this to our people. Our millennials deserve it,” Bello said in a press briefing in Malacanang aired live on tele-

vision.

Bello is hoping they would arrive at a consensus on the bilateral ceasefire to end the hostilities on the ground.

“We expect the discussion in this round of talks to be very, very, very difficult and exacting but we shall be persistent in advancing the cause of peace as inspired by our President’s determination to unite our people,” Bello pointed out.

It can be recalled that during the third round of talks in Rome, Italy, the GRP panel already gave the NDFP the draft bilateral ceasefire agreement, which the NDFP panel agreed to review.

Bello said part of the discussion are sensitive issues including the definition of buffer zones, the definition of the

collection of revolutionary tax, the choice of referee.

“We were for a while under the impression that our third party facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government, would be willing to be the referee,” Bello said.

Both panels would have discussed the draft bilateral ceasefire last February but this was stalled after Duterte decided to pullout the government panel.

The President’s decision came on the heels of the announcement of the NPA in Mindanao to terminate its unilateral ceasefire declared in August. The termination of the unilateral ceasefires by both sides resulted to a number of clashes between the NPA and

environmental violator.”

In a February 22 memorandum order, de Dios barred CPC from transporting and shipping ore for the company’s failure to meet its “social and environmental obligations.”

In his order addressed to CPC president Wilfredo Keng, de Dios noted that CPC has not “satisfactorily complied” with its “social and environmental commitments” since 2015.

It was not the first time that CPC had received a warning from MGB-Caraga for its environmental record and

inability to implement government-mandated financial assistance for its host communities.

On December 22 last year, MGB-Caraga warned CPC for serious violations including the low accomplishment on its Social Development and Management Program (SMDP).

SDMP funds—equivalent to 1.5 percent of a mining company’s annual operating cost—should be spent on livelihood, education, health, public infrastructure and socio-cultural programs in the community.

MGB-Caraga also found that CPC had repeatedly failed to obtain tree-cutting permit or conduct an inventory of the trees that were destroyed during its operations, and has not secured a foreshore lease for its causeway.

“This company is really “pasaway’ (unruly) and very hard-headed,” de Dios said.

MGB-Caraga records showed that CPC has been warned many times for violations since 2013.

A March 27, 2013 memorandum signed by de Dios

PMA to receive 300 incoming F DUTERTE, 10 plebes as Class 2021 members ‘Recidivist mining company’in Dinagat spared by DENR

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HE Philippine Military Academy will receive 300 incoming cadets for PMA Class 2021 on Saturday, April 1.

PMA information officer, Army Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido, on Friday said PMA Class 2021 may be composed of 300 cadets if all will be able to hurdle the four-year military training.

Of the 300 successful applicants, 40 are females.

He said there were 9,609 applicants who earlier took the Cadetship Qualifying Examination (CQE) and underwent the Complete Physical Examination (CPE) at the Armed Forces

of the Philippines Medical Center (AFPMC) in Quezon City.

The 300 successful applicants will be received at the Borromeo Field, PMA grounds in a “reception” on April 1.

For the class of 2020, 400 cadets were welcomed in a “reception” in April last year.

Incoming cadets are based on the attrition rate in the academy where a 20 percent female population is being maintained, Balido said.

The current population at the academy from third class to first class cadets is 916, composed of 721 males and 195 females. (PNA)

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OCAL environment officials and advocates expressed both wonderment and anger over why a large-scale nickel mining firm which has been penalized several times for environmental violations was spared from the suspension and closure orders imposed by Environment Secretary Regina Lopez.

Roger de Dios, regional director of Mines and Geosciences Bureau for Caraga Region (MGB-Caraga), described Century Peak Corporation , which operates in Loreto town in Dinagat Island as a “recidivist

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‘War is not an option’ B

APPETIZER. A poi dancer from Subak Fire Dance Group performs a fire dance routine during the relaunching of Marco Polo Davao’s Fire and Ice summer promotion on Friday evening. Lean Daval Jr

ALINDONG, Lanao del Sur – Entering the camp of Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader Abdulrahman Macapaar, more popularly known as Commander Bravo, in the mountains on top of this town, one could easily notice the patch of newly planted spring onions on a soccer-sized field.

“We flattened this ground to accommodate the landing of the helicopter of President Duterte. We have expected him to come,” Bravo told reporters when he welcomed them to his camp, saying Duterte promised to visit his camp shortly after he won in the May 2016 elections. “Now that he is no longer coming, we just planted spring onions so our efforts will not go to waste,” he said.

Bravo said he had expected President Duterte to visit him and had prepared not only this small airfield but another one of his camp in Munai, Lanao del Norte.

The planned meeting with Duterte did not materialize, however. Duterte accused Bravo of supporting the Maute terrorist group based in nearby Butig town.

Duterte also accused Bravo of arresting suspected drug lords and pushers, and prosecuting them in Sharia courts.

Bravo said drug syndicates in Lanao del Sur is his No. 1 concern these days and did not deny he had arrested several persons in the past.

He, however, denied he has joined the Maute terror group, saying he and the MILF have made several attempts in the past to convince the terrorists to stop their attacks and join them. “They told me me to join them instead. But why should I join them when I was the one who trained most of them?”

Bravo claimed.

He believes the immediate passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law would put an end to the threat of terrorism and instead unify all the Moros in Mindanao.

“Maski ano pa ang pangalan. Kahit wala pa ang BBL. Ang importante ang freedom of religion sa amin,” Bravo said.

(Whatever it will be called.

Even if without the BBL. What is important to us is freedom of religion.)

He said it is important for the Moros to freely practice the Sharia Islamic laws.

“Yan lang po ang gusto namin. Lahat ng mga Muslim ay magpakamatay dahil lang dun. Yan lang ang layunin namin na ang Sharia Islamiya ma implement sa amin,” he said. (That’s all that we want.

All Muslims would be willing to die for that. Our only hope is for Sharia Islamia to be implemented in our area.)

Bravo said he hoped his unwavering support for a new peace agreement between the government and the MILF would reach the ears of President Duterte. He said he and other MILF commanders will stand by the decision of their leadership and respect the ongoing peace process.

Other Maranao leaders are also optimistic that a final peace agreement can be achieved during the administration of President Duterte.

Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Council, noted that the BBL is an outcome of the peace talks between the MILF and the government.

Tomawis said the remaining problem now is how to merge the previous draft BBL and the next draft yet to be crafted based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government.

She expressed appreciation on the Duterte administration’s move to also take into consideration the Final Peace

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DOLE welcomes new regional , assistant regional directors PN to acquire weapon system

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HE Department of Labor and Employment recently welcomed its new Regional and Assistant Regional Directors in Davao Region.

In a turnover ceremony last March 24, 2017, DOLE XI employees and staff greeted their new Regional Director (RD) Raymundo G. Agravante and Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Naomi Lyn C. Abellana and thanked outgoing leaders RD Joffrey M. Suyao and OIC-ARD Jason P. Balais.

RD Agravante came from his assignment in DOLE Region X in Cagayan de Oro while ARD Abellana came from Region XII

- SOCCSKARGEN. RD Agravante graduated with a bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture from University of Southern Mindanao, finished Bachelor of Laws in Notre Dame University and completed a Master in Public Administration from the same university as well. He also graduated Master of Art in Development Studies from the Institute of Social Studies in Netherlands.

Prior to Davao Region, Director Agravante has been previously assigned as Regional Director in Region XI but only for a short period of 43 days. He also led the Department’s offices in the

S the country strenghten its defense ties with New Zealand, a helicopter frigate, the HMNZS Te Kaha, will be paying a goodwill and port visit to the Philippines from April 4 to 7.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincua said the ship, skippered by Cmdr.

Stephen John Lenik, will be docking at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

Other ranking officials in the HMNZS Te Kaha includes Commodore James Gilmour, New Zealand Maritime component head.

Lincuna said the visiting ship will be given the usual meeting point procedure off Corregidor Island by the BRP Rajah Humabon.

The Philippines and New Zealand held Bilateral Defense Talks last March 6, expressing their commitmenT in strengthening and deepening their defense ties.

This was emphasized by Department of National Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna during the Bilateral Defense Talks held in Manila last March 6.

Present during the BDT was New Zealand Defense Minister Helen Quilter and Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna.

Both nations have a bilateral defense cooperation agreement signed in 2012.

During the meeting, Luna expressed his appreciation to New Zealand’s contribution in the building up the capacity of Philippine defense forces even as he noted that bilateral relations are pursued within the ambit of multilateral platforms particularly the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.

As this develops, Quilter conveyed that New Zealand looks forward to working with

Kiwi warship on four-day RP visit

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National Capital Region, Region 4A – Calabarzon, and Region III – Central Luzon. Director Agravante is also an award winning DOLE Regional Director and championed mainly in his innovation and implementation of the Department’s core programs which include the Labor Laws Compliance System, Employment, Livelihood, and Child-Labor Prevention and Elimination to name a few.

ARD Abellana, on the other hand, graduated Magna cum Laude in her Bachelor of Arts degree Major in Economics from University of the Visayas, finished Master’s of Public Ad-

ministration from Bukidnon State University and got a Diploma in Public Management and Development from the Development Academy of the Philippines. Prior to her assignment in Region XII, ARD Abellana worked as OIC-ARD for DOLE CARAGA region.

During the turnover event, a ceremonial turnover of the key of responsibility was done among the incoming and outgoing leaders. RD Suyao is now assigned in DOLE X – Cagayan de Oro while OIC-ARD Balais is assigned at DOLE Negros Island Region. Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI

FIRST ON THE LINE. British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad (left) says that after the Brixit announcement, the first Asian country that Secretary of State for International Trade Dr. Liam Fox will visit is the Philippines. Ahmad, who was joined by Budget and Management secretary

able to neutralize ship, submarines

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OR the first time in decades, the Philippine Navy, with the arrival of its two Agusta Westland AW159 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, will be in possession of platform capable of detecting, locating and if needed, prosecuting hostile underwater contacts.

Prosecuting in military parlance means the destruction or neutralization of targets deemed hostile by the military.

The AW-159 ASW helicopters, also known as the “Wildcat” is expected to join the fleet

by next year, PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said.

He said these aircraft will be deployed aboard the two missile-armed frigates, those contract was bagged by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries last year.

