Edge Davao 10 Issue 4 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

BRIBE TRY Woman nixes bribe attempts to testify vs. Rody VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

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BRIBE ATTEMPT. Guillermina Arcillas shows a photo of her with President Duterte during an interview at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday. Arcillas is accusing the camp of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV of paying her P1 million in an effort to link President Duterte to the illegal drug trade and to testify against the President in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Lean Daval Jr.

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

WOMAN who claimed that she was handed over bribe money several times since 2015 in a bid to persuade her to testify against President Rodrigo R. Duterte surfaced Wednesday to implicate the camp of Senator Antonio Trillanes. The woman, identified as Germina Barrido Arcillas, appearing at the regular PNP/ AFP press forum, also implicated the lawyer of confessed hitman Edgar Matabato and a certain Fr. Albert Alejo of the Ateneo de Davao University, as well as a certain Jonel of the office of Senator Trillanes in the bribe attempts. She told reporters that it all started in 2015 when she expressed her disappointment towards the president who was then the mayor of Davao city. Arcillas in her own words: “Before, 2015 pa, nagasupport gyud ko kay President Duterte kaso may mga pangyayari na mayroong isang pinalapit ko sa kanya. Nasaktan kasi ako at napahiya ako kaya ‘yun ang dahilan kung bakit ako sumuporta sa Liberal Party. Pagkatapos ng eleksyon, nakita ko po kasi na kung sa Tagalog pa, mabilis ang pera. Meron kasing nagsabi sa akin na magsalita ka lang ng hindi maganda kay President Duterte para hindi manalo.” F BRIBE, 10

My seafood diet

Lapanday guard hacked 20 times By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE Lapanday Foods Corporation condemned the killing of one of its security guards at the security outpost of the Hijo Agrarian

Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (HARBCO) located at Utley Road, Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, on Sunday, April 2. In a press statement from

LFC, the company said about 150 men armed with guns, spears, and bolos attacked the HARBCO security outpost where the said guard was

“brutally hacked to death 20 times.” HARBCO has an existing contract with Lapanday Foods Corporation.

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EDGE

DAVAO Sports

BACK-TO-BACK ‘Swingderella’ wins second title in two days

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

SEC. SALALIMA EXPLAINS. Secretary Rodolfo Salalima (left) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) outlines efforts being undertaken by the government to resolve the factors that are affecting the contact center industry such as the slow internet access. Salalima, together with National Information and

Communications Technolgy Confederation of the Philippines president Stephanie Caragos (right) and other top officials from the DICT and the private sector, interacted with the media during a news conference for PISCON 2017 held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City creates Davao terminal on alert new anti-vice unit

HE Davao City government formally created the regulatory unit that will strictly enforce the ordinances on anti-smoking and selling of alcoholic beverages, the City Information Office said on Wednesday. The Vices Regulation Unit formed on Monday through Executive Order No. 10, received an instruction from Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to work closely with the Davao City Police Office. Retired Navy Capt. Voltaire Engracia was named as head of VRU that will be under the Office of the City Mayor. “Engracia will work hand

in hand with the DCPO and police stations in the city for the implementation of the ordinances covered by the EO,” Duterte-Carpio said. It can be recalled that last month, the mayor gathered bar owners and managers in the city as complaints mounted regarding the selling of liquors beyond the specified time set by the ordinance. The VRU will specifically monitor the effective and efficient enforcement of City Ordinance No. 004-13 or the Liquor Ban Ordinance passed in 2003 and City Ordinance No. 064-06 in relation to Sec-

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mode for Lenten week By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

ITH the upcoming celebration of the Holy Week on April 10-16, the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal has gone on full alert status to ensure the safety of passengers. Speaking during the AFPPNP Press Corps conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, DCOTT Manager Ms. Aiza Yusoph said that they have prepared the security measures to be con-

ducted during Holy Week. “We have already conducted a meeting with the Central Security Unit that we have to be alert at the terminal. I have given them instructions. 20 fully operational CCTV cameras are now in DCOTT,” Yusoph said. The DCOTT Manager also said that there will also be K-nine units and personnel from Task Force Davao and Philippine National Police (PNP) to be deployed in the

area. Furthermore, Yusoph also called the cooperation of the porters and peddlers, to help in being vigilant especially that the terminal is expecting an influx of 50,000 passengers a day. “I called for a meeting with the officers of the porters and peddlers association so they could help in the security. We asked them to look out for threats or any suspicious people and immedi-

ately coordinate with men in uniform inside the terminal area,” Yusoph added. Yusoph also announced that the buses will have their regular trip schedule except the Yellow Bus Line and Metro Shuttle which will not have trips scheduled on Good Friday. The 15 to 30-minute interval of buses will not be followed during the Holy Week. The moment the bus becomes full of passengers, it will leave the terminal.

RESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday said he has just fired a female undersecretary and three others will have to go over allegations of corruption. “There will be five in all,” the President said in a speech Wednesday during the Grand Harvest Festival here. The Chief Executive, how-

ever, did not name names. It was Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol who later identified Almen Valdez, a lawyer from the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, as the undersecretary who has just been sacked by President Duterte. Pinol said the President believed that Valdez over-

stepped on the power of the National Food Authority (NFA) in allowing an importation of rice. Valdez is a holdover of the Aquino administration under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. The DA chief, however, said he got no idea on the names of other undersecretaries which

President Duterte said are on the way out. Meanwhile, Pinol pushed for 200 cavans-per-hectare yield in rice which, he said, will be realized through intensified hybrid production. He was talking with farmers waiting for the arrival of the President who was the

to be one of the slowest and most expensive in the world. In the 2016 fourth quarter report of Akamai, the Philippines has the slowest average fixed broadband speed in Asia Pacific; the second slowest 3G/4G overall speed in the world according to the OpenSignal February 2017; and the third most unaffordable internet service in Asia. Department of Information and Communication

Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima admitted the country’s broadband and internet service are still slow, which impacts the impact sourcing industry and the generation of online job opportunities. The impact sourcing industry, according to the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP), is a big potential for development and economic growth. In the last

15 years, the impact sourcing industry was able to create at least 300,00 jobs outside Metro Manila and is seen to grow 11 percent in the provinces and seven percent in Metro Manila. The DICT official specifically pointed out the role of the LGUs in improving communications in the country, especially in the rural areas. Salalima also stressed that bu-

Maguindanao Moro clans President Duterte fires undersecretary; 3 more to go clash due to land dispute P

LASHES erupted Tuesday afternoon in remote villages here between two rival Muslim clans who are fighting over control of vast track of agricultural lands, police said. Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the armed conflict involving commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has displaced an undetermined number of civilians. Tello identified the warring leaders as Commander Malambeg Guiad of the MILF and Gani Saligan of the BIFF, which is considered by the military as a terrorist group. “They fight over territorial control in remote barangays of Gen. SK Pendatun, it has been a

recurring armed conflict,” Tello told reporters. The two armed groups are contesting several hectares of corn and rice fields in Barangay Midpandacan. Saligan has been wanted for various crimes, including multiple murder, extortion, robbery and illegal drugs. Government forces have been deployed to serve as peacekeepers and ensure the safety of civilians, mostly Maguindanaons. The police also sought the help of ceasefire monitors of the government and MILF peace panels to bring down the tension to allow the return of displaced families who sought shelter at the town center. The local government of Gen. SK Pendatun provided the evacuees with food packs. (PNA)

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Slow internet hampers impact sourcing industry

HE slow broadband service and the local government units’ (LGUs) bureaucratic process in granting permits to telecommunication firms are obstructing the government’s goal of improving telecommunications in rural areas and the further growth of impact sourcing industry in the country. According to reports, internet service in the country is improving, but continues

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Federalism to bring about peace in Mindanao: Koko

ON HOLD. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio says in a statement she is putting on hold her agreement with the New People’s Army (NPA) to have a localized peace talks in Davao City to give way to the bilateral ceasefire being pursued by the peace panel of the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Lean Daval Jr.

Sara puts localized peace talks on hold By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

AYOR Sara Duterte-Carpio has decided to put the conduct of localized peace talks with National Democratic Front-New Peoples’ Army in the meantime. She said this would be more in in line with the national government’s peace

agenda vis-à-vis the 4th round of talks between the NDF and the Government of the Philippines peace panel in the Netherlands where a bilateral ceasefire is being pursued. “Let us wait and see how the efforts of the national government to end the insurgency problem with unfold,”

Mayor Duterte said on a statement released through the City Government of Davao and the City Information Office on Wednesday. Mayor Sara extended her gratitude to the New People’s Army for promptly responding to her peace offer. She expressed that the City

Government of Davao remains aggressive in its worthwhile pursuit of a lasting peace, which can only be achieved through justice, transformation of communities and empowerment and liberation of people. Furthermore, the mayor

HE performance and trust ratings of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte remain high despite a slight dip, two senators said Wednesday noting that this meant Filipinos are still confident of his ability

to lead the country. According to the “Ulat ng Bayan” survey released by Pulse Asia Research Inc., the performance rating of Pres. Duterte dropped five points nationally, from 83 percent in

December 2016 to 78 percent in March. Pres. Duterte’s trust rating also dropped seven points, from 83 percent last December to 76 percent in March. The survey was conducted

from March 15 to 20, 2017. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian stressed that Pres. Duterte’s ratings remained high even after he has been subjected to international criticism and

