Edge Davao 10 Issue 3

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

MAN’S BESTFRIEND. Pen-pen, scavenger, caresses her dog, Andrea, after a hard day’s work collecting scrap items and recyclable materials around downtown area of Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

NEWS

NPAs sued for 4 cops’ murder

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE special investigation Task Group “Sibayan” has filed four counts of murder, robbery, destruction of government property and frustrated murder against the rebel New People’s Army for the ambush that killed four members of the Philippine National Police in Bansalan town, Davao del Sur. Chief Insp. Andrea dela Cerna, chief information officer of the Police Regional Office XI, said Tuesday the four counts of murder, robbery and destruction of government property were docketed as XI-04INQ-17C-00087 and XI-04-INQ17C-00086 for the frustrated murder case.

The Task Force Sibayan named as respondents to the criminal charges

NO SMOKING EO on nationwide ban for signing by PRRD FNPA, 10

EDGEDAVAO Sports

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

D

EPARTMENT of Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial announced that the final draft of the executive order for the implementation of a smoking ban nationwide is now at the desk of President Rodrigo Duterte, for his signing and approval.

On Tuesday, during the press

conference held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Dr. Ubial said that hopefully, the EO on the anti-smoking will be signed by the President this week.

Sometime on October 2016, President Duterte warned smokers that he will issue an executive order banning smoking in public nation-

wide, taking after the anti-smoking ordinance already implemented in Davao City “The Executive Order for a 100 per cent smoke-free public places and public conveyances is already at the President’s desk,” said Secretary Ubial. “ Although there have been several changes of drafts

because of the marching orders from the President that it should be like the ordinance in Davao, the President’s legal team decided that it cannot be applied nationwide because there are laws and provisions that the DOH have to review in terms of implementation.”

FNO, 10

SWINGDERELLA Ella Nagayo wins at Royal Melbourne

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

FIRST MEETING. Police officers welcome Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who visited the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) for her first meeting with the new director Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum (right) on Tuesday. (Keith Bacongco)

‘Oplan Liwanag’launched to rehabilitate drug users

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HE provincial government of Compostela Valley launched Tuesday “Oplan Liwanag,” a province-wide initiative designed to rehabilitate drug users who surrendered to the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.

Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy led the launching ceremony at the capitol building here witnessed by hundreds of visitors, including municipal officials, private sector representatives, police and the military.

Secretary Benjamin Reyes

of the Dangerous Drugs Board graced the launching and served as the keynote speaker.

In his message, Uy expressed gratitude to the support shown by the various sectors in the province in the fight against illegal drugs.

“Your attendance to the launching of “Oplan Liwanag” shows your full support to the program and the aim of the provincial government to win the war against illegal drugs,” he said.

“Oplan Liwanag was

FOPLAN, 10

Sueno’s dismissal shows RRD zeal for public trust

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HE summary dismissal of Interior Secretary Ismail Sueno from the Cabinet just shows that “President Rodrigo R. Duterte is very serious in restoring public trust in government,” a Malacañang official said Tuesday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the dismissal of one of the President’s close allies served as a warning that Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the Cabinet.

“But I think, more than the details of the situation, I think we need to take into more seri-

ous account the implication of this thing that it was done in a sense publicly in front of all the Cabinet members. And also that the President has allowed a public explanation of the matter,” the Palace official said.

He said that Duterte has kept on repeating that one of the problems of the Philippines is that the Filipinos have lost trust in the government.

“But by addressing it so firmly and so with decisiveness, it just goes to show how deeply invested the President is in nation building,” he said.

“The Secretary (Sueno) had, in fact, been instrumen-

FSUENO, 10

Agdao market under study for development

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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ITY Councilor Edgar Ibuyan, Jr. announced that the Agdao public market is undergoing study into a major development and modernization project under the Public-Private Partnership set-up.

Ibuyan chairs the committee on games and amusements and government enterprises and the head of privatization.

Without giving names, Ibuyan said a pair of compa-

T

nies has expressed interest in modernizing the public market by making it air-conditioned coupled with the building of dampa or nipa huts where the customers could cook their fresh pamalengke and eat them there.

He said the two companies are the ones who developed the Robinson’s market.

“So far, Agdao market has been their target since there are areas there na wala magamit and that could be

utilized for parking space or other opportunities,” said Ibuyan.

He said that if the project will be approved, the developers guaranteed that the rental price of the spaces in the public market would still be the same, viable for vendors and the city government.

“The developers said that they would be the ones who will find ways to recover their investment. They do not solely profit from the rent-

al. There are other ways to return their investment like advertisements in their building,” added Ibuyan.

The said project has been approved during their first committee hearing and will be presented to the PPP board this this year. Hopefully, if the presentation will be favored by the PPP board, it will be recommended for the approval of the city mayor and then to the councilor’s session for second reading.

came after the peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) were terminated and the unilateral ceasefire by both sides was lifted. The NPA is the armed wing of the NDF and has heavy presence in Mindanao.

Eduardo Maningo, a spokesman for the ARBs, pleads that the government focus on the peace and order situation. “We ask the gov-

ernment to please step up its protection of farm workers and businesses and to go after these lawless elements. The safety of our families and our livelihood is threatened. If the government fails to address this problem, businesses can leave and we will lose our jobs.”

If the violent attacks and harassment in farms persist, Mindanao’s most lucrative dollar earner will be compromised and will affect the

national economy. The Philippines is the second biggest exporter of bananas in the world despite the small land area of the farms concentrated in Mindanao.

NPA atrocities intensify

HE New People’s Army (NPA) is on a rampage again in Mindanao hitting banana plantations for not paying revolutionary taxes.

Agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) reported that the NPA has once again launched a series of attacks on banana and pineapple plantations resulting in killings, arson and disruption of business operations in Mindanao.

The renewed attacks

Neglected industry An investor in the banana industry, who doesn›t want to be identified for security reasons, lamented that government appears to be more concerned on less important

FNPA, 13

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Top PNPA graduate honored

by Cotabato city officialdom

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EWLY-COMMISSIONED police Inspector Macdum Darping Enca, the valedictorian of this year’s graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy, should be emulated and recognized for giving this city a “lifetime honor,” Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi said.

“I can’t explain how happy we Cotabatenios are,” Sayadi said Monday night after the city government and local officials tendered a testimonial dinner for Enca, a native of this city.

“He put Cotabato City on the map of excellent and good people,” Sayadi said of Enca, valedictorian of PNPA Masidlak Class of 2017.

A motorcade around town preceded the recognition night where Enca got warm

welcome from classmates, teachers, relatives and even strangers.

Engr. Yacobnor Enca is perhaps the happiest father now. “People I have not seen since birth are recognizing me for having a brilliant child in Macdum,” he said. ”I am very popular now, greetings keep coming even days after the graduation ceremonies,” he said. “I am very proud, this is unprecedented.” ”I was surprised,” Enca said of the welcoming local officials and police officers as he disembarked from the plane Monday afternoon from Manila. ”I am not used to it,” he said at the Cotabato airport.

“Every time I returned home, only my parents welcomed

FTOP, 10

DISMISSED. Former Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Ismael Sueno interacts with reporters in a news conference in Davao City in this undated photo. President Duterte dismissed Sueno on Monday night due to loss of trust and confidence in the light of corruption allegations hurled against him. Lean Daval Jr.

DOH bares health T advices for summer

DPWH to reactivate teams to ease Holy Week travel

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

T

HE Department of Health through undersecretaries Dr. Herminigildo Valle and Dr. Gerardo Bayugo warned against being infected with diseases that are common during the hot season.

They also gave tips on how to avoid acquiring them.

“Pag summer, pagbaba-

go ng panahon, nauuso yung sipon at ubo, sa mga bata.

Kapag naulanan at madumi ang hangin, nagkakasakit so I advise na ‘wag magpaulan,” Dr. Bayugo said during the DOH press conference at Royal Mandaya on Tuesday.

Some other common ailments during summer season are skin diseases and sore eyes

that could be acquired if one do not practice proper hygiene.

“Hand-washing is a habit we must always practice to avoid contact with germs and other things that may cause these illnesses,” Dr. Valle pointed out.

Also, Dr. Bayugo said that because of humidity during summer, bacteria in food tend

to develop faster so everyone must be careful with the food that one eats and drink in order to avoid diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal infections.

Undersecretary Bayugo also reminded people to refrain from going out especially between 10 o’clock in the morning until two o’clock in

nine months as President.

“The announcement was made at the end of the 14th Cabinet meeting,” Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. Monday’s meeting ended shortly before midnight.

“The President had earlier asked a few questions of Mr. Sueno but the summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions

by any member of the Cabinet,” Abella said.

Abella’s statement did not say if Sueno was in the Cabinet meeting. But MindaNews sources said Sueno was in the

FDOH, 10

Why Sueno was fired as DILG secretary

C

ITING “loss of trust and confidence,” President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night fired Local Governments Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno, the highest ranking official he has dismissed in his

FWHY, 14

HE Department of Public Works and Highways will again mobilize its Motorist Assistance Teams to help motorists and commuters during the Lenten Season.

With this, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar directed all Regional and District Engineering Offices nationwide to reactivate the ‘Lakbay-Alalay’ Program that will be implemented from April 10 to 17.

In a statement, he noted that uniformed motorist assistance teams will provide personal and prompt assistance on normal and emergency situations in strategic locations along major thoroughfares on a round-the-clock shift.

The road assistance is in coordination with the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, Local Government Units and other government agencies for any help that may be required.

Before the Holy Week, the teams will be deployed all over the country to ensure that national roads are well-maintained and free from potholes, have reflectorized pavement markings, and have legible kilometer posts

Troops in pursuit of NPAs who torched cargo truck

P UPDATES. Department of Health secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial provides updates on the Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022 which includes DOH 30 – thirty things to do for City Health Office (CHO)/ Municipal

and directional signs.

Roads with ongoing construction works were also checked to make sure proper warning signs are installed especially those that lead to major public cemeteries.

Meanwhile, maintenance engineers were also instructed to install traffic advisory with alternate routes to bypass areas that have ongoing projects in Bicol Region.

According to DPWH Region 5 Director Danilo Versola, a total of 31 Motorist Assistance Centers will be installed along strategic areas of the national road in the Bicol Region, consisting of 12 in the mainland provinces or from Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon; and 19 in the Island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.

For more information about ‘Lakbay Alalay” and latest travel advisories, motorists are advised to visit the DPWH website at www. dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh and follow DPWH social media pages in Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/dpwhph and Twitter at https://twitter. com/dpwhph.

Health Office while DOH DOH assistant secretary for Mindanao Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. listens during a news conference for the two-day CHO/MHO summit at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

OLICE and Army forces here are hunting down the suspected New People’s Army rebels who torched Monday night an 18-wheeler container truck loaded with bananas for export along a highway here.

Chief Inspector Elias Colonia, Makilala police chief, said the joint pursuit operation was immediately conducted following the burning of the truck at around 8 p.m. in Sitio Flortam, Barangay Batasan here.

Colonia said elements of the Makilala police and 39th Infantry Battalion quickly put up roadblocks to prevent the suspects from fleeing towards

Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.

According to the cargo truck driver, Toto Omar, the armed men ordered him to disembark at gunpoint. They told him he won’t be harmed and that they were only after the truck. After the driver disembarked, the suspects poured gasoline on the truck.

The trailer truck is owned and operated by Paglas Corporation of Vice Mayor Tong Paglas of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Investigators said the incident damaged at least PHP7 million worth of bananas for export and the vehicle. (PNA)

4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Groundwork begins for 2 new RORO ports in Northern Palawan

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ASIC ground works for two new roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ports have started in two municipalities in northern Palawan in a bid to strengthen the province’s sea connectivity to other regions in Luzon and in support of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Vision 2025 transportation and trade targets.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Albert Rama told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview early Monday afternoon that the two new RORO ports are being eyed to soon

operate in Barangay Borac, Coron and Barangay San Fernando, El Nido – two highly tourist-frequented towns in northern Palawan.

“Groundwork have already started for these two RORO ports after we, in the committee, approved the provincial government’s application for endorsement for Forest Land Use Agreement (FLAg),” said Rama, who is the chair of the SP’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

FLAg is a special land use permit or agreement granted by the state “to a person to occupy, possess and manage in consideration of specified

return, any public forest lands for a specific use or purpose.”

