Edge Davao 10 Issue 23

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DURIAN JUMP. A boy jumps from atop the Durian fountain into the water basin as he plays with his friends under the heavy downpour at Quezon Park along San Pedro Street in Davao City on Tuesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

UNPRECEDENTED

‘Probinsyanos’rule 2017 bar exam

F

OR the first time, no Metro Manila-based school landed in the top 10 of the 2016 Bar examinations, according to results released by Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr. said a total of 3,747 out of the 6,344 examinees who took the 2016 Bar examinations passed and this figure translates to 59.06 percent of the total examinees.

“I am happy and pleased to announce that the country now as 3,747 new lawyers. This represents a passing percentage of 59.06 percent. I congratulate and doff my hat to the 3,747 successful candidates. Mabuhay po silang lahat. They deserve to be members of the prestigious legal profession,” Velasco said.

He noted the figure and percentage are higher than the 26.21 percent (1,731 out of 6,605) who passed the 2015 Bar examinations.

He said the highest passing percentage in the history of the bar exams from 1946 to 2015 is 75.17 percent in 1954 while the highest passing percentage with the passing average of 75 percent was attained in 1998 with 39.63 percent.

F PROBINSYANOS, 10

CONFIRMED ASG

Slain person in Davao shootout is‘Bin Laden’

SPORTS

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

T

HE Davao City Police Office confirmed that the person killed during the encounter in Lower Dampa, Magtuod, Ma-a in Davao City last Tuesday is a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

According to DCPO spokesperson PSI Ma. Teresita Gaspan, the intelligence group said that the deceased is known as “Bin

Laden,” as one of his aliases. Until press time yesterday, however, his real identity remains unknown. No relative has claimed his cadaver which is currently in Angel Funeral Homes, according to Gaspan.

Police recovered a .38 revolver with five ammunition, blasting cap, a detonating chord, M26 fragmentation hand grenade, and three pieces of electronic chips

from fallen suspect.

Gaspan said that the DCPO initially received information the presence of a suspicious persons carrying the names of “Saqdat,” “Omar” and “Bin Laden.”

On May 2, a suspicious Toyota Hilux and a red motorcycle with armed men were spotted in Bangkal around 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon. The policemen were able to catch up with the said ve-

hicles at Purok 1-B, Lower Dampa in Magtuod, Ma-a where the shootout happened, resulting in the killing of alias Bin Laden. The remaining two suspects however eluded in the ensuing hot pursuit launched by the authorities. The search is still ongoing.

Gaspan assured that the city police are now on top of the situation in the city.

F CONFIRMED, 10

BIRDIE BINGE Eagle, birdie run gives Samanodi Pomelo Tee crown

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

GINA AND RODY. Former Environment secretary Gina Lopez chats with President Duterte during an environmental summit in Davao City in this undated photo. The Commission on Appointments rejected Lopez’s ad interim appointment during a hearing on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Alan: Punish officers ‘WE WILL NOT BE DETERRED’ in‘hidden cell’mess Dureza issues statement on recent NPA attacks S S EN. Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to punish police officers involved int the “hidden cell” found at the Manila Police District Station 1 in Tondo.

In an interview, Cayetano said that these cops should immediately be charged and punished so as not to taint the reputation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as an institution further.

“Kasuhan ang dapat kasuhan. Huwag nating sirain ang buong institusyon (Charge those who need to be charged.

Let’s not destroy the image of the whole institution),” Cayetano told reporters in an interview.

Cayetano, a staunch sup-

porter of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, said the chief of the Tondo police station and 12 members of the station’s Drug Enforcement Unit were already relieved from their posts following the discovery of the hidden cell.

He also said that the hidden cell issue should be considered as an “isolated case” stressing that the Duterte administration does not tolerate human rights violations.

“We should not tolerate any abuse. One violation does not mean it is happening everywhere and that it is a government policy,” he added.

He also clarified that he did not deny that there were human rights violations but

F ALAN, 10

EC. Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) yesterday said government peace negotiators will not be deterred in their efforts to reach a peaceful settlement with the communists in the country by fresh attacks waged by the New People’s Army in the Davao area.

“We are dismayed that although peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF are now making some substantial headway, their forces still continue to wage attacks that victimize civilians and inflict damage on the civilian sector,” Secretary Dureza said in a statement released to media yesterday.

“Although a bilateral ceasefire is not yet in place, the public’s common reaction to these incidents questions the sincerity of those whom we talk and deal with across the table,” he said, adding that “the public also questions their capacity to manage and control their forces on the ground.”

“There are even calls now to stop the talks altogether and pursue an all-out military offensive against their armed groups,” the peace process adviser said.

The rest of his statement follows: “There is no doubt at all that our security forces -- the AFP and the PNP -- with the

support of the civilian communities must and can deal with these contingencies.

“On the other hand, we who are tasked to seek a peaceful and principled settlement must pursue, with more vigor , these peace engagements with the communist rebels. Our expectation is that our unrelenting efforts in addressing the issues, bridging the ideological divide and finding a common ground may eventually pay off and bring about just, sustainable and enduring peace in the land.

“No doubt, the task is not easy, taking every necessary step, but we will continue. We will not yield in our resolve. We will not be deterred.”

According to Dureza, Secretary Silvestre Bello III, government panel chair, and his panel are now preparing for the forthcoming 5th round of talks on May 27 to June 1 in the Netherlands, saying that the working committees of both sides have been meeting continuously in the country for the purpose.

“President Duterte’s aspiration is to end this tragedy of Filipinos fighting Filipinos,” Dureza said. “While he boldly deals with those who bring harm to the people, his dream is to bring peace through a just and principled settlement with all rebel groups in the land. Let us all close ranks and stay the course with him, “ he said.

station commanders of the Police Stations 10, 5 and 12 (Calinan, Buhangin and Marilog) was merely part of reshuffle done by DCPO Chief PSSUPT. Alexander Tagum, as the new Davao City Police Office director who has a prerogative and discretion to re-assign officers to new areas.

“Part sa iyang bagong leadership, adunay movement sa atoang mga officers ilabi na sa atong mga station commanders. Discretion sa atong City Director nga aduna siyay preference kung kinsa ibutang. It

doesn’t mean nga poor ilahang performance nga naka-decide siya ngano adunay balasahay sa mga opisyal, kon dili iyaha kanang discretion kung asa niya pwede ibutang sila kung asa fit nga designation,” PSI Gaspan said during a press conference on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the DCPO held a turnover ceremony of incoming and outgoing station commanders of Calinan (Police Station 10), Buhangin (PS 5) and Marilog (PS 12).

PCINSP Nolan Raquid has been assigned to PS 10 Cali-

nan, replacing PCINSP. Carlito T. Apilat who has been reassigned to OPNB as Deputy, PCINSP Jack Tilcag replaced PCINSP Milgrace Driz in PS 5 Buhangin who has been reassigned to OCD-CPSMU and PCINSP Roy Mateo replaced PCINSP Roman Alvarez in PS 12 Marilog who has been reassigned to Traffic Group and designated as Deputy.

Gaspan further said that it is possible that more officials will be re-assigned to different areas, depending on the decision of PSSUPT. Tagum.

Impact of drugs on family made Duterte launch‘war’: Lapeña

Lapanday attacks nothing to do with 3 officers’relief

HE negative impact of illegal drugs on families and the community is why President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to make the anti-drug campaign the centerpiece of his administration, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director Isidro Lapeña has said.

“Stories of victims of (illegal) drugs and its impact on the family, community, and the country as a whole cannot be (downplayed). These stories are the reasons why (the) drug problem is the number one priority program of President Duterte,” he said during the

HE Davao City Police Office made it clear yesterday that the relief of three station chiefs of the command was not precipitated by the recent simultaneous attacks in three areas in Davao City made by the New People’s Army. All three attacks last April 29 were directed at Lapanday Foods Corporation’s plants in Mandug, Calinan and Bunawan, all in Davao City.

According to DCPO spokesperson PSI Ma. Teresita Gaspan, the relief of the

T

#RealNumbersPH Forum held at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Ave., Quezon City Tuesday.

Lapeña was referring to the victims of heinous crimes perpetrated by drug-crazed individuals who could not distinguish right from wrong when they are high.

He explained that having a user in the family leads to mental anguish and financial burden, along with the fear of crimes that could be committed by the user against a family member.

The drug problem also has a destructive effect on the com-

F IMPACT, 10

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

T

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

CA rejects Gina Lopez as environment secretary

L

AWMAKERS on Wednesday rejected the appointment of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, who cracked down on alleged unsafe mining practices during her 10 months in office.

Thirteen members of the Commission on Appointments voted against Lopez, enough to constitute a majority, said Senator Manny Pacquiao, who led the confirmation hearings.

He did not say how many voted in favor or if there were abstentions.

“Gina’s uphill climb to reach her goal as DENR secretary was a tall call decision, that perhaps, the wisdom of Solomon must be sought,” Pacquiao said.

“To Gina, I truly admire your passion and love for the environment, your dreams to make the brown fields turned into green, the water to be clean and clean fresh air to surround our land,” he added.

Mining groups and their advocates opposed Lopez

F CA, 11

But Senators support Sec. Taguiwalo’s confirmation

S

OME senators on Wednesday expressed support for the confirmation of Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo who faced the Commission on Appointments (CA) anew after being reappointed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

To recall, Taguiwalo failed to get the approval of the CA before Senate went on recess last month.

Among the senators who expressed their support were Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, Senators Panfilo Lacson, Loren Legarda and Francis Pangilinan.

However, Taguiwalo’s confirmation was suspended to make room for the CA to hold an executive session to decide on the confirmation of Environment Secretary Gina Lopez.

Like Taguiwalo, Lopez has also been bypassed by the CA

but reappointed by Duterte.

Drilon, who questioned her on updates on the conditional cash transfer (CCT), said he admired Taguiwalo for her courage to stand up to the decision to bury former Pres.

Ferdinand Marcos in the Libangan ng mga Bayani.

Taguiwalo reiterated her commitment to provide service to poor communities including the 4.4 million beneficiaries under the CCT program.

Lacson, meanwhile, questioned her about her communist affiliations.

The Secretary, however, revealed that she is no longer a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CCP) and that she serves at the pleasure of Pres. Duterte.

To recall, the CCP nominated Taguiwalo to join the cabinet. (Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)

CHECKPOINTS. Police officers conduct random checkpoints in Davao City’s main roads on Tuesday night. Authorities is implementing tighter security measures in the city after an alleged Abu Sayyaf rebel armed with explosive

components was killed in a police operation early morning of Tuesday and a recent attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr.

IEDs in Malagos intended to blast nearby AFP camp?

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

T

HE Davao City Police Office said that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the highway of Purok 4, Barangay Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City at around 4:30 in the afternoon on Tuesday might have been intended to be detonated in the nearby military camp.

The DCPO has also confirmed that the IEDs were identical to the ones used by

New People’s Army in bombing Barangay Tigatto in the morning of April 29, critically injuring a fish vendor.

“Sa atong theory, intended to siya sa mga government troops, maybe may mga scenarios na magkakaroon ng atrocities sa said area na posible nga respondehan na pulis or military,” (In our theory, they are going to create troubele in the area and use

these IEDs to blast responding police and military troops), said DCPO spokesperson PSI. Ma. Teresita Gaspan during the AFP-PNP Conference held at Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday.

The spokesperson said that this is quite possible considering that there is a military camp near the said area.

On Tuesday, two IEDs were initially to have been seen

near Calinan Memorial Park at around 4:30 in the afternoon.

Around 5:15 PM, responding police officers recovered the IEDs with antenna, receiver, a blasting cap and a black wire.

According to the authorities, one of the IEDs recovered was “low ordered” and was immediately defused. Currently, the IEDs are in the custody of the Task Force Davao for appropriate disposal.

DTI’s OTOP Next Gen launched in Region 11

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

F

OLLOWING the success of One Town One Product (OTOP), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched the OTOP Next Gen in Davao Region.

“What has changed from OTOP to OTOP Next Gen is that OTOP Next Gen has more emphasis on product development, brand equity, and this is more technology-driven compared to the previous OTOP,” said Romeo N. Vasquez, Jr., DTI 11 SME Division Development Specialist during Wednesday’s Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall.

In a statement from DTI, OTOP’s shift to OTOP Next

Gen includes expansion of sustainability or range of vision, full-scale technology driven product development, reward system or incentives which cover mainstream, multi-platform, market-targeted distribution channels, strict accreditation system with clear criteria and standards, among others.

The development specialist added OTOP Next Gen aims to scale up the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of the Philippines, preparing them to the Go Lokal! store, perceived as high-end store which serves a platform showcasing modern and indigenous quality prod-

ucts crafted, designed, and created by MSMEs. It is a public-private collaboration initiated by DTI together with the private sector.

Vasquez said before an MSME has to be qualified for Go Lokal! store, he or she will undergo product assessment under OTOP. “It’s two levels because once an MSME qualifies for OTOP Next Gen, and then the MSME will enroll and will go through thorough product development and brand development. Once an MSME is that high in level, he or she could go directly to Go Lokal! level,” said Vasquez.