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to postpone the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections drew mixed reactions from village officials here. Although Liga ng mga Barangay president Jerry Perez favored the postponement of the barangay election, three barangay chairpersons said otherwise. Perez said he supports the postponement of the election “so that the incumbent barangay officials can finish all the projects they lined up in their respective areas.” “It (postponement) is in our favor, especially those who desire to continue to serve their respective barangays,” Perez said. However, he said the Presi-

dent’s decision to postpone the barangay elections should be backed by a congressional act. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has filed House Bill (HB) No. 5359 seeking to postpone the SK and barangay elections to May 2020, and subsequent elections to May 2023 and three years thereafter. HB 5359, once approved, will also allow the President to appoint barangay officials. Sta. Maria Barangay chairperson Los Elli Angeles said the election should be held on October 31 as scheduled, as he feared they will not be appointed due to political affiliation. Barangay officials, who should be apolitical, are forced to join political parties, espe-

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Duterte’s performance, trust ratings still high despite drop

Bid to postpone polls draw mixed reactions P

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LTHOUGH the adoption of a federal system of government would take time, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III said this would eventually result in peace in Mindanao. Pimentel stressed this point during the recent 136th Interparliamentary Union Assembly noting that “some rebel groups therein have been clamoring for decades for some kind of autonomy rule.” He pointed out federalism would act as “chosen weapon to fight the inter-generational problems of poverty, inequality, and the societal instability” and urged other legislators to be open to this type of change. “Let us be open to challenging the status quo and make the attitudinal change of entertaining outside of the box solutions to inter-generational problems,” Pimentel said. Aside from resulting in peace, he said that the shift to federalism would also encourage the preservation of the culture, language, and other practices and beliefs of the country’s numerous ethno-linguistic groups. Moreover, he said the Philippines continued to grapple with “the wealth gap.” “The Philippines is too familiar with this wealth gap, especially the gap which exists

within the country. Last year, our economy again posted a strong 6.6 percent growth in GDP, following steady growth in the previous years -- but it has yet to be truly felt by the majority of our citizens, especially the poor that still comprise a little more than 1/4 of our population,” Pimentel said. He said that contributing to this problem was the fact that the Philippines is a unitary state, with more than 60 percent of its GDP generated in Metro Manila and the areas near the national capital. “…The poorest and least developed areas of the Philippines are found in the far south of the capital, in the island called Mindanao. In short, the richest areas in the Philippines are the capital and those closest to it. The poorest are those farthest from the capital,” he noted. He further said that the shift to federalism would involve the regions in national decision making and accelerate the economic development of regions. Under the proposed federalism plan of President Rodrigo Duterte, the country will be divided into 11 regions. The country’s adoption of federalism is one of the major thrusts of President Duterte, who is also the first president from Mindanao. (PNA)

No April vacation leave for BI staff , employees

HE Bureau of Immigration will not allow its employees to take vacation leaves this month. In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente has ordered the cancellation of all approved leave applications of employees during the month. “Pending and would-be filed leave applications will also be disapproved,” he said. With this, the BI chief noted that the deployment of im-

migration officers currently assigned at the main office and other field offices to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals and other airports in the country, is only temporary as they will be recalled to their old units after the Lenten break. Some 170 bureau employees have been deployed in all airports to assist in the immigration processing of arriving and departing international

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INVESTEMENT PROMOTIONS. Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) head Lemuel Ortonio provides updates on Davao City’s business and investment climate and opportunities after high-profile foreign investors recently visited the city. Ortonio graced yesterday’s edition of Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

AFMIS to tackle infra investments in region

ORTONIO PROMOTES CACAO. Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) Lemuel Ortonio urges prospective investors to consider investing on the cacao industry of Davao City as producers can’t cope up with its rapidly increasing global demand. Lean Daval Jr.

Experts see potentials of impact sourcing for rural development By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE Contact Center Association of the Philippines sees the big potential of impact sourcing to further support countryside development. In a press conference at Royal Mandaya Hotel at the first Philippine Impact Sourcing Conference (PISCON) 2017 yesterday, CCAP Chairman of the Board Benedict Hernandez pointed out that espousing the impact sourcing scheme, which brings contact center, back office work and other offshoring works to qualified talents in provincial and rural areas so they may have access to gainful employment, will provide traditional Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) firms the ability to explore and to tap quality talent in the provinces. “At the same time, it also gives businessmen in the countryside the unique opportunity to exercise their entrepreneurial prowess by establishing home-grown IT-BPM firms right in their own backyard. It also gives potential workers the ability to be employed without having to leave their families and their hometown,” said the CCAP chair. In a press statement, CCAP

said that as early as 15 years ago, the IT-BPM industry is already practicing impact sourcing. He said the industry was already and continues to be one of the biggest creator of high value jobs in previously untapped communities. Based on the IT-BPM industry’s New Roadmap 2022, the industry was able to create more than 300,000 jobs outside Metro Manila for the last 15 years. The industry already experienced a high growth rate of 11 percent in the provinces and 7 percent in Metro Manila. Just for the last year alone, 80 percent of its members already established operations in new provinces such as Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Balanga in Bataan and in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. “We know there is a tremendous potential for impact sourcing. For our businesses, it means access to talent pools in vast, untapped communities where there is high quality work which are cost effective coupled with incredible drive and commitment by the employees. It is a unique way to grow our businesses and at the same time create palpable positive impact to the community,” explained Hernandez.

Aside from gaining higher pay work and advanced workplace skills, Hernandez added impact sourcing improves the well-being not just of the employees but also their families and communities. Also, going the impact sourcing way provides traditional BPO firms the ability to foster a truly inclusive workplace. “The industry has long been a champion of gender equality and equal opportunity employment. Now, with impact sourcing, it gives the IT-BPM industry the chance to promote further inclusivity,” he adds. Another major value proposition of impact sourcing, according to CCAP President Jojo Uligan, is that it helps create a stable and truly motivated workforce. Various research has shown that workers in the impact sourcing sphere have lower attrition levels compared to traditional IT-BPM workers, and are very highly motivated and loyal to the company that provided them the necessary skills training, which leads to higher productivity and better performance. “We all know that working in the IT-BPM industry remains to be a preferred career option,

but this perception still largely remains among employees in highly urbanized cities. With impact sourcing, workers in the provinces now have the same option where they can opt for a job that pays better and provides a decent work environment compared to the usual alternative, and helps them improve their self-confidence,” Uligan explained. Impact sourcing is still a relatively young practice for ITBPM firms in the Philippines but Hernandez and Uligan are optimistic of its growth. “This is why CCAP fully supports the impact sourcing initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology starting with PISCON 2017. We all see its potential as a truly sustainable and scalable business model for many IT-BPM firms in the Philippines,” the two CCAP executives said. Uligan also thanked Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, DICT Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim, Atty. Samuel Matun, President of ICT Davao, and Stephanie Caragos, President of the National

NEWLY-RENOVATED family resort in the village of Taguanao in Indahag, Cagayan De Oro City would soon open to the public after its conversion into an “international resort,” a city councilor said Wednesday. City Councilor Jay R. Pacual, chair of the city council committee on tourism, said that the resort known as “Kagay-an Resort” would

open anytime this week after the city council enacted an ordinance involving its entrance fees and other charges. The ordinance provides that a PHP 50.00 fee would be charged as entrance fee for adults (swimming or non-swimming), PHP 30.00 for a child (swimming or non-swimming) and a 20 percent discount to senior citizens and persons with

disability, he said. The fees would cover the charges for chlorine and other maintenance costs of the resort, Pascual said. “With five swimming pools and an Olympic-size pool and ramps going to and from the comfort rooms, the resort meets international standards.” Pascual said. He said that the Olympic size pool could be a venue for swimming competitions

and an ideal practice pool for the city’s swimming athletes. Other charges include P 10.00 per vehicle (parking fee), P500.00 per bamboo hut, P 500.00 per concrete hut with outlet, P 300.00 per circular hut, P200.00 for a space (shed w/one rectangular table and six chairs), and P 2,000.00 per four hours and P500.00 per hour thereafter for the gazebo. (PNA)

NFRASTRUCTURE spending meant to further strengthen regional connectivity within the ASEAN plus the benefits of such investments to the sustainable growth of the region’s 10 member-economies will take center stage in this year’s 12th session of the ASEAN Finance Ministers Investors Seminar (AFMIS). The AFMIS will be held at the Shangri-La Mactan Hotel here on Thursday (April 6). 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. The afternoon will be devoted to AFMIS breakout sessions, including one that will discuss infrastructure investments as a vehicle for sustainable growth in the region amid current global market volatilities. Three more breakout sessions will separately tackle prospects for e-commerce as a new business frontier for ASEAN, trade facilitation and cooperation in the regional bloc, and the rising consumer market in the region’s economies. In the breakout session on infrastructure investments, keynotes speeches will be delivered by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade of the Philippines and Dr. Supee Teravaninthorn, Director General of the Investment Operations Department of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Yingxin Gao, executive vice president of the Bank of China Group will moderate the session. Among the panelists at the infrastructure forum are: Colin Chen, deputy general manager of the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd.; Yin Zaw Myo, managing director, Myanmar Economic Bank; Luo Yang, managing director, Silk Road Fund Co. Ltd.; Boonchai Charassangsomboon, international economic advisor, Fiscal Policy Office, Ministry of Finance of Thailand; Jose Maria Lim, president and CEO, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation; and Mr. Yee Ping Yi, deputy sec-

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$500-M investment pledges up in Duterte’s visit to Middle East

P CDO resort renovated to world-class standard A F EXPERTS, 11

retary (policy), Ministry of Finance of Singapore. ASEAN finance ministers are also set to exchange views on further harnessing investment opportunities within the 10-member regional bloc amid the current slowdown in global growth during the AFMIS. They will also discuss the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community, which is designed to create a single market and production base within ASEAN through the free flow of goods, skilled labor, services and investments among its 10 member-states. The whole-day event will commence with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III of the Philippines, this year’s ASEAN host, and ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Lim Hong Hin 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 Shangri-La Mactan Hotel. ASEAN, which was founded 50 years ago, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It 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

HILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza said some $500-million worth of investment pledges are expected to be signed during the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte in the Middle East. Plaza, in an interview, said most investment interests of Middle East firms in the Philippines were in agriculture sector and halal industry. The commitments were an offshoot of PEZA’s investment roadshow in Riyadh, Dubai, and Qatar last February. “During our Middle East visit, we are able to gather

USD500 million worth of investment pledges. This will be signed when the President go to the Middle East,” the PEZA chief said. President Duterte plans to visit the Middle East this month. Plaza added that since the interests of Middle East economy were in the agriculture and halal sectors, most of these investments would be concentrated in Mindanao. She noted that this would be in line with the administration’s goal to spur economic growth outside Metro Manila. (PNA)

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

US oil firm to invest $4B in RP A

UNITED States-based oil and gas exploration and production firm is eyeing to invest $4.0 billion or about P200 billion in the Philippines. Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza told

reporters Wednesday OS Petro is eyeing for onshore and offshore oil and gas facility and refinery, particularly in one of the islands offered by private land owners. “They will invest $400 million per block. So, they

need 10 blocks; that’s %4.0 billion,” said Plaza. She said representatives of OS Petro will visit the country in July this year. Prior to the U.S. company, Plaza said oil companies in the Middle East also have plans of putting up their re-

finery and depot facilities in the islands of the country. Moreover, the PEZA chief recently visited the U.S. to invite investors to explore opportunities in the Philippines. “When we were in the USA, we were able to meet

halal industries of America, and they will be inviting all the halal industries of the world to invest in the Philippines,” she said. “They are very interested. It seems that the Philippines is very attractive to the whole world,” she added.

Mega Harbour told to submit more documents for Davao port project

WANTED: 20,000 NURSES. Rez Language Institure proprietor and directress Resand Ezer Gaid reveals that United Kingdom is hiring 20,000 nurses in the next five years for the country’s nursing homes in preparation

for its ageing population. Gaid made the disclosure during Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall on Wednesday. Lean Daval Jr.

Aside from OS Petro, PayOdd is looking at an initial investment of USD10 million or about PHP500 million here through PEZA. PayOdd provides money transfer services through mobile and online platforms. (PNA)

EGA Harbour Port Development, Inc., the proponent of the PHP39 billion port development project here, needs to submit additional documents so the review can move forward, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said. Duterte-Carpio said the National Economic and Development Authority could not proceed with the review because some of the company’s requirements are lacking. “But once Mega Harbour submits the additional requirements, the review of the multi-billion project could move forward,” the mayor told reporters Tuesday afternoon. Duterte-Carpio vowed to impose conditions before the multi-billion project could move forward. “For me personally, I really don’t like reclamation, but personal is different to what

needs to be done for the good of the city of Davao. If there is reclamation, it should be done correctly and not disadvantageous to the city,” she said. It may be recalled that Duterte-Carpio wants the Mega Harbour project subjected to a review after former mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte signed with the company a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) for the port development project. An ordinance was already approved by the city council. The 200-hectare Davao Coastline and Port Development Project proposed by Mega Harbour covers areas from the Sta. Ana Port to Bucana. The project was passed by the majority members of the city council except for Councilor Leah Librado, who wants to see the plan for the relocation of residents who would be af-

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World game fishing event kicks off in Siargao By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE four-day 2017 World Game Fishing Competition kicked off today, April 6 in Pilar town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. Ms. Mary Jean Camarin, the officer in charge of the Department of Tourism in Caraga region said 58 professional anglers have already registered to join the presti-

gious world event. This year’s competition will be spearheaded by the DOT and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte. Among those who will compete this year include participants from Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and countries in

Europe, including the Philippines. “These best international anglers are vying for top prizes. They will compete on a biggest catch of sailfish, marlin, yellow-fin, tuna, wahaoo and Dorado,” Camarin added. The DOT has allotted P10 million budget for this year’s international game fishing

competition, she said. Close to 100 best anglers from various parts of the world joined last year’s 9th Siargao Game Fishing Tournament that was also held here, Camarin noted. Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas said Pilar town is now considered a fast-growing tourist destina-

tion in the island. “We will be expecting big number of tourists to come for this year’s tournament, which is considered the biggest game fishing event to be held in the country,” Matugas pointed out. The provincial government, DOT and the local government of Pilar have already

finalized the schedules of the tournament as well as the other tourism activities intended for local and foreign tourists. Aside from the tournament, some of the tourism activities include island discovery tours, cooking demonstrations, culinary arts contest, cultural street dancing,

OLLOWING the recent arrest of a fake anti-smoking enforcer, the City Government of Tagum alerted the public about individuals pretending to be members of the Anti-Smoking Task Force, who extort money to persons smoking or vending tobacco products in public areas. The Tagum City Police arrested Jake de Veyra Gandiza, 42, on Monday for allegedly extorting cash to violators of the City Ordinance No. 703 in the city’s public market and terminal. After receiving a complaint, the local police hurried to the public market and apprehended Gandiza

who initially introduced himself as an intelligent officer of Mayor Allan Rellon but failed to provide evidence to prove such. Gandiza was caught bringing fake citation certificates. The local police clarified that Gandiza has no connections to the government or any authorizations to apprehend violators and demand money from them. Gift Ryan Damolo, member-counsellor of the task force, said that people who were caught violating the anti-smoking ordinance should inquire the agency that the arresting officers are associated with to confirm legality. He also empha-

sized that only members of the Tagum City Police, Security Management Office and Traffic Management Office are authorized to apprehend violators and give citation tickets. Damolo likewise said that tickets produced by the city government as approved by other official agencies like the Bureau of Internal Revenue are authorized to be given to violators, and only in the City Treasurer Office that the payment should be done in three days’ time. Meanwhile, the Anti-Smoking Task Force cascaded its enforcement of the ordinance down to the barangay level through the cre-

ation of the barangay-based task force which will be composed by the Barangay Captain, secretary, and barangay tanods as arresting officers. This action is seen to boost the enforcement of the local ordinance, aside from enlarging the awareness of the adverse consequences of cigarette smoking. The Task Force also encourages the public to contact them in their hotline numbers: 0955 411 1877, 0907 300 4053 and 218 7040; or to post a message in their Facebook page: Tagum City Anti-Smoking Task Force, to report violations and extend their inquiries. (Roy Banias/CIO Tagum)

F WORLD, 11

New Bataan grabs Tagum warns public against fake enforcers Gawad Kalasag F T HE municipality of New Bataan was recently hailed as the region’s Gawad Kalasag awardee, no disaster event municipal level category. New Bataan Information Officer Celso Casia disclosed that Office of Civil Defense XI conferred New Bataan to be the outstanding among the municipalities in the region in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), no disaster event category. Casia said that one of their distinct qualities is institutionalization of their Municipal DRRM Office with eight filled-up plantilla positions and 24 job orders and volunteers. He added that their office is open 24/7 for emergency response operations and have been disseminating weather forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to the barangay officials twice a day. Casia, who is also the MDRRMO training officer, emphasized that their office established a specialized community-based DRRM capability building. He said that the five-day

training includes lectures and workshops on the Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010, emergency medical, search and rescue, early warning system, rapid damage assessment and needs analysis (RDANA), evacuation center management, relief distribution, standard first and fire suppression. Four of the town’s barangays have undergone the said trainings. These are Pagsabangan, Panag, Fatima and Cabinuangan. Casia also stressed of their strengthened partnership with the non-government organizations and businessperson, as well as, with the Department of Education. He said that they have already acquired memorandum of understanding with a number of businesses in their locality for extending assistance during disaster. Casia also boasted that their barangay DRRM officers have created a federation, which meets monthly for updating. He added that 12 out of 16 barangays have an established barangay DRRM office. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

S. Kudarat’s‘one time big time’drug campaign nets 14

OURTEEN persons have been arrested by the police’s “One Time, Big Time” anti-drug operations in five towns and a city in Sultan Kudarat province, police said Wednesday. Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, said the raid conducted in succession Tuesday in the towns of Bagumbayan, Esperanza, Isulan, Lambayong, President Quirino and Tacurong City also resulted in the recovery of seven unlicensed guns from the suspects who have been in the police’s drug watch list. “These people have been in the police watch list for their involvement in illegal drug trade as users and ped-

dlers,” Supiter told reporters. The raiding teams, armed with search warrants, also recovered 32 sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) from the suspects who are now detained at police lock-up cells. Some of the suspects have showed up to police offices last year during the implementation of “Oplan Double Barrel,” a comprehensive anti-drug campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte and through “Oplan Tokhang” (Knock and Appeal). “Some were high-value targets,” he added. Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 are being prepared against the suspects. (PNA)

BEHIND BARS. Mayor Allan Rellon visits the pretend anti-smoking enforcer in the Tagum City Jail who was arrested for allegedly extorting money to violators of the City Ordinance No. 703. Mayor Rellon urges the public to be vigilant with fake enforcers and to stop using or selling tobacco products. (CIO Tagum)

Top PNPA graduate gets‘hero’s welcome’in Cotabato City

EWLY-COMMISSIONED police Inspector Macdum Darping Enca, the valedictorian of this year’s graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), should be emulated and recognized for giving Cotabato 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 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)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE AboitizPower scholar places 4th in national math wizard contest EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

Davao Light bares customer payment services on Holy week

AVAO Light and Power Company’s frontline services will be closed from April 13 to 15, 2017, which were declared as regular holidays in observance of the Lenten Season. Davao Light Panabo branch will be open to accept payments starting on Sunday, April 16, 2017 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Meanwhile, the Davao Light full service center in SM Lanang Premiere, SM City Davao in Ecoland, and Ponciano office, and payment offices in Toril, Calinan and Sto. Tomas will resume its operations on April 17, 2017, Monday. Davao Light’s call center service will remain available 24 hours through 229DLPC (3572).