Rama disclosed further that the RORO projects will be in partnership between the provincial government and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), although he cannot say yet how much budget was identified for the implementation.

“There is no reason why this project should be delayed, particularly because it is the goal of the leadership of the governor (Jose Alvarez) to connect Palawan to other areas to amplify its other economic potentials,” he stated, adding

RADE Secretary Ramon Lopez said the share of investment commitments from foreign sources in the Board of Investments (BOI) is likely to hit the 30 to 35 percent level this year.

Lopez, who is also the BOI chair, in an interview, said that the share of foreign investment pledges in the agency was expected to increase, driven by the interest coming from the countries which President Rodrigo Duterte made official and state visits.

In the past years, 80 percent of investment pledges in BOI came from local investors while foreign sources shared 20 percent of the total approved projects.

Last year, BOI approved

P89.3 billion investment projects from foreign firms.

Top foreign country investors in BOI last year include Australia with pledges amounting to P30.5 billion, Singapore with P13.6 billion, the Netherlands with P13.1 billion, Japan with P6.8 billion, and South Korea with P6.4 billion.

“Indications are mostly coming from the new interested countries or investors,” Lopez said.

In particular, he cited the strong interest of Chinese companies to invest in the country following the meeting of President Duterte and President Xi Jinping in Beijing last October.

Just last month, the BOI received letters of intent from five Chinese firms: Aviation

Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) International Aero-development Corporation;Liaoning Bora Enterprise Group Co., Ltd.; Huili Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd., Dalian Wanyang Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.; and YiDingTai (YDT) International.

These five companies expressed their interest to locate in the Philippines with investment projects amounting to around USD10 billion or some P500 billion.

The Philippines and China also revived the Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Cooperation (JCETC), after a five-year hiatus, which is expected to further boost investment ties between the two countries. (PNA)

governors and the third Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Joint Meeting.

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

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

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

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

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

HE Philippine government targets to hit USD22 billion, or over P1.0 trillion worth of foreign direct investments within the Duterte administration.

Under the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP), the 19 investment promotion agencies (IPAs) agreed to have a focused approach in promoting the country as investment destination for foreign companies.

According to the Board of Investments (BOI), the country’s leading IPA in terms of investment approvals, the 19 IPAs had its strategic planning in Zamboanga City from March 15 to 17 to set the direction to achieve the USD22-billion investment target by 2022.

BOI Managing Director Ceferino Rodolfo said the IPAs will undertake a focused marketing approach, while also linking the industry roadmaps in their investment campaigns.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that the country had FDI inflows of USD7.93 billion (P398 billion) in 2016, which rose 41 percent from USD5.64 billion

(P283 billion) net FDI in its previous year.

Moreover, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recorded a total of P219 billion worth of foreign investment approvals last year from seven major IPAs. The country’s seven major IPAs include the BOI, BOI-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Clark Development Corp., Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Completing the 19 IPAs are Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Area, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Clark International Airport Corp. , John Hay Management Corp. , Mindanao Development Authority, Philippine Retirement Authority, Phividec Industrial Authority, Poro Point Management Corp., Subic Clark Alliance for Development Council, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Tourism Promotions Board, and Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority. (PNA)

FGROUNDWORK, 10

Foreign investments to hit 35% of total pledges with BOI

T IN THE INTERIM. People who will get resident certificates use their mobile phones to fight boredom while waiting for their turn at the lobby of Sangguniang Panlungsod in Davao City on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

ASEAN finance chiefs to exchange views on PH eyes P1-T FDIs in 2022 expanding market, investments in region T

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INANCE ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to exchange views on further harnessing investment opportunities within the 10-member regional bloc amid the current slowdown in global growth when they meet in this Central Visayan city on Thursday for the 12th session of the ASEAN Finance Ministers Investors Seminar (AFMIS).

They will also discuss at the April 6 meeting here the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is designed to create a single market and production base within Southeast Asian region through the free flow of goods, skilled labor, services and investments among its 10 member-economies.

The ministers will likewise tackle issues on regional connectivity as well as current events and other issues relevant to ASEAN members, including topics ranging from infrastructure investment and e-commerce to trade facilitation and the region’s rising consumer market.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III of the Philip-

pines, this year’s ASEAN host, and ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Lim Hong Hin will open the meeting, which will take place at the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel, by delivering their respective welcome remarks.

Finance Ministers Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Ibrahim of Brunei Darussalam; Sri Mulyani Indrawati of Indonesia; Johari Abdul Ghani of Malaysia; Apisak Tantivorawong of Thailand; and Secretary of State Sokha Nguon of Cambodia are expected to attend the AFMIS and the series of high-level meetings at the Shangrila Mactan Hotel.

A plenary session of the ASEAN finance ministers will be held in the morning, followed by a networking lunch with global financial institutions and multilateral companies that have a strong presence in the region.

Founded 50 years ago, ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam into one regional bloc.

This regional group established the AEC, which officially

commenced on Dec. 31, 2015, comprising a market of 600 million people or about eight percent of the world’s population.

ASEAN is the seventh largest economy in the world with a combined GDP of US$ 2.5 trillion as of 2015.It also has the third largest labor pool and is the world’s fourth largest exporting region.

This year marks a milestone for the ASEAN, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the Philippines as host. The 2017 ASEAN theme is “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

The ASEAN finance ministers and central bank governors are set to discuss ways to flesh out ASEAN’s commitments to financial integration and cooperation against the backdrop of a new wave of protectionism and other uncertainties in the global economy when they meet on April 6-7 in Cebu.

To be hosted by Dominguez and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. the conferences will include separate meetings of the ASEAN finance ministers and the central bank

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

ECONOMY 5 Palace braces for 150 Chinese investors led by Bank of China

M PRICE HIKE. A pump attendant refills a customer’s vehicle at a gasoline station along Quirino Avenue in Davao City on Tuesday. Oil companies increased the pump prices of petroleum products effective Tuesday morning. Lean Daval Jr.

PH agri-business gets boost A

NEW partnership aims helping scale up sustainable agri-business in the country to better improve socio-economic conditions nationwide.

Formalized Monday (April 3) in Metro Manila, the partnership between Department of Agriculture (DA) and ‘Go Negosyo’ business development advocate Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) will implement the Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program (KAMMP) to help interested parties gain knowledge that’ll eventually enable them to run successful and sustain-

able agricultural enterprises nationwide.

“We hope to help address poverty and improve agricultural production,” said DA Secretary Manny Pinol at the event.

He’s also optimistic the partnership will further promote Philippine agricultural development.

Under KAMMP, the partners will provide interested parties coaching sessions covering proper production techniques, mindset and values as well as practical knowledge and strategies for running agri-businesses.

There’ll be consultations as well to better assist such parties.

Agri-business practitioners considered experts in their respective fields will mentor them, noted DA and PCE. Mentoring is key to truly making agriculture the game-changer in poverty alleviation efforts nationwide, noted ‘Go Negosyo’ founder Joey Concepcion who’s also Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship.

“Hopefully, we can make that dream happen,” he said.

Concepcion and Pinol signed the memorandum of

understanding that formalized the DA-PCE partnership.

PCE developed KAMMP to help DA scale up sustainable agri-business nationwide.

Last year, PCE and Department of Trade and Industry rolled out the Kapatid Mentor Me Program for scaling up various local micro and small businesses.

Such program disseminated relevant business development-related knowledge through coaching sessions within a 12-week period.

DA and PCE adapted the same strategy for KAMMP. (PNA)

ALACAÑANG said the country is prepared to welcome some 150 Chinese investors to the country.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, April 4, said the Bank of China, China’s most internationalized and diversified bank, will be bringing in 150 Chinese investors to the Philippines.

The 150 Chinese investors are expected to attend the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Investors Seminar which will be held in Cebu this April.

He also said that the Bank of China will be providing the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry about PHP3 billion in aid to qualified micro, small and medium enterprise beneficiaries.

The Palace also expressed elation over the strong Institutional Investor’s outlook for the Philippines. The Philippines was given a thumbs-up by the Institutional Investor, a New York-based leading international business publisher.

Also, the recently approved Social Security System pension increase is also seen to boost consumer spending.

At the same time, Abella said the two additional lanes along Timog Avenue to Scout Borromeo in Quezon City are now open with an improved flood control concrete box culvert.

Abella said the 522-me-

ter Road Project and the 5.30 meters width by 4.35 meters deep Flood Control Project, totaling to PHP87.69 million, are expected to ease the flow of traffic along Quezon Avenue– East Bound.

In the same briefing, Abella said the dismissal of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno manifests President Rodrigo Duterte’s determination to restore the trust of the people in government.

The President always reiterates in his speeches that he will not tolerate graft and corruption in government, noting that even a whiff of corruption, he will not hesitate to dismiss members of his administration.

“I think we have to give him credit and really understand and put it in context that what he’s really actually doing is really restoring trust in the government,” Abella said.

“Apparently for the longest time, the people have become, in a sense, hopeless about the situation. But he is actually empowering the Filipino people once more by giving them a trustworthy government. It’s quite a challenge,” he added.

Asked by reporters if there will be investigation or people to be charged after Sueno’s dismissal, Abella said it’s up to the President what to do next.

The Palace spokesman also said there is still no immediate successor for Sueno.

(PNA)

lier forecast,” Beltran said in his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. The Philippine Statistics Authority is set to release the official March inflation report tomorrow (April 5).

Last month, the general price increase for food and non-alcoholic drinks likely rose to 4.5 percent from 4.1 percent, while alcoholic drinks and tobacco jumped 6.5 percent from 6.0 percent.

Prices for housing, utilities and fuels are also expected to

increase by 4.1 percent from 2.9 percent in the previous month.

Clothing and footwear inflation is seen to reach 2.9 percent, up from 2.8 percent in February, while health may have settled at 2.8 percent from 2.6 percent.

Meanwhile, prices for transport likely dropped to 1.9 percent from 2.8 percent, and restaurants & miscellaneous services to 1.8 percent from 2.1 percent.

On the other hand, inflation of furnishings, households

ASEAN rice reserve available DOF sees March inflation within BSP range during emergencies

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HE Philippines and other member countries of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) may now buy rice from the reserve in case of emergency and natural calamities.

National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Jason Laureano Y. Aquino, who headed the Philippine delegation to the APTERR meeting recently held in Bangkok, Thailand reported that an agreement was reached to implement the Tier 1 program which will allow sales of rice between member countries of APTERR from the earmarked emergency rice reserve during emergencies and calamities.

APTERR was launched in July 2012 composed of the ten ASEAN nations namely Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, plus three non ASEAN members namely: Japan, China, and South Korea.

Originally established as ASEAN Emergency Rice Reserve (AERR) in 1979, APTERR was organized to ensure rice availability during emergencies, stabilize the price of rice, and improve farmers’ income and welfare among the member countries. It aims to

improve food security without distorting the international rice market.

At present, the total earmarked emergency rice reserve pledged by APTERR member countries is placed at 787,000 MT. The stocks are made available to member countries through a three-tier system: Tier 1 – through sales; Tier 2- through emergency grants and loans; and Tier 3- delivery of donated rice in times of acute emergency.

“Rice sales under Tier 1 is different from government-to-government deals because the sale must go through the approval of APTERR as a body and can only be availed of in cases of emergency and calamities,” Aquino said.

The Philippines had already benefited from the AERR/APTERR since 2010 but almost all under Tier 3 program. Thailand donated 520 metric tons of rice to the Philippines through the APTERR Secretariat for victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Juan, La Nina and flash floods. Since the APTERR came into force in 2012, at least 7,200 MT of rice were donated through the program to the Philippines for the victims of typhoons Pablo, Yolanda and Nona. (PNA)

T

HE rate of increase in consumer prices likely quickened further last month owing to a weaker peso that pushed up food, power and fuel prices, the Department of Finance (DOF) said today.

Based on the latest DOF Economic Bulletin dated April 3, the country’s inflation may have settled at 3.6 percent in March this year, faster than the 3.3 percent in the previous month and 1.1 percent in the same period last year.

The DOF’s inflation forecast

is within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) estimate of around 3.0 percent to 3.8 percent for March.