Angsinco vowed to strengthen the role of Agriculture and Fisheries Councils (AFC) in the various municipalities and provinces.

“Strengthening the AFCs will help in the progress of agriculture and fisheries sector in their respective communities. We will see to it that DA interventions will reach farflung areas so they will be able

to feel the presence of the government,” Angsinco said.

On the other hand, Briones assured that he will conduct activities that will highlight the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of coastal areas in Region XI. Oñate asked the new “directors” to help the farmers and fisherfolk in improving

F DTI, 10

DA 11 installs farmer and fisherfolk directors

OTOP NEXT GEN. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 SME Development Division trade and industry development specialist Romeo Vasquez Jr. says DTI 11 is eyeing to grow innovative and competitive Micro Small Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) via One Town One Product (OTOP Next Gen). Lean Daval Jr.

T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) XI on Wednesday designated two directors for farmers and fisherfolk in the Davao region as part of the celebration of farmers’ and fisherfolk month.

Acting DA-XI director Engr.

Ricardo Oñate, Jr. designated Engr. Armando Angsinco as director for farmers while Randy Briones for the fisherfolk.

F DA, 11

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

Veterans Bank relaunched as commercial bank, May 5 Targets millions of war heroes’descendants

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

A

NEW Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) is set to be introduced to the public as it will relaunched and re-branded as a private commercial bank.

Guesting in Wednesday’s Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall Davao, Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real, PVB vice president and head of Corporate and Consumer Relations Division, said the PVB is in the process of changing its image from a government bank and a financial institution which solely caters to World War II veterans, descendants and retired PNP personnel.

In Davao City, PVB is set to be re-inaugurated on May 5, 2017, highlighting a tribute wall to war veterans in the region which will be

graced by PVB top executives including the chairperson, former Finance secretary Roberto “Bobby” de Ocampo.

“We will show the history of Davao during the World War II which was the first to be bombed in the country and the last to be liberated.

This year actually marks the 72nd anniversary of the liberation of Davao but it is not celebrated here unlike other regions,” said Villa-Real.

The VP added the exhibit which include photos, text, screen playing documentaries about the war, is open to the public.

He noted, there are only 9,000 war veterans left in the country from what used to be more than 400,000.

Villa-Real also bared that

PVB is working on a campaign to “search for descendants of war veterans”, and targeting them as market by offering incentives. He added that at present, there are 358,000 share owners but only one-third were identified because majority of them have no idea of their family history.

“Majority of them don’t even know they are descendants of war veterans,” said Villa-Real.

Aside from veterans’ descendants, PVB is also targeting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as potential market.

With P50 million worth of assets and capital of P5 billion, the VP is affirmative on the growth of PVB despite

the presence of its competitors.

“The banking industry is very, very competitive but very, very regulative and that’s what we are really complying,” said Villa-Real.

Philippine Veterans Bank was established on June 18, 1963 with the enactment of Republic Act No. 3518, which became its charter.

While PVB was conceived and created as a private commercial bank owned by the veterans, the law provided that it would be a government depository as a gesture of appreciation by a grateful nation to the veterans for the sacrifices that they offered on the altar of freedom.

At present, PVB has 60 branches nationwide.

Tourist arrivals in Davao up by 88.40% in Q1 of 2017

T

OURIST arrivals in Davao City reached a total of 166, 451 for the first quarter (Q1) of this year (January to March), indicating an increase of 88.40 percent compared to 147,126 in the same period in 2016.

In a data given by City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), domestic travelers totaled 153,844, an 87 percent increase as compared to 2016’s Q1 data at 135,032.

However overseas or “Balikbayan” posted a slight decrease of 16 percent with 2,186 in Q1 of 2017 as against last year’s 2,610 arrivals.

The tourist arrivals from foreign visitors, leaped 91 percent with 10, 421 as compared to last year’s record of 9,484.

Meanwhile, Tecson bared that licensed tourism establishments recorded a 76.19 percent (P500,000) increase on the generated income with

Wanda Teo P2.1 million as of Q1, compared to P1.6 million during the same period in 2016.

“The increase could still be attributed to President Rodrigo Duterte, and to the people who want to see what

Davao City has to offer,” said City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson during an interview on Wednesday.

Tecson also pointed out the strong partnership between the local government

of sea routes between the country’s sea gateways and those of Asian neighbors was necessary to boost the country’s tourism.

“The Ro-Ro trips, where air-conditioned tourist buses can board the ships or barges and new cruise ship lines may yet enhance tourism and trade within the Southeast Asian growth area,” Teo said.

Aside from boosting tourism exchange and cruise ship industry, Teo said that it

will also improve trade and maritime relations between the Southeast Asian nations.

She, meanwhile, welcomed the launching of the new shipping route, which is within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) noting that it is the Philippine government’s maiden accomplishment under its ASEAN chairmanship this year.

In a joint declaration on

and the private sector in coming up with initiatives to attract tourists such as the Visit Davao Fun Sale, the biggest tourism event in the region now on its 4th year with a huge selection of events and activities every summer featuring offerings in airfare, accommodations, tours, dining, shopping, beauty and wellness, as well as sporting events, arts and nightlife..

“Mayor Sara has been very supportive of the Visit Davao Fun Sale because she has seen that the event really has brought an increase in the tourist rate every April and May,” said Tecson.

The City Tourism Officer noted that in spite of this development, the city is still in need of around 9000 rooms and more two to three-star hotels to accommodate tourists coming to the city. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

More Ro-Ro trips to boost ASEAN tourism: DOT

A

FTER launching the Roll-on-Roll-off (RoRo) trips between the Davao and Gen. Santos City seaports and Bitung, Indonesia, the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday said that it is looking forward to the upcoming launch of RoRo trips between Mindanao and Palawan seaports and those of Malaysia and Brunei.

Teo, during the recent launch of M/V Super Shuttle weekly Ro-Ro ferry service, said that creating a network

establishing direct sea connectivity, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian Pres. Joko Widodo agreed to provide naval escorts to the Ro-Ro ships within their respective jurisdiction.

The Secretary said the Duterte administration has also mapped out plans for joint naval operations with Indonesia and Malaysia to secure the maritime borders to protect the Ro-Ro vessels and cruise ship passengers.

(Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)

NEW VETERANS BANK. Veterans Bank vice president and Corporate and Consumer Relations Division head Miguel Angelo Villa-Real says that the bank is now sporting a new look trying to reach the niche market particularly the descendants of World War 2 veterans. Villa-Real bared the plans during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

ASEAN ministers convene to drive reg’l SDG agenda

I

N late April 2017, thought-leaders including Ministers, Former Ministers and representatives from government bodies and prominent economists specializing in sustainable development from the ASEAN region and Australia gathered at Sunway University in Sunway City, Malaysia .

The gathering at a two-day ASEAN Ministers Workshop 2017 (AMW) was to share and improve their respective national strategies, and to formulate a regional mechanism to implement the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Southeast Asia.

Among the ASEAN Ministers who attended the first of its kind workshop were: Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman bin Dahlan, Minister in charge of the Economic Planning Unit, Malaysia; Dr Bambang Brodjonegoro , Minister of National Development Planning, Indonesia ; and Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR. Tan Sri Dr Ramon V Navaratnam, Pro Chancellor of Sunway University welcomed all the delegates to the workshop. In his welcome speech he emphasized on the important role corporates and SMEs play in supporting sustainable development, citing that it is in their best interest to support sustainable development as it will benefit their businesses in the future.

“This first AMW will be the catalyst of an annual high-level event for the ASEAN Ministers to meet, discuss and work towards achieving the SDGs for the region.

The Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development (JSC) is committed to support the UN’s blueprint for ending

poverty in the world in the context of sustainable development and building a sustainable future for all,” said Professor Woo Wing Thye, Chair, AMW Organizing Committee.

With three plenary discussions focused on the ASEAN Experience, the Australian Experience and the Action Items for Southeast Asia , the workshop also included a public lecture by Professor Jeffrey Sachs , Chairman of JSC and a dialogue with the attending ASEAN ministers.

Taking a question from a member of the audience, Professor Jeffrey Sachs shared that universities have an important role to play in helping ASEAN countries attain the SDGs through higher education.

From the development of deep excellence in science, technology, engineering and areas essential to supporting sustainable policy development, Professor Jeffrey Sachs urged universities to consider becoming incubators for SDG start-ups.

During the plenary discussion on Implementing SDGs: The ASEAN Experience , keynote speaker Datuk Seri Abdul bin Rahman Dahlan spoke of Malaysia’s commitment to adopting the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development via the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (2016 to 2020). Looking forward to getting everyone to work together to make the world a better place, Abdul Rahman shared the willingness of Malaysia to work with regional and international partners towards making the 17 SDG goals a reality.

Among those who participated in the workshop were Dato’ Dr Abdul Rashid Abdul

F ASEAN, 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Tourism, trade expo to raise awareness on Halal industry

ECONOMY 5

Halal market to grow to $3-trillion worldwide: Ampuan

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

A

LL is set for the 2nd Philippine Halal Tourism and Trade Expo slated on Friday, May 5 at Abreeza Ayala Mall, in Davao City.

Guesting during the Wednesday’s Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Mall, Marilou W. Ampuan, secretary of Mindanao Islamic Chamber of Commerce, and president of United Islamic Center, the official organizer of Philippine Halal Tourism Expo, said 42 exhibitors have confirmed to participate on the expo.

According to Ampuan, this year’s Halal expo was organized to increase the public’s level of awareness of Halal as well as to give better position of the Philippines, especially Davao, in aligning programs for Halal tourism, one of the fastest growing global tourism concepts.

More importantly, for this year the event aims to gather various players and stakeholders of the tourism and trade industry with the goal of showcasing a wide range of Halal food, products and services from local and inter-

national companies.

The United Islamic Center president said that last year, the Philippine Halal Tourism Expo featured the Mindanao launch of Philippine Halal Tourism Project, Davao City Halal Industrial Development Council, showcasing of Philippine Halal destinations, among others.

Preceding the expo, a Halal Tourism and Trade conference will take place on May 4 at Seda Hotel to be participated by the national government agencies, local government units and the private sector.

The event will also highlight the oath-taking ceremony of Davao City Halal Development Council established through Executive Order, No.12 Series of 2017, The council will be headed by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

In a previous statement, Ampuan said that the first expo had a “very positive impact” as the Philippine Halal products and services gained international markets and was able to result to the growing interest of more international exhibi-

tors from Malaysia and Indonesia.

She added that the expo has also resulted to the strengthening of efforts of the government to promote Halal products and services through the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act (Republic Act 10817) signed by former president Benigno Aquino III on May 2016 which institutionalized the creation of the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board composed of Trade and Industry Sec. Ramon Lopez as the chairperson, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). Meanwhile, Sec. Yasmin Lao as vice chairperson, Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol, Health Sec. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, Science and Technology, Sec. Fortunato Dela Peña, Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. sit as members of the board.

However, Ampuan lamented on the delay of the finaliza-

demned “the violent actions of these lawless armed groups.

The statement reads in full: “The recent burning of the packing plant of Lapanday in Davao City and the series of burnings on several equipment of contractors, bus companies, agricultural equipment of Del Monte, staged by the New People’s Army in various areas in Mindanao, does not in any way reflect the supposed commitments, sincerity, and goodwill manifested by the

CPP-NPA-NDF in the peace negotiation table.

“Such irresponsible actions of the NPA will further hurt the livelihood and the employment of the common masses and those who have less in life who depend on these industries for a living.

While we fully support the efforts of our government to put on the table possible means to attain peace, the Mindanao Business Council strongly condemn the violent actions of these lawless armed groups.”

AN’s 50th anniversary this year, Geng said China will support important consensus in building the ASEAN community, maintaining centrality in regional cooperation and playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. ”We congratulate it (ASEAN) on its achievements in growth, commend it for its contribution to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity,” he said. ”We believe ASEAN will make greater progress under the concerted efforts of the Philippines as the rotating chair and other ASEAN countries.”

Geng said China took note of the statement of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as chair of the 30th ASEAN

Summit held last weekend in Manila. ”We have also noted what was mentioned in the chairman’s statement about the South China Sea,” he said.

In the final version of the chairman’s statement, President Duterte said the ASEAN countries have reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and over-flight in the South China Sea. The ASEAN leaders have also underscored the importance of the full and effective implementation of the DOC “in its entirety”.

Geng said the joint efforts of the ASEAN countries have “cooled down” the situation in

F TOURISM, 10

Mindanao business group condemns rebel atrocities

T

HE Mindanao Business Council, Inc. (MinBC) yesterday labelled the atrocities of the New People’s Army in Mindanao as “irresponsible actions of the NPA” that “will further hurt the livelihood and the employment of the common masses and those who have less in life.”

In a statement signed by businessman Vicente T. Lao, MinBC chairman, and emailed to media establishments in Davao City yesterday, the business council strongly con-

China to work with ASEAN for full implementation of DOC

C

HINA is willing to work with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman has said.