“Once the AW-159 arrives, the PN will now have the capability to detect, locate and if necessary prosecute hostile surface and sub-surface targets,” Lincuna stressed.

The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and

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Benjamin Diokno (right), also said during the Mindanao Trade and Investment Forum held at Marco Polo Davao on Friday that Fox is expected to meet President Duterte today, April 3. Lean Daval Jr.

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PRRD honors leading Filipina entrepreneurs

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S the country celebrates the National Women’s Month, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday awarded the top Filipino women entrepreneurs in the Philippines who have not only realized their potentials as trailblazers in the fields of micro, small and medium enterprises but also endeavored to help other women to develop their abilities.

In his speech during the awarding of the Go Negosyo’s Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs 2017 in Malacañang, the President congratulated the 26 awardees for their hard work and optimism.

“The seed of hope and determination that you planted at the onset of your economic endeavors have borne fruit. Your achievements as well as your positive outlook in life now serve as an inspiration to other Filipinos to explore their own road towards empowerment and a better life,” Duterte said.

He said that their success is proof that today’s women are given more equal opportunities and roles in society.

“Equality is more pronounced in our present time.

More Filipinas are becoming leaders of their respective industries, contributing significantly to their institu-

tions and making remarkable, major strides that uplift the living condition of their families and communities,” the President said.

As leaders in their respective field, Duterte said that women entrepreneurs are vital partners in nation-building and urged them to help in the country’s transformation towards becoming a regional and international economic leader.

“As our country continues to be the leading APEC economy, where many of the businesses are owned by women, I hope that you will remain to be a vital partner in nation building,” he said.

“Further honed by your craft, grow your enterprises and nurture the sectors you serve. May you share with them your secrets to success, the positive attitude that made you win your battles and the principle that should not only be about can do’s but also must do’s. This will create a great impact on our country’s ongoing transformation,” the President said.

Lastly, he asked them to continue achieving better heights and to never stop making a difference in Philippine society.

“Together, let us make change work for women and make women work for change,” Duterte said. (PNA)

ONGLOMERATE SM Investments Corp. completed the acquisition of a minority stake in 2Go Group through a 34.5-percent stake in its parent company.

2Go is the country’s largest integrated supply chain operator whose businesses include shipping, freight forwarding, warehousing, and express delivery services.

“We are pleased with this

opportunity to invest in a fast growing, dynamic logistics business. It will benefit from, as well as contribute to the country’s economic progress especially as development spreads to the provinces” said SMIC President Harley Sy. Sy earlier said the group was optimistic about broader regional growth with the government plans in infrastructure, agriculture and tourism.

(PNA)

SM acquires minority stake in 2GO Group C

WITHIN SIGHT. Department of Budget and Management secretary Benjamin Diokno reveals the government is eyeing to construct the DavaoIsland Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) bridge before the yearend during the

Mindanao Trade and Investment Forum held at Marco Polo Davao on Friday.

The high-level gathering was attended by British company executives led

by Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad. Lean Daval Jr.

Agribusiness tops priority areas eyed by British firms Investors excited 90% cacao comes from Davao

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines revealed that agriculture topped the priorities among industries being eyed by the 48 British companies visiting Davao City on Thursday.

In an interview during the sector briefing and business networking lunch at SGV Seminar Hall, Topaz Tower, Damosa District Davao City BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson said although the purpose of their two-day trade mission is to establish networks among their counterparts, the visiting businessmen have already signified interest on possible areas for investment.

“We are looking at agribusiness and now we just

learned that it is here in Davao City where 90 percent of cacao production are coming,” he said.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad also identified products such as cashew nuts and coffee being eyed by the companies not only in Davao City but also in other parts of the country.

The BCCP executive chair also pointed out possible Investments on farming equipment.

Other priority investment areas considered by British companies are information communications technology, infrastructure and property development and renewable energy.

Nelson also bared why British companies have tak-

en interest on Philippines.

“Number one because of the ease of doing business and we also appreciate the business-like approach of the Filipinos. When we arrived here (Philippines) the first thing they said to us is ‘What can we do for you’, and we really appreciate that,” said Nelson.

He also pointed out the Negative Investment List which are areas open to foreign investment as set by the Philippine Constitution.

Meanwhile, Asif assured on Thursday the economic relations of Britain and Philippines will not be affected despite the firming up of the document officially signifying the country’s withdrawal from European Union (EU).

He added, with ‘Brexit’ (British exit), the country will be a lot easier to be accessed by potential investors as their withdrawal from EU also means freedom from the “strict” rules being implemented by the organization.

“UK has always been a proponent of free trade,” said the ambassador.

According to BCCP, UK exports to the Philippines grew by 38% in 2015, the second highest worldwide.

“The UK is the largest European investor in the Philippines worth in excess of £1 B (US $1.2 B) as of 2015,” Nelson said.

The executive director also reported that bilateral trade between the two countries is worth around $1.8 billion annually.

Japan to help firm up power supply in Bangsamoro areas DOE wants to use ERD funds to avoid passed-on charges

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HE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) signed on Thursday a P340 million project that aims to improve power distribution equipment being used in several areas in Mindanao.

It targets to improve the power distribution equipment of six electrical cooperatives (EC) in the Bangsamoro.

Based on the cooperatives’ report, energy losses in the region reach 26 percent due to outdated energy transmission equipment, which has been in the agency since the 70’s.

Energy transmission equipJapan International Cooperation Agency chief representative Susumu Ito and the National Economic Development Authority Secretary ment distributes electricity from power plants to the consumers.

Ernesto Pernia.

“We wish to thank the Japanese government for its invaluable support for the implementation of this project, as well as other priority program and projects of the Philippine government,” said NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

“Together, let’s work for successful implementation of this project. The upgraded energy infrastructure from JICA hopefully will pave way for economically vibrant Bangsamoro region, not just today but for a longtime into the future,” said JICA chief representative Susumu Ito. It can be recalled that Mindanao experienced a number of rotational brownouts last year due to lack of power supply. – Aga Caacbay | UNTV News & Rescue

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NSTEAD of passing on a 19-centavo universal charge on consumers, the Department of Energy has proposed to use the Malampaya or Energy Resource Development funds to cover the cost.

The department has already presented the proposal to Congress and reported that reactions were favorable.

“The bills have already been filed. It’s only a matter of scheduling or prioritizing.

Legislators are now analyzing cause-benefit,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella has said in a recent interview.

The 19-centavo universal charge passed on to consumers is part of a scheme to reduce the total financial obligations of the National Power Corp. (Napocor), which has already amounted to PHP830.7 billion and reached PHP1.24 trillion by the time the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) was passed in 2001.

Adding to the cost is the peso devaluation by 8 percent, amounting to PHP55.50 to USD1, and capital expenditure of PHP79.1 billion for additional lines and substations, plus a Power Purchase

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Duterte vows to uplift living conditions of Filipino women

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has assured that he would help uplift the living conditions of Filipino women, particularly the poor and marginalized.

In his message during “Digong’s Day for Women” in Malacañang Palace Friday, the President said his administration is extending livelihood assistance to Filipino women.

The funds will be coursed through and managed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“But you have to attend a seminar,” he said, noting that the DTI’s Go Negosyo offers seminars for tailoring, for instance.

At the same time, he said he has increased the budget for agriculture and education to provide more sources of livelihood to the people.

And to demonstrate that his government is pro-women, the President said he designated women leaders to be part

of his Cabinet, such as Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Maza.

The President said when he was Davao City mayor, he implemented policies intended to protect women. The Davao City government came up with a Women’s Code that was strictly followed.

There was also a law in the city against bigotry and discrimination to protect minorities from unfair treatment and practices, he said.

Participating agencies for Friday’s event provided several services to women, among them spa and wellness, legal consultation, distribution of medical and dental referral cards, as well as TESDA scholarships. They also had a tour of the Malacañang Museum and were given snacks and goodies. (PNA)

FOOD ARRAY. A chef grills varieties of seafood and meats during the relaunching of Marco Polo Davao’ Fire and Ice summer promotion on Friday evening.

Lean Daval Jr.

Companies told not to give Gov’t starts loan to NPA extortion attempts program for SMEs T

HE Department of Trade and Industry’s “Programang Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso” (P3) is targeting the 30 poorest areas in the country.

Trade secretary Ramon Lopez said they are just waiting for the initial P1 billion fund from the Finance department.

A private corporation has initially released P118 million to pilot areas in Occidental Mindoro, Tacloban and Sarangani.

A borrower only needs to be a member of an organization like a vendors’ group.

“Mabilis makaloan, hindi mo kailangang mag-fillup ng mahabang papel at walang collateral (You can quickly get a loan. No need to fill-out many documents and it has no collateral),” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

The secretary said, the loan interest is only 2-2.5%

per month which is lower than the 5-6 scheme which is at 20%.

“Parang micro finance din yan.Maguumpisa ka sa 5,000 pesos pag nakabayad ka pwede ka ng manghiram ng mas malaki (It’s like micro financing. You start with 5,000 pesos, once you’ve paid for it, you can get a bigger loan),” Secretary Lopez said.

The program will create a sustainable system that will keep the fund from being depleted.

“In the future, meron din tayong ganyang system that will tell whether the borrower is a manunuba or masipag magbayad (We will have a system in the future that will tell if the borrower is a good payer or a delinquent) ,” Secretary Lopez said.

If the P3 proves to be successful, a 1 billion peso fund will be allocated per region. – Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

Defense chief says Reds bring nothing but misery

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EPARTMENT of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has urged businesses not to give in to the extortion rackets of the rebel New People’s, following a series of NPA attacks against companies that refuse to give in to their demands.

“I, therefore, call upon all peace-loving Filipinos to resist these thugs, these terrorists who have brought nothing but misery to the Filipino people in the past 48 years.

Let us resist their extortions because giving in will make them strong and perpetuate

their criminal acts,” he said in a statement Saturday.

The NPA extortion rackets and attacks against police and military units, going about their lawful business, came in wake of the announcement of the rebels’ political leadership that they are resuming peace talks and a unilateral ceasefire with the government this April.

“Fellow Filipinos, in the past weeks, the Communist Terrorists who call themselves the New People’s Army went on a rampage, burning equipment and properties of companies that refuse to

succumb to their extortions.