DOF Undersecretary and Chief Economist Gil Beltran traced the acceleration of inflation to “base effects,” saying global petroleum prices have started normalizing from low levels set last year.

“The BSP has lowered its inflation forecast for the whole year 2017 (to 3.4 percent from 3.5 percent in February) due to lower actual inflation than ear-

Journalists from Mindanao participated in the last leg of Philippine Press Institute’s workshop series on environment reporting dubbed as, “Taking Stock of Our Natural Account and The Role of the Press”. A total of 57 print

FDOF, 13

and broadcast journalists attended the training in the cities of Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, and Butuan. This was supported by Nickel Asia Corporation which is currently PPI’s principal partner for its Civic Journalism programs.

6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Pantukan holds Oplan Students from Cotabato City Lingkod Barangay

praise ASEAN youth forum H S OME 500 high school and college students of the Cotabato City Polytechnic College (CCSPC) here participated in the ASEAN Youth Forum held March 31, 2017 organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12.

PIA, together with its partners, continue to engage the citizenry especially the youth for better understanding and appreciation of government programs by collaborating with schools and universities for the conduct of the ASEAN Youth Forum.

CCSPC as the only state college in the city has a student population of over 6,000 comprising Muslim, Christian, Indigenous Peoples both in the high school and collegiate levels enjoying peaceful co-existence.

Resource persons/panelists during the ASEAN Youth Forum include OIC-Regional Director Joey Sem Dalumpines who gave an overview of Ang

Bagong PIA, Maco Tanggorac of DFA-RCO XII Cotabato City-ASEAN and its Institutional Partners, Apollo Manlawe, Economic Development Specialist of NEDA XII explained AmBisyon Nation 2040, and updates on Peace And Security under ASEAN presented by Capt. Arvin Encinas, Division Public Affairs Office head and spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division representing Brig, Gen. Arnel dela Vega.

Manifesting keen interest and enthusiasm, many students and teachers actively participated in the open forum. One of them is a high school student of the CCSPC Laboratory High School.

Ibrahim Noor, is a vibrant and jolly grade 7 student who shared his insights on the lectures and the topics discussed during the forum “Natutunan ko po ang mga dapat naming malaman mga mahahalagang bagay tungkol

sa ASEAN . Na mahalagang mapanatili ang maayos at aktibong ugnayan at pagtutulungan para sa kaunlaran at katatagan ng bawat miyembro ng ASEAN. For example po yung ating mga immediate neighbors na mga bansa, malinaw ang important role they play in making sure na yung ASEAN community is safe and prosperous,” he said.

Noor also stressed the importance of increasing people’s awareness and understanding of relevant and significant issues and concerns affecting the country and citizenry especially among the youth seen as future leaders of the country.

“As a young student nadadagdagan yung kaalaman namin tungkol sa mga programs ng government.

Through information dissemination. Masasabi ko po na mas magiging matibay ang Pilipinas at magkakaroon ng unity ang bawat kasapi ng ASEAN

countries.” he added.

In his welcome message, CCSPC president Dr. Dammang Bantala urged the teachers and students in attendance to listen and learn/absorb important and relevant information discussed and explained by the resource persons that would enhance their background and knowledge about the ASEAN. Bantala expressed his appreciation for the partnership with academic institutions in the conduct of ASEAN Youth Forum to share and enhance the knowledge not only of students but most important to the teachers who can share vital and timely information to their students.

“This forum is timely and very relevant to increase the level of awareness of students on important issues like the ASEAN as we oftentimes say, they will be the future leaders of the country,” Bantala said.”

(LTOBolongon/PBChangco/ PIA/Cotabato City)

TOP BARANGAYS. General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera commends top four barangays in implementing Purok Laban sa Krimen, to include Barangays Dadiangas North, Tambler, Dadiangas West and Barangay Mabuhay during the Purok Laban sa Krimen Program held at the city’s Oval Gym. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

UNDREDS of residents of Barangay Fuentes in Pantukan town, Compostela Valley were able to avail different government services through Oplan Lingkod Barangay last March 30.

Pantukan Information Officer Nick Bryan Patalinghug stressed that the Oplan Lingkod Barangay provides avenue to various local government offices to directly deliver their services to the community.

Patalinghug said that among the offices involved in the Oplan were the local health office, civil registry office, agriculture office, disaster risk and reduction management office, environment and natural re-

sources office, Bureau of Fire and Protection and Philippine National Police.

He added that lecture on solid waste management, fire safety, family disaster preparedness and illegal drugs campaign were conducted simultaneous to the delivery of services.

Patalinghug disclosed that Barangay Fuentes is the seventh out of the 13 villages that has been visited for this year by the Oplan Lingkod Barangay team.

He added that team visits three barangay every month.

The next barangays to be visited will be Tambongon and Matiao. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

LGU Malungon intensifies anti-drug campaigns in schools

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HE municipal government of Malungon, Sarangani has intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the municipality.

With the intensification is the massive conduct of anti-drug symposium in different schools, said Malungon information officer Isagani Palma.

He said the campaign aims “to end the drug menace” that tries to destroy the lives of the youth.

The anti-drug campaign is led by Task Force D.U.T.E.R.T.E chair, former municipal mayor Reynaldo Constantino, father of incumbent mayor Maria Theresa “Tessa” Constantino.

Aside from school, the task force also works closely with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 12, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, the religious sectors and various civil society organizations based in Malungon.

In a series of campaigns, Mayor Tessa Constantino

warned students not to get involved in illegal drugs stressing the negative effects that these can do to their studies.

Palma said the mayor “will implement a 9:00 p.m curfew” to deter students from dallying the streets.

He said the mayor has only good intentions and will do everything to protect her younger constituents from harm brought about by illegal drugs.

“The mayor only wants to protect our youth. She wants them safe by being in their respective homes in the wee hours,” said Palma.

On Wednesday (Mar 29), the task force conducted another information drive on illegal drugs at Malandag Institute and Malandag National High School with Task Force D.U.T.E.R.T.E chair Reynaldo Constantino and PDEA XII regional director Gil Castro discussing illegal drugs and their ill effects and influences to the youth. (CT Apelacio/PIA-12 General Santos City)

MisOr gov asks army to stop tagging PH’s oldest penal colony in Zambo pushed anew for relocation tribal community as NPA‘coddlers’ HE oldest penal colony finalize the agreement. as the Zamboecozone is about who asked for the transfer, we

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in the country, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, is being pushed anew to be transferred to another location.

This as officials from the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport (Zamboecozone), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) are expected to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOU) for the relocation of the century-old prison farm outside of Zamboecozone’s 664-hectare second industrial park.

Christopher Arnuco, Zamboecozone chairman and administrator, said Monday they are preparing all the necessary documents, following their meeting last week with BuCor chief Benjamin Delos Santos, to

“The MOU signing will be held within the month,” Arnuco told the Philippines News Agency.

“We have to move fast to ensure the Department of Budget and Management will incorporate the fund allocation in the 2018 national budget,” he added.

Arnuco said they have been conducting several meetings with Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre II and BuCor officials to pursue the relocation of the inmates to a new facility.

“The transfer will only take effect if there’s a funding support,” he said.

The transfer, which has been proposed more than 10 years ago under the administration of then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is necessary

to develop the area for the San Ramon Seaport project.

“It (San Ramon Seaport project) is already in the pipeline, we have to prepare it. In the event there’s a successful bidder, the area should be ready for them to work on,” Arnuco said.

Previous administrations have identified 1,200 hectares of land in Barangays Bungiao and Curuan in the east coast of this city as the prison’s new location.

“At present, they are occupying 600 hectares in the ecozone area. They will be transferred to an area twice the size they are currently operating,” Arnuco said.

“It will be a joint engagement. However, for the initial steps, since we were the ones

will have to prepare for it. We will have to prepare an MOU that will be reviewed by BuCor, DOJ and DBM to ensure that funding will go to BuCor for the construction (of the new facility),” he said.

Currently, there are about 1,400 inmates at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm.

Arnuco said they will also tap the help of the National Historical Commission to preserve the edifice of the century-old prison facility.

“We have to seek the assistance of the National Historical Institution to determine which part of the edifice would be considered as national heritage, and that will be preserved--one for history purposes and for tourists attractions in the future,” he said. (PNA)

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HE military should stop tagging tribal members of Mincamansi, a hinterland village in the town of Sugbongcogon in Misamis Oriental, as alleged protectors of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano said Monday.

The governor said the military issued the suspicion following offensive operations against the communist rebels in the village.

The military offensive forced 188 indigenous peoples (IP) or lumads to settle at the provincial capitol compound since last week.

Emano said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

should help the IP people instead of instilling fear among them and accusing them as “protectors” of the communist rebels.

“These (IP) belonged to the poorest of the poor in the province of Misamis Oriental who have been victims of various abuses and it is the duty of the government to assist and provide them with basic government services,” Emano said.

Emano said the provincial social welfare office has extended food assistance to the evacuees, while the provincial health office has continued to provide medical services to them, particularly the children.

(PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE National Privacy Commission assemble data protection officers Negosyo Centers go on assisting T MSMEs, create entrepreneurs EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

HE National Privacy Commission (NPC) is set to hold its first general assembly of data protection officers (DPOs) as it aims to strengthen measures to preserve data in the country.

Privacy Commissioner and Chairman Raymund Liboro stated that data protection officers serve as the people’s first line of defense against privacy violations and have a significant role in preventing the likelihood of data breach incidents similar to the hacking of voter data of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) last year.

“The biggest lesson we have learned from the Comeleak breach is that, at the end of the day, we have no better recourse really than prevention and vigilance, which are essentially roles of DPOs. They are the people’s first line of defense against privacy violations inside an organization, and the NPC is here to help them help their organizations in fully complying with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 to reduce the likelihood of breach incidents like the Comeleak from happening,” Liboro said in a statement.

The NPC has filed criminal charges against COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista for negligence in ensuring the privacy of its database violating Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 due to the hacking of the poll body’s voter database in March last year.

The commission is urging data protection officers from various government agencies to adopt a proactive approach in the fight for data protection

of citizens in a series of conferences.

Its first conference on the series, “DPO1: The 1st Data Protection Officers’ Assembly”, which focuses on government DPOs, is a half-day event set at 8 a.m. on April 5 at the Diosdado Macapagal Hall, 10th Floor, Land Bank Plaza, 1598 M.H. Del Pilar, corner Dr. J. Quintos St., Malate, Manila.

The assembly seeks to enable government DPOs to be acquainted with their new responsibilities and assert their roles within their respective organizations.

“The DPO functions as an advocate and watchdog for data privacy inside an organization. Although the DPO works as an employee of the organization, it is his or her job to champion the privacy rights of individuals, and advocate for it above the immediate business interests of his employer,” said Liboro.

The event seeks to provide DPOs with basic compliance support for their organizations, access to the DPO1 knowledge database, and membership to NPC’s long-term professional support network for DPOs, among others. The NPC will also launch its website where the public can file complaints related to data privacy.

The commission expects some 300 participants in the DPO1, coming mostly from national government agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs). It expects to strengthen the community among government DPOs through sharing best practices and collaboration on mutual projects. (PNA)

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HE Department of Trade and Industry – Regional Operations Group (DTI-ROG) continues to serve micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and create entrepreneurs through its Negosyo Centers.

DTI – ROG Supervising Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said Negosyo Centers throughout the country will help MSMEs scale up their businesses through its services.

There have been 760,230 MSMEs assisted by these Negosyo Centers since its inception in 2014, Maglaya said.

Likewise, these centers have also created 125,066 entrepreneurs.

“A total of 760,230 MSMEs assisted and 125,066 created entrepreneurs is quite a feat for us. Rest assured that we will continue increasing our Negosyo Centers in far-flung areas to create and serve more entrepreneurs, and provide employment to Filipinos,” she added.

As of March 28, 2017, the Department has already established 470 Negosyo Centers throughout the country.

“We are proud that we have established more Nego-

syo Centers more than what we have expected to establish.

In 2016, we surpassed our target of 150 centers. Hopefully this year we can do the same to support the growth of MSMEs in the country,” Maglaya said, adding that Negosyo Centers help in achieving job generation and inclusive growth in support of the administration’s Trabaho at Negosyo agenda.