In his regular press conference Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said China is also willing to deepen maritime practical cooperation to arrive at a code of conduct (COC) “based on consensus at an early date”. ”According to the work plan, China and ASEAN countries will finish consultation on the draft framework of the COC in the first half of this year,” Geng told the media.

On the occasion of ASE-

F CHINA, 11

ETHNICA ALAMPAT DABAW. Davao City Tourism Office head Gene Rose Tecson discusses the upcoming culminating activity of Visit Davao Fun Sale, the biggest tourism event in Davao region, on May 27 such as

the staging of Ethnica Alampat Dabaw Jam and the Mindanao Pet Congress. Tecson graced this week’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall.

Lean Daval Jr.

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

War on drugs makes Z Cotabato safer: Mayor C

OTABATO CITY – This city of mixed Muslim and Christian settlers, numbering about 300,000 as of the 2015 census, is “safer now since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office last year,” Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said yesterday.

Sayadi said the city is safer now than last year, where shooting and murders related to illegal drugs were common occurrences.

Sayadi, who was the vice mayor, assumed as mayor after her brother, Japal Guiani, Jr. died last year due to illness.

Since then, she has been leading the police, through her program “Ronda Patrol,” in roaming around the city’s 37 villages to ensure drug ped-

dlers and users are out of the streets and the public in general is safe.

From an average of 80 crime incidents a month in the first quarter of 2016, the number of crimes related to illegal drugs had dramatically gone down, police said.

Senior Supt. Victor Valencia, city police director, said the efforts of the mayor had made the “police always on its toes” as police officers.

He reported an average of only about 50 crimes a month, mostly petty crimes, during the first quarter of this year. A mother with a son engaged in illegal drug pushing lamented that “she lost a son for the common good.”

A resident of Penafrancia

DSWD MACO BENEFICIARIES START OWN ‘CARENDERIA’. 26 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) beneficiaries in Brgy. Binuangan, Maco, Compostela Valley opened their Bamboo Kitchenet [sic] Eatery, Catering, and Services on April 18. The community project

‘Cash for work’benefits 1,118

Village in Barangay Rosary Heights 11, the mother, who requested anonymity, said she repeatedly asked her son to do away with illegal drugs because the Duterte government was determined to eradicate illegal drugs, but to no avail.

Her son was shot dead by someone she believed was the same person who supplied him with drugs to sell.

Mayor Sayadi said she dreamed of putting up a rehabilitation center in the city but space and budget were a constraint.

Drug personalities here who volunteered to be rehabilitated are sent to the Davao rehabilitation center.

The “Ronda Patrol” helped a lot in maintaining law and or-

der in the city, prevent crimes and improve the city’s peace and order, a pre-requisite to investors in putting up investments in the city’s fast growing economy, said businessman Oscar Tan Abing, president of the Cotabato City Chamber of Filipino Chinese traders.

The 6th Infantry Division activated the task force last week with an Army Special Forces battalion at the helm to help the city maintain law and order.

The task force is composed of about 500 soldiers and has six armored personnel carriers, 10 military KM 450 trucks, six motorcycles and one hovercraft to secure city residents from lawless elements.

(EOF/PNA)

was funded by the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of DSWD. The beneficiaries organized into SLP Association of Maco following various capacity build up sessions with DSWD project development officers. (DSWD)

AMBOANGA CITY - At least 1,118 drug users and pushers who surrendered to authorities across Zamboanga Peninsula in line with the government’s war on drugs are benefiting from the cash-for-work program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD regional director Araceli Solamillo said yesterday the cash-for-work program is just one of the many initiatives they are implementing under the National Drug Rehabilitation Program, which was created following President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs in the country.

“We in the DSWD always ensure that the affected families and individuals will be given the right support and intervention. Being the lead agency under Pillar III, there were community-based efforts that have already been done in the communities and we believe that this was proven effective,” Solamillo said in a written statement emailed to the Philippines News Agency.

Solamillo was referring to the three phases of the National Drug Rehabilitation Program.

Under the program, Pillar I is the creation of data for those who surrendered, Pillar II is the community-based rehabilitation and Pillar III is about livelihood assistance.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Health are leading the first two pillars, respectively.

“We are one with the rest of the coordinating agencies under this National Drug Rehabilitation Program in our fight against illegal drugs and I believe that the synergized efforts are making a good start,” Solamillo said.

The activities in the cashfor-work include “clean and green,” dredging and tree planting projects.

It said the drug surrenderers were paid PhP210 per day for 10 days of work, or a total of 2,100 per person.

As of Tuesday, the DSWD has already spent at least PHP2.3 million for the program in the region, Solamillo said.

Solamillo said that continuous efforts are being done in the municipal level in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, and the cities of Isabela and Zamboanga.

Data from the DSWD here showed that they also provided medical and educational assistance to the drug surrenderers through its Expanded Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (EAICS) program for the entire region.

Parents of the “Pantawid Drug Surrenderers” have also undergone family development sessions. Psychosocial intervention was also provided to the children of those surrenderers.

As of Tuesday, the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) here reported that there were 1,108 drug personalities who surrendered since the resumption of “Double Barrel Reloaded” in March.

It said the PRO-9 had conducted 22,518 house visitations under “TokHang (Toktok Hangyo)” and 33,312 under “TapHang (Tapok Hangyo)” operations.

“A total of 664 individuals personally appeared and surrendered to the different police stations in Zamboanga Peninsula for processing, 625 of whom are drug users and the rest drug pushers,” it said.

PRO-9 data showed that a total of 436 individuals were

F CASH, 10

GenSan sets 2 public auctions War on drugs cut down crime volume in N. Mindanao for‘delinquent’real properties

G

ENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The city government is planning to conduct two public auction sales this year for “delinquent” private real properties in a bid to recover their unpaid realty taxes.

Tess Sevilla, head of the land tax division of the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), said Wednesday they set the auction sales in June and November for real properties that have accumulated unpaid taxes in the last three years.

She said the move is part of the local government’s efforts to improve collection efforts and encourage property owners to properly pay their taxes.

The auction sale was earlier set this month but was moved to June to give more time to property owners to

settle their dues, she said.

“We already have a draft list of properties that would be covered by the auction sale,” she said in an interview with a local television station.

As standard procedure, Sevilla said the list of the concerned properties should be published first in a newspaper prior to the conduct of the public auction.

Under the law, real properties are deemed delinquent one year after their owners fail to settle their real property tax dues.

Such provision was set in Title II of the Local Government Code or Republic Act 7160 and its implementing rules and regulations.

Aside from the publication, a final demand letter will

F GENSAN, 11

C

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Crime volume in Northern Mindanao continued to plummet since President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a crackdown against illegal drugs upon assuming the post in June 2016, the police regional office here said yesterday.

Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, Police Regional Office-9 spokesperson, said

the crime volume in the first quarter of 2017 dropped to 5,780 from 7,018 during the same period in 2016.

The total crime volume in the first three months of 2015 was 10,307, he said.

“Overall, the total crime volume during the first quarter of 2017 dropped to 32.5 percent compared to the combined total crime volume registered in 2015 and 2016

during the same period,” Gonda said.

Gonda said that crime incidents in Northern Mindanao plummeted to record low as “Double Barrel Reloaded” gained momentum during the first quarter of this year.

He said the decline of crime volume in 2016 compared to 2015 was attributed to the nationwide “TokHang” (knock and appeal), an an-

ti-illegal drugs drive, which heightened after President Duterte assumed the presidency in June 2016.

This year, the anti-illegal drug campaign known as “Double Barrel Reloaded,” a precursor of the “TokHang,” which was silenced for a while, has resumed with intensity targeting professionals, government officials,

C

a mother and her two children, aged five and an infant, according to Raja Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan.

Senior Police Officer 2 Mohammad Ampatuan, Raja Buayan town police chief, said the subjects of the search warrant opened fire and lobbed grenades toward government

forces in Barangay Panadtaban at about 2 p.m.Tuesday.

The shootout led to the death of Normina Tantong and her two children. The five-year-old died at a hospital in Shariff Aguak town Tuesday night. Also killed was one of the suspected drug pushers.

Agents of Philippine Drug

Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM), backed by police and soldiers, were to serve the warrant against a certain Akung, Ruben Balutintik and Candao Utto.

Town Mayor Ampatuan

F WAR, 11

Mother, 2 kids die after drug suspects resist arrest

OTABATO CITY -- An anti-drug operation in Maguindanao province Tuesday turned bloody when the subjects of a search warrant opened fire at government forces in a remote village in Raja Buayan, Maguindanao, police said.

Among the fatalities were

F MOTHER, 11

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

Dumoy WSS Line 2 now fully operational

D

AVAO City Water District informs the public that water supply in areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy Water Supply System has already been restored. However, customers are advised to store water for emergency use as some service connections, especially those located in far and elevated portions of the city, may still experience low water pressure to no water.

DCWD undertook service improvement projects which necessitated a scheduled water service interruption affecting the water supply system on April 29, 2017 from 9AM to 9PM, and not until 9PM of April 30, 2017 as earlier reported.

This water service interruption was extended due to the

long recovery of DCWD’s facilities caused by massive water use during the long weekend.

The DCWD management apologizes to the affected customers for any inconvenience that the extended water service interruption has caused and asks for their understanding and cooperation.

Further, the general public is advised to visit DCWD’s website (www.davao-water.gov. ph) and official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/davaowater) or contact its Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293), 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for any water service concerns and queries.

(Winston C. Ajero)

M

T

D

display and a latest-generation central processing unit (CPU) from Intel Corporation.

The configuration, Microsoft said, is what college students have been asking for.

The pre-installed new operating system, known as Windows 10 S, is a specific configuration of Windows 10 Pro that offers a familiar experience that’s streamlined for security and performance.

However, Microsoft said, the new system exclusively runs applications, or apps, from the online Windows Store and uses Microsoft Edge as its default web browser.

Saying it was inspired by students and teachers and is “the best Windows ever for schools,” the company argued that Windows 10 S “is ideal for people who have everything they need in the Windows Store and prefer the peace of mind that comes with removing the risk of downloading apps from other places.” (Xinhua)

RAWING inspiration from the influx of tourists to the region of Mindanao and the surge of travel activities among its people, Worldbex Services International – the country’s leading events and expositions organizer – is more than thrilled to launch the first-ever Travel and Leisure Expo Davao or simply TLEX Davao.

Aptly bannering the theme of “Excite. Explore. Experience”, TLEX Davao is set to occupy a total of 1,263 sqm of exhibition space and over 40 exhibitors from all over the country as it eyes to welcome over 13,000 visitors throughout the 4-day expo. From premium and accredited travel agencies and tour operators, the exhibitor profile of TLEX Davao include national tourist offices and organizations, airline companies, cruise liners and shipping firms, as well as countless hotels and resorts.

Conceived with the foremost intention of nurturing the burgeoning growth of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry, TLEX Davao ultimately seeks to provide the region with easier and wider access to hassle-free travel and leisure products. But as it hopes to foster a stronger sense of adventure among its people, TLEX Davao is likewise committed in highlighting the joys and values of travel alongside relevant issues that gravely threaten the wellbeing of nature.

Teaming up with no less than the Department of Tourism (DOT) - Davao Region, TLEX Davao is honored to present a series of key events and programs which will be presented in partnership with the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDFS). Among which includes a series of seminars to be held from May 11 to 13 at the Seminar Room of the PHILBEX Davao Hall 1; to address growing concerns about environ-

mental preservation as well as new trends in tourism and hospitality.

For a minimum registration fee of P350-500, attendees of TLEX Davao which offers free admission, are all invited to take part in the TLEX Davao x VDFS Seminars. Among the featured topics include a talk on “The Seas & Climate Change in Mindanao” which sheds light on the current condition of the region’s waters alongside an insightful discussion on the current state of our global environment and a lecture on reef protection.

Seen both as an art and a journalistic endeavor that documents aquatic life, a talk on Underwater Photography will provide photographers, enthusiasts, and deep-sea lovers with a basic understanding of

this unique craft.

Geared towards industry professionals and business owners, lectures on the “Wellness Business,” “Customer Service Improvement Training,” and “New Trends in Wellness” will likewise be held to improve and expand the development of various tourism and hospitality businesses.

An annual event organized

by DOT-Davao Region together with VDFS Execom Davao City Tourism Operations Office, Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic development and the private and public tourism sectors of Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal and Davao del Norte, VDFS primarily offers sales, promos, discounted eco-tours and packages of hotels and accommodations, as well as

guided dining, shopping, and relaxation tour plans for tourists.

As one of TLEX Davao’s esteemed sponsors, VDFS, apart from hosting the seminars, will also be showcasing a wide array of exciting promos for all TLEX Davao visitors to champion the vibrant culture of Mindanao and its breathtaking natural wonders.

Beyond your usual travel expo, TLEX Davao is poised to elevate travel and leisure in the region not only by offering the biggest array of top-accredited travel and tourism products and services, but also through its compelling line-up of event highlights such as the TLEX Davao x VDFS Seminars. Truly, TLEX Davao is expected to make a lasting impression on

the Philippines has favorable regulations governing foreign and private investment, the country’s transportation infrastructure poses challenges for supply chains and hinders development in more remote regions.