They do these to companies that build roads, export produce, transport people -- activities that help generate employment and wealth for Filipinos,” Lorenzana stressed.

By committing these atrocities, the NPAs have shown themselves to be anti-progress and anti-poor, the defense chief added.

“We at the Department of National Defense share in the vision of President Rodrigo Duterte of building a nation worthy of Filipinos and Filipinos worthy of a nation. The

path to real, lasting peace is indeed not without its struggles, thus it is important that we stay committed to this goal, and to let our actions reflect our intentions,” he said.

The series of unprovoked attacks against military and civilian targets last February prompted the government to suspend its peace talks and ceasefire with the rebels.

“We stand by the President’s decision to resume the peace process but we likewise should call on the Communists to show their commitment both in words and in deeds,” he added. (PNA)

los Dominguez III and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. at the Shangrila’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City on April 6-7, the meetings will also include the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investors Seminar (AFMIS), an annual event that aims to provide the regional bloc’s member-states with a platform to interact with investors and financial institutions, and exchange views on how to promote ASEAN as a regional

investment destination.

This year marks a milestone for the ASEAN, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the Philippines as host.

The 2017 ASEAN theme is “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

The 2017 AFMIS will also focus on updates on ASEAN’s engagement with the global economy, regional connectivity, and the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community, which is designed to create a single mar-

ket and production base within the region through the free flow of goods, skilled labor, services and investments among its 10 member-states.

AFMIS’ breakout sessions will be organized to discuss, among others, prospects on the growing consumer market in ASEAN Economies, which is gaining the largest critical mass among emerging economies, and infrastructure investments as a vehicle for sustainable

tial real estate price index (RREPI) rose to 113.9 as of last December from 113.6 in the same period in 2015, primarily due to faster increases in the prices of residential properties in Areas Outside of the National Capital Region .

It shows that prices of townhouses went up by 6.2 percent, faster than yearago’s five percent growth and the 4.9 percent increase in the third quarter of last year.

On the other hand, prices

of single-detached/attached houses contracted by one percent in the last quarter of 2016 from a growth of 8.2 percent same period in the previous year and the 2.4 percent expansion in third quarter of last year.

Growth rate in the prices of duplex was also in negative at 12.3 percent in the last quarter of 2016 against the 5.1 percent contraction in the previous quarter and yearago’s 5.8 percent decline.

Prices of condominium units grew 1.8 percent in the last quarter of 2016 from a 3.1 percent expansion in the third quarter and year-ago’s 4.1 percent increase.

The central bank said about seven in 10 real estate loans in the last quarter of 2016 were for the purchase of new housing units.

Of these new housing units, condominium units continue to account for the

ASEAN finance ministers, CB governors to meet in Cebu

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INANCE ministers and central bank governors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are meeting next week in Mactan island in the province of Cebu to discuss ways of fleshing out ASEAN’s commitments to financial integration and cooperation, against the backdrop of a new wave of protectionism and other uncertainties in the global economy.

To be hosted by Philippines’ Finance Secretary Car-

F ASEAN, 12

Rising residential real estate prices not worrisome – BSP

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Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Friday reported the slight yearon-year uptick in residential real estate prices in the last quarter of 2016.

However, BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said it was understandable since the expanding domestic economy had the same impact on people’s financial capacity.

Data released by the central bank show that residen-

F RISING, 12

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

Sara leads release of turtle Seda set to operate 3,281 rooms by 2019 hatchlings in Cleanergy Park Aims to be leading PHL hotel brand D

AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio led the release of 169 pawikan hatchlings to the sea on March 20, 2017 at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Davao City.

The hatchlings came from the four nests discovered at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in January.

AboitizPower subsidiary Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI (DENR XI), has been monitoring the sea turtle nests to ensure the survival of the hatchlings. Eggs from other nests are expected to hatch in April and May. The number of hatchlings recently released is the biggest number of baby pawikans released by the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park to date.

“Marine turtles are among the most endangered marine species in the world. The presence of the pawikan is a sign we have a healthy marine ecosystem here. We can share beaches and ocean with them but it requires commitment and effort on our part to make certain that future generations will have opportunity to know these creatures and co-exist with them” said Gilbert R. Dragas, Chief Surveillance and Intelligence Section/DMO III, Enforcement Division, DENR XI, Davao City.

The eight-hectare Aboitizowned park in Punta Dumalag, Davao City serves as nest-

A

FOR A BETTER FUTURE. Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, together with Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) EVP and COO Engr. Rodger S. Velasco, led the releasing of the 169 pawikan hatchlings on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at the Cleanergy Park in Sitio Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

The 65-kilo female hawksIn 2016, an Olive Ridley ing sanctuary for the critically endangered hawksbill sea bill turtle, on the other hand, turtle and a hawksbill turtle was found February 25, were also turned over to DLPC turtle.

In February this year, trapped among the mangroves for proper handling.

The Cleanergy Park, a two endangered turtle spe- at the Cleanergy Park. The cies were also rescued at the hawksbill is believed to be the partnership project of DLPC Aboitiz Cleanergy Park by mother of the hatchlings re- and Aboitiz Foundation, is an DLPC. leased recently. It was found Aboitiz BetterWorld initiative The turtles, a green sea, 15 meters away from where that models an urban-based and a hawksbill, were sepa- the pawikan nest was located. habitat conservation and biorately handed over to DLPC The turtles were placed in diversity management. In last February 24 and February the repository to recuperate addition to being a turtle sanc25, 2017. from any injuries that they may tuary, it is also a haven for the The Green Sea Turtle was have acquired while trapped. other 66 species of trees, birds found on February 24, strugAfter ensuring that the tur- and fish thriving in its mangling to free itself from a fish- tles were in good health, Clean- grove forest, a fish sanctuary, erman’s net. ergy Park personnel released seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Residents of Brgy. Bucana the creatures to the sea on Since 2015, more than in Davao City turned over the February 28 and March 1. Both 2,000 sea turtle hatchlings Green Sea Turtle to DLPC Com- turtles were assessed by Dr. were already released by munity Relations Manager Ken Lao of The Ark Veterinary Cleanergy Park personnel and Fermin Edillon, who also over- Clinic and a team from the De- volunteers from at least 17 dissees the operations at Cleaner- partment of Environment and covered nests. gy Park, for proper handling.

Natural Resources Region XI. F SARA, 12

YALA Land Hotels and Resorts Corp.’s (AHRC) wholly-owned Seda hotels announced that it would be adding to its inventory more than 2,400 rooms in nine destinations from 2017 up to 2019. Melissa Carlos, group director of sales and marketing says, “Our goal is to be the leading Filipino hotel brand catering to global travelers in the Philippines.”

Since its founding in 2012, Seda has built up its room inventory to 817 rooms spread over five properties as follows: Seda BGC in Taguig, Seda Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City, Seda Abreeza in Davao City, Seda Nuvali in Laguna, and Seda Atria in Iloilo City.

All five hotels met their targets in 2016, according to Carlos. “Across all our properties, our guest satisfaction scores ranged from 83 to 86 per cent, which is way above the industry average hovering in the 70s. All our hotels also took the number 1 slot in their category in each of their cities.”

First to open this April is its biggest city hotel to-date with 438 rooms -- Seda Vertis North in Quezon City. “Seda has been successful in highly underserved areas,” according to Carlos. She recalls that

AHRC planners had conservatively estimated demand for this four-star hotel brand “offering five-star service” and designed properties with an average of 150 rooms. But given its success, Seda’s next generation of city hotels in Makati, Taguig, Cebu, the Bay Area in Manila will be bigger and range anywhere between 200 and 350 rooms. Seda Capitol Central in Bacolod, opening in the 3rd quarter of this year with 154 rooms, however, has been calibrated to fill projected demand in that city for this type of hotel offering.

Seda will also launch a resort hotel in Ayala Land Hotels and Resort’s new tourism estate in El Nido town in the Palawan mainland called Lio. Seda Lio will have 153 rooms and will be completed in the last quarter of 2017. The two-storey Seda Lio has been designed to have a low environmental impact on its surroundings and may serve as a model for future Seda hotels in other AHRC resort areas.

Flagship property Seda BGC in cosmopolitan Bonifacio Global City is itself expanding and currently building a new tower with 342 rooms

F SEDA, 10

City gives UP Maroons championship ball to UP Mindanao

T

HE Davao City Local Government Unit donated a basketball signed by the players of the champion team of the “80th Araw ng Dabaw 2017 Commercial Basketball Tournament” to the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao).

This after the UP Fighting Maroons-Uling Roasters Litson Manok won the championship over De La Salle University-The Royal Mandaya Hotel,

the reigning men’s basketball champion in the prestigious Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines League.

City Administrator Zuleika Lopez personally donated the souvenir ball to UP Mindanao Dean Stella Salazar in simple ceremonies at the Davao City Hall Conference Room.

In deciding to donate the souvenir ball to UP Mindanao, Davao City Sports Develop-

ment Officer Michael Aportadera said, “This souvenir will be best appreciated in UP Mindanao, based on the enthusiastic support of UP students and alumni that that I observed throughout the tournament and during the championship”.

UP won over DLSU in the elimination round, 79-73, and in the championship game, 87-79, in what Mr. Aportadera described as “one of the most

exciting basketball games I have ever seen”.

The ball displayed the signatures of the players Jun Manzo, Diego Dario, Jarrell Lim, Kyles Lao, Robert Ricafort, Noah Webb, Javier Gomez de Liaño, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Jan-Jan Jaboneta IV, Jerson Prado, Gelo Vito, Andrew Harris, Bright Akhuetie, Ibrahim Ouattara, and Most Valuable Player awardee Paul Desiderio. (PR)

DOT’s travel show to highlight potentials of tourism, help underserved communities

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SOUVENIR BASKETBALL. Davao City Administrator Zuleika Lopez donates the souvenir basketball from the 80th Araw ng Dabaw champions to UP Mindanao Dean Maria Stella Salazar, witnessed by City Sports Coordinator Michael Aportadera, Asst. Prof. Armando Salazar, and PRO Rene Estremera. (UP Mindanao Photo)

Seda Vertis North is opening this April in Quezon City, Metro Manila

HE Department of Tourism recently launched a travel show to promote the must-visit places within featured provinces and highlight their potential for tourism, business and development. “iTravel PINAS is a 30-minute travel magazine program that features the most popular tourist spots and gives premium to offbeat destinations,” the DOT said in a project brief.