SSS eases processing of claims for HTI victims

O provide faster assistance to House Technology Industries (HTI) fire victims and beneficiaries, the Social Security System (SSS) relaxed its documentary requirements for processing and payment of funeral and death benefits. “Instead of asking for death certificate, we only used the masterlist of affected members provided by HTI in processing and releasing of payment for SSS and EC funeral grants and we will use the same masterlist in processing death benefits. We did not ask the claimants to submit other documentary requirements,” said SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc. As the administrator of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), the SSS also used the same masterlist to process EC funeral benefit, hence, beneficiaries will no longer need to submit death certificate. The amount for SS funeral benefit for the beneficiaries ranges from P20,000 to P40,000 depending on the member’s contribution while EC funeral is fixed at P20,000. The funeral benefits under both programs are granted as long as member paid at least one contribution. Based on verification, there were five casualties from the HTI fire and their beneficiaries had already filed their SSS and EC funeral claims with the help of HTI representative Ryann Villanueva. According to SSS EPZA Branch Head Marina Paulina Pante, they have already issued two checks for SS and EC funeral grants to these beneficiaries. Julieta De Guia Sismaet, the mother of Jerome Sismaet was paid SSS and EC funeral grants amounting to P28,760 and P20,000 respectively while the EC

and SSS funeral benefit for deceased Richard Sargento was already paid to his common law wife in the amount of P20,000 and P23,183 respectively. Similarly, the wife of deceased member Alex Lerog was also paid SSS funeral benefit amounting to P23,975 and EC funeral amounting to P20,000 while the beneficiary of Ma. Antonina Caviteno received the EC and SSS funeral claim amounting to P20,000 and P36,098 respectively. Lastly, Dennis Arcinue, father of deceased member Jojo Arcinue was paid P20,000 and P23,186 for the EC and SSS funeral grants. “We have expedited the processing of EC and SSS funeral benefits to ensure that beneficiaries of our members will get the help that they need during these hard times. We hope that SSS is able to extend the care and assistance that our members and beneficiaries need,” said Dooc. For the SSS and EC death benefits, the common-law wife of Richard can withdraw the EC death benefit on April 3 while the husband of Caviteno and the guardian of Jerome’s three children can withdraw their EC and SSS death benefits respectively on April 10. Aside from funeral and death benefits, victims who only suffered minor injuries may file for SS and EC sickness. However, for the processing of sickness claim, members have to submit the documentary requirements. “As of this writing, we already received and evaluated 13 sickness claim applications of HTI employees who are still confined in the hospital. Some of them were granted a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 120 days,” said Dooc.

DRIVEN TO EXCEL. Renen Faith Gloria has been a recipient of Therma South Inc.’s College Scholarship Program since 2014.

NE of the 14 college scholars of AboitizPower subsidiary Therma South, Inc. (TSI) recently placed 4th in the 16th National Math Wizard Competition organized by the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE). Renen Faith Gloria, along with four other Electrical Engineering students from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), represented Mindanao in the 16th National Math Wizard Competition last 16 February 2017. The team qualified after placing 2nd in the Regional Math Wizard held in General Santos City last 15 September 2016, besting other schools in the region. “It was my first time going to Manila for a competition, and on a national scale at that. I was both nervous and excited. I studied in the airport, on the plane, and in the hotel room. Even though we just placed 4th, we are very happy with this accomplishment. I am also grateful for the support extended by TSI during the competition”, Renen said, recounting his first experience in joining a national competition. “We are very proud of the

USEP team’s showing in the recent National Math Wizard Competition, especially that one of our scholars, Renen, was a part of it. This is a shining testament on the quality of engineering students that we have in USEP”, said Jason Magnaye, TSI Manager for Reputation and Stakeholder Management. Renen is one of the recipients of the TSI College Scholarship Program. Now on its 3rd year, the scholarship aims to give assistance to 18 deserving college students in their academic journey. “The TSI scholarship has been a big help in our studies and in our projects. Through it, we have a better future as we are given priority consideration for employment in the company as soon as we become engineers. The TSI grant is advantageous from other scholarships in that way”, added Renen. TSI operates the 300 megawatt (MW) baseload power plant located in Davao City and Davao del Sur which delivers power to more than 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao.

hatchlings at the Cleanergy Park, Sitio Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. A day after, in April 4, 27 additional hatchlings came

out from the nest and were immediately released to the sea. This gives a total of 189 hatchlings from one nest, which is so far the largest number of hatchlings released at the Cleanergy Park since 2014. The pawikan hatchlings, which are believed to be of the Hawksbill species, came from the 2nd batch of pawikan eggs found at the Cleanergy park last January 25, 2017. Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Community Relations Manager, Engr. Liza Madrazo, Head of Davao City ENRO and Leo Brian Leuterio, Head of City Agri led the releasing of the baby Pawikans. Atty. Maria Theresa Diongan of the Register of Deeds, Brgy. Matina Aplaya officials, residents from Punta Dumalag and employees from various Aboitiz companies also witnessed the event. “With high hopes, Davao Light wishes that these pawikan hatchlings will grow to the fullness of their potential as they enter their home - the blue waters of the ocean, and that their number will multiply for the next generations to see.” said Edillon. The 3rd nest found last February 8, 2017 is expected to hatch in a week or two. Davao Light, an AboitizPower subsidiary, is the third largest electric utility that serves the cities of Davao and Panabo, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali and Sto. Tomas.

Davao Light welcomes 189 pawikan hatchlings

FTER more than two months from its discovery, the hatching of another pawikan nest has finally come. Last April 3,

Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI welcomes 159 pawikan

OFF TO SHORE! Baby Pawikans take one step at a time off to shore, to start on a new journey.

SAYING GOODBYE. Attendees during the release say goodbye to 159 pawikan hatchlings before setting them free to the sea at the Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City last April 3, 2017.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

EDITORIAL

Reducing tobacco use

HE days of smokers could be numbered, or so at least in public places and enclosed buildings. Davao City’s landmark anti-smoking ordinance is ready to be implemented nationwide with some modifications to be attuned with existing laws. The executive order on anti-smoking is already on the desk of President Duterte and judging by his desire to expedite its implementation, it would not be too long before he signs it. The anti-smoking law is patterned after Davao’s successful practice. Whether it becomes as successful nationwide remains to be seen. One big factor of the success of the anti-smoking ordinance in Davao is its implementation. Implementors of the ordinance followed the law to the letter without fear or favor, so to speak. There were even instances when even local personalities were apprehended for violating the ordinance. The challenge is on the local government units and the local police to implement the law in their respective areas of jurisdic-

EDGEDAVAO

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tion. Without such coordination, it will likely be not as successful as Davao’s. A new study on global trends and projections for tobacco use found that the prevalence of men smoking tobacco products has fallen in 125 countries between 2000 and 2010, and in 156 countries for women. However, based on current trends, only 37 countries are on track to achieve the 30% tobacco reduction target set out in the Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) 2013-2020. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent data show a declining rate of tobacco use and an increase in numbers of non-smokers. But governments must intensify action to combat the tobacco industry and dramatically reduce consumption of tobacco products to, in turn, protect public health. The other side of the law will be the affected business entities and tobacco farmers who will surely be hit hard by this executive order but the overall benefits of the law especially on health far outweigh the adverse effects on the economy.

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EDGEDAVAO

XCEPT for few dust-biting researchers who love to plough archival records in search of historical nuggets, the name of William Gohn, an American planter, will never ring a bell. If ever he will honored in the future, part of his legacy has something to do with his almost forgotten, if passionate, 1923 campaign to open Davao as a regular port of entry. William H. Gohn, a retired sergeant of Company C, 17th Infantry, US Army, and a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, was married to nurse Mary Mathewson, one-time acting director of Davao Mission Hospital, now Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMI)). Discharged from the military service in 1904, he was part-owner of the 126-hectare Keller & Gohn Plantation in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, which was founded in 1906. In later years, he became director of Gohn & Haley, Inc., which was organized in 1922. But his greatest contribution to Davao’s economic history was as president of the Chamber of Commerce of Davao (CCD), campaigning keenly to convince the national government to extend Santa Ana pier by 100 feet to allow the docking of ocean steamer. In the December 12, 1923, meeting of the American Chamber of

EFORE I had the opportunity of visiting Vietnam, I only knew of the said country via such Hollywood movies but Good Morning, Vietnam, Platoon, Born on the Fourth of July, The Boys in Company C, and Missing in Action. But on second thought, the aforementioned motion pictures were filmed in the Philippines, right? Even the starring role of a young Vietnamese in Miss Saigon went to the phenomenal Lea Salonga, who is a Filipina. Yes, the Philippines is just like Vietnam. I found this out when I visited the country two years ago – as part of the prize I won in the 9th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. We had a tour around Hanoi and went as far as the Halong Bay. Vietnam is for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. But what most of us don’t know is that 75% of the country’s total land area are composed of mountains and hillslopes. Just like the Philippines, of which 60% of our total land area is classified as uplands. Vietnam has a total land area of 331,230 square kilometers. About 11,505,793 hectares are classified as good for farming while 14,928,143

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

The making of Davao as an entry port Commerce (ACC), the organization advocated the opening of Davao as regular port of entry and the extending of the local pier, which were contained in the 1923 resolution of the local chamber. In the resolution Gohn presented to chamber members and referred to the American chamber for support, a detailed comparison was made between Zamboanga and Davao ports: ‘There are as yet no official figures covering the foreign trade of Davao as all exports from Davao at present are included in the figures for the port of Zamboanga but the Luzon Stevedoring Company which has loaded all of the foreign vessels from Davao during the past six months, shows that there have been exported from Davao direct to Japan and the [United] States abaca and copra to the value of P1,900,00. Using these six months’ figures and allowing for a steady increase, there will probably be from 120,000 to 150,000 bales of abaca exported direct from Davao during the 12 months ending May 31, 1924. But in the estimate on the enclosed tabulated statement, we have figured only 100,000 bales in order to be conservative, and yet the total value of the exports from Davao this 12 months’ period are estimated at P4,175,000.