Lack of “sufficient road” and mass transportation further resulted in traffic congestion and air pollution, it said.

The Fitch Group unit said the current administration’s strong resolve to address the

situation was a good news, with around 28 of the 50 projects included in the infrastructure program, focusing on transportation and had been deemed high-priority.

It cited, in particular, the government’s plan to construct long-distance train system going to the provinces, which are targeted to help elevate growth in these areas and cut poverty rate from around 22 percent to date to about 13 percent at the end of the Duterte administration

in 2022. ”Even modest improvement to transport speeds and accessibility across the country have the potential to unlock faster economic growth,” it said.

Economic managers have said that most of these projects will be funded primarily by official development assistance (ODA) loans from China and Japan as these countries and the Philippines improve their relations.

The government said it

would adopt a hybrid form of financing for its infrastructure projects wherein construction of the projects would primarily be shouldered by the government and the private sector may come in the middle of the process or only for the projects’ operations and maintenance.

BMI expects this funding scheme to fast-track the implementation of the projects.

“Both China and Japan have been highly receptive to investing in Philippine

infrastructure projects, seeing them as opportunities to build relations with the government and for domestic construction companies to expand abroad,” it said.

“With foreign financing and expertise backing projects like the PNR North-South Project and the Mega Manila Subway project, we expect that they will move at a much quicker pace than projects facing less certain financial backing,” it added. (Joann Santiago/PNA)

Microsoft unveils new laptop with new OS ICROSOFT Corporation unveiled Tuesday a new hardware personal computer (PC) model together with a new software operating system slightly different from its previous Windows version.

The new PC, known as Surface Laptop, continues efforts by the technology giant, once prided itself on being the biggest software publisher, to engage the market, both on the hardware and software fronts.

The company headquartered in Redmond, Washington state, in northwestern U.S., claimed at an event in New York City that the new PC is thinner, lighter and faster, with better battery life, display quality, storage and portability, and is available for pre-order starting Tuesday.

At 2.76 pounds, or 1.25 kilograms, and 14.47 millimeters at its thickest point, the laptop comes with a 13.5-inch

VDFS teams up with first-ever TLEX Davao for 3-day seminar

F VDFS, 11

PHL transport sector seen to grow 9.5 % until 2021

HE Philippines’ transportation sector is seen to post strong growth from 2017 to 2021, with the annual average expansion of around 9.5 percent.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Group, said in a research note that the Duterte government’s strong push for infrastructure spending, particularly on transportation infrastructure, was seen to hasten domestic expansion.

It noted that although

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

EDITORIAL

The probinsiyanos rule

T

HE 2017 Philippine Bar Examination results can be summed up in one-The probinsiyanos rule (pun intended). Or better yet Bisaya rules.

For the first time in the history of the Bar, the toughest professional examination in the country, no graduate from top Manila law schools Ateneo de Manila, University of the Philippines, San Beda and University of Sto. Tomas are in the Top 10. The topnotcher is from Cebu’s University of San Carlos which has a total of four in the Top 10. Silliman University has three and Davao’s Ateneo de Davao owned the 5th placer.

Ateneo de Davao also scored a perfect 24 out of 24 for an impressive 100 percent passing rate. Dabawenyo Justin Ryan Morilla made it as 5th placer to typify the ascent of the law schools from the provinces.

The Top 10 are: 1st: Karen Mae Calam, University of San Carlos (89.05 percent) 2nd: Alanna Gayle Ashley Khio, Silliman University (88.95 percent) 3rd (tied): Fiona Cristy Lao, University of San Carlos (88.80 percent) 3rd (tied): Athalia Liong, Andres Bonifacio College (88.80 percent) 4th: Allana Mae Babayen-On, University of San Agustin (88.75 percent) 5th: Justin Ryan Morilla, Ateneo de Davao University (88.40 percent) 6th: Mark Dave Camarao, Northwestern University (88.10 percent) 7th: Anne Margaret Momongan, University of San Carlos (87.80 percent) 8th: Jefferson Gomez, University of San Carlos (87.70 percent)

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JECIA ANNE OPIANA BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Reporters MEGHANN STA. INES NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

9th (tied): Nia Rachelle Gonzales, University of Batangas (87.50 percent) 9th (tied): Marie Chielo Ybio, Silliman University (87.50 percent) 10th: Andrew Stephen Liu, Silliman University (87.45 percent).

The Bar results only mean that the law schools from the provinces are fast catching up with their counterparts in Manila. Time was when those who aspire to become lawyers have to enrol in Manila schools in order to have a good batting average when taking the bar. Others take review classes in Manila before taking the bar.

Credit is in order for province-based law schools for keeping with the standards of legal education. With this eye-opening results, it should be worth considering now to hold sattelite examinations in the Visayas and Mindanao in order to lighten the burden of having to take the examinations in Manila for four Sundays.

The cost is way too high and is one of the challenges ‘provincianos’ have to face in taking the bar--plus the fact that they have to be away from their families for the examination period of one month (unless one flies in and out for the four Sundays).

For now, the results should encourage students to take legal education “at home” rather than go to Manila. At the same time, it is incumbent upon law schools outside Manila to maintain the standards it has reached, if not further improve, now that it has been proven that ‘privincianos’ are at the same level with their Manila counterparts.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

1

903, the year the first Japanese contract workers arrived in Davao, was also the year Arnold Henry S. Landor, an English anthropologist born in Florence, Italy, with help from the American authorities, explored the region southwest of Davao City and documented the Tagacaolo, natives who inhabit Sarangani, Davao Occidental, the western sector of the gulf, and certain regions of Davao Oriental, where they are also known as the Loacs.

As its name suggests, the Tagacaolo (‘from the mountain stream’) lives along watercourses an riverbanks, depending mostly for food from the rivers, swidden farms, and forests.

The tribe’s polity is headed by a datu who is an independent leader that presides over the cultural and civic nuances in the community. He is not only the judge and defender of his tribesmen, he is allowed to marry as many wives he can afford to fairly secure.

Landor, in his 1904 book titled The Gems of the East: Sixteen Thousand Miles of Research Travel Among Wild and Tame Tribes of Enchanting Islands, described the Tagacaolo as more of negroid type that has mixed Indonesian blood, were not so much steep in superstition, believed in both benign and malevolent spirits (like the turtledove that “has power to make or prevent

“I

SPENT my childhood in Cebu where my father owned a chain of movie houses, including the first air-conditioned one outside Manila,” bared John Robinson Lim Gokongwei, Jr. in a speech delivered before an ad congress several years ago. “I was the eldest of six children and lived in a big house in Cebu’s Forbes Park.”

A chauffeur drove this son of a wealthy businessman to school everyday as he went to top-notch San Carlos University. “I topped my classes and had many friends,” he recalled. “I would bring them to watch movies for free at my father’s movie houses.”

Then everything changed when his father died suddenly of complications due to typhoid. He was only 13 and the family lost everything. Their big house, cars, and business were all taken by the banks.

“I felt angry at the world for taking away my father, and for taking away all that I enjoyed before,” he admitted.

“When the free movies disappeared, I also lost half my friends. On the day I had to walk two miles to school for the very first time, I cried to my mother.”

His mother, a widow at 32, told him: “You should feel lucky. Some people have no shoes to walk to school. What can you do? Your father died with 10 centavos in his pocket.”

The family started from scratch all over gain. “My mother sent my siblings to China where living standards were lower. She and I stayed in Cebu to work, and we sent them money regularly. My mother sold her jewelry. When that

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The Tagacaolos of Davao Gulf people from sneezing of moving four hours if he wishes”), and have physical features similar to the Atas and the Manobos. The Englishman wrote: “Their nose is extraordinarily depressed, except a sort of button lobule, with nostrils abnormally broad but finely chiselled and not coarse.

“Like the Manobos, they possess ears with undetached lobes. Upon their overlapping, prominent brow-ridges they have luxuriant eyebrows, a rather bulging upper lip to the eye, and very firmly closed lips, the upper lip projecting and curling over the lower—a point in which they have in common with the Atas… “[They] have small mouths, well-proportioned skulls, and… straight but coarse hair, with a slight mustache, and beard on the chin only.

Their eyes are absolutely straight horizontally, the iris generally somewhat discolored in the upper portion. The teeth are filed into a sharp point or else in the Magindanao fashion. Their hands… are stumpy and coarse, with short thumbs.”

Early Tagacaolos embraced nomadic ways of living and gentle. They have no hair on the face and shave the hair of the head, leaving only a tuft on top of the skull. By tradition, the right of succession belongs to the firstborn child, who inherits the upland valley or ran out, we sold roasted peanuts in the backyard of our much-smaller home.”

When that wasn’t enough, the young John opened a small stall in a public market (palengke). He chose one among several public market a few miles outside the city “because there were fewer goods available for the people there,” he said. “I woke up at five o’clock every morning for the long bicycle ride to the palengke with my basket of goods.”

At the palengke he had chosen, he set up a table about three feet by two feet in size. He laid out his various goods -- soap, candles, and thread – and kept selling until everything was bought.

Why these goods? “Because these were hard times and this was a poor place, so people wanted and needed the basics --- soap to keep them clean, candles to light the night, and thread to sew their clothes,” he explained.

Being young, at age 15, had its advantages. “I did not tire as easily, and I moved more quickly. I was also more aggressive. After each day, I would make about 20 pesos in profit! There was enough to feed my siblings and still enough to pour back into the business.

The pesos I made in the palengke were the pesos that went into building the business I have today.”

The Philippine Primer wrote of him: “Now, John Gokongwei, Jr. is the second richest Filipino in 2016, according to Forbes Magazine. Aside from being a business magnate, he is also a philanthropist. And with all the businesses he owns in the country, he pro-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa highland plain.

Modern Tagacaolos, however, shaped by the incursion of western culture, have slowly set aside the values of their forebears. The tribe, now with a population of roughly 125,000, is generally scattered around the gulf of Davao, abelieves in a supreme being that resides at Mount Apo and was known to offer human sacrifices like the Bagobos when they perceived the holy mountain to be angry, as shown by the accumulation of sulphur at its crater.

“The Tagakaolos,” the Wikipedia explains, “can be recognized by the close-fitting suits of red and yellow

The secret

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

vides thousands of jobs to people. With his story, he hopes to inspire people to have the determination to bounce back in life without ever quitting.”

“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were not limitations to overcome,” said Helen Keller, who was not only deaf but blind as well.

“The hilltop would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”

Some of the world’s most famous personalities have limitations to conquer before they hit the big time!

American basketball superstar Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. James Whistler, one of America’s painters, was expelled from West Point for failing chemistry.

In 1905, the University of Bern

striped cloth. The majority of the people have hair curled in locks and mutilated, blackened teeth. Shaving the eyebrows and tattooing of the left forearm is also a common practice. One ironic characteristic of the Tagakaolos is being violent, for they are often at war with one another, yet they appear to be quite uniform in type, language, and religious beliefs.”

In Spanish missionary accounts, The Tagacaolos were also found in Mati’s jurisdiction. Jesuit priest Fr. Quirico More, SJ, in his letter dated November 1, 1884, wrote: “I would have wanted the Tagakaolos of Agamitan [Haguimitan] and Puhaga [Pujada] Bay to choose between Tamisa and Kuabu [as their settlement site]. But those of the former have opted to form a settlement between Balete and Makambol.”

That same year, Davao parish priest Fr. Mateo Gisbert, SJ, visited Malalag, Davao del Sur, a Tagacaolo colony. In his letter to the Mission Superior dated May 22, 1884, talked about the plight and persecution of the Tagacaolo, saying: “[I am] talking of the Tagakaolos.

Brave and numerous, they are defenseless against the others [tribes], since they are spread around the mountains and the valleys, and ordinarily victimized as slaves offered in human

sacrifice. This particular group, spread throughout the various points of this extensive mission [of Las Mercedes], seems to be calling loud to the missionary, fulfilling the Savior’s role, as Jesus Christ taught us, to defend and save them. Living apart in the mountains, helped by their spears and arrows, if they had a shepherd to summon them, thousands would follow as sheep within the walls of the settlement.”

Two years later, in a letter to the procurator of the Jesuit Philippine Mission dated May 20, 1886, Fr. Gisbert talked about his return to Malalag and the change of condition there: “Although I want very much to peak to Your Reverence about all of these races and settlements, in this particular letter I will speak only of the Tagakaolos and their settlements in Malalag. This is a small river debouching into the extreme south of the Davao Gulf, on a sheltered inlet easy for all kinds of boats to enter, considered one of the better harbors in this archipelago. I sailed there for the first time in my vinta two years ago, moved by the good reports I had received from the pagans of those mountain.”

Due to intermarriage, adoption of foreign principles, and the lack of advocacy to preserve the tribe’s great tradition, it is disconcerting to say the Tagacaolo’s culture is fast losing its grip.

turned down a doctoral dissertation as being irrelevant and fanciful. The young physics student who wrote the dissertation was Albert Einstein, who was disappointed but not defeated.