The program, which premiered last Sunday (March 26), is produced by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and PTV4 in partnership with the DOT.

It airs on Sundays, 7 to 7:30 p.m. on PTV4, with snippets on Kilos Pronto every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

On its first episode, which was hosted by Tourism Undersecretary for Media Affairs Kat De Castro, featured was Ilocos Norte, particularly the Paoay Sand Dunes best-known for being the filming location of local and international films such as Himala, Panday, Mad Max among others.

De Castro said that the next episode will feature Ilocos Sur. She said that DOT undersecretaries and assistant secretaries will take turns in host-

ing the program.

To set iTravel PINAS from the usual travelogue-type of programs, the DOT said that it will also exert efforts to bridge underserved communities, especially those that can ride on tourism for economic growth.

“Over the past decades, the Philippines has connected millions of individuals from across the globe to marvelous attractions, communities, and cultures, positioning the country as Asia’s rising star in travel and tourism. This has become one of the key growth drivers, generating billions in revenue next to manufacturing and trade,” the DOT said. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

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Manny knows

LRIGHT, the likelihood is that Senator Manny Pacquiao will get his first ever authored legislation through the Philippine Boxing Commission Bill.

The PBC Act of 2017 was interpellated on the Senate floor recently and Senator Pacquiao defended it like parrying blows from Floyd Mayweather.

The Senate equivalent of Mayweather was former Senate President Franklin Drilon who insisted that the PBC is but a duplication of the existing Games and Amusements Board (GAB) which regulates all professional sports including boxing.

Senator Pacquiao insisted it is not a duplication. You have to give it to the fighting lawmaker, his heart is with the sport that changed the course of his life from a poor baker to a world champion boxer.

If there is anyone who knows boxing, it must be Pacquiao and no amount of Drilon’s articulation and argumentation savvy could knock out the heart of a battle-scarred fighter.

If you read Pacquiao’s shirt in training, you have to take it by

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heart—MANNY KNOWS. Yes, Manny understands that more than the issue on duplication, boxing is a sport that involves poor Filipino boxers. No rich kid would get into boxing as a sport. Perhaps some men and women take boxing today as a way to lose weight and get shapelier figure because that is how boxers train—like poor gym rats deprived of the ordinary human extravagance.

Senator Pacquiao has seen many fighters die in the ring, retire disabled, and in most cases, end their careers without money on their pockets.

It’s a grim reality more than the issue of duplication.

As it is, duplication can be supplanted by amendment and replacement. But will Senator Drilon care of deaths on the ring, permanent or partial disability, or lifetime insolvency duplicate itself from one fighter to another?

Forgive Senator Pacquiao’s deficiency in defending his landmark bill, listen to his heart.

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C

OME April 6-7, the financial world will closely watch an event in Cebu, Philippines, that promises to reshape Asia’s money horizon for the next twenty years.

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) wil converge in Mactan island in the province of Cebu to flesh out ASEAN’s commitments to financial integration and cooperation.

With ASEAN integration upon us, one of the major changes it will usher in is a possible common currency that will allow all its member states to trade on a common

E

XCEPT for a few surviving gray-haired broadcasters in their twilight years, the name A, J. Wills does not ring a bell anymore. He was a former US Army communications man who built the first commercial radio station in Davao City, DXAW, in 1949 using only surplus materials. He lent his initials to the broadcast outfit, with DX, the assigned call letters for Mindanao, preceding it. Aside from his Davao outfit, he also opened a radio station in Zamboanga City.

(This is disputed by the old people who had worked with the Mindanao Broadcasting System founded by Guillermo E. Torres Sr., a pioneering lawyer-certified public accountant, who also established the Mindanao Colleges, now the University of Mindanao, and the Mindanao Times, the oldest running weekly newspaper, now a daily, in Mindanao. Torres, a Datu Bago awardee for his pioneering work, was said to have founded DXMC, an AM radio station, in 1946, first as “wirecast” broadcasting only within the campus of Mindanao Colleges whose main campus was along what is Legaspi Street between the old house of his co-investor Pedro Lat, now the Legaspi Suites, and JS Gaisano Mall, now Gaisano Grand, fronting the United Church of Christ in the Philippines or UCCP. Later in the 60’s, DXUM, an AM music station was also established, and much later DXMM, all under the new name University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network or UMBN. I know these facts because I used to write articles about this when I was news director and station manager of

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

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ASEAN meetings in Cebu worth watching financial platform similar to the European Union. Among other measures, it will make inter Asean trade simpler and allow seamless transactions that facilitate trade and harmonize ecnoomic measures.

To be hosted by Philippines’ Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. at the Shangrila’s Mactan Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City, the meetings will also include the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investors Seminar (AFMIS), an annual event that aims to provide the regional bloc’s member-states with a platform to interact with in-

MY TWO CENTS’ John Tria vestors and financial institutions, and exchange views on how to

promote ASEAN as a regional investment destination.

Interestingly, this important meeting is also preceded by the ASEAN +3 financial meeting on April 5, which will bring ASEAN finance officials together with counterparts from South Korea, Japan and China.

These three large economies are expected to monitor these discussions, since a big chunk of their own economic growth and stability rests on investing in ASEAN as they have over the last two decades.

Nonehteless, discussions such as these will enable us to kickstart our drive to push economic

growth further.

Likewise noteworthy is that it is set against the backdrop of a new wave of protectionism and other uncertainties in the global economy, currency fluctuations, and accusations of manipulation traded between larger economies.

The very recent announcement of the government of the United Kingdom to jumpstart its exit from the European Union is bound to be a topic at these meetings, and we expect that lessons form Europe will form part of the proceedings.

Will economic integration bear the right fruit, or will it create new problems? These meetings will help answer that question.

By 1963, the city became host of 10 radio outfits, two of these owned

by Wills (DXAW and DXWW). The other stations were DXDC (Radio Mindanao Network), DXLY (Allied Broadcasting Corporation), DXMC, DXUM and DXMM (Mindanao Colleges), DXMT (Manila Times Broadcasting Corporation), and DXRP (Philippine Broadcasting Service).

No new radio station was added in the next seven years. By 1969, the newcomers were DXHM (Catholic Media Network), and DXRD (Nation Broadcasting Corporation).

In the 1970 survey of radio listenership in the Davao provinces conducted by Tagum-based, Catholic-run DXCD, it was found out that Mindanao had no less than 61 radio stations, including 14 in Davao City, and two each for Digos and Tagum.

It also discovered TV posed no significant competition to radio. The study added: “Though there are four stations in Davao City and one In Cagayan de Oro, set ownership is small. The number of stations will probably increase more quickly than the audience size, as broadcasters scramble for channel allocations on the limited VHF [very high frequency] spectrum. Lack of electricity and the high price of television receivers are barrier snow, but are problems that will certainly be solved eventually. In any case, within this population where a third of the people have had less than five years of schooling and more than half say they never read a newspaper, radio is the medium of the moment.”

But more than the broadcast outfits that changed the communications landscape of Davao Re-

gion, the radio industry produced popular personalities that would become key figures in politics, government, and business. Among those who really made a name were: ABS-CBN commentator Verulo C. Boiser, who became the first elected governor of Davao del Norte; DXMC broadcaster Zacarias V. Solon, appointed member of the provincial board of the undivided Davao province; broadcasters Valentino “Tenny” Banzon, the first broadcaster elected as city councilor; Alfredo and Antonio Vergara, Leonardo “Happy LA” Avila III and Mabel Sunga-Acosta, Davao City councilors when Davao City was divided into three congressional districts; MBC-DXRH anchorman Alex Roldan, Davao del Norte provincial director, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Radio commentator (DXDC, DXRH, DXUM, & DXOW) Juan Porras Pala, Davao City councilor; ABSCBN TV reporter Al Ryan Alejandre, Davao City councilor; ABS-CBN and GMA-7 newscaster Leonides Villareal, Davao City press secretary and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) director; DXGO and GMA-7 analyst Nelson Cañete, Region XI director, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC); DXUM newscaster Enrique Cayudong, DILG assistant secretary; Miguel Balbin Sr., presidential honoree, Apolinario Mabini Awards; DXUM reporter Israelito Torreon, Davao del Sur Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president; and DXUM reporter Jenielito Atillo, Region XI spokesman, Department of Education.

Remembering A. J. Wills

DXMC and later Davao chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas. - notes of Antonio M. Ajero, editor in chief) But the first operational broadcast station was actually opened by the Japanese on November 3, 1943 to intensify misinformation.

It relayed the program emanating from PIAM, a radio station broadcasting on the 600 kilocycles or the 500-meter amplified modulation (AM) band, originally known as KZRH. The PI call letters stood for Philippine Islands.

Wills, as a pioneer in radio broadcasting in Davao region, was granted by Congress on June 20, 1952 under Republic Act (RA) 767 “a temporary permit to construct, maintain and operate in the Philippines, at such places as the said grantee may select, subject to approval of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, radio broadcasting station or stations.”

RA 767 carried two major provisions: First, the exclusive grant cannot be leased, transferred, sold or assigned, and the rights and privileges acquired under it could not similarly be leased, transferred, sold or assigned to any person, firm, company, corporation of other commercial or legal entity, nor merge with any company or corporation organized for the same purpose, without the approval of Congress.

And second, Wills, in operating radio stations, “shall not require any previous censorship of any speech, play or other matter to be broadcast from its stations; but if any such speech, play or other matter should constitute a violation of

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa the law or infringement of a private right, the grantee shall be free from any liability, civil or criminal, for such speech, play or other matter.”

Five years later, the grant was expanded to include television stations. This was made possible with the enactment by Congress of RA 1861, approved on June 22, 1957.

Under the expanded franchise, Wills was required to start operation of TV stations by December 31, 1960.

Wills’ two broadcast outfits were later sold to Alto Broadcasting System (ABS). The first television station in Davao City, DXAW-TV Channel 2, was launched in 1967 after the merger of ABS with Chronicle Broadcasting Network (CBN). His legacy would be felt in the next 30 years with the rise of new radio stations in Davao. By 1957, three new stations showed up, namely DXGO (Manila Broadcasting Company), DXGE (Liberty Broadcasting Corporation), and DXRH (Cebu Broadcasting Corporation).