She added that for Business Name Registration alone, a total of 438,619 clients – 52,284 in 2015, 283,487 in 2016, and 134, 390 in just 3 months in 2017 – were assist-

ed.

work have helped Smart meet the growing demands of subscribers for data services.

“The shift to data and digital services continues to gain momentum. With access to PLDT’s extensive fixed line network, Smart is rolling out the country’s fastest mobile internet network to address the growing demand of our subscribers for data services at home, their schools and offices and while on the go,” said Eric R. Alberto, PLDT executive vice president and chief revenue officer.

Data revenues accounted for a third of the wireless business’ revenue mix last

year, from only a quarter in 2015. For the first time, it has edged out voice calls and text messaging as the largest revenue source for the wireless business Meantime, mobile data usage improved to 148,000 terabytes last year, 49 percent higher than the 2015 figure.

“The steep rise in mobile data traffic highlights the popularity of data usage as well as the huge potential to grow mobile data revenues, particularly mobile internet revenues,” Alberto said.

To support the rapidly increasing data traffic, Smart has accelerated its roll out of LTE

and 3G data networks under a three-year program that includes the use of low-band frequencies such as 700 Mhz for high-speed LTE services.

This network roll-out program has been completed in Metro Davao where Smart subscribers now consistently enjoy average data download speeds of over 20 Mbps. The LTE upgrade is now underway in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, where similar dramatic improvements in data speeds are being experienced in areas where new LTE facilities have already been installed.

Even higher data speeds

to finish 7th overall in a field of 55 schools. The UP team was composed of Mendoza, Bhazel Acac (BS Food Tech.), Angelica Jem Verga (BS Architecture), Paula Yap (BS Computer Sci.), Joemer Aliman (BS Applied Math.), and newcomer Tobias Suico (BSAM).

Coach Albert Ramos reported that his team’s proudest accomplishment was in the 4x50-meter relay where they won an upset victory over the event’s defending champion, the Davao Merchant Marine Academy, in what he described

as a “David-and-Goliath” triumph.

A total of 220 swimmers competed in the two-day event, representing schools from Davao and Mindanao regions, Metro Manila, and individual swimmers from overseas.

The event served as a selection process for the Batang Pinoy events for swimmers in the 8-15 year-old age group, and also for the Philippine National Games for swimmers in the 18-year-old-and-up category. (PR)

The Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act aims to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), promote ease of doing business, facilitate access to grants and other forms of financial assistance, Shared Service Facilities (SSF) and other equipment, and other support for MSMEs through national government agencies (NGAs), ensure management guidance, assistance and improvement of the working conditions of MSMEs; and facilitate market access and linkaging services for entrepreneurs. (PR)

Smart sustains growth in mobile data business

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LDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications has posted sustained growth in its mobile data business, with revenues up by 26 percent to P25.5 billion in 2016 from only P20.2 billion previously.

Mobile Internet revenues set the pace, rising 42 percent year-on-year to P17 billion, while mobile broadband revenues moved up 2 percent to P8 billion.

The availability of more affordable smartphones in the market, attractive data offers bundled with popular digital content and services, and an upgraded mobile data net-

FSMART, 10

UP Minda swimmers win in Araw ng Dabaw meet T

HE UP Mindanao Swim Team won a total of 25 medals in the 80th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival 2017 Inter-school Swimming Competition held on 1-2 April 2017. Team swimmer Juan Antonio A. Mendoza (2nd year, BS Agribusiness Economics) was awarded “Most Outstanding Swimmer” in the “18-year-old and above-Male” category.

The 6-person UP Mindanao team earned 14 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 5 bronze medals gained throughout 17 individual and 2 team events

DOH lauds JICA assistance for govt drug rehab program Ayala unit finishes acquisition

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HE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday lauded the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) 1.85 billion-yen (P826-million) support for the department’s drug rehabilitation program. ”We are glad that the Government of Japan, as well as many other international partners, has stepped in to help the Philippines in its continuing effort to address (the rehabilitation of) an estimated 1.6 million drug surrenders as of the end of February,” Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial told

reporters during a press briefing held at the DOH media relations unit in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The assistance was sealed in an agreement signed by Ubial and JICA Representative Susumu Ito through the program Consolidated Rehabilitation on Illegal Drug Users (CARE), which is aligned with the government’s priorities against illegal drugs.

“As a long-standing friend and development partner of the Philippines, JICA supports the DOH towards working for

a common vision of a drug-free society,” said Ito. Ubial said the assistance will be used to improve the facilities of rehab centers and train DOH health workers involved in drug rehabilitation.

The department said that of the 4 million drug users estimated by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), 2.4 million drug surrenderers are waiting to be assessed to determine their drug rehabilitation needs.

It said some 12,000 patients are being treated in 44 drug rehab centers across the

country, and more are receiving treatment in barangay health centers.

Of the 44 drug rehabilitation centers, 14 are run by the government, the newest of which is in Nueva Ecija, which is currently treating 179 patients.

JICA is a partner of the DOH. Back in 2013, following the devastation left behind by ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan), JICA provided assistance for the rehabilitation of health facilities damaged by the supertyphoon in the Visayas. (PNA)

of Chevron assets in Indonesia

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ONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. has completed its acquisition of Chevron’s geothermal assets and operations in Indonesia.

Ayala told the local bourse the Indonesia assets and operations include the Darajat and Salak geothermal fields in West Java, Indonesia, with a combined capacity of 637 megawatts of steam and power.

The purchase and acquisition were completed by Indo-

nesia consortium consisting of AC Energy Holdings, Inc., Star Energy Group Holdings Pte. Ltd., Star Energy Geothermal Pte. Ltd., and Electricity Generating Public Company Ltd. AC Energy Holdings Inc. is the development arm of the Ayala group in the energy sector.

The company is committed to build a portfolio of power generation assets using renewable and conventional technologies. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Strike Three

IRST, two faternal brothers. Second, his very own campaign spokesperson. And now, one of his chief election backers.

President Duterte has made true on his election promise that his administration will be clean and free of corruption.

He did say that at the slightest hint or hush, he will not hesitate to fire anyone in his cabinet.

And yes, he did say, he would not need a conclusive investigation to kick some ass.

Remember, the operative words are mere hush and hint.

So wait he didn’t, it was not a difficult one to do -- fire Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno because of corruption issues that he faced.

The scuttlebutt came from Sueno’s three undersecretaries who allegedly reported the alleged corruption practices.

Sueno was reported to have owned a brand new hotel and

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farming equipments since his appointment as DILG Secretary. A confidential memorandum reportedly revealed that the farm of Sueno “which only used to have one nipa hut when he was not yet in government, now has several expensive structures being built.” He was aso accused of acquiring several trucks for his rice business bought abroad. Finally, there is also the allegation that his grandson collects illegal gambling money on his behalf.

Sueno has denied the accusations of his three undersecretaries but that is not the point.

In Duterte’s definition of good governance, mere founded suspicion is enough to lose his trust and confidence.

Members of the cabinet are expected to serve with utmost honesty as alters ego of the President. Mere suspicion of irregularity is enough to destroy that sacred trust and confidence.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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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

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

EDGEDAVAO

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HE burning of San Rufo, a merchant vessel that was plying between Maguindanao and Sulu, was a turning point in Davao’s colonial history. The pontin, a light commercial ship commissioned by a Manila business house, was manned

by Spanish officers, and had among its passengers an Italian trader, and a native-born Spaniard, Antonio de Azaola.

It anchored at Malipano Island and was carrying a recommendation letter from the sultan of Maguindanao that was addressed to Datu Bago, asking the latter to welcome the visitors and allow them to trade with the natives of the gulf. Pretending to respect the sultan’s request, the Muslims accepted the Spanish intent to barter by offering friendship and beeswax before killing most of the crew.

Peter Schruers, MSC., in Caraga Antigua: The Hispanization and Christianization of Agusan, Surigao and East Davao (1989) wrote: “[U]nwary of the Moros’ plot, the majority of the crew left their ship to go fishing in their ship’s skiff while some went ashore.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, a good number of Moros, led by one Datu Ongay, presented themselves with bundles of wax and other trade products in which they concealed their weapons. The ship’s interpreter, seeing so many Moros arriving at a time when there were hardly any men left on board, became suspicious of

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INCE 2008, the Philippines observes April as the “National Hemophilia Awareness Month.” Proclamation No. 1478 states: “Nationwide awareness of hemophilia in the country will immensely help in educating the public that Filipinos with hemophilia deserve to live normal lives.”

The law also said: “Filipinos with hemophilia deserve the dignity and respect from everyone and need the States mantle of protection against abuse, violence, public indifference and discrimination.”

Four years ago, it was reported that Davao City had 142 cases of hemophilia. “Most of the patients diagnosed are those who are below five years old since that is the time when most of the patients manifest the symptoms of the disorder,” Dr. Jennie Ong, a hematologist with the Mindanao Hemophilia Center, was quoted as saying.

The World Hemophilia Federation reported that about 10,000 Filipinos have hemophilia and another one million are suffering from von Willebrand’s disease and other bleeding disorders.

Unfortunately, not too many know they have the disease. The data from the Philippines Hemophilia Foundation has only 1,500 registered cases of hemophilia and 30 of the von Willebrand’s disease.

Hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease are classified as bleeding disor-

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

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Datu Bago: A victim of historical error? their intentions. The captain said he did not fear the Moros. The pilot remonstrated saying it would not do any harm to take a few precautions.”

Fortunately, two crew members who were out fishing not too far away from the anchored vessel, saw the incident. They hurriedly fled and reported the incident to authorities in Surigao.

Two others managed to untie themselves, jumped overboard, and safely swam to shore where they took a fishing craft and escaped. The stories told by the survivors became the turning point that compelled the Spaniards to bring down the rule of Datu Bago.

The news of the attack, as expected, incensed the colonial government in Manila, which demanded a satisfactory answer from the sultan of Maguindanao. But the chieftain cleansed himself of any involvement in the assault, saying “he had no subjects in Davao and that he did not consider the Moros of the gulf as such, because after all they had disobeyed his orders and therefore the Spanish government should deal directly with them.” In short, the sultan disclaimed any responsibility of the siege and waived his jurisdiction over the Muslims in Davao.

This disclaimer has been interpreted as a statement of cession on the part of the sultanate, which led the Spaniards to take action in curtailing the abuses of Datu Bago’s men. The

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa cession actually started half a century earlier when the sultanate, with control over the gulf territories, yielded to Spanish aims for access to regions classified as vassal estates and the approval to allow Catholic missionaries to convert Muslims and tribesmen in tributary areas under the Maguindanao sultanate.

But there are threads in this tragic incident that remain ambiguous. For instance, it’s unclear who facilitated the issuance of the reference letter and why the letter was for “the datus of the sea of Davao” if, indeed, Datu Bago was the main addressee.

Interestingly, Datu Ongay is not

mentioned anywhere in accounts except in the tragedy. He could be the murderous emissary of Datu Bago, but he could also be a leader of a lesser kingdom who wanted to exact revenge on the colonizers for some reason. One more, the burning of the ship could have taken place in the general area of the gulf where an intervention by adversarial natives was not possible on short notice.

Before the 1846 tragedy, San Rufo was already trading in areas within the Maguindanao sultanate, Cotabato, and Sarangani. In 1838, for instance, under Captain Don Inocencio Escrivano, it was forced to trade at Jolo after its four-month stay at Cotabato failed to complete her cargo requirement. That same year, the Manila traders protested against the government for tampering with their trade instead of appreciating the efforts of the governor of Zamboanga to help the drought-stricken sultanate. In retaliation, the merchants brought their rice to Jolo.

As a trading vessel, San Rufo’s commercial trips to Mindanao was dependent on the business contracts its proprietors got from merchants with interests in Sulu and Maguindanao, the key centers of trade in Mindanao.

Lease of light ships was not exclusive to a single party. Often, the vessel was rented out to several merchandising firms whose desired destinations fell within regular itinerary and outside re-

gions that were considered as perilous.

Upon leaving port, the vessel usually carried cargoes in its holds and, upon its return, brought farm products, particularly rice, to be sold in Manila.

It was common knowledge among colonial bigwigs that Davao was ruled by a Muslim leader who was fierce and was governing his territory with a certain degree of severity. Most of the news about him was gathered at friendly ports where mail and trading boats periodically docked. The inhospitable regions, in general, were restricted.