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa “[The] amount is practically double the value of the exports from Zamboanga during the year 1922 in spite of the fact that Davao is not an open port with a regularly established Customs House. On this account, it is necessary for all steamers to first call at Zamboanga to take on Customs officials and guards and for that reason fewer steamers call at Davao than otherwise would do so. “It is also reasonable to suppose that if Davao were made an open port there would be at least as large direct imports into Davao as there were to Zamboanga during the year 1922. It, therefore, appears quite reasonable to believe that if Davao

were made an open port, the total trade for the year 1924 would be at least P5,000,000 divided into exports of P4,250,00 and imports of P750,000. “These figures seem to justify the making of Davao a regularly established open port since three ports have been maintained in the Philippine Islands for many years with annual imports and exports far below the business of Davao, but if the facts do not justify the making of Davao [as] an independent open port, it is certainly the port of Balabac [in Palawan], which, as stated before, was maintained for many years, although the total imports are exports annually were less than P50,000.” As to the status of the Davao port facilities, the resolution further declared: “Some years ago a small wooden dock was built on which the construction work [of the port facilities] was done for P5,000. It only extends into thirteen feet of water at low tide which is not of sufficient depth to allow large steamers to come alongside. It is now in a delapidated (sic) condition and the engineer has posted notices on it prohibiting more than one hundred kilos per square meter of floor space. It will probably be serviceable for another six months and when it goes down,

the inter-island and direct shipping will be practically tied up for there will not be any facilities for loading lighters for direct shipment and the inter-island steamers will have to load and unload through the surf with cargo boats. We cannot only not get money to build a new dock but can’t even get enough to repair the old one.” M.M. Saleeby, a Syrian-American representing Hanson and Orth in the American chamber, supported Gohn’s position, explaining conditions in Davao in 1906 have drastically changed over the years, now “turn[ing] out 15,000 bales, with unlimited possibilities in the future.” He informed the ACC that in recent months there had been American ships calling at Santa Ana pier to haul hemp for direct export to the US but they were restricted from docking on the quay because of its length. Moreover, he explained, the Davao chamber’s appeal for funding to extend the pier and officially designating it as subport were deserving of government support. To Gohn’s credit and the ACC’s representation, the Legislature later set aside P8,000 in appropriation to repair the Santa Ana pier. On the other hand, the Insular Collector of Customs acted on a letter sent to him by the CCD and endorsed the opening of Davao as an entry port.

severe. All in all, the assessment placed 22.4% of Vietnam’s area as having high level of land degradation. But there’s good news. Most of the farmers are adopting sustainable land management to help minimize land degradation in their farms. To find out, three sites were selected by the study: Da Bac in HoaBinh province, Hai Lang in Quang Ti province, and Tho Not, Co Do and O Mon districts in Can Tho city. “The constraints for agricultural activities relating to soil degradation as well as the cropping model-based suitable land management strategies in these three sites were identified,” the two authors wrote. In Da Bac, farmers are employing terraced acacia or Styrax integrated with corn and/or cassava or two crops of corn which are in rotation with legumes. In Hai Lang, farmers practice intercropping. In Tho Not, Co Do and Mon districts, farmers adopt cropping rotation practices. “Selection for sustainable land management practices should be flexible and applicable for a specified area,” the study said. “As for the mountainous areas, intercropping systems based on integrated models

of agroforestry combined with terraced cultivation technique can help prevent soil loss.” In coastal areas, the recommended system is intercropping or crop rotation with increased compost application. In the Mekong delta, an introduction of a leguminous crop and balanced fertilization are recommended to remedy the deterioration of soil quality. In order for sustainable land management to be fully adopted, the study recommends that an agricultural development policy be made to support farmers applying proper sustainable practices. “Policies regarding implementing a sustainable land management practice should also be based on the views of the farmers,” the study said. Among the practices that should be implemented include growing trees on the contours, using balance fertilizer and using the technique that cover the land surface during the rainy season. “Depending on differences in ecological zones, topographic characterizations and processes causing land degradation, the problem must be minimized so that future generations can still use what the country has right now,” Chau and Do urged.

Just like the Philippines

hectares are still covered with forests. Unused land area remains huge, covering 2,158,422 hectares, while non-agricultural lands comprise about 9,033,715 hectares. But like the Philippines, Vietnam also is facing land degradation. “About 93,000 square kilometers of the country’s total land area are affected by desertification, of which 20,000 square kilometers are seriously degraded,” said a new report, a collaborative effort of the ELD (Economics of Land Degradation) Initiative and Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA). Several studies have been done on land degradation since 2010 with funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. But the new study has confirmed what those studies have found. “In Vietnam, land degradation is indicated by the decline of land’s biological productivity as a result of unfavorably natural conditions and improper uses of land,” wrote the two authors, Minh Khoi Chau and Van Nha Do. Chau is a lecturer at the College of Agriculture and Applied Biology at the Can Tho University while Do is not only a lecturer but also a re-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

searcher at the Hanoi University of Agriculture. The study made an overview of the status of land degradation in six different regions: Northern Mountainous Region, Red River Delta, Northern Central Region, South Central Coast Region, Highland Region, and Mekong Delta Region. The result: the mountainous areas have high land degradation, which means soil profile has changed considerably and described of having “difficult to recover.” Soil pollution ranged from moderate to

10 NEWS

HALAL TALK. Mindanao Islamic Chamber of Commerce Inc. (MICCI) executive secretary Marilou Ampuan talks about the upcoming Halal Tourism Expo which is expected to be bigger and grander this year during

Lapanday... FROM 1 Dead on the spot from more than 20 hack wounds in the different parts of his body was security guard Tony Buisan, 36, from Pikit, North Cotabato, who was deployed to secure HARBCO’s farm and its facilities. LFC said the armed men were allegedly led by RudyHito O. Morion, chairman of Korpong Magsasaging sa Madaum Inc. (KOMAMAI), and who managed to enlist some members of the Ata tribe ostensibly for work in the farm. KOMAMAI is another splinter group claiming to represent the agrarian reform beneficiaries of HARBCO. The victim, along with three other security guards, led by security officer Abdullah Abpi, arrived at the site after receiving a call for reinforcement following the earlier disarming of four outpost guards by these attackers. One of the disarmed guards however managed to send a distress call to his team mates.

Responding to the call for reinforcement, the security guards, including the victim, were met by an unruly and violent mob who unrelentingly attacked them. Before he was completely overpowered by the sheer number of his attackers, Buisan was able to retaliate, wounding one of his attackers, the Tagum City police reported. The wounded was identified as Pirot Umagbay, 25, a resident of Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong. He was brought to the Davao Regional Medical Center for treatment. However, he has been placed under police watch, pending the filing of criminal charges against him. The Tagum police reported that these armed men arrived using a bus, a van and a pick- up truck at around 4:30 PM and immediately overpowered the outpost guards stationed along Utley Road. After the

guest of honor in the Grand Harvest Festival steered by hybrid rice seeds producer SL Agritech Corporation which is owned by Chinese Filipino Henry Lim at a farmers cooperative compound in Barangay Tabacao, this town. The company that was established in September 2000 under the corporate ownership and management of Sterling Paper Group of Com-

panies, pushes for at least one million hectares to be planted with hybrid rice during rainy season as the key to rice sufficiency before 2029. The festival aims to showcase the performance of SL hybrid seeds and serve as venue to share the benefits of hybrid technology. Pinol said the country cannot depend on importation. (PNA)

cially that of the incumbent city or town officials, or else their barangay will not receive any projects, it was observed. “There will be no problem as long as there will be no politics involved,” Angeles said when asked about the plan of the President to appoint barangay officials at the end of their term this year. Calarian Barangay chairperson El King Omaga favors the holding of the election as scheduled, noting the “possibility is

high that the appointment of barangay officials will be politically motivated.” Omaga said that postponing the election and the designation of barangay officials will deprive the people to practice their right to choose their leaders. San Roque Barangay chairperson Joselito Macrohon said the election should also be held as scheduled to provide the residents the opportunity to remove non-performing barangay officials. (PNA)

President... FROM 2

Bid... FROM 3

EDGEDAVAO

Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall on Wednesday. Ampuan also cited some factors that are hampering to fast track the creation of the certification guidelines for the products to be halal certified. Lean Daval Jr.