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

BILATERAL... FROM 1 lo stressed that the bilateral ceasefire issue is first on the agenda of the negotiations.

Bello said the government panel composed of lawyers Angela Librado, Antonio Arellano and Rene Sarmiento and Hernani Braganza are prepared to hold the next talks with the NDFP. Amid the increasing offensive attacks by the rebel New People’s Army especially in Bukidnon, Agusan and Davao areas, Bello said the government panel will continue to be steadfast in their efforts and resolute in putting a closure to the armed conflict.

“We owe this to our people. Our millennials deserve it,” Bello said in a press briefing in Malacanang aired live on television.

Bello is hoping they would arrive at a consensus on the bilateral ceasefire to end the hostilities on the ground.

“We expect the discussion in this round of talks to be very, very, very difficult and exacting but we shall be persistent in advancing the cause of peace as inspired by our President’s determination to unite our people,” Bello pointed out.

It can be recalled that during the third round of talks in Rome, Italy, the GRP panel already gave the NDFP the draft bilateral ceasefire agreement, which the NDFP panel agreed to review.

Bello said part of the discussion are sensitive issues including the definition of buffer zones, the definition of the collection of revolutionary tax, the choice of referee.

“We were for a while under the impression that our third party facilitator, the Royal Norwegian Government, would be willing to be the referee,” Bello said.

Both panels would have discussed the draft bilateral ceasefire last February but this was stalled after Duterte decided to pullout the government panel.

The President’s decision came on the heels of the announcement of the NPA in Mindanao to terminate its unilateral ceasefire declared in August. The termination of the unilateral ceasefires by both sides resulted to a number of clashes between the NPA and government troops.

Given the setbacks, Bello underscored President Duterte’s efforts and initiatives to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace in the country.

Following the announcement of the Communist Party of the Philippines on their intention to declare a unilateral ceasefire before the 4th round of talks, Bello said the President wants the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed.

“I think we should concentrate more on this (bilateral ceasefire) more important agreement because this is where we will be assured of the lowering or ending of hostilities,” he pointed out.

Bello said this would put the parameters and the terms of reference of the agreement.

“Kaya mas importante ‘yun, mas mahalaga po ‘yun (So that’s more important, most significant),” he added. (PNA) Asked on the issue of revolutionary taxes, Bello clarified that the President mentioned that as a possible term in the bilateral ceasefire agreement.

“Kasi the President is aware that in these talks, we are governed by The Hague Joint Declaration that is we conduct the peace negotiation without any precondition,” Bello stressed.

ion and 66th Infantry Battalion encountered the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command 6 in Tagbinonga while the soldiers were conducting patrol operations.

Linao said the body of the dead rebel was recovered.

The two wounded soldiers were immediately given medical attention, he added.

Linao said the Army pounded the NPA position with 105 artillery to support the ground troops.

Linao said the Philippine Army will continue the military operation against lawless groups that undermine the people’s democratic way of life and institutions.

“These terrorists will not be tolerated and will face the

full force of the government to maintain law and order,” he said.

Since last week, the NPA has stepped up offensive operations against the communist rebels.

The 10th Infantry Battalion earlier reported that the series of clashes between government troops and the NPA in Davao City and Compostela Valley province, from March 25 to 27, left an NPA member, a soldier and a militiaman killed.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division information officer, said government troops also recovered a rifle and several war materials left behind by the fleeing rebels.

(PNA)

Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1996.

Tomawis said the next important thing to do in the peace talks is to widen participation to include the Lumads in the affected areas.

“Why is it important for the Moros to recognize the IPs [indigenous peoples]? If we Moros are demanding for our rights, we cannot simply not recognize the rights of the

IPs who live in our proposed Bangsamoro area,” Tomawis said.

She said the lumads living within the proposed Bangsamoro areas are deeply concerned of their future.

She said Lumad leaders she has spoken to have complained that MILF leaders do not listen to their concerns during forums and discussions they have attended with the rebels. (MINDANEWS)

Girl... FROM 2

War... FROM 4

HOMEWARD BOUND. After a long hours of work, a security personnel traverses along Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Saturday morning towards home on his bicycle with his young son in tow. Lean Daval Jr.

Pag-IBIG... FROM 1

Homes Realty Corporation, Moderno Citihomes Development Corporation and Argusland, Inc. Also recognized during the event were Sarangani Resources Corporation and DOLE Philippines, Inc. for their collaboration towards the development of DOLE Gawad Pag-IBIG I, a housing project located at Polomolok, South Cotabato that ensured the decent and affordable homes available to DOLE Philippine’s employees.

In 2016, Pag-IBIG reached its highest-ever housing loan take-out amounting to P 57.3 billion – a 30% increase from the P 43.93 billion take-out in 2015. Also, from 15.9 million membership level in 2015, Pag-IBIG membership also increased to 17.3 million with almost a tenth of 1.62 million members coming from Mindanao.

“2016 was a banner year for Pag-IBIG Fund and we wish to share this accomplishment with our partner-devel-

opers and stakeholders. They are important factor for the Fund to accomplish our goal of providing a channel for our Filipino workers to acquire their own homes,” said PagIBIG Officer-in-charge Acmad Rizaldy P. Moti.

Last year, almost 7,500 families in Mindanao availed themselves of a Pag-IBIG housing loan amounting to more than P6.6 billion or 14% higher than the 5.8 billion take out for the region in 2015.

Moti is positive that this 2017 will be a better year for the Fund especially because they target to have a P 70 billion take-out, catering to 100,000 beneficiaries all over the Philippines. For Mindanao, they target to have 8.9 billion loan take-out and hopefully to cater to 10,000 families.

Pag-IBIG operates in Mindanao in 32 strategically-located branches, providing members with easy access to avail of the Fund’s programs and services.

showed that the company’s mining practices were found to be “manifestly deficient or lacking in compliance to sound and responsible mining practices.”

Asked why CPC had continued to operate despite the violations, de Dios explained that he was unable to act against its violations after his March 2013 memorandum, as he was placed on a “floating status” by then MGB Director Leo Jasareno in May of the same year.

Jasareno subsequently assumed De Dios’s post, placing himself as the concurrent MGB-Caraga director until 2016 when President Rodrigo Duterte booted him out of office.

Meanwhile, local environmental watchdog Caraga Watch has questioned CPC’s non-inclusion in the list of suspended and closed mines, following a nationwide mine audit conducted by the Department of Environment and

Natural Resources (DENR).

“It has been shown repeatedly that Century Peak has a bad record not only in environment but in the social aspect as well, so we’re puzzled why it was not closed, or even suspended,” said Rev. Pio Mercado, Caraga Watch spokesperson.

Even de Dios himself was perplexed. “MGB only played a supporting role during the DENR mine audit last year. We helped in logistics but we were not part of the audit per se, so I’m also wondering why Century Peak’s past and continuing violations were not taken into account by the DENR auditors,” De Dios said.

Jasareno led the mining audit team before he was replaced by Duterte in October 2016.

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers accused Jasareno of granting special favors to certain mining firms. (Roel Catoto/MindaNews)

Recidivist... FROM 2

Duterte... FROM 2 government troops.

Given the setbacks, Bello underscored President Duterte’s efforts and initiatives to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace in the country.

Following the announcement of the Communist Party of the Philippines on their intention to declare a unilateral ceasefire before the 4th round of talks, Bello said the President wants the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed.

“I think we should concentrate more on this (bilateral ceasefire) more important agreement because this is where we will be assured of the lowering or ending of hos-

tilities,” he pointed out.

Bello said this would put the parameters and the terms of reference of the agreement.

“Kaya mas importante ‘yun, mas mahalaga po ‘yun (So that’s more important, most significant),” he added. (PNA) Asked on the issue of revolutionary taxes, Bello clarified that the President mentioned that as a possible term in the bilateral ceasefire agreement.

“Kasi the President is aware that in these talks, we are governed by The Hague Joint Declaration that is we conduct the peace negotiation without any precondition,” Bello stressed.

Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.

It is ordered for the British Army and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy.

It has a crew of two, has a maximum speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel) The AW-159 is fitted with a variety of weapons capable of dealing with surface ships and submarines.

One of the armaments, the PN “Wildcat” will be armed with is the Spike NLOS missiles giving it a capability to engage hostile vessels beyond visual range.

The said weapon is manufactured by Israel’s Rafael

Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. NLOS is short for “non-line of sight”. It was originally designed to destroy tanks.

“The missile has a builtin camera that allows it to be operated day or night,” the PN spokesperson.

“The Spike NLOS weapon system can be operated in either direct attack or midcourse navigation based on target coordinates only. These modes enable defeat of longrange hidden targets, with pinpoint precision, damage assessment and the obtaining of real-time intelligence,” weapon manufacturer Rafael said in its website.

The Department of National Defense signed a contract with AugustaWestland, now Leonardo, to buy two AW-159 ASW helicopters for PHP5.362 billion, last year. (PNA)

including 48 serviced apartments to cater to long-stay guests. BGC’s business travelers appreciate the highly vibrant BGC location and its easy access to dining and entertainment options – a quality shared by all Seda hotels owing to the location of every property in an Ayala Land mixed-use developments.

Notwithstanding its location in vibrant Ayala Land

communities and rooms geared to fit the needs of today’s business and leisure travelers, Seda has expanded rapidly because of the warm, efficient service rendered by its staff, according to Carlos.

This is indicated in the high guest repeat rate across all properties which registers at an excellent 42 per cent, more than double the industry average of 15 to 20 per cent.

PN... FROM 4

Seda... FROM 7

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LIP

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

BEAUTY

SERVICE AS FAR AS SOCIAL MEDIA FILTERS AND HIGH DEFINITION MAKEUP GOES, there is no such thing as over-saturation. We want our best faces forward at all times and the beauty trend that is showing no sign of waning has to do with having full impact plumpers. You just have to read our lips to see that nearly every girl nowadays has gone agog playing with liquid lipsticks and liners to achieve that perfect pout.

Thinking of taking that swipe onto this highly favored rouge craze? Read on to find out which to immediately grab and those to flake on. Aside from the usual names in beauty brands, this particular line of lipsticks has catapulted many lesser known brands to now almost cult-like status and created loyal followings.