The ship’s journey to Davao was calculated; as a precaution, it was properly armed. It carried goods from a Manila commercial firm “to barter them with beeswax and other native products from the small settlements along the coast of the Davao Gulf.” The vessel was captained by a Spanish officer, aided by another Spaniards as second officer. On board was an Italian shipper who rented the pontin. With a reference letter from the sultan of Maguindanao, the leasing party could have also assumed that with the sultanate already recognizing the Spanish control of Davao a year earlier, negotiating trade deals with Datu Bago, with the help of an able interpreter, could be sealed calmly. But the expectation turned bloody.

(Source: Datu Bago and the Kingdoms of Sarang-ine and Iyo)

As such, hemophilia is considered an X-linked (or sex-linked) disorder.

Generally, it is the mother who is the carrier of the disease but most of those diagnosed with the disease is the son. “Women have the XX chromosome, and in this disorder one of the X chromosomes is affected,” Dr. Ong explained.

Since boys have XY chromosomes, majority of them are affected by the disorder. If it is a girl, they are most likely to become a carrier, too.”

Girls can have hemophilia only if the father has the disease and the mother is a carrier. “This is very uncommon,” Dr. Ong said. “In rare cases, a person can develop hemophilia later in life. The majority of cases involve middle-aged or elderly people, or young women who have recently given birth or are in the later stages of pregnancy.”

Treatment depends on the type of disorder. It may include: factor replacement, fresh frozen plasma transfusion, platelet transfusion, and other therapies.

As bleeding disorders are rare, treatment is very expensive. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) shoulders P2,000 per treatment session of its hemophiliac members.

“We are appealing to PhilHealth to consider the benefits for people with hemophilia,” urges Andrea Echavez, a member of the Hemophilia Advocates (Philippines) who has a bleeding disor-

der herself and her daughter, too. “The existing rate has no impact on the expense of these patients.”

According to Dr. Flerida Hernandez, of the Hemophilia Association of the Philippines for Love and Service Foundation (HAPLOS), the blood factor clotting components used to treat the disease cost around P4,000 to P5,000 per 250 IU (international unit) vial. A patient needs around 1,500 to 2,000 IU of blood factor if the bleeding persists since the treatment only last for 12 hours.

Senator Grace Poe, who filed Senate Bill No. 2343 which aimed to assist persons with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, said that “a mild bleed can cost between P15,000 to P50,000 and a complete treatment until active bleeding stops could entail hundreds and even millions per episode.”

By the way, how will you know you have a bleeding disorder? Here are some signs, according to healthline. com: unexplained and easy bruising, heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from small cuts or an injury and bleeding into joints.

“Schedule an appointment with your doctor right away if you have one or more of these symptoms,” the healthline.com urges. “Your doctor can diagnose your condition and help to prevent complications associated with certain blood disorders.”

Understanding bleeding disorder

ders. They are called as such because blood can’t clot properly. “For blood to clot, your body needs blood proteins called clotting factors and blood cells called platelets,” explained the website, healthline.com.

“Normally, platelets clump together to form a plug at the site of a damaged or injured blood vessel. The clotting factors then come together to form a fibrin clot. This keeps the platelets in place and prevents blood from flowing out of the blood vessel.”

But with those bleeding disorders, the story is different. “The clotting factors or platelets don’t work the way they should or are in short supply,” healthline.com says. “When the blood doesn’t clot, excessive or prolonged bleeding can occur. It can also lead to spontaneous or sudden bleeding in your muscles, joints or other parts of your body.”

Our body, medical experts say, produces 13 clotting factors. Factor II, V, VII, X or XI deficiencies are bleeding disorders related to blood clotting problems or abnormal bleeding problems, which can either be mild, moderate or severe.

On the other hand, von Willebrand’s disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It develops when the blood lacks von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood to clot.

According to medical science, bleeding disorders may be caused by a low red blood cell count, a vitamin

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

K deficiency, side effects from certain medications, and medications that can interfere with the clotting of the blood.

But mostly, bleeding disorders are inherited, which means they’re passed from a parent to their child. Let’s take the case of hemophilia, which can either be an A, B or C. “Everyone has two sex chromosomes, one from each parent,” the Mayo Clinic explains. “A female inherits an X chromosome from her mother and an X from her father. A male inherits an X chromosome from his mother and a Y chromosome from his father.”

Unfortunately, the genes for hemophilia are on the X chromosome.

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

NPA... FROM 1

FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION. Department of Health undersecretary Dr. Gerardo Bayugo enumerates helpful tips so the public could avoid and prevent summer season diseases during a news conference for the two-day CHO/MHO summit at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Tuesday. Lean Daval Jr.

ComVal launches community-based program for drug dependents T HE provincial government of Compostela Valley launched on Tuesday, April 4, “Oplan Liwanag”, a province-wide and community-based transformative intervention program for drug dependents and users who voluntarily surrendered and allowed themselves to undergo reforms.

Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy led the launching ceremony at the capitol building here that was attended by hundreds of visitors, to include municipal officials, the private sector, top officials of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in the province.

Secretary Benjamin Reyes of the Dangerous Drugs Board

graced the launching and served as the keynote speaker.

Gov. Uy, in his message, expressed gratitude to the support shown by the various sectors in the province in the fight against illegal drugs.

“Your attendance to the launching of Oplan Liwanag shows your full support to the program and the aim of the provincial government to win in war against illegal drugs,” the governor pointed out.

Former drug dependents who had undergone transformation processes under the program when first implemented in the municipality of Monkayo were also present during the provincial launching.

After the signing of the executive order, DOH will be tasked to make the implementing rules and regulations and after the publishing of the IRR, the EO will be effective after 15 days.

The DOH also continues its campaign against smoking by having talks with the De-

partment of Education on integrating the said call in teaching values to children. They are also working with other sectors like transportation sector and in the hotel and restaurant businesses advising them that they should not mix the smokers and nonsmokers in one area.

tal in convincing the President to run for election, but this did not deter the President from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption,” Abella said.

Earlier, the Palace Spokesperson confirmed the dismissal of Sueno and said that the Cabinet official was dismissed

by Duterte due to “loss of trust and confidence.”

He said that the dismissal was announced toward the end of the 14th Cabinet Meeting on Monday night.

Abella said that Duterte talked with Sueno at the start of the meeting and asked some questions regarding certain activities.

When pressed on what re-

ally led to the dismissal, Abella said that “the President has done due diligence and so he has checked into the matter and apparently he has taken note of several legally untenable situations.”

He also refused to bare the details, saying only that “Duterte has apparently some insight into the situation.”

Sueno is the second major Cabinet official to be dismissed due to allegations of corruption.

Just last month, Peter Tiu Laviña, who served as Duterte’s campaign spokesman, was sacked as head of the National Irrigation Administration.

In the meantime, Abella said there was no replacement yet for Sueno. (PNA)

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“Oplan Liwanag was conceptualized due to the desire of the thousands of drug dependents and users in the province to change themselves and go away from drugs through transformation programs and services,” Uy added.

Two towns in the province are considered pilot areas of the program – to include Monkayo and Nabunturan.

After two months of implementation in the pilot areas, 140 drug dependents and users successfully graduated from Oplan Liwanag.

The program, after the launching, will cover 11 towns and 252 barangays in

Compostela Valley.

Oplan Liwanag will provide six major rehabilitation and reformation sessions that will cover spiritual, psycho-social, health awareness, marriage and family enrichment, life skills training and skills development programs.

Uy said the program will not end after those who will undergo rehabilitation complete the program as an intervention dubbed as “after care” will be facilitated to ensure their total reformation.

The PNP provincial office reported during the launching that 16,512 drug dependents and users already surrendered to authorities in the province. (PNA)

conceptualized due to the desire of the thousands of drug dependents and users in the province to change themselves and go away from drugs through transformation programs and services,” Uy added.

The towns of Monkayo and Nabunturan are considered the pilot areas of the program in the province.

After two months of implementation in the pilot areas, 140 drug dependents and users successfully graduated from “Oplan Liwanag.”

Following today’s launching, the program will cover 11 towns and 252 barangays in Compostela Valley.

Oplan Liwanag includes

six major rehabilitation and reformation sessions that will cover spiritual, psycho-social, health awareness, marriage and family enrichment, life skills training and skills development programs.

Uy said those who can complete the program will be given “after-care” to ensure their total reformation.

Senior Supt. Manuel Marvin Pepino, Compostela Valley police director, said there were 16,512 drug users who surrendered to the police and the local government units from July 1, 2016 to April 3.

The police were also able to conduct 12,981 house visitations during the period, Pepino added. (PNA)

the upcoming ports would also be linked up to the BIMP-EAGA connectivity via Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia.

He said that a recent visit to Kudat showed the port there has been completed, and is ready to welcome any trade and tourism opportunity from the Philippines through Palawan also.

Under the BIMP-EAGA, the transport cluster’s goal is to connect sub-regions via “seamless and safe multimodal transport.”

In Palawan, the priority is to establish a sea link from the town of Brooke’s Point in the southern area, to also Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. (PNA)

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barangay captain of Sibayan Eddie Dicdican, Brendel Terado alias “Gab/Val”, Gilbert Amado alias “Bayan”, Chargelyn Casquejo alias “Jellan/ Megan’, and personalities who carry the aliases of “Soy-soy”, “Kiram”, “Bordz”, “Kevin” and “Laklak”, and four John Does.

It may be recalled that at around 7:30 a.m. last March 8, elements of the Bansalan PNP and a member of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) from Davao del Sur PNP were ordered to proceed to Barangay Sibayan to conduct investigations on a shooting incident that transpired the night before.

Before reaching Sibayan, the PNP team was waylaid by NPA rebels that resulted to the killing of four PNP members, including the SOCO member, and the wounding of another.

Two days after the ambush, the NPA in the area admitted responsibility to the ambush.

President Rodrigo Duterte and PNP Chief Director General

Ronald Dela Rosa condemned the incident and personally visited the families of the victims and provided them with financial and moral support.

The Commission on Human Rights in Davao region also condemned the incident while other sectors expressed concern over its effects to the peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Dela Cerna said cases of double murder, docketed as XI-04-INV-17C-00085 at the Davao del Sur Provincial Prosecutor’s Office, were also filed against the persons of alias “Soy-soy”, “Laklak” and two John Does for the killing of Marlon Lumantas and Orlan Albopera last March 31.

Lumantas and Albopera were executed by the NPAs on the evening of March 7 in Sibayan.

She added that the cases are now being handled by Prosecutor Katrina Kris Gabrielle S. Givero.

me. Now almost everybody recognize me.”

From the airport, a motorcade toured Enca around the city, ending at the Peoples Palace (city hall) for a meeting with Mayor Sayadi.

To the people of Cotabato City, Enca advised that fear should not prevent anybody to excel. “Dare, nothing will happen if we allow ourselves to be taken by fear, that we cannot make it,” he said. ”Anybody can do what I have achieved, I do not have the monopoly of success in

life. You, too, can succeed,” he told his townmates.

Mayor Shameem Mastura of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao also cited Enca for graduating as PNPA valedictorian. Enca earlier graduated as a top student of the Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy in Sultan Kudarat town.

Enca’s father Yacobnor said he dreamed of his son to become an Islamic preacher and not to be a police officer.

“But I believe in destiny, so this is his destiny,” he said.

(PNA)

the afternoon as this is the hottest time of the day, to prevent sunburn and heat stroke. If one must go out of their houses, they must wear and/or protective things for protection like

umbrellas and shades.

Dr. Valle also gave emphasis that one must drink eight to 12 glasses of water every day in order to prevent dehydration.

of 80 to 90 Mbps have been registered in selected areas where LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) facilities have been activated.

LTE-A can deliver higher data rates by combining two or more frequency bands using carrier aggregation technology.

“Our LTE roll-out highlights the opportunity for people to experience significantly much better internet service by shifting to LTE smartphones, particularly those devices that use the 700 Mhz frequency,” Alberto said.

By the end of 2016, about half of Smart’s 63-million subscribers already own smartphones.

To speed up the adoption of LTE handsets, Smart has struck exclusive bundling deals with popular device makers including Oppo, O+ USA, MyPhone, and Starmobile last year and these come with free data allocation for every topup.