attack, the group also illegally occupied the security bunker, and the farm’s packing house 5 and reservoir. “Yet, the armed men he led in committing these criminal acts were not ARBs,” LFC stated. They are also residents outside of Madaum. The means and methods now employed by these armed groups, supported by their allies, seek to destroy lives and properties to end productive and beneficial partnerships. These groups, with their destructive objectives are engaging in economic sabotage. “They must be effectively stopped,” Lapanday said. Lapanday said they are “grateful for the timely intervention of Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa R. Timbol who arrived at the site to talk to the men from the Ata tribe who hailed from her municipality. Some 30 members later surrendered Monday afternoon, April

tion 7 of Ordinance no. 029206 or the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code, which prohibits the sale or serving of alcohol to minors. Selling of alcohol in Davao City is banned after 1 a.m. The unit will also work with the existing Anti-Smoking Task Force for the enforcement

of the provisions of City Ordinance No. 0367-12 passed in 2012, which banned smoking in all public places in the city. The VRU is also empowered to initiate the closure of establishments violating or circumventing the anti-vices ordinances, Duterte-Carpio said. (PNA)

passengers. The additional manpower were installed in an effort to address the problem of long passenger queues in immigration counters at the airports as the Holy Week holiday break approaches. Morente admitted that the employees’ reassignment will cause a slight slowdown in operations of the offices that they will temporarily vacate. “I appeal to our rank and file to remain patient and focused on their responsibilities as everything is being done to address their financial plight

that resulted from the loss of their overtime pay,” he added. Earlier, Morente and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider his decision stopping the use of the BI’s express lane collections in paying the overtime services of the bureau’s organic personnel and the salaries of its contractual employees. They both proposed that the overtime pay be temporarily reinstated until Congress enacts a new immigration law that will upgrade the salary scale of BI employees. (PNA)

Davao... FROM 2

No... FROM 3

“They were brought to the PNP regional office for further investigation. Criminal charges, for murder, serious illegal detention, trespassing, among others, are being prepared against Morion and those who killed Buisan during the course of this unnecessary and vicious attack,” Lapanday said. Meanwhile, HARBCO Chairman Pablito G. Romanillos and General Manager Genaro B. Biol asked Tagum City Mayor Allan L. Rellon to immediately launch an investigation on the incident. In their letter dated April 3, they requested Mayor Rellon to investigate the presence of unidentified personnel at Utley Road near the HARBCO farm. “Our fear (is) that this group of people can damage the banana farm that we operate and part of which is presently managed by LFC,” the HARBCO officials said.

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BRIBE... FROM 1

Since then, she said she has been contacted frequently by LP supporters and also being bribed by Fr. Albert Alejo, telling her to share posts and other statements because she is a credible source (and because she is residing in Davao and related to City Councilor Pilar Braga). “May isang beses ibinigay siya sa akin na P 20,000 na naka-sobre. Minsan nilalagay lang sa tissue kung saan kami magkita para kumain,” revealed Arcillas. She also claimed it was in some gatherings where Senators Trillanes and Leila De Lima were also around. She said that sometime in December last year, she was told to sign a pre-made affidavit supposedly revealing President Duterte and his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte’s involvement in illegal drug shipments at the Sasa and Panabo ports. She was made to understand that the affidavit would be used before the International Criminal Court to in-

criminate both Dutertes. It was at this point, she said, that she decided to back out and to sever ties completely from the Trillanes camp. According to Arcillias, the people who met with her and attempted to bribe her were Edgar Matobato’s lawyer Atty. Jude Josue Sabio, Fr. Albert Alejo and a certain “Jonel” who was said to be a staff of Senator Trillanes. “I was offered P 500,000 if ever makaupo sa Senado tapos another P 500,000 kapag makaabot ako sa ICC, pero natakot na talaga ako kasi affidavit na eh. Alam ko naman na kasalanan ‘yun lahat.” stated Arcillas. Father Alejo has denied the allegations against him over several media outfits, saying that Arcillas was the one who approached him, telling him that she has evidences to incriminate the president. Arcillas said that she is ready anytime to go to the Senate and to file a sworn statement those involved in attempts to bribe her.

reaucratic process in the LGUs impedes development in communication. He told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that telecommunication firms are complaining about the many requirements of LGUs in the putting of additional cell sites and the approval time of permits. According to Salalima, some LGUs take eight months to approve cell site projects. Salalima recognized the fact that Filipinos are mobile users, but said that mobile networks lack speed because the country lacks cell sites. For a combined Smart and Globe requirement for faster internet service, Salalima said there is a need to put 8,000 cell sites in the country. He stressed this is a drawback in the mobile network. Vietnam he said has 70,000 cell sites and Malaysia has 85,000 sites. “Cell sites matter a lot in terms of speed of internet,” Salalima told reporters, adding that people should understand that cell sites are needed to improve connection or

address slow and inefficient internet connection. On LGU issues, Salalima said he has already drafted an Executive Order for the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte for LGUs to shorten the processing of permit to seven days from the start of the application. If there is no action, automatically the application is approved, Salalima said. Samuel Matunog, president of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Davao, said slow broadband service remains a challenge to the industry, especially in the growing opportunity of online work. In 2014 alone, Matunog said online jobs raked in PHP124 million in Davao. There is an estimated 14,000 online workers in Davao and this could double in the next five years if there is improvement in telecommunication service, he said. Salalima and Matunog were among the participants in the ongoing two-day Ist Philippine Impact Sourcing Conference held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel here. (PNA)

in her statement said that the Gocal Government of Davao is also supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte’s demand for the declaration of a ceasefire as a primary condition to the peace process and shares the

position that the NPA must end its taxation or extortion activities, must release all captured soldiers/policemen, and must cease from claiming so-called revolutionary territories.

fected by the project. It was also agreed that even if some of the residents would not pass the census geo-tagging, they will still be included in the relocation program. Earlier, Ivan C. Cortez, then officer-in-charge of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC), said the JVA provided the Coastline Recla-

mation Project a personality that will allow its application to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which will then determine the specific and crucial terms of the project. The project is still required to undergo another pubic bidding. Mega Harbour was the sole bidder during the previous bidding. (PNA)

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INdulge!

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

My seafood diet MOST OF US, when we think of ‘meat’, we always associate the same with a juicy slab of grilled steak. Though very true, we need to broaden our horizon and see beyond land animals and embrace the magnificence of the sea. Our earth is composed mostly of water. Thus the many wonderful and delectable produce from the sea. Studies have shown that eating fish and other seafood plays an important part on achieving a balanced diet. Though surrounded by issues on toxins and poisoning, the consumption of fish and seafood is far better than the issues that surrounds it. And this is what the magnificent chefs of Cafe Marco at the Marco Polo Hotel thought of. Every Fridays and Saturdays, lunch and dinner, until the 21st of April 2017, Cafe Marco serves a bountiful selection of the best tasting produce from Poseidon’s lair – the delectable produce of the sea. From everyday fish varieties to large sizes of fresh squid and selection of fresh Salmon and Tuna for sashimi, you’d surely be in awe. Fish and seafood not only taste good – especially

when fresh – but more so, is composed of a number of vitamins and minerals we need for proper brain development. An excellent source of protein and Omega-3, they contain Vitamins A, C, E and even some Vitamin D. Cafe Marco not only have a wide selection but more so, will allow you to choose what you want and have it cooked according to your preference. Here’s a tip, have some that are grilled, fried and opt for a bowl of hot clam soup white you are it. Don’t forget to concoct your own dipping sauce for the perfect flavour combo that

goes well with everything on your repertoire. So are you on a seafood diet -- when you see food, you eat it? If yes, then head on to Cafe Marco at the Marco

Polo Hotel Davao. Cafe Marco is located at the 2nd floor of the Marco Polo Davao CM Recto avenue, Davao city For reservations, you may call them at 082 221 0888.

EDGEDAVAO

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Mike Tan renews ties with GMA Network M U L T I -T A L E N T E D LEADING MAN MIKE TAN remains loyal with GMA as he renewed his exclusive contract with the Kapuso Network last March 16. Mike was discovered in the second season of Starstruck where he was hailed as the Ultimate Male Survivor. For over 13 years of being part of GMA, he expressed his gratitude on the challenging projects that the Network has been giving him. “Hindi ko kasi talaga makita na umalis ako sa Network na nagpasikat sa akin, nagturo sa akin

at talagang nagmamahal sa akin. Ever since naman, nandito sila for me and never nila akong pinabayaan, through ups and downs, andiyan sila para sa akin. Never nila akong binigyan ng hindi ko gustong proyekto. Lagi nilang pinararamdam sa akin yung tiwala kaya lagi akong thankful na nandito ako sa GMA.” Currently, Mike is one of the lead stars of the country’s top daytime program Ika-6 Na Utos with Sunshine Dizon, Ryza Cenon and Gabby Concepcion. Admitted to be

challenged by his role, Mike is thankful to all the viewers and netizens who continuously praise him for his portrayal of Angelo Trinidad. “Challenge siya sa akin siyempre. Parang ngayon lang ako ulit gumawa ng ganito kabigat na role. Aaminin ko, hindi siya madali. Mahirap siya. Kasi ‘yung mga nakaraan kong ginawa, sa akin mahirap na ‘yun, pero hindi kasing bigat nito, hindi kasing lalim ng hugot nito.” During the contract signing, Rasonable said she is pleased that Mike continues to be a Kapuso

as she has witnessed him grow as an actor. “We are very happy because Mike is another home-grown talent and he continues to be with our Network.” She also assured the fans and viewers that the Network will continue to provide quality projects for Mike since he is one of the Network’s versatile artists, “Definitely, magkakaroon pa siya ng maraming projects. But as of now, Ika-6 Na Utos is doing very well. And it is extended and with the way the ratings are, pataas nang pataas pa, so parang dito muna siya mag-co-concentrate.”