Time to whip out those lipstick wands.

KYLIE Price: $$ (Matte Liquid Lipstick); $$$ (Matte Liquid Lipstick & Lip Liner) On Lip: The wildly successful liquid lipstick kits Kylie Jenner released

made us all spell ‘queen’ with a capital K. She is largely responsible for this trend blowing up and causing mayhem at makeup counters worldwide with girls in search of the popular shades such as Posie K and Koko K. Just like those Kardashians, a swipe of the Kylie lipstick reveals what in-your-face maximum color impact looks like. Twist open the tube and discover that the candy-scented formula dries quite quickly. After a mere five minutes of wear, it will appear chalklike and can feel quite restrictive on the lips. For

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BEAUTY STYLE SCRIBE A1

those with typically dry lips, it can cause flaking.

No need for reapplication even after a couple of hours but you would do well to be safely home if you are thinking of finally removing it.

Shade: Over 25 shades Origin: Made in the U.S.A. COLOURPOP Price: $$ (Matte or Ultra Gloss Liquid Lipstick and Set of 3 Lippie Bundle) Texture: I had the unfortunate occurrence of having it drip on my dress just moments before leaving for a party so I would be careful when applying it.

On Lip: Colourpop is one of the best brands for that important middle ground when you want to experiment with fun colors but not have it cost so much.

The brand likes to bundle up different hues too, creating value for money for makeup chameleons. Colourpop’s lipstick sits well on the lips, not rendering it too stiff. However, it can cause cracking and you will need to reapply to create that smooth, unfettered lip surface typically desired when applying matte lipsticks. Be sure to dab a little extra lip balm for some post-matte lippie TLC. True to its name, its color palette will rank the highest in the why’s of choosing this accessible popular brand.

Shades: currently at 50

shades Origin: Made in the U.S.A. BRONX Price: $ (Matte Lip Tint) Texture: Thin yet creamy consistency with sharp smell akin to acetone On Lip: Even further down the price ladder is edgier makeup brand Bronx with its offerings of Matte Lip Tints. its applicator is a little different than the other brands with a wider base to allow for fewer swipes but can get trickier with precision. Touted as makeup for the more fuss-free urban gal who wants to look made up and keep her look from day till night, its line of matte lipsticks - both cream and liquid - remain one of the brand’s foremost bestsellers. And with good reason. The pigments are very good and do not erase easily even after hours of wear. The lips feel hydrated and you hardly experience cracking.

Shade: 12 shades Origin: Made in P.R.O.C.

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

an enchanted collaboration with Disney, their products are truly liquid gold. I tested their latest kit featuring Disney’s Beauty & the Best and it had a weightless feel on the lips.

Give it about ten to fifteen seconds to completely dry.

Retains a creamy rich appearance and stays put without giving the lips an overly chapped feeling. It is relatively easy to remove with any makeup remover or cleansing oil.

Origin: Made in Taiwan All the brands and products featured are available at Chimes Boutique, Gov. Sales Street, Davao City.

Follow Chimes on Instagram: @chimesboutiques. $ - below P500 $$ - P500 to P1,999 $$$ - above P2,000

HAPPY SKIN Price: $$ (Matte Liquid Lipstick & Lip Liner) Texture: Richly pigmented and nice liquid consistency that isn’t runny with light chemical smell On Lip: This locally developed makeup brand known for its prime packaging has certainly picked up on the liquid lipstick trend in creative ways.

With tie-ups with industry heavyweights like Mickey See and Jigs Mayuga plus

This summer, race up for more savings with Baby Company’s Baby Gear Sale! Get up to 50% off on carriers, car seats and strollers from trusted brands: Aprica, Maclaren, Safety First, Chicco and more! Shop now with your Mom Card to earn points. Promo runs until April 30.

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Earth Hour at SM malls

WITH A NEW ERA OF CLIMATE ACTION UNDERWAY, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) again urged its supporters to switch-off and shine a light on climate action.

Last March 25, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, Earth’s most iconic landmarks once more switched-off their lights for Earth Hour 2017. Earth Hour Philippines’ main switchoff event was held at SM by the Bay, Mall of Asia Complex from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday night. There was an Earth Hour Camp at 4:00PM which featured interactive climate adaptation and mitigation booths, specifically, native tree

planting, renewable energy technologies, and disaster go-bag preparation.

In Davao City, SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier observed the Earth Hour by switching off its non-essential lights and mounting various events which gathered the malls’ partners and supporters of the advocacy.

In SM City Davao, a light photography contest was held with. The annual Earth Hour mall

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parade was led by Davao Blue Eagle Marching Band in storm trooper costumes, followed by the Boy Scouts from DRANHS and the mall administration staff with the mall tenants. Shoppers were then treated to a meaningful program with performances from Evolve Pole Fitness and Allen Cecilio. In SM Lanang Premier, the night was marked with a live performance from homegrown band Muses. The celebration was joined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI. Mall managers of both malls, Lynette AngalaLopez (SM City Davao) and Therese LapeñaManalo, led the ceremonial switching off. “We are firm believers that the challenge of climate change can only truly be addressed through the collective will and the united resolve of every individual,” SM said. With 60 malls participating in the Philippines and 7 in China, SM shed a light by symbolically switching off.

Both Davao malls have been recipient of the city’s Lunhaw Awards for its green initiatives. SM City Davao also won the WWF Best EnvironmentFriendly Practices in 2009 and the Don Emilio Abello energy efficiency award which made the mall’s program an official entry to the ASEAN Energy Awards. Earlier in the year, SM Aura Premier received the prestigious LEED Gold certification after meeting the standards set by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

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The Davao Blue Eagle Marching Band at the SM City Davao Open Parking.

ABOVE: Evolve Pole Fitness in a colourful neon performance.

LEFT: The Switch off at SM Lanang Premier was headed by (L-R) DENR assistant chief administrator Josefina Bravo, SM mall manager Engr. Therese Lapeña-Manalo and Park Inn by Radisson hotel manager Emelyn Rosales

A4 INdulge!

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11 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

Biotechnology:

Answer to looming food crisis

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

S

PIRULINA, one of the oldest forms of life on earth, is believed to be what the ancient Israelites of the Old Testament called “manna from heaven.” God provided the “small round substance” while He led them through the Red Sea on dry ground and into the Wilderness of Sin. It could be collected each morning and only as much as could be eaten in one day. If a person tried to collect more than needed, it would grow wormy and foul.

Scientists believed manna was a product of biotechnology.

In the Philippines, the making of soy sauce, patis, nata de coco and even composting in the backyard undergo the biotechnological process.

Biotechnology comes from two words. Bio is derived from the Greek word bios, which means life. Technology is the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, methods of organization, in order to solve a problem, improve a preexisting solution to a problem, achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function.

Thanks to science, the process of biotechnology has been hastened. The methodology seems like a work of fiction.

Listen to the words of Dr. Frank A. Shotkoski, an adjunct professor at the Cornell University in the College of Life Science Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics: “Traditional methods of crop improvement require the mixing of genes by making specific crosses, observing and selecting for specific phenotypes (traits) in the offspring. This has been a very effective tool for crop improvement and our ancestors have been quite successful in using these techniques to develop the productive, tasty and nutritious crops that we have today.

Food security But modern biotechnology completely changes that. “Biotechnology allows us to introduce genes into crops that could never be achieved using traditional/conventional methods because the gene tied to a specific trait (i.e. insect resistance, disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, etc.) doesn’t exist in species,” Dr. Shotkoski explains.

“Often traits of interest can be introgressed into a crop much faster using biotechnology tools such as marker assisted breeding, gene transformation and/or gene editing.”

Dr. Shotkoski originally joined the Cornell University in 2005 as Director of ABSPII (Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II) where he directed several biotechnology commercialization projects in various parts of the world, including the Philippines.

“I see biotechnology as an

important component of the many technologies and choices that we have available to provide food security, human nutrition and health for an ever-expanding population,” he says. “This is especially important for agriculture where farmers are faced with many biotic and abiotic constraints, most of which can’t be dealt with using conventional technologies.”

Ismail Serageldin, during his time as vice-president of World Bank, had foreseen biotechnology of playing a crucial part of agriculture in the 21st century.

“All possible tools that can help promote sustainable agriculture for food security must be marshaled,” he stressed, “and biotechnology, safely developed, could be a tremendous help.”

Through biotechnology, more crops can be grown on the planet. “At current rates of population growth, conventional techniques may soon be insufficient if farming is to keep pace with the scale of increases required in the 21st century,” wrote Victor Villalobos in an article which appeared in Ceres, a magazine published by UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

Biotech crops In 1994, Calgene’s delayed-ripening tomato became the world’s first genetically modified food crop to be produced and consumed in an industrialized country. Since then, several biotech crops are introduced or currently being studied.

“Many crops are being improved with the use of modern biotechnology,” Dr. Shotkoski reports. “In addition to corn and cotton, most soybean and canola crops have been genetically improved to allow for less expensive and more effective weed control options. Papaya genetically engineered for resistance to papaya ringspot virus has saved the papaya industry in Hawaii.

He continues: “More recently, we’ve witnessed the commercial approval of Arctic Apple with reduced browning, the Innate Potato with reduced browning, low level acrylamide and late blight disease resistance. Some of the other important crops that will soon benefit from biotechnology include disease resistant soybeans in Brazil, bacterial wilt resistant matooke banana in Uganda, insect resistant cowpea for West Africa.

“For Southeast Asia, I expect that soon we will see rice bio-fortified for vitamin A and increased iron content. Drought and salt tolerance is already being developed in rice. Insect resistant Bt talong (eggplant) should soon be made available to local Filipino farmers. I expect that we will see the bio-fortification of crops for the production of healthier oils, proteins and secondary metabolites to be

Bt corn and traditional corn (BIOTECH)

Dr Frank Shotkoski eating Bt talong common place. The more recently discovered gene editing tools will allow for much more directed genetic interventions that will allow for many crop improvements,” Dr. Shotkoski says.

Against pests When asked how biotechnology would help address the looming food crisis, Dr. Shotkoski cites the major reduction of mycotoxin accumulation in Bt corn. “Mycotoxins are serious carcinogens and a major problem in crops damaged by insect pests, especially in corn where insects target the kernels in maturing ears,” he explains.