Sir Winston Churchill suffered financial ruin more than once while his political career was seemingly aborted on several occasions. Perhaps, it was Churchill’s numerous failures that led him to define success as “going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

The life of Harry S Truman, before he became the president of the United States, was full of setbacks. He and his father both suffered bankruptcy. West Point rejected his application. In fact, he experienced so many failures as a young man that he once wrote to his sweetheart, Bess, “I can’t possibly lose forever.”

Truman was his party’s fourth choice for senator. He was the underdog in every election he fought. He was so poor that even after he was elected senator, he was forced to use a public health dentist and to sleep occasionally in his car while on the campaign trail.

Before they became well-known authors, they have to beg publishers to print their books. Dr. Seuss’s first children book, And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 publishers. William Kennedy had written several manuscripts, all of them turned down by numerous publishers, before his “sudden success” with his novel Ironweed, which was rejected by 13 publishers before it was finally accepted for publication.

Alex Haley got a rejection letter once a week for four years as a budding writer. Later in his career, he was ready to give up on the book Roots and himself.

After nine years on the project, he felt inadequate to the task and was ready to throw himself off a freighter in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

As Alex was standing at the back of the freighter, looking at the wake and preparing to throw himself into the ocean, he heard the voices of all his ancestors saying, “You go do what you got to do because they are all up there watching. Don’t give up. You can do it. We’re counting on you!” In the subsequent weeks, the final draft of Roots poured out of him – and the rest was history.

An unknown poet says it well: “When things go wrong as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh; When care is pressing you down a bit, rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns, and many a failure turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out. ”Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt, and you never can tell just how close you are, it may be near when it seems so far. So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.”

10 NEWS

Probinsyanos... FROM 1

“In 2016, the passing percentage is definitely the highest with the remarkable 59.06 percent based on the grade of 75 percent,” he added.

Atty. Christina Layusa, the Bar Confidant, pointed out that “it is the first time that not a single Metro Manila based school placed in the top 10.”

She said that University of San Carlos had four graduates in the top 10 while Silliman University had three graduates in the top 10.

Karen Mae L. Calam, a graduate of the University of San Carlos, topped this year’s Bar Examinations with the highest over-all rating of 89.0500% followed by Alanna Gayle Ashley Khio of Siliman University with 88.95 while Fiona Cristy Lao also of University of San Carlos and Athalia Liong of Andres Bonifacio College shared the third spot with a rating of 88.80 percent.

In 4th place is Allana Mae Babayen-On of University of San Agustin with a rating of 88.75 followed by Justin Ryan Morilla of Ateneo de Davao University with 88.40, Mark Dave Camaraol of Northwestern University with 88.10, Anne Margaret Momongan of University of San Carlos with 87.80, Jefferson Gomez also of University of San Carlos with 87.70 while Nia Rachelle Gonzales of the University of Batangas and Marie Chielo Ybio of Siliman University shared the 9th place with a rating of 87.50.

In 10th place is Andrew Stephen Liu of Siliman University with a rating of 87.45.

Absent from the list of the top placers are the usual top law schools in the country -University of the Philippines College of Law, Ateneo de Manila University and San Beda College.

Layusa said that bar passers may secure their clearances from the Office of the Bar Confidant beginning on May 8-21, 2017.

Oath-taking of the successful Bar candidates will be held on May 22, 2017 at 3 p.m at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. Registration will start at 11 a.m..

“The oath taking ceremonies will take place on May 22, Monday, at the Mall of Asia Arena, because of the large number of successful candidates, we are to get a bigger venue. Since it is a big venue, we are allowing the successful candidates to bring or invite at least two or three candidates for this momentous event,” he noted.

The bar examinations are given annually in the course of one month, spread over four Sundays. It is the only profes-

sional licensure examinations which require the examinees to answer open-ended questions written in long hand.

These questions, formulated by the bar examiners for each subject and selected personally by the Bar Committee Chair on the day of each examination, are formulated to test analytical ability, facility in expression in terms of written argument, comprehension of basic principles of law, and grasp of jurisprudence.

Due to the scope and difficulty, the bar examinations are regarded as the most prestigious professional licensure exam in the country. It is also the only licensure examination that is not administered by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

The 2016 Bar Examinations are the 115th to be held in the Philippines. The exams were held at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila and were administered by the Office of the Bar Confidant headed by Deputy Clerk of Court and Bar Confidant Atty. Ma. Cristina B. Layusa.

For the 2016 bar examinations, a total of 6,924 filed their applications; of this number, 21 applications were denied, 72 applicants withdrew their applications, leaving a total number of 6,831 who were admitted by the Supreme Court En Banc to take the examinations.

Of the 6,831 admitted to take the exam, 477 examinees did not show up on the first Sunday of the bar, leaving 6,354 who actually took the exams on the first Sunday.

After the fourth Sunday of the bar, only 6,344 examinees completed the examinations, i.e., showed up for all Sundays.

Of this number, 3,747 passed.

Of the 6,354 who took showed up for at least one Sunday, 3,208 were new candidates while 3,146 were repeaters, i.e., those who had taken the bar examinations at least once previously.

The Bar examinations are given only once every year at a designated venue under the supervision of the Supreme Court which designates an incumbent Justice to chair a committee consisting of eight examiners, one for each bar subject.

The Chair of the Annual Bar Examinations is given the discretion by the Supreme Court to choose the eight bar examiners who are considered as experts in their particular fields and, during the entire duration of the bar examinations, are bound by strict confidentiality. (Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan/ with Julianne Nicolle Moral-OJT/PNA)

arrested -- 81 of them drug users and 355 drug pushers.

Eight also died during police operations, all covering the period from March 6 to May 2, the report said.

“The fight against illegal drugs is a shared responsibility of everyone. It is the fight of the people and the PNP [Philippine

National Police] is the front liner in waging this people’s fight,” Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, said.

“As such, the PNP appeals to the public to continuously support the anti-illegal drugs campaign,” Beltran added.

(TPGJR/Darwin Wally T. Wee/PNA)

Cash... FROM 6

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

TIGHTENED SECURITY. Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) head Benito De Leon (left) says Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio ordered authorities to strengthen the security measures and urged the stakeholders to be involved in protecting the city after the New People’s

Army (NPA) attacked and torched the Lorenzo-owned plants. De Leon, who was joined by 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Rhyan Batchar, made the statement during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

CONFIRMED... FROM 1

Alan... FROM 2

Police operatives, aided by the Task Force Davao composed of elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are currently on high alert for ASG suspects following the arrest of Police Supt.

Maria Christina Nobleza and her alleged Abu Sayyaf lover Reneer Lou Dongon in Bohol a few weeks ago.

Nobleza, it turned out, was the deputy chief of the Regional Crime Laboratory of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 11 based in Camp Catitipan, this city.

Nobleza and Dongon were reportedly in Inabanga, Bohol to rescue ASG members holed up in a cave in an Inabanga barangay.

In Region 11, Vasquez identified Malagos Chocolate as one of the MSMEs in the region that has qualified for Go Lokal! level.

Among the session initiated under this program are product development, design services and intervention, technology updating, capacity building, brand equity and development, intellectual property assistance, standards development and compliance, access to finance, marketing platforms and promotions.

“Last April 26 to 27, 56 MSMEs in Region 11 went through SAT Session, screening, assessment, and trial to assess MSMEs if they qualify

for the OTOP Next Gen, or if they qualify also for Go Lokal!,” said Vasquez.

Vasquez said that DTI has allocated P7.9 million for OTOP Next Gen, pouring in P1.7 million to Davao City, and P800,000 to each the rest of the five provinces in the region.

OTOP is a priority stimulus program to level up MSMEs as government’s customized intervention to drive local economic growth.

The program enables localities and communities to determine, develop, support, and promote culturally-rooted products or services where they can be best at or best renowned for.

DTI... FROM 3

Tourism... FROM 5 tion of the internal rules and regulations (IRR) of RA 10817 because of the on-going National Certification Scheme Standard as well as the absence of accredited Halal certifiers in the country.

“As of now, there are only few recognized, only recognized by Philippine Accreditation Board but not accredited certifiers to extend service up to two years only,” said Ampuan.

Some of these are Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc., Mindanao Halal Authority (MINHA), and Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, Inc. (MMHCB).

Ampuan expects that the board will officially focus more on the Sharia aspect of Halal or the religious law governing the members of the Islamic faith rather than the technical aspects such as export and promotion.

“A product or service cannot be officially declared Halal if there is no Sharia aspect,” stressed Ampuan who reiterated that Halal is a way of life and not only exclusive to Muslims but to every Filipinos The United Islamic Center president also expects that the Philippine Halal will be included on the $3 trillion road map for the global Halal market mark by 2021.

stressed that the violations were not state-sponsored.

“Hindi natin sinasabi na walang human rights violations. Ang sinasabi natin, hindi ito State-sponsored, hindi ito systemic, at hindi ito widespread. Ina-address ito (We’re

not saying there are no human rights violations. What we are saying is that these are not state-sponsored, these are not systemic and these are not widespread. These are being addressed),” he added. (Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)

munity, he added.

“If the community is drug-affected, people feel unsafe because of the rampant

crimes happening in the community,” Lapeña said. (Priam F. Nepomuceno, with reports from Nick Dionaldo-OJT/PNA)

Impact... FROM 2

NOW SHOWING

May 3 – 9, 2017

GIFTED Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:45 | 3:00 | 5:15 | 7:30 | 9:45 LFS

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

1:00 | 4:00 | 7:00 | 10:00 LFS

LUCK AT FIRST SIGHT Jericho Rosales, Bela Padilla Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE CIRCLE/ *FAST & FURIOUS 8

Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG/*PG

Emma Watson, Tom Hanks/ *Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson 12:10 | 2:25 | 4:40 LFS/ *6:55 | 9:45 LFS

INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Sun,Sand,Waterand BoracayFoodFinds FOR THE LONGEST TIME, I’ve avoided getting my feet soaked at sea, basking under the sun and allowing the sand to stick to my skin. You guessed it, I am not the best person you’d want to be with at the beach. Not a hater; I’m just not into the whole beach shenanigan.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Calamansi and Carrot Muffin from Real Coffee & Tea Cafe.

Seafood Platter from Crystal Cove. Ube Halo-Halo from Kuya J. Halo-halo from Mamita’s Grill Restaurant.

BUT as I long for solitude and time off from my desk and laptop, I realised that the beach is but a beautiful option I needed to explore. Not to mention, an impending work at one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay.

Yay! Knowing my taste buds, I opted to explore the nooks and crannies of Boracay than munch on mainstream favourites. Why? It’s always an inviting treat to dine and eat like the locals to experience a place in its totality. Plus Chef’s Gene and Gino Gonzales gave me some delish food pointers before my trip.

Knowing Boracay and the weather, it’s a no-brainer that you’d surely opt to walk with a bottle of water or anything cold and sweet as you explore the island. Mamita’s Grill Boracay is known for its plate of Crispy Pata goodness (so they say) but Mamita’s Grill also serves a mean glass of Avocado shake and Halo-Halo. Their Avocado shake was massive and very creamy. A bit tart at the end (leaves an aftertaste too), it cools you off in an instant. Tip: Keep a glass or bottle of water with you to remove the tartness.

Their halo-halo is also creamy and downright sweet. Not the typical loaded halo-halo, it only has a few sweet nibbles, shaved ice, milk and leche flan. Was it good? Yup. Especially after a heavy meal.

Boracay is not only known for its powdery white sand and calming beaches; Boracay is also home to the famous Calamansi muffin. Perfect with a cuppa of tea or coffee, the Calamansi muffin is tart and sweet at the same time.

Each piece is packed and a bit heavy -- truly not your typical dense muffin. Only available at the Real Coffee & Tea Cafe, they also have a Carrot muffin for you to nibble on. Tip: The early bird catches a box of these babies -- buy them early; they run out fast.

Kuya J may be a mainstream gastronomic place but you’d surely love me for trying their bowl of Ube Halo-halo while frolicking under the Boracay sun. From the shaved ube ice to the leche flan on top, it was just perfection. Given that Azalea’s in-house gastro place was Kuya J,

it was a no-brainer that the trip won’t be complete without something from them. Imagine yourself basking at Azalea Boracay’s rooftop swimming pool with a bowl of this. Yup. Not hing

beats that. Tip: Order a plate of Kuya J’s leche flan with calamansi on the side. Squeeze the calamansi for that added depth and flavour texture.

Also try Crystal Cove Island Resort’s Seafood Platter -steamed crabs, grilled prawns, grilled squid, lechon kawali and chorizo. Perfect for an ultimate kamayan session with family and friends. I also loved Deparis Dinner & Buffet’s bowl of hot Kansi (Ilonggo Bulalo and Beef Sinigang in one) and vegetable and chicken rolls.

For my ultimate craving, I’d say yes everyday to a slice (or two) of toasted Dos Mestizos white bread (crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) topped with slices of butter and a dollop of fresh pineapple jam (this was a staple at my breakfast buffet).

Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @ iamleebai and my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge!

UP AND ABOUT

GMA Network makes history

GMA NETWORK recorded an unprecedented feat in Philippine broadcast history – winning no less than three Gold Medals in just one festival year alongside three finalist certificates at the 2017 New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition held in Las Vegas, U.S.A. last April 25.