In its latest handset offer, Smart recently launched O+

Presto 700 LTE at P2,188 bundled with P300 load (includes 100MB of data per month for one year).

These phones can be used with affordable data packages such as Giga Surf 50, the country’s first 1GB data offer for only P50.

Smart also continues to expand its content portfolio to make it relevant to more customers. In its newest content offer, Smart along with PLDT and Cignal has partnered with global entertainment leader Fox to offer its subscribers exclusive Fox+, an app that provides access to over 11,000 hours of high-definition TV and movie content from Fox. Users can view the latest episodes of popular TV series like Homeland and The Walking Dead as soon as these are aired in the United States.

This adds to the growing library of popular video content assembled by Smart and PLDT through partnerships with iflix, Netflix, Cignal and ABS CBN’s iWantTV. (PR)

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

SKYBIZ launches Fiber service DURIANBURG’S IT ENTREPRENEURS as well as those in the service and hospitality sector now have an option when it comes to Broadband, Pay TV, and Cloud WiFI as SKYBIZ, the corporate and commercial division of SKY Cable Corporation, formally launched its business-grade Fiber Broadband last March 29 at Park Inn

by Radisson Davao.

The aptly-named SKYBIZ Empire night showcased the company’s brand new Fiber network in Davao City which it had been building since 2015. Attending the event was Jon Arayata, SKYBIZ Division Head; Dicky Liwanag, VP for Sales; and Ken Orlanes, Sales Head; as well as SKYBIZ’s pioneer Davao Clients, and VIPs. “Although we started providing enterprise level services for Davao Businesses two years ago, we chose to formally launch our Fiber broadband service this year after making sure that many areas of Davao are already Fiber-ready.” said Jon Arayata.

Touting the latest technologies and fastest speeds, SKYBIZ promises broadband solutions that are highly capable of providing business with the connectivity critical to success.

“Over and above providing your business with those technology needs, however, we are here as your reliable part-

“

Touting the latest technologies and fastest speeds, SKYBIZ promises broadband solutions that are highly capable of providing business with the connectivity critical to success.

ner.” added Jon, “We will make sure that we will always be working hard to bring you customised solutions that will ensure thet “WOW and SAYA” get through to you, your employees, and your customers.”

The evening’s enter-

tainment was provided by singer Jenny Gabriel who brought down the house with her impersonation of many famous Philippine divas. A raffle with prizes such as Galaxy Tabs, iPad Minis and an LED TV capped off the night.

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UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Globe, Ayala Malls Cinemas relaunch SureSeats website

AYALA MALLS CINEMAS’ SURESEATS.COM celebrated its significant milestone with the relaunch of its enhanced website developed together with Globe Telecom’s GMovies. Through this partnership, Sureseats. com’s patrons will get to experience a new user interface as well as an improved, and more convenient movie-ticketing capability.

The new SureSeats.com is now optimized for mobile, tablet, or desktop view. The booking process is streamlined through lesser clicks, and easier access to movie schedules. Verification is also made instant with the integration of the one-

time pin (OTP) during registration that allows new users to book seats and buy tickets right after sign-up.

“This collaboration with Ayala Malls Cinemas paved the way for both companies to reach our goal of enriching the digital lifestyle of more FIlipinos. In the near future we are also planning to integrate the snack bar options and more,” said Glenn Estrella, Vice President for Globe Telecom Digital Ventures.

“Ayala Malls prides itself with extensive and truly unique experiences that are offered to its customers. This collaboration on improving SureSeats. com is only the beginning as we

work towards harnessing pa r t nerships and continue bringing in new concepts in terms of products, events and excellent customer service,” said Amir Precilla, General Manager for Ayala Malls Cinemas.

Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Sureseats.com was first launched in 2001 and is the pioneer in online ticket reser-

vation and purchase for movie tickets. In recent years, Globe Telecom has strengthened its

partnerships to continue to improve its customers’ digital lifestyle.

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The 2017 Blue Feather Awards

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO FOR THE THIRD TIME, I had the opportunity of being a member of the board of judges of the Blue Feather Awards, which is the brainchild of Dr. Maria Gemima C. Valderrama, a professor with the Mass Communication Department of the Ateneo de Davao University.

The first time was in 2015 when the third students went to General Santos City to gather all the materials they had to produce for a glossy magazine. In 2016, another batch went to Bansalan, Davao del Sur – and the theme that time was organic agriculture.

Last February, another group traveled to Mati City, Davao Oriental. The students had the pleasure of interviewing Mayor Carlo Rabat and visiting the city’s tourist spots, including the famous Dahican Beach.

As a judge, I was invited to attend the awarding ceremony. “The Blue Feather Award is the most coveted recognition journalism students receive,” explained Dr. Valderrama who, despite being strict when it comes to writing, is well-loved by her students.

There are actually two categories: newspaper and magazine. In the newspaper category, there were twelve awards being con-

tested.

“Mellenia” harvested five awards: Best Newspaper, Best Front Page, Best Editorial Cartoon, Best Layout and Best Column (for Kyle Baldos).

“Lunhaw” collected three recognitions: Third Best Newspaper, Best Feature Story (for Truman Phillip Calipes), and Best Business Story (for Nur Dayanna Omar).

“The Vanguard” managed to get two awards: Best Editorial (tied with “La Ventana”) and Best Original Community News Story (for Louis Millares).

The following newspapers won one award each: “Bulawan” (Best News Story for Carmela Ann Salon), “La Verite” (Best Tragedy Report for Melika Eizadfar), “La Verdad” (Best Original Sport Story for Regine Carmel Sagayno), “Lamdag” (Second Best Newspaper).

Named Best Editor-inChief was Keisha Pulido.

In the magazine category, “Surface” was named

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The author together with the Best Newspaper winner.

Outstanding student-journalist awardees.

Best Magazine followed by “Kalinaw” (second place) and “Bulawan” and “Premier” (which tied up for third place).

“Surface” was also recognized for Best Mindanawon Story; two of its stories won: “What it means to be a Filipino”

by Lourfe Malazarte (first place) and “A woman who breaks boundaries” again

by Lourfe Malzarte (third place). Bulawan’s Francesca Elaine Tabacco managed to snatch the second place for her piece, “Wilson Limon Jr.” “Bulawan” also managed to get the Best Public Service Ad for “Liking is not helping.” “Kalinaw” also got the Best Cover Page while “Next” was named Best in Magazine Layout.

“Premier” clinched two awards: Best Magazine Story (“Above the waves”

by Aurelou Mae Sabuga) and Best Advertisement for “Fully booked.”

The back cover done

by Christine Jiyara was named Photo of the Year.

Named Best Editor-inChief was Lyd Ejira Ducusin.

In addition, the writeups of Jossan May Luga and Lourfe Malazarte was chosen as Best Investigative Report while Melika Eizadfar settled for Best Tragedy Report and MariFaye Libang for Best Community News.

The following students were named Most Outstanding Student-Journalists: Lyd Ejira Ducusin,

Mari-Faye Libang, Keisha Pulido, Lourfe Malazarte and Carmela Salon.

This year’s board of judges also include the following: Eduardo R. Fer-

Dr. Gemima Valderrama. nandez, senior columnist of “The Mindanao Times,” Stella A. Estremera, editor-in-chief of “Sunstar Davao,” Rudolph Ian Alama, information officer of Philippine Information Agency, Ian Ray Garcia, editor-in-chief of “M Magazine,” Jojie Alcantara, an award-winning photographer and writer, and John Frances Fuentes, editorial consultant of “Davao Catholic Herald.”

When asked about her thought of this year third year journalism students,

Dr. Valderrama said: “I have witnessed how they have grown as responsible individuals. The very core of teaching journalism is instilling responsibility.

They should be responsible in gathering data, dealing with people, and weaving stories. I believe the journalism class, in one way or another, has taught them how to be responsible.”

She added: “They are now more prepared to face the real world when they will finally graduate in college.”

EDGEDAVAO

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11 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

you need to

swim this summer

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“T

HOSE who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” That was what Edward Stanley said.

If you want to avoid getting those illnesses soon, check out a good exercise program. One of those we highly recommend is swimming. Have you ever watched the Olympics and found yourself in awe of the professional swimmers’ physiques? Their long, lean and toned muscular bodies seem to glide through the water effortlessly.

Swimmers are in fantastic shape and those who swim regularly know that they not only look great on the outside but feel just as great on the inside. The health benefits of swimming are almost unmatched by most any other sport.

Why is swimming so good? Swimming works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility all at the same time. Your cardiovascular system in particular benefits because swimming improves your body’s use of oxygen without overworking

your heart.

“Swimming with increasing effort to gradually increase your heart rate and stimulate your muscle activity is easily accomplished in the water,” explains Mathew Luebbers, a professional American coach, working with all ages of competitive swimmers, fitness swimmers, and triathletes. “After a land workout, swimming a few laps can help you cool-down, move blood through your muscles to help them recover, and help you relax as you glide through the water.”

As you become fitter and are able to swim longer, your resting heart rate and respiratory rate will be reduced, making blood flow to the heart and lungs more efficient. If you’re looking to lose weight, swimming is just the ticket.

While most of the exercises concentrate on a single section of your muscles, swimming exercise works all your muscles. It works on overall muscles and helps strengthen them. One of the swimming health facts is that it promotes fat loss. It is best exercise to burn calories and lose body weight.

“On average,” points out

As you become fitter and are able to swim longer, your resting heart rate and respiratory rate will be reduced, making blood flow to the heart and lungs more efficient the Lifescript Editorial Staff, “a swimmer can burn as many calories in an hour as a runner who runs six miles in one hour.” No wonder, some experts call swimming the perfect form of exercise.

What’s good and healthy about swimming is that it also helps regulate your breathing pattern and it also increases the oxygen flow towards your

muscles. It further helps improve the blood circulation.

Swimming is also known to be good physically challenged people. With swimming, health problems like leg pain and backache can be effectively cured.

The Lifescript Editorial Staff shares these additional benefits of swimming: · Whole body condition-

ing: Swimming tones your upper and lower body because you’re using almost all of your major muscle groups.

The best strokes for all-over body toning are the freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke. · Low risk of injury: There is a low risk for swimming injuries because there’s no stress on your bones, joints or connective tissues due to buoyancy and the fact that you weigh 1/10th less in water. If you’re looking for a safe daily workout routine, swimming is ideal because you can rigorously work out with a reduced chance of swimming injuries. Many athletes supplement their training with swimming. · Low-impact exercise: So many people can reap the benefits of swimming. Pregnant women benefit from swimming because it helps strengthen the shoulder and abdominal muscles, which can be strained when carrying a baby. The elderly, women who have had a mastectomy and those recovering from an injury often turn to swimming or water aerobic exercises because it’s low impact, helps relax stiff muscles and isn’t weight-bearing.

Swimming also increases circulation. · Improve blood pressure: Studies have shown that a workout routine that includes swimming can help reduce and possibly prevent

high blood pressure, which lowers your risk for heart disease and stroke. · Stress reduction: You don’t have to be a water sign in the zodiac to feel the meditative and healing properties of water. Swimming is extremely relaxing because it allows more oxygen to flow to your muscles and forces you to regulate your breathing.

It’s also a great way to relieve stress. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water so it’s no wonder why some feel such a draw to the water.

There are other psychological benefits of swimming, if you allow it to occur. Relax and swim with a very low effort – focusing on the rhythm of your stroke. This form of meditation can help you gain a feeling of well-being, leaving your water session refreshed and ready to go on with the rest of your day.

Many swimmers find indirect benefit from swimming. They develop life skills such as sportsmanship, time management, self-discipline, goal setting, and an increased sense of self-worth through their participation in the sport.

In addition, spending time in a group workout, whether water aerobics or a master’s swim practice, is a great social outlet. Exchanging stories, challenging each other, and sharing in the hard work make swimming with others a rewarding experience.

One swimming health tip would be to follow the right diet to complement swimming health benefits. Also, to gain maximum swimming health benefits, you must do it regularly. If you have a medical history of health conditions, it is best to consult a medical practitioner before you opt for swimming. Following the swimming pool safety rules and regulations will help you enjoy your time along with improving your health.