“Since damaging caterpillars are unable to survive on Bt corn, the kernel quality is exceptionally clean and free of mycotoxin producing fungi. This means much more grain can be safely stored and made available to contribute to food supply.”

According to the scientist who received his entomology degree from the University of Nebraska, several well-designed studies have been published showing that biotech crops can be produced using less inputs such as insecticide, fungicide and herbicides compared to conventional crops. “The yields are substantially higher with much reduced carbon footprint that has been implicated with the pheromone of climate change,” he points out.

If you are still wondering what Bt means, it stands for Bacillus thuringiensis. A common soil bacterium, Bt produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects.

“When ingested by the larvae of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies within a few days,” noted a briefing paper circulated by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Bt is present in the Philippine soil and had been in use for years without any harmful effects. As it comes from the earth itself, Bt is very natural, accord-

ing to Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, a Filipino entomologist. In 1901, Bt was discovered to have an insecticidal property. By 1950s, it became a well-known biological insecticide.

In the Philippines, one of the most controversial biotech crops is Bt eggplant. And it so happened that Dr. Shotkoski was involved in the development and commercial release of the said biotech crop in Bangladesh.

“This technology was part of the ABSPII project where I was director from 2005 to 2016,” he says. “This technology allows for production of eggplant with no insecticide application for the control of the very damaging eggplant fruit and shoot borer. I am hopeful that this technological breakthrough will eventually make its way to the Filipino farmers.”

Married to a Filipina, Dr. Shotkoski calls the Philippines as his second home. He was born in the United States. “I still remember as far back as kindergarten our teacher showed the class a drawing of a crop duster plane spraying a crop with insecticide. The next page had a drawing of an ominous looking grasshopper even larger than the plane from the previous drawing. The teacher went on to explain to us that because of the indiscriminate use of pesticides we were creating superbugs that could survive the pesticide applications,” he recalls.

“In my mind, I envisioned those large mutant grasshoppers knocking the crop duster planes out of the air and killing the pilots. I decided then that something had to be done about this bad situation and it stuck with me until now. Of course, I later learned more about pesticide toxicology and the development of resistance.”

The young Frank grew up on a working farm in Nebraska where farmers grew corn, alfalfa, sorghum and other row crops.

“I was well aware if the production constraints associated with insect pests, disease and weeds and the extreme labor intensive work involved in controlling and managing these problems,” he

Bt talong (SEARCA)

Golden rice with other vitamin A-rich foods (Courtesy of IRRI) says. “I was convinced that there had to be an easier way to make a living on the farm!”

In medicine and industry Unknowingly, biotechnology is not only applied in food production – even in medicine and industrial processes. Erythropoietin is one of the first biotechnological drugs; it triggers the production of new red blood cells. In industrial processes, there’s laundry detergents whose new enzymes could help remove oily and protein-based stains.

“The principal challenge in biotechnology research is how to realize the promise of benefits and advantages from this cutting-edge technology for developing countries,” said Dr. Estrella F. Alabastro, when she was still the head of the Department of Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, Prof. Vincent Titanji, a Cameroonian biotechnologist and vice chancellor of the Cameroon Christian University, contends that the benefits of biotech crops are greater than any negative effects they might have in the future.

“Remember that (when) fire was discovered, it was both useful and harmful,” Prof. Titanji was quoted as saying by Inter Press Service. “I have been in the domain of bioengineering for over 30 years and none of the predicted effects have materialized. It was predicted that weeds will invade the entire ecosys-

tems of countries like Brazil, the United States, South Africa, and China, which produce biotech crops massively. Even the toxic substances predicted have not materialized.”

On the potential risks of biotech crops on the environment, ISAAA has this answer: “The environmental and ecological concerns potentially associated with GM crops are evaluated prior to their release. In addition, post-approval monitoring and good agricultural systems need to be in place to detect and minimize potential risks, as well as to ensure GM crops continue to be safe after their release.”

As to the health issues, the Geneva-based World Health Organization gives this assurance: “The potential direct health effects of GM foods are generally comparable to the known risks associated with conventional foods, and include, for example, the potential of allergenicity and toxicity of components present, and the nutritional quality and microbiological safety of the food.”

“Despite the current uncertainty over GM crops, one thing remains clear,” the ISAAA fact sheet claims. “This technology, with its potential to create economically important crop varieties, is simply too valuable to ignore. There are, however, some valid concerns. If these issues are to be resolved, decisions must be based on credible, science-based information.”

12 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

Army official urges DavOr residents to join campaigns for peace T HE commander of the 67th Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, has urged the people of Davao Oriental, especially those in the grassroots level to participate on the intensified campaign to attain a just and lasting peace in conflict affected areas.

Lt. Col. Obligado, who was one of the guests during the ‘Kapihan sang Kapitolyo’on March 27, said that they are conducting support operations since the first quarter of this year to defeat the CPP-NPA rebels, and prevent its resurgence and insulate unaffected areas to create conflict-resilient communities conducive for sustainable development. However, he stressed that all their efforts will be wasted if the people in the community will not cooperate.

Despite the fact that the AFP’s ratio to the NPA rebels is one is to a thousand, the military is persistently calling for the cooperation of the communities as the insurgents are persistently trying to regain their influence here.

“They really want to recover Davao Oriental because they want the government to fail and at the same time they want to re-influence their previous mass bases,” Obligado said.

He added that the NPAs are specifically targeting ‘lumads’or native Mandaya tribesmen to join their ranks.

As of 2006-2015, 74% of those who surrendered to the government are ‘lumads’. The rebels are even more drawn to the province because of its highly agricultural lands.

More than 70% of the recruited NPA members are farmers while 18% are laborers, said Obligado. These farmers and laborers joined the movement due to the promise of financial support of the lawless armed groups that their recruits have never received.

Obligado, however, said that residents under his area of jurisdiction which is the first district of Davao Oriental and one town of Surigao del Sur have been cooperating on the government’s peace efforts. “People no longer accept the CPP-NPA. The rebels are staying on their camps because they are not being accepted by the masses, otherwise they will be staying on the residents’ homes. Masses no longer support the NPAs, least give them food.”

He added that the civilians, especially those who have been victims of extortion, have started participating on their initiatives by filing a complaint. “They are

giving information because they are aware that it is only one of the ways that the government can intervene and protect them. That is a good action because we cannot just arrest the perpetrators without warrant of arrest or any case filed against them.”

Meanwhile, Obligado stressed that barangay officials should also be empowered to perform their functions as the rebels have organized shadow government that suppress the duly constituted officials. These organizations mislead people by exploiting issues related to education, economy, health, gender, youth, and agriculture.

“Their job is to sow hatred against the government. They want to isolate the people and split the government by providing problems instead of solutions. You will see them protesting in the streets, and they were called ‘progresibong grupo’ which is wrong because it should be ‘problemadong grupo”, Obligado said.

The whites also provide finance, logistics, propaganda, and technical and professional support.

As anchored on the Philippine Army’s strategic initiatives, addressing the root causes of insurgency is the key to attaining long lasting peace.

“There should be a livelihood program in partnership with other agencies, particularly the Department of Agriculture”, he explained, citing the Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan, a flagship program of Governor Dayanghirang which brings different government services closer to the people.

“We should also protect the vulnerable sectors like the Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and farmers.

Consequently, this will attract armed elements to return to the folds of the government and will build social pressure to compel the NPA to give up armed struggle,” he said.

Another constrain that needs to be addressed is the literacy rate especially of the

youth, Obligado added. The youth has comprised the largest number of recruits, reaching 86% as of year 20062015. These minors, who are mostly aged fifteen to seventeen, are mostly third graders.

“Many youth are lured to a free education in an unaccredited school,” he explained.

The battalion commander has also called on the media to help them on their intensified campaign against insurgency.

“The role of the media here is

important. We need your participation on this advocacy, to persuade the masses that rebellion is never an answer to their plight,” he added.

Lt. Col Obligado hopes that by the end of the year, the province will again be cleared from insurgency. He said that this will be achieved if the civilians, the local government and all sectors of the society work together with the AFP and the PNP. (Riza M. Golez/ PIO DavOr)

large part at 48.1 percent; followed by single detached at 43.9 percent; and townhouses, 7.6 percent. ”All types of housing units registered increased in the number of loans granted compared to their year-ago levels, with condominium units posting the highest growth of 37 percent,” the BSP said.

In terms of purchases by areas, those from NCR are mostly condominium units while single detached units are the common purchases in AONCR.

Guinigundo, in text message to PNA, said demand for housing units came along with the demand for commercial properties.

“We have a large shortage of housing units supported by a big base of young, employed people especially in the services sector. As the economy continues to grow, demand for commercial space will be sustained,” he said.

Monetary officials have continuously stressed that a property bubble is far from happening in the country.

On March 13, 2017, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park was recognized by the city government of Davao City for its contribution to environment pro-

tection and conservation. The recognition was given during the Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw event held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City.

Rising... FROM 6

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the Philippines once more as co-chair for 2017-2020 of the newly established ADMM-Plus Expert Working Group on Cyber Security.

She also recalled how the co-chairmanship of the Philippines and New Zealand in 2011-2014 of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Peacekeeping Operations resulted in productive undertakings that contributed in enhancing the capacity of ADMM-Plus members pursue peacekeeping operations.

Provided with an out brief of the Mutual Assistance Program Talks held earlier in by their respective military officials, Luna and Quilter commended the resulting program of action crafted by the two sides, noting the shared sense by the New Zealand and Armed Forces of the

Philippines (AFP) representatives that the MAP Talks was a tangible manifestation of the common desire to reinvigorate military-to-military interaction.

The talks took full cognizance of the needs of the AFP given the changed security environment and what NZ could offer given recent developments in the strategic landscape.

Beyond assessing the current state of bilateral defense relations and exploring ways to move the relationship forward, both defense officials likewise exchanged view on matters of common concern to include maritime security, the interactions of major powers in the Asia-Pacific and combating terrorism and violent extremism. (PNA)

Adjustment (PPA) cost of PHP0.40 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from 2002 to 2004.

There are also debts incurred by electric cooperatives (ECs), which were assumed by the government, that amount to PHP18 billion.