Bringing honor to the country anew were multiawarded GMA Public Affairs programs Reporter’s Notebook, Front Row, and Reel Time.

GMA-7’s investigative program Reporter’s Notebook bested other nominees in the Community Portraits category for its “Pasan-Pasang Pangarap” episode. The doc-

umentary, reported by Maki Pulido, showed how two brothers had to haul sacks of charcoal to save up money for schooling.

The documentary program Front Row, in turn, won a gold medal in the Human Concerns category. Its winning episode, “Bata sa Bintana”, featured the story of 13-year-old boy Zoren whose

health conditions rendered him so weak that his contact to the outside world was only through their window.

Meanwhile, GMA News TV’s Reel Time gave the country its third gold medal this year. The reality docu program won in the National/International Affairs category for its “Maling Akala” documentary. Aside from

discussing the sensitive issue of extrajudicial killings, the documentary brought youngsters who believe that drug addicts should be killed face to face with former drug addicts who have succeeded in reforming their lives and are now community leaders.

The Kapuso Network also took home three finalist certificates in this year’s New York Festivals: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s “Gintong Medalya” episode in the Community Portraits category; Entertainment TV’s Someone To Watch Over Me in the Telenovelas category; and GMA News TV’s Investigative Documentaries in the Community Portraits for its PAAralan” episode

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

Learn the art of Bento at SM Lanang Premier STEP UP YOUR BENTO GAME and join SM Lanang Premier’s Bento Summer Workshop on May 6 at The Atrium.

To join, interested parties ages 5-13 years old may pre-register at the mall administration office located at the 3rd floor mezzanine.

Registration is open until May 5. With P1,000 fee, participants get their own bento tools, aprons and workshop materials.

Workshops starts 2PM and 6PM on Saturday.

Make meal-packing more fun! Learn the Japanese art of lunch box preparation. To reserve slots, please call (082) 285 0943 loc. 137-138 and look for Danelle Filipinas or KJ Villanueva.

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Executive Sous Chef and proud Mom Giovanna Flores with one of her desserts.

Seda Abreeza’s new signature cake, the Malagos Dark Chocolate Cheesecake.

A feast for

Moist chocolate cupcakes with flower buttercream.

MOMS

DCWD to improve Lubogan water system

DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT is set to improve water service in some areas served by its Lubogan Water Supply System once the construction of its Dumoy Production Well No. 39 in Purok 6, Brgy.

Baliok and appertaining pipelaying works are completed.

This well which has been designed to produce 5,400 cubic

INdulge! A3

meters of water daily will improve water supply and pressure in Bago Gallera Homeowners Assn. (BAGAHAI) comprised of Ramon Nena Relocation, Bagahai Assn., Apo Golf Relocation, Tisa Assn., Dallas Relocation, and Goldland Relocation and Sitio Nalum in Brgy.

Baliok once the pipelaying works are completed in May 2017 and in Susana Homes III, Tabigue Compound, Villa Kareena Subd., Rosalina Village III Phases I and II, Mindawide Relocation, and the upper portion of Rosalina Village III with the completion of pipelaying works in September 2017.

The DCWD management assures its customers that the water utility is actively working on various infrastructure development projects to provide the desired 24 hours of daily water supply in all its service areas in the city. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT TO IMPROVE LUBOGAN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM. DCWD is set to complete a new production well in Brgy. Baliok to improve water supply in certain areas in Lubogan.

MOTHER’S DAY IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER and there is no better way to say “I love you” to mommy than through bonding moments. Recognising this, Seda Abreeza rolls out their latest offerings for moms.

Families may go for a staycation in style and comfort in Seda Abreeza’s room package from May 8 to 14, 2017. Moms get to have additional perks per stay as well as a complimentary spa gift certificate for a pampering session that’s fit for a queen.

Although moms would not like to admit it, another way to her heart is also through her stomach, as Seda’s Misto offers a Mother’s Day Lunch Buffet on May 14, 2017. Masterfully created by executive sous chef

Giovanna “Bang” Flores, an accomplished mother herself, the lunch buffet spread features Misto’s classic Angus Roast Beef is always a highlight, along with favorites as pork lechon and seafood dishes.

Making the meal extra special, chef Bang made the buffet’s dessert station pop with various flower cakes and pastries at are sure to tickle mum’s sweet tooth. Some of the desserts include Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Trifle, Rose Choco Moist Cupcakes,

Ube Cheesecake, Ferrero Rocher Mousse, and Seda’s Mother’s Day Cake.

I especially loved tthe Ferrero Rocher Mousse with its rich hazelnut flavor and creamy texture as well as the Almond Roca Chocolate Finger which has a chocolatey mousse sitting on a crunchy Almond Roca base.

For those who want to surprise their moms at home, Seda Abreeza also launched its new signature dessert, the Malagos Chocolate Cheesecake.

The decadent cheesecake, which is available ala carte, features dark Malagos chocolate as well as Malagos’ famous chevre cheese to add some tanginess to the cheesecake.

For inquiries and reservations on Seda Abreeza’s Mother’s Day treats and offerings you can contact them at 082-3228888 loc.

8456 or send an email to fb.dvo@sedahotels.com.

Together with Seda Abreeza’s team and blogger moms.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

COMPETITIVE EDGE 11

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

DA... FROM 3

their livelihood.

For this farmer and fisherfolk month celebration, Oñate urged officials from DA and its attached agencies to continue paying tribute to the country’s

farmers and fisherfolk, and at the same time provide them assistance in order to attain food sufficiency and security in the country. (Cherry Mae Palicte/PNA)

during marathon hearings last March.

“Dama ko ang iyong malasakit sa kalikasan,” Pacquiao said.

(I feel your concern for the environment.)

“I believe in my heart that no matter how several big people may be against Gina, she will always stand by what she believes is morally and environmentally right and righteous,” he said.

Senators Francis Pangilinan, Loren Legarda, Tito Sotto and JV Ejercito manifested during the CA plenary session that they voted for Lopez’s confirmation.

Lopez, a committed environmentalist, angered the mining industry after ordering the closure of 22 of the Philippines’ 41 mines in February to protect water resources in the

world’s top nickel ore exporter.

She later cancelled dozens of contracts for undeveloped mines and just last week banned future open-pit mining projects as she tightened her crackdown of a sector she blames for extensive environmental damage.

Lopez made a final case for her confirmation before the CA on Tuesday, saying the constitutional right to a clean environment should be prioritized over business interests.

Under questioning from lawmakers, Lopez also defended the legal basis for requiring nickel miners that remove their ore stockpiles to set aside an additional P2 million per hectare of disturbed land on top of funds already set aside to repair environmental damage.

the South China Sea. ”The situation in the South China Sea has since last year stabilized, thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, including the Philippines. It serves the common interests of all countries in the region,” the Chinese official said.

He said the 30th ASEAN summit reconfirmed the positive changes in the South China Sea where other ASEAN countries, such as Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, have territorial claims. ”Going forward, the Chinese side will continue to properly address the South China Sea issue with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation and create an enabling atmosphere for the sound and steady growth of China-Philippines relations and all-round progress in bilateral practical cooperation,” he said.

Geng further noted that the concerted efforts made by both Philippines, under President Duterte, and China, under President Xi Jinping, have resulted in the “overall improvement” of the two countries’ bilateral relationship. ”Practical cooperation has

fully unfolded, producing remarkable results and bringing tangible benefits to people of both countries. It fully proves that good neighborliness and friendly cooperation is the right choice in the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples,” the official said.

President Duterte is set to return to Beijing to attend the Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation on May 14-15, eight months after his first visit in October last year that revived the Philippines-China relations amid the South China Sea issue.

Geng, meanwhile, described President Duterte’s visit to the Chinese naval vessel that docked in Davao City last Sunday as a show of “growing political mutual trust” between the Philippines and China. ”The Chinese side will work with the Philippine side to continue to strengthen mutual trust, properly handle the issue of the South China Sea, deepen practical cooperation and push for the sustained, sound and steady growth of the bilateral relationship for the benefit of the two peoples,” Geng said. (PNA)

be issued to the owner and will be followed by a warrant of levy if no payment or settlement is made. A warrant of levy means that a delinquent real property has been attached to the name of the city government.

Upon receipt of the warrant, property owners are given time to settle the tax delinquency. If no payment is made, the forfeiture of the property

is published and the auction is scheduled.

“We will again verify before the auction schedule if there are property owners who have already paid their dues for the delisting of their properties,” Sevilla said.

She noted that owners of properties that would be acquired during the public auction sale are given one year to redeem them. (AVE/PNA)

CA... FROM 3

China... FROM 5

GenSan... FROM 6

SECURITY BANK DONATES CLASSROOMS. GENERAL SANTOS CITY (3 May 2017) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Rafael Simpao, Jr, chairman of Security Bank Foundation, Inc., with representatives of other sectors, lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting for a two-storey classroom building for General

Santos City National Secondary School of Arts and Trades on April 26. This building was one of those donated by Security Bank Foundation Incorporated to three schools in Gensan -- the Banisil High School, Tinagacan High School and National Secondary School of Arts and Trades. (Gensan CPIO/Russel Delvo)

Economist cites need for PHL to introduce spending reforms A

N economist of ANZ raised the need for the Philippine government to implement spending reforms in line with the proposed tax reform and higher infrastructure spending.

In a research note dated May 3, 2017, penned by economist Eugenia Victorino, ANZ Research said the tax reform package was an important factor of ensuring higher

revenues to finance the government’s infrastructure program, among others.

It said that delays in the approval of the proposed tax reform bill, House Bill 4774, hinders the maximum output expected from the measure.

The first package of the tax reform program calls for the cut in personal income tax rate, which in turn, is eyed to be offset by higher excise tax-

Malik , CEO, Pulau Banding Foundation; Professor John Thwaites , Co-chair SDSN Leadership Council and Chair Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Australia ; Professor Gamini Herath , Professor of Economics, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia; Professor Phouphet Kyophilavong , Vice-Dean of Economics, National University of Lao; Professor Sumiani Yusoff, Dean, Sustainability Science Research Cluster, Universiti Malaya; Professor Noraini Tamin , IPBES, Expert of Land Degradation and Restoration; Rosemarie G Edillon, Undersecretary of the National Development Office for Policy and Planning, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippines ; Dr Somkiat Triratpan , Secretary

to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Thailand ; Philip Green , First Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia Mainland and Regional Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia ; Professor Vu Quoc Huy , Director, Institute of Regional Sustainable Development, Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences; and Professor Graeme Wilkinson , Vice-Chancellor of Sunway University.

The workshop was sponsored and organized by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (JCF); and co-organized by the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development (JSC), Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia (JCI), Pulau Banding Foundation, UKM’s Lestari and hosted by Sunway University.

(PRNewswire)

and high value targets, Gonda said.

“Our assessment points out to the link and direct effect of the diminished presence of illegal drugs on the streets as a result of the intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Most of the prevalent crimes then were usually drug- related,” he said.

Gonda identified preva-

lent crimes as theft, robbery, physical injury, domestic violence, rape and all forms of abuse.

He said that despite the accomplishment, the regional police command would continue to wage war against criminality in coordination with the various law enforcement agencies in the region.

(Cris Diaz/PNA)

Asean... FROM 4

War... FROM 6

es on fuel and vehicles.

It was submitted before Congress in the second half of 2016 and the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee deemed the package approved “in principle” before their break midMarch, pending the studies by a Technical Working Group (TWG).

The research note said lawmakers’ decision to take the package as a whole and not piecemeal addressed concerns that only the income tax cuts and not the revenue-enhancing measures would be taken-up.

Finance officials hope that the measure will be approved by July, the target date of implementation.

“If implemented effectively as a package, HB 4774 should be positive for the government’s revenues,” the research note said.

It, on the other hand, said that “while the administration is still hoping to pass the law by early Q3, it may still be amended from its current form by Congress.”

It also cited that the July

deadline being considered by the government for the measure’s approval “may be too tight for government agencies to effectively implement the reforms.”

For one, the tax reform proposal calls for fuel markings on petroleum products and getting the marking agent needs to be done immediately, it said. ”In light of the existing issues faced by other government agencies in timely procurement, the planned timeline may prove to be too tight for effective implementation.

If the marking agent is not available by the time the tax reform is implemented, revenue leakages on petroleum taxes could results,” it noted.

Other concerns include the procurement of technology for GPS locks, which will be required for cargoes leaving the various ports in the country; and the ability of medium and large enterprises to procure sales machines and accounting systems that would be connected to government’s tax offices. (Joann Santiago/PNA)

said the village of Panadtaban has been known as a trading area of illegal drugs.

Ampatuan said he was sad the suspects did not even think of their relatives in the house when they opened fire

at the government forces.

He said the trading of prohibited drugs in the village is allegedly protected by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

(EOF/PNA)

the hearts of Mindanao’s travel and tourism community by mounting the region’s first and only premium and world-class travel expo.