Now, have fun in the water! (Photos taken from the net)

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

Top Sellers feted anew at Matina Enclaves Open House

I

NTEREST continue to grow over the Matina Enclaves township project as more sales were recorded during the last Open House on March 31 held by the Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) at the real estate firm’s Showroom.

Emerging as the Top Seller for March is Ofelia Genodepanon of Furog Realty with Veljean Villaraiz of Three V Realty coming in second.

The other Top Seller are Reginald Cua of RC Realty, Bella Landerio of Ablas Realty, Shyllvemay Guillen, Brendon Rojas of Leuterio Realty, Orpha Bañez of Bañez Realty, Aileen Balugo of Leuterio

Realty, Christine Jamison of Kanapi Realty, Jelise Gone of Furog Realty, and Eliza Bautista of Roda Realty.

“We congratulate our top sellers for the month of March. Again, these are the people that fuel the success of our product Matina Enclaves,” said Gerald Kent Garces, project director of The Matina Enclaves.

The March Open House attracted a good number of prospective homebuyers as the Matina Enclaves started selling its sixth building after the first five condo buildings have been sold out.

“It’s a testament of how good the product is and the budget-friendly pack-

ages we offer without having to scrimp on the amenities and features of the units,” Garces said.

Matina Enclaves is a mixed use development project located adjacent to Davao City

Golf Course in Quimpo Boulevard. The sprawling residential estate provides a majestic view of picturesque Mt. Apo and is designed with the concept of a natural greenery. (NJB)

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Scientists turn sea water into drinking water in UK

equipment (2.3 percent), recreation and culture (1.8 percent), education (1.8 percent) and communication (0.2 percent) are expected to remain steady.

Last month, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) for an average of 300 kilowatts-permonth consumption slightly increased to P10 from P9.3 in February and P8.9 percent a year before.

Meralco’s generation rate per kWh also increased to P4.9 during the month from P4.3 in

the previous month and P4 last year.

Meanwhile, the average price of diesel in Metro Manila among the “big three” oil companies slightly dropped to P31.1 per liter from P31.3 in the previous month, but higher than P22.5 in the same month in 2016.

Average price of gasoline during the month also decreased to P46 per liter from P47.7 in February, but well above compared to P37.6 in the same month last year. (PR)

A

matters but has been neglecting the banana industry which has more economic contributions and has been employing hundreds of thousands of workers.

Current estimates place the people dependent on the banana industry at two million, inclusive of the family members of the bananeros as well as employees of downstream industries.

No doubt the industry has dramatically reduced poverty in the areas where they operate.

“All the while, I thought agricultural development is a priority, but the continuous harassment and extortions by the NPAs prove otherwise,” the investor said.

extortion activities.

“Our industry is already hampered with problems. We have low productivity because of pests and diseases, drought, flooding – the intermittent weather conditions and were still reeling from the onslaught of typhoon Pablo but the insurgency is the most alarming. We are scared for our lives,” said Maningo.

Last Thursday, March 30, the NPAs attacked the facilities of DOLE’s banana plantation in Barangay Sinawal in General Santos City. The rebels burned the cold storage and palletizing facilities, a container van and other materials within the compound estimated at a cost of P6.9 million.

The company has stopped all farm operations leaving 56 workers and their families severely affected. Top management is yet to decide on the continuity of the business de-

pending on the security conditions of the almost 200 hectare banana farm.

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Extortion Authorities believe that the rebels’ assaults on the plantation were part of their

NEWS13

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

PROCESS that could help millions of people by turning sea water into drinking water was announced Monday by scientists in Manchester.

The wonder material, graphene, is at the heart of the new process. Scientists at the university have developed graphenebased membranes capable of sieving common salts.

Their new research demonstrated the real-world potential of providing clean drinking water for millions of people who struggle to access adequate clean water sources.

The new findings at the

More assaults On February 2, 2017, the day the NPAs announced it is terminating the unilateral ceasefire, communist rebels in Bukidnon killed three soldiers and paralyzed heavy equipment of a food processor in the province.

The NPAs boasted of the attacks in a statement released

by Ka Allan Juanito, spokesman of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Command.

Juanito said that the three soldiers, whom he described as members of the Community Organizing for Peace and Development unit of the Army’s 8th Infantry battalion were killed when they attempted to shoot it out with the guerilla unit that stopped their motorcycle in Sitio Kali Barangay

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

University of Manchester were published Monday in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

A spokesman at the university said: “By 2025 the United Nations expects that 14 percent of the world’s population will encounter water scarcity.

“This technology has the potential to revolutionise water filtration across the world, in particular in countries which cannot afford large scale desalination plants.

“It is hoped that graphene-oxide membrane systems can be built on smaller scales making this technology accessible to

Kibalag in Malaybalay City the day before.

They also seized the three soldiers’ 45 caliber pistols. The military said, the slain soldiers were non-combatants.

Since then, the rebels have mounted several other attacks.

Three days later, on February 5, a banana processing plant in Pantukan, Compostela Valley was also burned by at least 10 unidentified armed men believed to be NPAs. The caretaker of the packing plant, Rodrigo Boyose was hogtied while the rebels poured gasoline and burned the building.

Less than two weeks later, two soldiers and two NPA guerillas were also killed in a clash in Davao City that also left 17 government troops wounded on February 17.

According to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Eastern Mindanao Command – Task Force

countries which may not have the financial infrastructure to fund large plants without compromising the yield of fresh water produced.”

Graphene-oxide membranes developed at the National Graphene Institute in Manchester have already demonstrated the potential of filtering out small nanoparticles, organic molecules, and even large salts.

Until now, however, they couldn’t be used for sieving common salts used in desalination technologies, which require even smaller sieves.

Previous research at the uni-

Haribon, troops from the Third Infantry Battalion pursuing armed men who earlier burned a pineapple harvester equipment fell victim to a landmine set up by the NPAs. Then, on February 25, about 80 members of the NPA burned down heavy equipment of a pineapple plantation in Bukidnon.

According to PNP Regional spokesperson Supt. Lemuel Gonda, the burning of three large trucks was done almost simultaneously in separate locations inside the pineapple plantation. Also, a boom spray was burned down at Barangay Merangeran while a tractor with a trailer truck was set on fire at Barangay Butong. Aside from arson, the rebels also seized a shotgun and a cellular phone from the security guard.

On March 25, three container vans of DOLE were burned down in Maragusan,

versity found that if immersed in water, graphene-oxide membranes become slightly swollen and smaller salts flow through the membrane along with water, but larger ions or molecules are blocked.

The Manchester-based group has now further developed these graphene membranes and found a strategy to avoid the swelling of the membrane when being exposed to water.

The pore size in the membrane can be precisely controlled which can sieve common salts out of salty water and make it safe to drink. (PNA)

Compostela Valley. At Sitio Canlawig, the three container vans loaded with fruits going to Panabo, Davao del Norte were blocked by five armed men who ordered the drivers to open the container. The fruits were then doused with gasoline and torched. The rebels also fired shots at the tires of the vehicles. The cost of the damage was estimated at P1.7 million.

On March 27, 2017 at about 1am, an undetermined number of NPA terrorists burned down facilities, equipment and vehicles of Sumifru (Philippines) Corp. in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

The day before, in Tagbina Surigao, a spray plane was shot down. The pilot of the Cessna, Capt. Magbanua was able to maneuver the plane going back to the hangar despite being shot three times in the wing and one in the tire.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

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

RANDY F. FLORES Notice is hereby given that effective March 14, 2017, Randy F. Flores, whose picture and name appear above, is no longer connected with Damosa Land as Assistant Manager for Purchasing. Any transactions made by him on and after said date for and in behalf of Damosa Land shall not anymore be honored by the company.

Damosa Land Inc.

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

CHEVROLET GENSAN. Angcore vice president Tobi Ang presides over the recent opening of the Chevrolet General Santos City Branch. Photos show the Chevrolet Gensan team during the branch opening.

Chevrolet launches car care program

T

HE Covenant Car Company, Inc. or better known as Chevrolet Philippines not only launched the all-new Spark at the Manila International Auto Show, but they also kicked off its Chevrolet Complete Care Program.

Chevrolet Complete Care is an after-sales program that incorporates a comprehensive set of owner benefits and privileges that promises excellent service and after-sales support from the moment you purchase a Chevrolet vehicle. It encompasses everything from staff training, to culture building, to awards recognizing those within our organization that truly live and breathe the “I Care” philosophy.

The Chevrolet Complete Care continues to gain tremendous momentum across Southeast Asia and the globe, and has received ongoing positive feedback from Chevrolet customers across the region in the way the brand is now taking care of their customers. The after-sales program boasts of a comprehensive suite of services that aim to give owners total peace of mind.

Chevrolet owners can enjoy their Chevy worry-free and hassle-free for

a longer period of time with the Chevrolet 5-Year Extended Warranty Program. The warranty program covers new Chevrolet vehicles for five years or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Colorado comes with a special 3-year plus 2-year extended warranty for the Power Train or 100,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

Aside from the extended warranty, Chevrolet offers the security and convenience of its 24/7 Chevrolet Roadside Assistance.

New Chevrolet vehicles are automatically enrolled in this service for 3 years.

By simply dialing 846-

2438 (CHEV), clients can benefit from three specific kinds of assistance when faced with emergencies – Vehicle Support such as battery boost, fuel delivery, and tire change, Personal Assistance and 24/7 Info Service.

And with Complete Care, Chevrolet provides continuous support to its customers whenever needed. With the 24/7 Customer Care Assistance, Chevy owners can count on helpful Customer Care Advisors to answer inquiries about Chevrolet vehicles, services and promotions.

Also striving to provide excellent service at the best time possible, The Chevy Non-Stop Ser-

vice guarantees one-hour service for 10,000-km, 20,000-km, and 30,000km Preventive Maintenance Service or PMS. The Chevrolet Philippines after sales team is always ready to provide customers with assistance.

Select Chevrolet service centers are open throughout the day, with no noon break, to ensure that the vehicle will be ready at the soonest possible time for the customer.

Finally, maintenance of Chevrolet vehicles is convenient and hassle-free with longer PMS intervals which ups it to every 6 months (from the current 4 months) or 10,000 kilometers whichever comes first.

F

models, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in a statement on its website.

Due to a problem with the airbag manufacturer, the driver-side front airbags may fail to completely fill during airbag deploy-

ment, and airbag cushions may detach from the airbag modules, increasing the risk of injury for drivers, it said.

Of the affected vehicles, 393 are Lincoln Continental cars manufactured between June 24 and Dec. 5, 2016, while 5,405 were Lincoln

MKX cars made between Jan. 14 and Oct. 26, 2016, according to the statement.

Ford urged owners of the vehicles to contact dealers as soon as the recall starts. The company said it would replace the defective airbags free of charge.

(PNA/Xinhua)

Ford to recall Lincoln Continental, Lincoln MKX cars in China ORD (China) will recall 5,798 cars in the Chinese mainland due to problems with airbags, China’s top quality watchdog said Tuesday.

The recall, starting on June 30, involves imported 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX and Lincoln Continental

Why... FROM 3

meeting when Duterte announced his decision.

MindaNews tried to reach Sueno by phone but one phone just kept ringing and the other was always busy. He did not answer text messages.

Sueno, OIC Governor of South Cotabato from 1986 to 1988 and elected Governor from 1988 to 1992, was among those instrumental in convincing Duterte to run for President, through the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Council Committee (MRRD-NECC).

Abella said “this did not deter the President from pursuing his drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption.”

The Philippine Star on April 3 reported that Sueno was at loggerheads with three of his undersecretaries who accused him of corruption and other abuses, that, among others, he built a hotel in Koronadal City, purchased trucks for his rice business, tried to intervene to clear a mayor from Misamis Occidental who was on the narco list, that he allowed the purchase of fire trucks at P20 million each or almost thrice what could have been purchased at P7 million.

Sueno denied the accusations.

He told the Star that he asked Duterte in a meeting last month to remove Undersecretaries John Castriciones (Operations); Jesus Hinlo (Public Safety); and Emilie Padilla (Legislative Liaison and Special Concerns), citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Like Sueno, the three undersecretaries are members of the MRRD-NECC. The Star reported that Sueno’s move was in reaction to a four-page unsigned letter addressed to Duterte, a copy of which was obtained by the newspaper, containing the allegations against Sueno and urging the President to remove

Sueno “otherwise he will create more harm against the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and cause injustice to the Filipino people by abusing his power and position.”