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EAT, PRAY, RECHARGE THIS LENTEN SEASON, experience a serene and reflective moments with Eden Nature Park and Resort’s annual observance of the Holy Week this April 13 to 16.

Succumb to the lure of fresh mountain air. Relax and allow nature to comfort your body, mind and soul. Recharge and rest at the resort’s cottages as it offers a cozy retreat nestled in a forest of pine trees with deluxe rooms inclusive of buffet breakfast at the Vista Restaurant. Binge on our fresh, crisp and sumptuous organically grown garden salad. Plunge into our marvelous swimming pool with a majestic panorama of the city and the gulf. Unravel a new adventure waiting just for you. Take our trails and open your eyes to nature’s splendor. Take a stroll down our Aviary. Delight yourself as nature’s colorful fleet takes flight. Come together in the resort’s week-long lineup of spiritual devotions and other resort activities such as traditional Lenten and religious services at Saint Michael’s Chapel (April 13-16); Organized Way of the Cross, Con-

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Lose yourself at Eden’s mountain trail. Get cozy at the Vista Cottage. Revel in nature at the Log Cabin. Savor delicious food with a spectacular view of Davao at the Vista Restaurant.

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fession, Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday at the Gazebo (April 14). Join in as Eden kicks of Easter Sunday with Easter Trolls Egg hunt on April 16 at the Poolside. Registration and face painting will start at 12 noon. Tickets are priced at P300.00 per child inclusive of plated snacks, and free use of the swimming pool. The guardian may avail of the Regular Day Tour Package. Eden Nature Park and Resort offers one of the best views of Davao and the Gulf and a panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Apo. Its lush environment gives guests a feel of the positive energy of nature, making it a good place to reflect, bond and reconnect with family and friends and all ages. For bookings and reservations, please call our Sales and Reservations Office at (082) 299-1020 or email us at info@edennaturepark.com.ph.

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Duterte... FROM 3 negative publicity over the past months. “…Despite all of the attacks launched against him, a commanding super-majority of the Filipino people remain confident in President Duterte’s ability to lead our country,” Gatchalian, an ally of the President, said. “If anything, these results illustrate how deeply the Filipino people trust the President and how much they believe in his vision for the Philippines,” he added. He said that the results do not reflect a “significant” drop in the ratings. Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Liberal Party (LP) acting president, said that it “not unusual” for presidents to experience a dip in ratings. “All Presidents before him also experienced very high trust ratings at the start of their terms and eventual-

ly these ratings all dipped so there is really nothing unusual with the five-point drop,” Pangilinan said. He, meanwhile, expressed hope that the President’s high ratings would drive him to address the country’s top problems. “His ratings remain high and I hope he uses his high trust ratings to address the main concerns of our citizens which are to address the rising prices of goods, create better paying jobs, and improve incomes,” he added. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a staunch critic of Pres. Duterte, however, said that he was encouraged by the declining numbers noting that “Filipino people are beginning to see the light.” Trillanes further said that he expected the performance and trust ratings to go down further by May. (PNA)

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 in their April 6-7 sessions here in the province of Cebu. Hosted by Dominguez and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. the conferences include separate meetings of the ASEAN finance ministers and the central bank governors and the third Finance Ministers and Central

Bank Governors Joint Meeting. 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 were preceded by a series of meetings and fora among the ASEAN finance deputies and central bank deputies last April 4-5.

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EDGEDAVAO

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Experts... FROM 4 ICT Confederation of the Philippines or NICP for their unwavering support to CCAP and its member-companies in its drive to further expand operations in the countryside. The two-day PISCON 2017, initiated by the DICT and the NICP, gathered around 300 important stakeholders that include major IT-BPM

firms, Local Government Units (LGUs), various information and communications technology (ICT) councils, and other concerned national government agencies. The Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) is the umbrella organization of contact center companies in the country.

triathlon (running, swimming, boating) contest, zumba dancing, singing contest, tiange-tiange (market) and inter-school table skirting. Guests from the national government arrived in Pilar on Thursday and joined the opening ceremony. Among them are DOT Undersecretary Silvino Tejada and Director Shalimar Tamano. House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez will officially opened the event together with Surigao del Norte 1st district representative Bingo Matugas. Rep. Matugas said Speaker Alvarez is instrumental to the increase of the budget of this year’s game fishing competition. Facilities in the island has greatly improved as anglers, tourists and locals can easily reach Siargao as SkyJet airline management already scheduled their daily direct flights from Manila to Sayak (Siargao) National Airport, aside of the daily flights from

Cebu to Siargao vise -versa by the Cebu Pacific. Massive improvements in the infrastructures and other facilities in Siargao were started by former governor Francisco Matugas. The island is now considered as the game fishing and surfing capitals in the country. Two world surfing events are also held in Siargao every year – the International Women’s Surfing Cup every month of June and the Siargao World Surfing Competition every September. “For the first time the national government has provided huge financial support to world game fishing in the amount of PHP10 million for this year and another PHP10 million for the upcoming international surfing competition,” Gov. Matugas said, as she expressed gratitude to DOT secretary Wanda Teo. She added that the support was only materialized during the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

39 families lose homes in Koronadal City fire

T least 39 families lost their homes in a huge fire on Tuesday night in a crowded residential community in Koronadal City. Sr. Insp. Reginald Legaste, Koronadal City fire marshal, said the fire broke out at around 7:50 p.m. Tuesday in one of the houses in Block 2 of Casa Subdivision in Purok Maria Casa, Barangay Zone 3. Citing accounts from residents, he said it reportedly originated from a house owned by Melanie Aguasito and rapidly spread to 20 other adjacent houses that are mostly made of light materials. “We’re looking into reports that an unattended candle or gas lamp might have caused the fire,” Legaste told reporters. The official said one of the households could have used either candle or gas lamp after its electricity was cut off on Tuesday morning. The concerned household had a “series” or illegal power connection and it was “unplugged” by the owner of the house where it was connected, he said. Legaste said their investigators are also determining the possible links of the incident to an alleged conflict among residents there. He said they received reports that there was a prior heated argument between still

unidentified persons at the house where the fire started. There were also speculations from local residents that the house where the fire was believed to have originated doubled as a drug den and an unattended candle used during a “pot session” triggered the incident. “We still have to verify that but we’re looking at all possible angles right now,” Legaste said. He placed the initial damage from the incident, which was declared under control after nearly four hours, at P500,000. Bert Hinay, Barangay Zone 3 chair, said they initially provided the affected residents with food items, beddings and other relief goods. He said some of the victims are currently taking temporary shelter at the Zone 3 Barangay Hall compound while others opted to stay with their relatives situated near the area. The city government, on orders from City Mayor Peter Miguel, also provided additional relief items to the victims. Hinay said the mayor, who rushed to the scene at the height of the fire, directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office to determine the other needs of the affected families, including shelter assistance. (PNA)

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.

12 GAME CHANGER EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

From small town to the world By PETER ALLAN NEÑERIA

(Note: This feature first appeared in South Shore, a magazine which was an entry to the 2017 Blue Feather Awards. It is published under “Mindanawon,” about people who have contributed something to Mindanao or those who have excelled in their chosen profession. We are reprinting this with the author’s permission.)

N an article written by Antonio M. Ajero, award-winning television journalist Howie Severino was quoted: “I have been following his environmental journalism for several years, and have been impressed by his prolific output, his wide range of reading, and his concern for his community and country. When other journalists have chosen to move to Manila to take advantage of the resources in the big city, he has opted to stay in Mindanao and practice his profession there.” Severino was talking about a a print journalist named Henrylito D. Tacio, who hails from Bansalan, Davao del Sur. He came to Davao City when he attended the University of Mindanao. But it was while he was still in high school that he discovered his knack for writing when his classmates complained that his way of writing subjects for formal theme was very different from the examples their teacher was giving them. His English teacher had to explain to the class that Tacio had his own style of writing. “Who knows, he may become a writer in the coming years,” she said. He did. First, he started writing for various magazines in Manila like Mod, Woman’s Home Companion, and Expressweek when he was still in college. Later on, he also wrote for Woman Today, Mr. & Ms., and Philippine Panorama (the Sunday supplement of then Bulletin Today). “I usually write mostly theme issues like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, New Year’s and anniversaries,” Tacio said in an

exclusive interview. In those days, he loved collecting some quotable quotes, which later on became handy when he started writing columns and issues for EDGE Davao. After college, he continued writing as a freelance. In 1986, everything changed when he interviewed Harold Ray Watson, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), just 10 kilometers away from he was living. The American missionary just received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for international understanding. A few days after the interview was published in Panorama, he got a letter asking him to come back to the center. During the conversation, Watson asked him if he could work as the center’s information officer. He accepted the offer. Since he was already writing for Manila publications, Tacio decided to try writing for the local papers in Davao. He sent some of his writings to Peryodiko Dabaw (which would later on become Sunstar Davao). He also started writing two columns: “Regarding Henry” and “Agribiz Jottings.” Ajero, then the paper’s editor-in-chief, saw his talent for writing and asked him if he would like to write for the Press Foundation of Asia, a Manila-based news organization which released a weekly dispatch (DEPTHnews) throughout Asia. He gave him the address where to send the articles – and the rest was history. In 1989, veteran journalist Juan Mercado asked him during a training for community journalists held at Los Baños, Laguna if he had already a passport. He answered affirmatively. “Six months earlier, I got my passport without any intention of going abroad,” he said. “But I had this itch to go abroad.” A month later after that incident, Tacio was in Bangkok, Thailand, attending the regional food security seminar at the office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It