Get ready to “Excite. Explore. Experience” at the first-ever TLEX Davao on May

11 to 14, from 11am to 7pm at SM Lanang Premier which will be co-located with the 3rd PHILBEX Davao. For more information, go to www.worldbex.com or follow @TLEX. ph on Facebook and on Instagram.

Mother... FROM 6

VDFS... FROM 7

12 AGRITRENDS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

Animal-built rainwater harvesting as climate change adaptation strategy against drought

Conservation farming with trees

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

BOUT 10,000 farmers in Mindanao are now adopting a system known as “conservation agriculture with trees” (CAT) which does not only prevent soil erosion but also serve as an insurance against damages from climate change, a report said.

In CAT, a project of the World Agroforestry Center (WAC) first piloted in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, farmers combine planting of trees with food crops and agricultural landscapes (forages-plant eaten by animals as pasture) in upland areas.

In the Philippine context, the uplands are rolling to steep lands, with slopes ranging upward from 18%. About 60% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares is considered upland.

Those who adopt CAT are said to be enjoying “many income streams and food sources,” the press release said.

“If one kind of crop gets damaged by a strong typhoon, then farmers practicing CAT will still have other crops to fall back on and sell,” explained a published report of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

According to WAC agroforestry experts, it is to farmers’ interest to adopt CAT, which can be considered as a form of insurance.

“Upland farmers are typically smallholders who practice diverse integrated production systems. They cater to interests of diversification as a risk-aversion mechanism and as a way to ensure household food and money,” explained WAC experts Agustin R. Mercado, Rodel D. Lasco, and Manuel R. Reyes.

In the past, most of the forests in the country are located in the uplands. But

Natural vegetative strips control soil erosion in a Claveria pilot agroforestry project due to logging (both legal and illegal), fuelwood gathering, and population boom, the uplands were stripped off of their forest cover.

As a result, the hilly agricultural lands under cultivation have lost the much productive topsoil.

Soil scientists described topsoil – consists of weathered and decomposed bedrock, water, air, organic material formed from plant and animal decay – as “the bridge between the inanimate and the living.”

“Without soil, there would be no food apart from what the rivers and seas can provide,” pointed out Edouard Saouma, former director-general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “The soil is the world’s most precious natural resource.”

The Bureau of Soils and Water Management noted that 75% or 22.88 million hectares of the country’s land suffers slight to severe soil erosion. Annual soil loss is up to 80.6 million metric tons, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” said Harold R. Watson, the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay awardee for peace and international understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

As such, American soil scientist T.F. Shaxson urged that it should be curbed. “Erosion is not an invisible disease stalking the land in search of soil to destroy, but is, a foreseeable ecological response to inappropriate land use and management,” he said.

CAT is one possible solution to the problem.

The press release said: “Benefits of CAT are maintenance of vegetative soil cover year-round; sustained nutrient supply through nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling; insect pests and weeds control; soil structure improvement and water retention; carbon storage above and below ground; organic matter formation in soil, and biodiversity conservation.”

An example of CAT’s annual system is the growing of banana between rows of trees “planted along the contour of sloping lands.” Another example is the growing of corn with cowpea intercropped with rubber and banana trees and forages.

“The combination of rubber trees, bananas, and forages as contour hedgerows provide soil binding and anchorage that reduces – if not eliminate – soil erosion and landslides during extreme rainfall events,” the press release said.

There is also the “perennial” method where perennial trees like rubber are intercropped with cacao and cover crop

CAT combined rubber trees, bananas, forages called Arachis pintoi – during the first two-three years before tree canopy closes, enabling sunlight to grow food crops.

“Rubber trees in cacao production will improve cacao’s productivity; cacao requires shade, which the rubber trees can accordingly provide,” it said.

“Meanwhile, Arachis pintoi fixes nitrogen from the air, which complements the fertilizer requirement of cacao and rubber trees.”

Studies have shown that CAT turned out to have increased profitability of crops cassava with Arachis pintoi from 492% to 863% after four years.

Moreover, corn with Arachis pintoi yielded 778% higher than conventional corn at 5,250 kilos per hectare.

According to the report, the use of natural vegetating strip was a key

to stopping soil erosion.

It also served as foundation for “establishing cash perennials on the contour strips.”

After the success of the piloted farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, others farmers in Mindanao – totaling 10,000 – followed suit.

On why Mindanao specifically, the press release said: “Mindanao plays a pivotal role in Philippines’ food production with 40% total share and food export, a similarly significant 30%. Yet, these farmers, particularly those of the uplands, are resource-poor and are extremely vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather changes brought by climate change.”

Take the case when Typhoon Pablo hit the island in 2012: an estimated $780 million loss was suffered

by Mindanao farmers. Income producing crops like banana, coconut, corn, and rice were destroyed. More than 200,000 homes were reported damaged; in fact, there were farmers who were left to live along river banks.

With climate change now a reality, more typhoons are expected to hit the country, particularly Mindanao. Without its forest cover, the island is doomed to lost in topsoil in the coming years.

“If the soil is not well cared for, a country can never develop a sound agricultural base,” the FAO reminded. “And without that, national development plans rarely succeed.

Soil conservation effectively increases today’s agricultural yields while ensuring the well-being of future generations.” (Photos courtesy of SEARCA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

CAR COLLISIONS... FROM 14

reflective accessories.

Be predictable Follow the rules of the road. Flow with (never against) traffic. Obey street signs, traffic signals, and road markings. Hold a straight line as much as possible (obviously skirting around obstacles like potholes and storm grates) and avoid weaving in and out of parked cars. Signal your intentions to turn— simply put your arm out and point—so cars know which direction you’re going.

Mind the intersections The majority of accidents happen in intersections. The most common scenario is a car turning right turns into you without seeing you. Other common scenarios include an oncoming car turns left into you as you’re going straight.

Or a car simply pulls out into the intersection directly in front or into you. To avoid these, you can do the following: Ride further left. Riders often hug the edge of the road as far right as possible. But in traffic, especially when you’re moving about the same rate of speed as the cars, it’s safer to move into the lane where you are fully visible. Riding in the lane is also smart when the road is simply too narrow

for cars to pass you at a safe distance.

Stay out of the blind spot. When coming to a stop at a traffic light or stop sign, avoid stopping right next to the car to your left. The driver can’t see you and may turn right into you. Stop behind the car so you can see its blinkers.

If the driver fails to use her blinkers, you’ll also be able to see the car turning before it turns into you.

Be cautious passing on the right. When you’re riding to the right of traffic, especially if you’re in a bike lane, you will likely find yourself occasionally passing cars on the right hand side, especially when traffic is slow. It’s best to avoid passing on the right. But if you do, be vigilant and keep your eye out for intersections, driveways, parking lots, and other places cars may be turning right (or crossing traffic and making a left from the opposite direction), so a driver doesn’t inadvertently turn right into or in front of you.

Make eye contact. When at an intersection with cars coming in from either side, make eye contact with the drivers to be sure they see you before pulling into the intersection. If they don’t appear to see you, wave an arm to get their attention. (Lights help a lot here, too.)

NEWS 13

Presidential adviser pushes for revival of integrated steel mill P

RESIDENTIAL Adviser on Economic Affairs Ramon Jacinto wants the country to have integrated steel mill to support industries, whether to revive the National Steel Corp. (NSC) or have a new facility.

On the sidelines of the Infrastructure Congress and Expo Philippines 2017 in Pasay City Wednesday, Jacinto has emphasized the need to re-establish an integrated facility for steel production in the country, noting that the steel sector is “the rice” or a

staple material for industries.

He also said that the revival of an integrated steel mill should be done in the current administration as President Rodrigo Duterte had seen the importance of the steel industry in job creation and economic contribution.

Jacinto said a Korean company was currently doing a feasibility study on the viability of NSC, the country’s only integrated steel mill, to be revived.

“It’s up to the study. If it

makes sense to revive the national mill, fine. If it does not, then we put up another one,” the official said.

He said that it would cost about USD 3 billion to establish a new integrated facility.

But, it will be more cost-efficient to revive the NSC as it has the infrastructure and rolling technology. It will only need upgrading of its machinery.

The NSC is in Iligan City in Mindanao.

Jacinto also said that the government was also looking

at new sites to develop the integrated still mill.

Reviving an integrated steel mill will also help in meeting the demand of 10.5 million tons in the local market, the official noted. Only two million tons of steel are domestically produced and the rest of the demand were imported.

“Even it’s cheaper to import, we should have our own,” Jacinto said.

“Steel is the rice of industry,” the presidential adviser stressed. (PNA)

The auction committee made a full award for this tenor, which registered a lower bid to cover ratio of 1.6377 against last week’s 2.2167.

The longer-term facility received total bids of PHP113.974 billion, still lower than the downwardly adjusted PHP140 billion offering.

The auction committee accepted all the tenders for this facility, which registered

a bid to cover ratio of 0.8141, an improvement from last week’s 0.7608 ratio.

For the May 10 auction, the BSP will still offer the seven-day TDF for PHP40 billion and the 28-day for PHP140 billion. These levels of offering started only this week.

The TDF is part of the Interest Rate Corridor (IRC), which is targeted to help the BSP better manage inflation and enhance the link between the central bank’s pol-

icy rates and the real economy.

Monetary officials have said that any adjustment in the TDF offering will be based on the latest economic developments.

The longer-term TDF has been undersubscribed for weeks now and BSP officials pointed this to banks’ preference for shorter-dated investments in line with the ongoing volatility in the global financial markets. (PNA)

Undersubscriotion in BSP’s 28-day TDF continues

T

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) seven-day Term Deposit Facility (TDF) has remained attractive to banks but undersubscription persisted for the 28-day facility.

Data released by the central bank after Wednesday’s TDF auction showed that banks tendered PHP65.509 billion for the shorter-term facility, higher than the upsized offering of PHP40 billion.

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

Five ways to take P care of your tires

Porsche makes strong push in Q1

C

AR tires are no joke when it comes to busting your budget. They’re a necessary expense for all car owners, but they’re also a big one, unfortunately. Here are have five tips to help you save money, and all they require is you giving your car tires a little TLC. Let’s talk car tire care and how it can help you better budget for auto service in the long run.

Why is car tire care so important?

Your car tires are some of the most important parts of your vehicle. They take the

brunt of the wear and tear since they’re in direct contact with the road, and they also affect your fuel efficiency, performance, and safety.

That’s why it’s so important to maintain them! The less you maintain them, the more your car will suffer… and the higher your bills will be.

Tip #1: Get on a routine.

It’s essential that you get regular tire rotations and balance your tires. These two steps ensure that all four tires wear evenly, which improves performance and also extends their life so you don’t have to

replace them as often. Our techs can help you get on a car tire care schedule and send you reminders when you’re due. Don’t forget to pencil in alignments, too – they also help your car tires wear evenly and extend their life.

Tip #2: Monitor their condition weekly. You should check over your tires every week. Be on the lookout for damage, wear bars showing, bubbles or blisters, and sidewall separation. Any of those issues can lead to a flat or a blowout, so if you notice a problem bring your ride into a

How to avoid most common bike-car collisions

C

YCLING is on the rise.

Bike shares are popping up in cities across the country. An increasing number of workers are commuting on two wheels. And more folks are pedaling for fresh air and fitness. The number one concern among all of them? Traffic—specifically staying safe when navigating streets busy with cars.

The good news is that a few bits of bike safety knowledge go a long way in keeping you out of harm’s way. Here’s how to avoid common causes of car-bike collisions.

Be visible When a drivers hits a cyclist, the first words out of

his mouths are inevitably, “I didn’t see her!” Though the onus is on drivers to be aware of their surroundings, you can take a few easy steps to make them aware that you’re there.

This is especially important in low-light conditions, when accidents are most common.

Stats show serious accidents happen most often between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Get daytime running lights. The latest trend in cycling is to run daytime running lights—white in the front and red in the rear—just like motorcycles and many cars.

Portable, rechargeable lights like Bontrager’s Ion 100 are intense enough that cars can see you from nearly a quarter mile away. They also have a

flashing mode, which gets the attention of distracted drivers. One study found that the incidence rate of bicycle accidents with personal injury to the rider was 19% lower for riders using permanent running lights. Well worth the 40 bucks they cost!

Wear reflective clothing.

It’s easy to blend in with the surroundings when you’re pedaling a skinny bike along the roadside. Create a contrast by wearing “hi-viz” clothing or accent pieces like vests, a helmet, and gloves that make you easier to see.

Research shows it can lower your risk of run-ins with cars by 40%. When the light is dim, wear cycling-specific

F CAR COLLISIONS, 13

tire service center to see how they can affordably remedy it.

Tip #3: Don’t try to patch or plug if it’s not recommended. We know, we know – a patch or a plug can be a lot cheaper than a new tire. However, if car tire care techs tell you that a patch or plug won’t suffice, they’re doing it for your own safety. If a patch or plug is used on damage that’s too extensive, it won’t hold and you’ll find yourself with another flat or blowout.

Tip #4: Inflate them. Keep your tires properly inflated for the best performance.