In a press release issued by the DILG on Monday, Sueno denied he is abusing his power and position as head of the DILG. “Mula noon hanggang ngayon, malakas ang adbokasiya ko laban sa corruption.

Pareho kami ng paniniwala at ng paninindigan ng Pangulong Duterte laban dito. Kaya imposible ang mga akusasyon nila laban sa akin” (Then and now, I am strong in my advocacy to fight corruption. I share with President Duterte the same belief and commitment Sueno said at the flag-raising ceremony Monday.

He said it appears that “from the very start, they want my head and are out to discredit me because they want somebody else to head the Department.”

Sueno also made it clear that he never told the Undersecretaries that their loyalty should be to him, and not to the President, as alleged in the letter.

“This is a big lie. My prayer has always been for God to make me humbler than I was yesterday. I have always recognized the authority of the President and in the same way, I have encouraged my officials to do the same,” the DILG press release quoted him as saying.

Sueno said he serves at the pleasure of the President.

“Whatever the President’s decision may be, I believe that it will be a wise one,” Sueno was quoted as saying.

Monday’s flag ceremony at the DILG turned out to be the last for Sueno, and the Cabinet meeting the last he attended in his nine-month stint as Local Governments Secretary. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

21 make it to Jr. NBA/ WNBA national camp

E

IGHT boys and thirteen girls will represent Metro Manila during the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska National Training Camp on May 12-14 at the Don Bosco Technical Institute and SM Mall of Asia.

Over 1,300 young players ages 10-14 years old participated in the fourth and final Regional Selection Camp of the Jr. NBA program held this weekend at Don Bosco Makati. The 1,333 campers --1,208 boys and 125 girls -- came from schools in Antipolo, Mandaluyong, Manila, Makati, Batangas, Palawan, Mindoro and Iloilo.

John Dhel Austria, 14, of Escuela de Sophia of Caloocan; Joachin Echo, 14 of University of Santo Tomas High School; Ian Dominic Espinosa, 13, and John Michael Vicencio, 13, of Ateneo de Iloilo; Ronald Corj Trinidad, 13, of Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School; Ren Cobie Tolentino, 13, of Grace Christian College; Dietherd Torres, 13, of La Salle Green Hills and Clarence Andrei Ramos, 14 of Adamson University are the Jr. NBA representatives from the NCR at the National Training Camp.

Bonie Marylene Solis, 13, Jeehan Nikale Ahmed, 13 and Edel Jane Araza, 13 of Chiang Kai Shek College; Princess Bj Marie Villarin, 11 of De La Salle Zobel; Dianne Camille Nolasco, 14, of Miriam College; Lindsey Nacional, 13, of La Salle College Antipolo; Eriel Raven Lacanlale, 13 and Jazmineann Maniquis, 12, of St. Paul College Pasig; Yza Camila Shalea Alarcon, 12, of New Era High School; Abby Rose Ruiz, 13, of Palawan National School; Gabbie Angeline Wong, 14, of Fairhope Academy; Franzelle Angela Chelzea Besa, 12, of Divine Word College of Calapan Crizan Phiel Pangilinan,13, of the School of the Holy Spirit, Quezon City are the WNBA representatives to the next phase of the Jr. NBA program.

The first day of the Jr. NBA Regional Selection Camp featured fundamental skills challenges with the top performing

athletes progressing to Day 2 that featured advanced basketball drills and scrimmages. The Jr. NBA evaluation committee led by Jr. NBA Coach Jeffrey Cariaso of the Alaska Aces searched for players that showcased allaround basketball skills and embodied the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. values of Sportmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitide, and Respect.

Jr. NBA All-Star alumni Edrian Custodio, Rhic Gatuz, Ernest Felicilda, Daniel Coo, Josh Garing, Jearico Nuñez and Jr. WNBA All-Stars Akemi Marteja, Pankie David, Mika Pentecostes, Carly Monreal, Nicky Quelenderino and Kreecie Binaohan attended the camp to extend their support to the participants and share their Jr. NBA experiences with them. “We can see ourselves in these young players and are excited to see the best boys and girls in the Philippines emerge as Jr. NBA AllStars,” said Edrian Custodio, a varsity member of De La Salle-Zobel high school basketball team.

“We encourage them to continue to work hard, be humble and believe in themselves as they pursue their basketball careers, bringing with them values and lessons from the Jr. NBA program.”

An NBA and WNBA player will come to Manila to help coach the finalists at the National Training Camp. In previous years, NBA legends BJ Armstrong, Al Green, Luc Longley, and Muggsy Bogues, NBA players Gordon Hayward, Nerlens Noel, and Norris Cole, and WNBA legends Tina Thompson, Ruth Riley, and Taj McWilliams-Franklin have joined the Jr. NBA National Training Camp to coach the athletes and participate in NBA Cares initiatives.

The top eight boys and eight girls will comprise the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 All-Stars selected among the regional finalists at the National Training Camp.

They will embark on an overseas trip to watch an NBA preseason game and experience playing with fellow Jr. NBA AllStars from Southeast Asia.

SPORTS 15

PICE Davao tops APE Sportsfest T

HE Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Davao bagged the overall title for the third consecutive year and ascended to the elite ranks of Hall of Fame winners during the recently concluded Architects, Plumbers and Engineers (APE) Davao Federation Sportsfest 201617 hosted by UAP held at Woodridge Park Clubhouse.

PICE Davao garnered a total of 44 points to top the sportsfest while the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines (GEP) came in second with 35 points, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) third with 32 points.

The other competing Accredited Professional Organizations (APO) are: Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines (IECEP), Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE), National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) and the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICHE).

The Architects, Plumbers and Engineers (APE) Davao Federation is an umbrella organization of Accredited Professional Organizations (APO). Said federation is the first in the country and has been in existence for 33 years since 1983.

The APE Sporstfest is one of the primary activities which establish camaraderie and an opportunity to help build relationship with other trade professionals outside the work environment.

The said successful sports activity with the theme: “Unity, Sustainability Towards Social Responsibility, started with a series of basketball and bowling tournament elimination on October and November 2016 initiated by basketball tournament chairman Engr.

Jimwell L. Bonguyan of PICE and bowling tournament chairman, Engr. Raymond Rey D. Apurada, president of GEP, reaching its culmination on March 5, 2017 with a motorcade from Roxas Avenue (Ateneo), Pociano-Reyes St., San Pedro St., Bankerohan bridge,

It’s the 3rd time for PICE Davao to get the Over-All Champion award from 2014, 2015, 2016 – 2017 earning the Hall of Fame reward from the APE Sportsfest 2016-2017 Awarding & Fellowship Night held at Woodridge Park Clubhouse, Maa, Davao City on March 22, 2017. Standing in the middle is Architect Maria

UM & Ateneo Matina, NCCC Mall, Diversion Road ending at Rancho Palos Verdes, Country Club as the venue of the sports events.

The complete results: Chess – UAP (Champion), GEP (1st Runner Up), PSME (2nd Runner Up), Dart – GEP (Champion), NAMPAP (1st Runner Up), PSME (2nd Runner Up), Billiards - IECEP (Champion), PSME (1st Runner Up), UAP (2nd Runner Up), Lawn Tennis – PICE (Champion), PSME (1st Runner Up), IIEE (2nd Runner Up), Table Tennis – PICE (Champion), IECEP (1st Runner Up), IIEE (2nd Runner Up), Badminton : Men’s Doubles - UAP (Champion), IIEE (1st Runner Up), PICHE (2nd Runner Up), Women’s Doubles - IECEP (Champion), UAP (1st Runner Up), PICE (2nd Runner Up), Mix Doubles - IECEP (Champion), UAP (1st Runner Up), PICE (2nd Runner Up), Bowling - PICE (Champion), GEP (1st Runner Up), UAP (2nd Runner Up), Volleyball - GEP (Champion), PICE (1st Runner Up), UAP (2nd Runner Up)

and Basketball - PICE (Champion), PSME (1st Runner Up), GEP (2nd Runner Up).

Meantime, the APE also conducted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity through a sustainable community service project in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and TESDA. The objective is to make the activity an avenue for livelihood skills training for less fortunate communities and aims to produce quality workers for the building and other related construction industries.

The first CSR project was the 3 day training and workshop for Masonry initiated by PICE thru Engr. George Anthony D. Toribio and Architect Maria Concepcion “Connie” S. Dy of UAP and other volunteer partners from Gawad Kalinga team on March 9 to 11 at Los Amigos relocation site, Tugbok, Davao City.

The next program is the Plumbing and Steelman’s training which is scheduled in April and in the later part of this year. (Engr. Sharon Angelica Gilla-Bonguyan, MPA)

Concepcion “Connie” S. Dy, representing UAP as the host Chapter, while Engr.

Cary H. Beatisula, current PICE Davao president, receiving the Hall of Fame Award together with the PICE past presidents, board of directors, players and members.

Olympian Diaz happy over increased athletes’allowances

R

IO Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz praised the government for extending support to the Filipino athletes and coaches.

Interviewed by Philippines News Agency (PNA), Diaz, pride of Zamboanga, the first Filipina to win an Olympic medal, stressed that the future of Philippines lies in grassroot development.

Last Saturday (April 1), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the government sports body, through its chair William “Butch” Ramirez, announced the increase of athletes and coaches allowances.

“Para sa akin masaya.

Nararamdaman namin ang support nila,” said Diaz, emphasizing the support should be sustained.

“Kung ano ang pagkukulang noong time ko dapat i-address ngayon. It’s time for change,” said the amiable and humble Diaz, whose dedication and sacrifice has not only gained her respect but also proved that in pursuit of sports excellence is “believing and having confidence (in) one’s self.”

To budding athletes, Diaz emphasized, “Mahalin nila ang Pilipinas. Dapat alam nila kung bakit sila nandito, dahil mahal nila ang sports nila,

madali na lang manalo.”

“Nakikita ko ang future ng Philippine sports, dapat ma-develop ang grassroots sports talaga,” added Diaz, who herself has devoted some of her time in the construction of a sports gym in her province -- a venue for poor but budding athletes.

Diaz revealed that she has already acquired a lot costing her more than PHP2 million from her cash incentives in winning the Olympic medal.

Recently, for the span of two weeks, the PSC has conducted a sports caravan that has re-established communications with local

government units which focused the strengthening of the decades-old Philippine Sports Development Council (PSDF).

Under the PSDF, local government units -– starting from the barangay units up to the regional level -- are mandated to develop its grassroots sports program.

The funding requirements of the sports program comes from the so-called National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) where it is sourced from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), among others. (PNA)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 10 ISSUE 3 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017

SWINGDERELLA Ella Nagayo wins at Royal Melbourne P

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

HUGE TRAP. Ella Nagayo hits from a huge bunker.

ERTH, Australia – Dabawenya golf phenom Ella Nagayo added another big title to her trophy case over the weekend. This time at no less than The Royal Melbourne—home of Australia’s finest golfers.

The 13-year old Melbourne-based teener topped the tough Girls Under-14 division of the annual golf classic for junior players.

Ella’s father Danny relayed to Edge Davao her daughter’s latest triumph on Australian soil since relocating for a golf scholarship.

“Ella played a monster round today against rivals more seasoned than her,” said Danny.

It was the second big win in just a span of two weeks for the sweet-swinging Nagayo. She ruled the tough Victoria leg of the US Kids

Golf recently which determined Melbourne’s representatives to the World Championships at the home of junior golf in Pinehurst, North Carolina on August 3-6.

Nagayo ruled the girls 12-14 year od division with her younger brother Daniel also topping the boys 11-year old division of the Melbourne local summer tour on Sunday at the Cheltenham Golf and Country Club in Melbournee.

Ella, who played in Pinehurst last year representing the Philippines, had to do battle with archrival Sayumi Da Costa in a sudden death playoff in the Championship Round.

She lost the sudden death but still emerged with more points over eventual second placer Da Costa in the seven-round eliminations to take the Pinehurst berth.

WINNER. Ella Nagayo receives her champion’s trophy during the awarding ceremonies.