Fuentebella said that the DOE proposed before the cabinet and Congress to utilize a portion of the ERD, amounting to more than PHP200 billion, to address stranded debts and the ballooning debts of the Power Sector As-

sets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), which are currently being passed on to the consumers.

The DOE is studying all possibilities while making its stand of policy-making while protecting the consumer, he said. ”We already formed the task force for the parties to discuss inputs on how to approach the matter, looking into contracts of Power Supply Agreements,” Fuentebella said. (PNA)

growth in the region.

Agreements on the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework are expected to be signed on the sidelines of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meetings.

The separate meetings of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and the Central Bank governors will simultaneously open on April 7. The Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Joint Meeting, the third to be held under the ASEAN, will take place later in the afternoon.

A joint press conference by the finance ministers of the immediate past (Lao Republic), present (Philippines) and future (Singapore) ASEAN chairs will be held after the Joint Meeting.

The official gatherings of

the ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors will be preceded by a series of meetings and fora among the ASEAN finance deputies and central bank deputies on April 4-5.

An ASEAN + 3 Finance and Central Deputies Meeting with China, Japan and Korea and a separate ASEAN-US Treasury Deputies Meeting will be held on April 5.

The BSP-Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum Debate will be held on April 3.

Before the ASEAN finance and central bank chiefs buckle down to work, Tetangco will host a dinner reception on April 5, followed by a gala dinner hosted by Dominguez on April 6.

DOE... FROM 5

ASEAN... FROM 6

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is in need of Lay-out Artist Qualifications: • Male / Female • Knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop and Indesign application • Willing to work under pressure

Accounting Clerks (2) Qualifications: • BS Accountancy Graduate • Female • Can work with minimum supervision • Experience of at least one year

Account Executive Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality 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

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And now, the starters S

URPRISE top vote-getter Mark Barroca, reigning three-peat MVP June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva headlined the starters of the three PBA All-Star teams that will take on Gilas Pilipinas in a weeklong exhibition series to be played in different cities in April.

Barroca, who garnered a total

Calvin Abueva

Junmar Fajardo

of 32,793 votes to top the AllStar ballot, will lead the Team Mindanao first five alongside Scottie Thompson, PJ Simon, Rafi Reavis and Cyrus Baguio.

Fajardo, Romeo, James Yap, Jeff Chan and Joe Devance will start for Team Visayas.

Abueva, Marc Pingris, Jayson Castro, Japeth Aguilar and Paul Lee will start for Team Luzon.

Mark Barroca

The All-Star festivities will kick off on April 26 with Team Mindanao battling Gilas Pilipinas in Cagayan de Oro. It will be followed by Team Luzon versus Gilas in Lucena, Quezon on April 28 while the tiff between Team Visayas and the national team will cap off the annual showcase on April 30 in Cebu.

Terrence Romeo

Canoy fails world title bid C

EBUANO bantamweight contender Jason Canoy fell short in his quest to capture the WBF world bantamweight title when he lost to Mzuvukile Magwaca of South Africa by split decision at Magwaca’s hometown at Khayelitsha in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday night (March 31).

Judge Darryl Ribbick had Canoy winning 115-114 but judges Clifford Mbelu and Eddie Marshal had Magwaca ahead by wide margin with scores of 117-112 and 117-110.

According to the ringside report sent by OPSI executive

ATTACK. Cocolife’s Erika Alquino attacks the defense of St. Lucia’s Rachel Ann Austero during the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Invitational elimination round.

AERIAL GRACE. Sta. Lucia’s Rialen Santos puts the ball back in over the defense of Cocolife’s Andrea Marzan during the 2017 Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix Invitational elimination round.

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HE Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Sports Institute are conducting Directional Meetings with the Local Government Units and that is a very good move by PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and PSI chief Marc Velasco.

LGUs need to get in tune with the road map for sports development being drawn by the two sports agencies which is import-

Rico Navarro, Canoy “was the aggressor all fight long, landing blows to the body and overhand rights to the face of Magwaca” but Magwaca “who was on his bicycle all the time, used his reach to score points and clinched whenever needed.”

Navarro added that nobody was in serious trouble although Magwaca went down once but ruled a slip by the referee.

Canoy earned the respect of fans and officials and many went to him after the fight to shake his hand and take photos with him.

With the loss, Canoy went

down to his 7th defeat and dropped his record to 26 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws with 19 knockouts. Magwaca, who is now the WBF bantamweight king, remains undefeated with a record of 18-0-2, 10KOs. In a statement, OPSI said “We congratulate Mzuvukile Magawaca for winning the championship and wish him well. We are proud of Jason’s performance. He has nothing to be ashamed of as he gave it his all and made the country proud.

The support and greetings that he received after the fight is a sign that he fought a great fight.”

HE fourth and last regional selection camp for Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska was held at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati on Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2.

The camp served as the last chance for young ballers in the NCR and other provinces to participate in the National Basketball Association’s youth development program that has been touring different key cities and towns since January this year.

Boys and girls aged 10 to 14 took part in the learn-andachieve camp that will test their physical and basketball smarts through NBA style skills tests and basketball drills. They will also learn the STAR values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

Vitals tests, skills tests and

drills provided tough challenge for participants on Day 1, during which the top performers of the day was selected based on their scores in the vitals tests and skills challenges. On Day 2 participants experienced more intense drills, team activities and scrimmages that will determine the level of their basketball skills.

Jr. NBA coaches led by Coach Chris Sumner and local Jr. NBA coaches led by PBA Legend Jeffrey Cariaso ran the camp and made the final selection for the regional finalists. The selected players will advance to the next phase of the program and will represent the National Capital Region in the National Training Camp that will be held at Don Bosco Makati and the SM Mall of Asia on May 12-14.

At the NTC, the top per-

forming eight boys and eight girls will be culled from the finalists of the regional selection camps held in Cagayan de Oro, Lucena, Cebu and Metro Manila and the Alaska Power Camp.

The 16 ballers will be named this year’s Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars and will enjoy a unique NBA experience later in the year that will also give them the opportunity to play with other Jr. NBA All-Stars from the Southeast Asian region.

Boys and girls born from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007 are encouraged to join the program by registering for the last Regional Selection Camp through the Jr. NBA event website www.jrnba.asia/philippines where full program terms and conditions can be found.

Registration and participation in the camp are absolutely free.

comprehensive development and with the support of the LGUs through the Councils, sports development in the country will soar to greater heights.

We used to dominate sports in the Asian region and everyone in sports know that. However, it has deteriorated and it is a shame that we have not maintained our being a sports power in the region.

The PSI will play a very

crucial part in the development of our athletes and the Institute needs all the support it can get from its development partners.

I read that Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. president Dennis Uy, who is from Davao, has made a commitment to help sports development in the country. What if other big, big corporations come and join? That would be wonderful for our athletes and

Jr. NBA/WNBA holds final regional camp

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PSC, PSI directional meetings, way to go! ant. The ongoing exchange of ideas and concerns being discussed will definitely streamline everything as the National Physical Fitness and Sports Development Councils are being revived.

The Councils were created years ago under the Interior and Local Government department but it has not gained traction simply because there was no unified direction in sports.

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA PSC takes charge of the funding, the PSI sets up the

coaches.

Truth is, there are no new ideas needed. It’s just a matter of learning from our sports superpower neighbours through sports agreements and hopefully, one day, we will be in the sports map once again as champions from Asia.

The PSC, PSI, LGUs working together is what we need for change to happen in Philippine sports development.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 1 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, APRIL 2 - 3, 2017

HORN IS IT Pacquiao fight in Brisbane now being finalized

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

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njb@edgedavao.net

ERTH, AUSTRALIA – After cyclone Debbie battered Queensland for days leaving a trail of destruction, Brisbane woke up to a brighter day on Friday including one that will bring the biggest boxing fight in the history of the sport Down Under.

Yes, the long wait could be over.

The fight between Brisbane’s very own Olympian and schoolteacher Jeff Horn and Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is on the works.

In a few days, expect the final announcement.

But before that is made and while Brisbane heals itself from the destruction of Debbie, give Jeff Horn a pat in the back, even an applause for his patience.

Indeed, Horn has sent that message across too clearly--patience is a valuable virtue.

After all is said and done, the undefeated Brisbane fighter is going to land his prized

bout against Pacquiao after all.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported here on Friday that the fighting Philippine Senator is expected to sign a deal to fight at Suncorp Stadium reportedly on July 2.

Last January, Horn was announced as the next Pacquiao foe and the fight was slated for the 50,000-seat Suncorp Stadium on April 23.

For some reason, the fight was suddenly obliterated by an announcement by Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz and by a tweet from Pacquiao himself that a fight with British boxer Amir Khan is being cooked up for mega deal card in the Middle East.

So that became a tiresome saga as the Pacquiao camp pulled out of a bout against Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs) in April to chase that multi-million dollar fight in the UAE against former stablemate Khan.

Pacquiao’s promoter Bob

IT’S HORN. Australian Jeff Horn meets Filipino eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane on July 2.

Arum of Top Rank insisted it is him not Koncz who will determine the next Pacquiao fight.

Koncz said he had the deal closed and the date set.

Horn kept mum all those times. And Arum did the work.

He gave the WBO welterweight champion an ultimatum to take on No.2 contender Horn, which he must grudg-

ingly accept or stay inactive until November, when he has his next break from political duties.

Now we know who’s the boss.

Pacquiao and the Canadian Koncz will have to take the deal.

And so goes another Pacquiao saga. The fight with Horn is now set in motion in

what will likely be the biggest fight ever staged in Australia. A crowd of 50,000 at the famous rugby league cauldron would be no surprise.

“We are finalising the terms,” Koncz was quoted as telling Philippines a news website in the Philippines when asked about the Horn fight.

The Herald reported that

the latest development “stands as an absolute initial win for Horn, the London Olympian who has been biding his time in the gym waiting for news of the fight, the purse of which has been backed by Events Queensland and the city council.”

The Herald reported that even a decent performance will send his stocks skyrocketing, while Pacquiao has everything to lose against a younger and hungrier opponent, who also happens to be co-promoted by Arum along with Kiwi group Duco Events.

The fight is expected to be confirmed in the coming days, while thousands of Pacquiao fans have been tipped to congregate in Brisbane when their fighter arrives to begin final preparations.

Meantime, the rehab works for all of Queensland is on high gear and this latest news should be a boost in spirits.