ORSCHE has made a strong start to 2017 with around 60,000 vehicles delivered to customers worldwide in the first quarter. This means the sports car manufacturer has exceeded the number of vehicles delivered in the same period in the previous year by around 7 percent and is reflecting on the best first quarter in its history. The drivers of growth were China and the company’s home market of Germany, as well as the Panamera and Macan model lines, which both saw double-digit growth.

In the first quarter of 2017, China was once again the strongest individual market. With a total of 18,126 vehicles delivered, the Chinese market exceeded last year’s result by 10 percent. In Europe, the company delivered 19,084 units (an increase of 7 percent).

You’ll find the recommended PSI both on your driver’s side door panel and also in your owner’s manual. Don’t over-inflate or under-inflate, as both can cause issues with performance and fuel efficiency.

Tip #5: Don’t drive like a

An increase of 19 percent meant that a total of 7,160 vehicles were delivered to customers in Germany. In addition to the ongoing success of the 911, of which nearly 1,600 vehicles were delivered in Germany, the new Panamera that was introduced at the end of 2016 was responsible for this significant growth. Porsche has also continued its success story in the USA, delivering 12,718 vehicles (an increase of 4 percent).

The figures for the new Panamera are particularly pleasing, having exceeded last year’s result by 12 percent with a total of 3,630 units delivered. Deliveries of models in the 718 model line increased by 4 percent, totaling 6,060 vehicles.

The Macan reinforced its position as the best-selling Porsche with 24,797 units delivered, representing an increase of 15 percent.

maniac. Drive sensibly! Not only does driving aggressively up your likelihood of getting into an accident, it also wears out your tires more quickly. Avoid sharp braking or acceleration, and take turns smoothly and at a normal speed.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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

SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017

PSL beach volley on today A

PSL BEACH VOLLEY. Left to right- Abby Marano, Danika Gendrauli, Patty Orendain, Ces Molina, Bianca Tivolli, Wensh Tiu, and Jovelyn Gonzaga with Belo-PSL Beach Volley Organizers and Sponsors left to right below Ginio Panganiban Event Director PSL, Mario Garcia of Belo, Popoy Juico PSL Chairman, Ramon Suzara PSL Pres. and Patricia Hizon of TV5.

Go explodes for 52 as Team Duterte gets back at Anflo

S

EC. Christopher “Bong” Go made 14 triples as Team Duterte trounced Anflocor, 111-98, in Game 2 of their basketball friendly series on Tuesday night at the Genesis 88 Gym. Go, the special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte, finished the game with 52 points to lead Team Duterte to victory and equalize the series 1-1.

The sweet-shooting executive also played his cus-

tomary facilitator role and obtained more than enough support from the rest this time around.

Eugene Labor contributed 20 as Ricky Sumagang and Warren Cloribel had 11 for the Team Duterte also drew seven baskets from Mikee Romero.

Combo-guard Santos dished out a exemplary performance scoring 37 points for Anflocor.

Vistal and Lagdameo had 20 and 15 baskets.

Warriors roll past Jazz in Game 1

S

TEPHEN Curry scored 22 points in three quarters of work and the top-seeded Golden State Warriors warmed up in a hurry after a weeklong layoff between playoff games, beating the Utah Jazz 106-94 on Tuesdaynight in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals.

Draymond Green scored Golden State’s first six points of the fourth quarter and wound up with 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and two more blocks to bring his remarkable five-game playoff swat total to 19.

Kevin Durant added 15

points on an uncharacteristically cold shooting night at 6 for 14 and also five rebounds and five assists. He missed the middle two games against Portland because of a strained left calf then returned for 20 minutes in Game 4. Zaza Pachulia scored 10 points in 14 minutes.

Rudy Gobert had 13 points, eight rebounds, two blocks and a Flagrant 1 foul on Green in the fourth for the Jazz, who just finished off the Clippers in a seven-game series Sunday while the Warriors waited after eliminating Portland in a sweep April 24.

Marfori (81); 2nd runner-up – gross – Elvie Naranjo (64), net – Rodolfo Luna (79);

Ortega (57), net – Martin Sara (90); 1st runner-up – gross – Leo Ranido (54), net – Koichi Shoji (88); 2nd runner-up – gross – Nolan Rada (53), net – Jessie Cruz (87).

BIRDIE... FROM 16 CLASS B DIVISION Champion – gross – Jing Tan (64), net – Il Gyu Kim (86); 1st runner-up – gross - Bong Hee Lee (64), net – Joe Daigdigan (86); 2nd runner-up – gross – Tamio Sakurai (82), net – Philip Hazlewood (86) CLASS C DIVISION Champion – gross – Jake

CLASS D DIVISION Champion – gross – Ivan Tanopo, net – Jesse Afinidad (93); 1st runner-up – gross – Andy Ugdoracion (48), net – Young In Ko (93); 2nd runner-up – Ben Bonador (43), net – Randy Ceniza (91)

Team Duterte and Anflocor exchanged firepowers in the early going marked with the virtual shoot-out of Sec. Go and Santos.

Sec. Go outduels Santos with variety of shots - from long range to pull up jumpers - practically from all angles.

It was a great display of offensive weapon for both teams that kept the game close and more exciting.

Anflocor which committed defensive lapses fell apart

in the final minutes after Go shot pivotal treys and Team Duterte started to break away.

Team Duterte made the necessary adjustment in both ends of the floor to rebound from the last game loss.

Anflocor defeated the exhausted Team Duterte, 91-87, in the last outing.

Team Duterte led by the 25 points output of Sec. Go ran out of gas after playing its second straight game of the night.

N action-packed reunion takes shape as UAAP stars renew their rivalry on the sand at the start of the 2017 Belo Philippine Superliga Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup today at the SM By the Bay in Mall of Asia.

The stars of FEU and UST -- Bernadeth Pons and Sisi Rondina – will join forces for Petron Sprint 4T as they battle former La Salle stalwarts Cyd Demecillo and Fritz Gallenero of F2 Logistics A in the 8 pm nightcap of this annual tourney bankrolled

by Stoked, Mikasa, Mizuno, Senoh, Rebisco and SM By the Bay. Prior to that, Jovelyn Gonzaga will kick off her title-retention campaign when she and fellow veteran Maica Morada of Cignal A battle Generika-Ayala B of Rosalie Pepito and Kat Arado at 7 pm while Kathleen Barrinuevo and Cherilyn Sindayen of Foton take on Ces Molina and Bang Pineda of Petron XCS at 6 pm, Mylene Paat and Janine Marciano of Cignal B wage war against powerhouse Generika-Ayala A of Fiola Ceballos and Patty Orendain at 5 pm, F2 Logistics A clashes with Wensh Tiu and Abie Nuval of Cocolife at 4 pm, and Marijo Medalla and Bianca Tripoli of Perpetual Help battles Generika Ayala B at 3 pm.

In the men’s side, Wayuk tip things off when it faces IEM A at 7:30 am followed by the battle between IEM B and SM By the Bay at 8:20 am, Cignal HD and University of Perpetual Help B at 9:10 am, Generika-Ayala and Wayuk at 10 am, SM By the Bay and TVM at 10:50 am and Perpetual Help B and IEM A at 11:40 am.

But eyes will be on the collision between the UAAP stars.

Three years ago, Rondina steered the Tigresses to the UAAP beach volleyball crown as a rookie. With fellow greenhorn Rica Rivera as partner, Rondina overpowered Cyd Demecillo and Kim Fajardo of La Salle to run away with the crown.

The following year, Demecillo stormed back as she led the Lady Spikers to a rousing victory over Pons and Kyla Atienza of FEU to capture the school’s first ever beach volleyball title.

Rondina, for her part, bombed out of the semifinals after Rivera fell ill midway through the tournament.

This year, it was Rondina’s turn to rule the sand as she and her partner in Jem Gutierrez dominated Pons and Atienza in a thrilling showdown.

“Medyo famillar na po kami sa isa’t isa kasi for the past three years palagi kaming magkakalaban sa UAAP,” said Rondina, who fell prey to Gonzaga and Nene Bautista of RC Cola-Army in a dramatic finals showdown of the PSL beach volley tourney last year.

“Mabuti na lang at familiar kami sa kanila. At least alam na namin kung papano kami mananalo.”

Also expected to draw a massive crowd is the battle between Cignal HD A and Generika-Ayala B in this four-day affair wherein the top two teams in each pool will advance to the semifinals.

Gonzaga, a battle-scarred campaigner and the country’s bet in the beach volleyball tournament of the Southeast Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia in 2011, said she would try her best to be very careful as she is up against a very solid field.

Thomas knocks in 53, Celtics up 2-0 I 23.

T was his sister’s birthday.

She would have been

Isaiah Thomas spent four or five hours in the dentist’s chair having work done on the tooth that was knocked out in Game 1, a day after he was in oral surgery for six hours having it repositioned in his mouth.

His mouth was swollen, and he could barely talk. Still, he never considered not playing Tuesday night. ‘’The least I can do is go out there and play for her,’’ Thomas said after scoring 53 points - the second-highest total in Celtics playoff history - to lead Boston to a 129-119 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards. ‘’I knew once game-time came, my guys would get me going, get me the energy to go out and win a game,’’ Thomas said, ducking his face into his hands as he mentioned his sister, Chyna, who died in a car crash on the eve of the playoffs. ‘’There was no way I was sitting out.’’

Fiddling with his new

mouth guard throughout the game, Thomas scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and nine in overtime to help the Celtics take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals. The 53 points were the most in an NBA playoff game since Allen Iverson scored 55 in 2003, and just one shy of John Havlicek’s franchise postseason record of 54. ‘’It’s nice to be in Celtics history with all the great players,’’ Thomas said. ‘’But until you win a championship, you can’t consider yourself a great player.

That’s what it’s all about.’’

John Wall scored 40 points with 13 assists for Washington, which will host Games 3 and 4 on Thursday and Sunday. ‘’Two teams played their hearts out. Two great players played well,’’ Wizards coach Scott Brooks said. ‘’ Asked if he had ever been in a one-on-one scoring battle like that against another point guard, Wall shook his head: ‘’Nah,’’ he said. ‘’Nope. Nope. Nope.’’

Thomas attended his sister’s funeral on Saturday and

returned to Boston early Sunday morning just hours before the

Celti c s w o n 123-111 and the diminutive point guard lost a tooth. Team doctors jammed it back in, but Thomas spent large parts of the next two days in oral surgery. ‘’What else is there to say?’’ Celtics coach Brad Stevens asked. ‘’There was a point today where he was not feeling good at all. He’s had a tough day and I thought he was going to really have to gut this one out. Not only guts it out, he ends up with 50. Pretty impressive.’’

Al Horford scored 15 points with 12 rebounds for Boston, and Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder scored 14 apiece. Marcin Gortat had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Markieff Morris scored 16 for the Wizards, but both fouled out in overtime.

EXPLOSION. Playing wounded, Isaiah Thomas scored 53 for Boston which leads Washington 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semis.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

BIRDIE BINGE Eagle, birdie run gives Samanodi Pomelo Tee crown K

URESH Samanodi and Jomari Amador reigned supreme in the recent 12th Pomelo Tee golf tournament which ended on Sunday at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

Samanodi, a fresh graduate from the United States, tamed the scenic but treacherous rolling layout with 10 birdies in the first round on Saturday before capping his 36-hole run with an eagle on the par 5 no. 12 topped by five birdies for a gross 83.

Amador shared the limelight with a 97 for the over-all net title.

The luckiest player, how-

ever, was Jose Fortunato Uy, who went home with a brand new Montero Sports vehicle after scoring a rare hole-inone on no. 17 using Callaway’s 5-wood and no. 1 ball.

The Pomelo Tee Foundation headed by over-all tournament chairman Hermie Martin awarded a check to the two beneficiaries – Teofilo Fernandez National High School and Pablo Lorenzo NHS – during the awarding ceremony.

Meanwhile, the pair of Monchit Mackay (72) and Karloz Alba (70) tallied 142 to cop the team gross crown. Net team champion was the duo of Uy (96) and Joe Lafuente (86)

with an 182.

The first runners-up were Vincent Gumapac (69) and Jose Saavedra (65) with 134 for gross and Jomari Amador (97) and Elpidio Ong (75) with 172 for net.

The second runners-up were Samanodi (83) and Denden de Castro (49) with 132 for gross and Danny Gotera (85) and Paul Dakudao (84) with 169 for net.

The other results: LADIES DIVISION Champion – gross – Maricel Kim (52), net – Sun-ae Kim (81); 1st runner-up gross Stella Barnes (48), net – Ok Hee

Park ( 7 3 ) ; 2nd runner-up – Gemma Bokawachi (47), net – Danica Nagayo (73).

CLASS A DIVISION Champion – gross – Roderick Lo (73), net – Jong Tan (84); 1st runner-up – gross - Ronald Galicia (70), net – JP

FBIRDIE, 15

VOL. 10 ISSUE 23 • THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2017 ACE. Jose Fortunato Uy shows his lucky golf ball used in making a rare hole-in-one at no. 17 to bring home a brand new Montero Sports as his prize in the 12th Pomelo Tee golf tournament last April 30 at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Davao City. (Photo by BOY LIM)