wasn’t his first trip to the city; in later year, he came back to serve as consultant for a forestry book entitled In Search of Excellence: Exemplary Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific (which had also a Chinese version). The 1990s saw Tacio winning prestigious awards in a row. In 1999, he was elevated to the Hall of Fame in science reporting by the Philippine Press Institute, making him the only

one to get such distinction (having winning two first prizes, one second prize and two runner-ups). The following year, he clinched the coveted Journalist of the Year given by the Rotary Club of Manila, outclassing other journalists even those from Metro Manila. The article he wrote for Mod entitled, “Who says AIDS doesn’t matter?” won him the Best Journalist for Print in the AIDS writing contest, sponsored by the AIDS Society of the Philippines, also in 1999. Part of the prize was an all-expense paid trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for an international AIDS gathering. The organizers saw his reports published in both local and national papers and so he was again invited to attend two more AIDS conferences: one in Melbourne, Australia and another in Durban, South Africa. In the latter, he was able to meet personally Nobel peace laureate Nelson Mandela and Hollywood actor Danny Glover (of Lethal Weapon series dis-

tinction). During the 8th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, Tacio was adjudged winner in the Best Agriculture Feature Story-National for his article “The prospects of swine industry in the Philippines,” which came out in Marid Agribusiness Magazine. A trip to Beijing, China was part of the prize. In the 9th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards, he again won the same distinction (but for the regional paper) for his series on food security and issues, which were published in EDGE Davao. All that year’s winners went to Hanoi, Vietnam. His love for writing science (“I don’t know why only very few Filipino journalists are interested to write science,” he says) paid off when he got a scholarship to attend a gathering of science journalists from all over the world in Montreal, Canada. Tacio also love writing about the environment. So much so that he was able to at-

tend three international conferences on coral reefs held in various countries: Bali, Indonesia; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; and Cairns, Australia. The first time he came to the United States was in 2000 when he was discussing on how to write a paper on water and population with award-winning book author and journalist Don Hinrichsen. It was done at the office of UN Population Fund in New York City. For the first time in his life, he experienced what winter was all about. When he stayed with his sister Elena and her family in Hibbing, Minnesota, he had his first white Christmas ever. “I even sang ‘I’m dreaming of a white Christmas’ as the snow flakes fell,” he recalled. The following year, both authors presented the output of their report at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. “It was my first time to be at the capital of the US and it was really exciting,” he said. “I had fun time going to the Mall,” he added, referring to the all the museums that lined up all the way from the US Congress building to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Museum. Indeed, Tacio has gone a long, long way already as a journalist. In the Ajero feature, multi-awarded American photojournalist Don Rutledge had this to say about Tacio’s method of writing: “I have been deeply impressed by his journalistic ability to take vital subjects and discuss them through his writing ability. A most recent article is the one he did on cancer. He takes the subject, makes a solid study of it, and gives us valuable details what we need to know. Seem that he does this in all of his writings rather than just a few situations. He is a journalist far beyond the normal.”

VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

Fire... FROM 14

NEWS13

conforms to the specific PNS requirements are issued with a PS license or an ICC Certificate, and are authorized to affix the PS mark or ICC sticker in their products to guide consumers in distinguishing certified products from non-conforming products. Consumers are also encouraged to look for proper markings and labelling on the cylinder of the fire extinguishers. These labels include: name and address of manufacturer/ re-filler; registered trademark or brand name; Type of extinguishing agent (e.g. Dry Chemical); actual capacity of the extinguisher in terms of mass of extinguishing medium in kg; gross weight when fully charged; Instructions for operation; test pressure in megapascals (MPa); working

pressure in kilopascals (kPA); the words “Recharge After Use” and “Dangerous to use other than the recommended and legible instructions for recharging; country of Manufacture; year of manufacture ; and, PS/ICC mark. “The PS mark and ICC stickers are the safeguards of consumers that the products they buy in the market are both safe and reliable to use especially in the case of fire extinguishers. We also urge the public to use only certified fire extinguishers and properly use them by reading and following instructions carefully to avoid further damage to property or even loss of lives,” DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said. The DTI official further stated that manufacturers,

importers and retailers found not complying with the BPS Product Certification Scheme will be filed with administrative charges for violation of the DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 2:2007; Republic Act (RA) 7394, or the Consumer Act of the Philippines; and RA 4109 or the Standards Law. For more information about BPS’ mandatory products and other consumer-related concerns, anyone may visit DTI-Davao Regional Office at 4F Mintrade Realty Building, corner Monteverde and Sales Streets, Davao City. They may also contact them through landline number (082) 224-0511, local 417 and 420 (Consumer Protection Services Division). (DTI11/ WDG/jmm)

gov.ph indicating in the subject line “Skype (ACOP), pensioner’s name and SS number”. In the email request, details such as the name of the retiree pensioner or deceased member, birth date, guardian’s name for survivor’s pensioners, dependent’s name, if any, contact information, complete address, Skype username and preferred schedule of ACOP-VC must be provided. “The conduct of interview is based on Philippine time, from Monday to Friday, 12:00AM to 11:00PM. The

pensioner gives the interview schedule based on what is convenient for him. Our call center agents from the Member Relations Department and Overseas Filipino Workers-Contact Services Unit will assist them,” said Dooc. The ACOP was implemented in 2012 which required pensioners to report personally once a year at the nearest SSS branch or depository bank. This ensures that the rightful beneficiaries continue to enjoy their monthly pension. “We want to ensure that

we are giving the benefits only to those who are entitled under the SS law. There were cases in the past wherein a pensioner continuously receives monthly pension although he is already dead. ACOP protects SSS beneficiaries and the SSS fund from these kind of fraudulent claims,” said Dooc. For more details on the ACOP-VC facility, pensioners may call the SSS hotline at 920-6446 to 55 or they may send their queries to member_relations@sss.gov.ph or ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph. (PR)

ACOP... FROM 14

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE

THUMBS UP FOR PLANTING MANGROVES. The Davao Light And Power Co., Inc. welcomed the team from the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) for a tree planting activity at the Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag Matina Aplaya, Davao City last Saturday, April 1. BSP is an active supporter of the environmental advocacies of the Cleanergy Park.

ACOP thru video conference available for SSS pensioners residing abroad

HE Social Security System (SSS) is encouraging all pensioners residing abroad to make use of the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners through Video Conference (ACOP-VC) for easier and faster compliance with ACOP to prevent suspension of pension. “Based on our records, we have more than 17,000 pensioners residing abroad but only about 1,832 or 11 percent of them have used the ACOP-VC. We strongly encourage our pensioners to explore and start using the ACOP-VC facility for faster reporting to the SSS,” said SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc. The ACOP-VC is a new facility which was softlaunched in December 2015 for pensioners residing abroad to comply with the annual reporting required for SSS pensioners without the

need to come home or have their documents authenticated by the Philippine consulate abroad prior to SSS submission. “Through the use of modern technology, we made it easier for our pensioners residing abroad to report to SSS. However, total disability pensioners cannot avail of the facility since they have to be checked by SSS doctors,” said Dooc. To use the ACOP-VC, a pensioner must have a “SKYPE” account to do an online interview. The ACOP-VC interview must be conducted within the birth month of the retiree pensioner or the deceased member in case of death pension. The pensioner needs to make an appointment with SSS by sending an email to ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph or to member_relations@sss.

F ACOP, 13

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Present during the tree planting activity are the BSP Officers club from Luzon, who came to visit the Crown Jewel City of Mindanao, along with their Davao counterparts and Davao Regional Director, Sonia S. De Los Reyes. The group planted a total of 300 mangrove seedlings. (Davao Light Photo)

Fire extinguishers very importance: DTI

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has emphasized on the importance of fire extinguisher as a first aid in fire fighting. The month of March is recognized as the Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines by virtue of Proclamation No. 115-A signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1966. This initiative propagates “safety consciousness among our people every day of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law.” The hot dry season, which

falls between March and May, is when most fire incidents happen. While it is impossible to control the weather, one can take precautions to eliminate the chances of fire in one’s household. DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) regulates critical products under its list of products for mandatory product certification scheme such as electrical and electronic products, mechanical, building and construction materials, and chemical and consumer products. One critical product that can spell the difference between life and death is a fire extinguisher. A portable fire extinguish-

er is a handy, first aid fire fighting tool used to control small fires in emergency situations. Every fire extinguisher type has different color band to distinguish their type: Dry Chemical (ABC) Red body, white band Fires involving solid materials, liquid or liquefiable solids, gases, and electrical equipment; Carbon dioxide Red body, black band Fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, and electrical equipment; Foam Red body, blue band Fires involving solid materials and flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease; Halon substitute Light Green body, white band Fires involv-

ing solid materials, liquid or liquefiable solids, gases, and electrical equipment. To ensure the safety and quality of mandatory products sold in the market, all manufacturers and importers of portable extinguishers are required to apply for the Philippine Standard (PS) License or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) and subject their products to tests based on the requirement of relevant Philippine National Standard (PNS) at the BPS Testing Center or a DTI-accredited laboratory. Only those manufacturers and importers of BPS’ mandatory products whose product

F FIRE, 13

Smart pushes workforce to use social media, digital tools to enhance work

MAGINE interacting with your CEO on social media. Or being encouraged by your boss to create a fun video about work, and gain new skills by playing games on your mobile phone. Employees of Smart Communications are increasingly being encouraged to do all these – to use digital tools that can improve productivity and make the highly challenging work environment more fun. At a time when a lot of companies still forbid mobile phone use at work, Smart is pushing its workforce to embrace the digital world, in line with its ongoing evolution as a digital company.

Promoting collaboration via social media Smart was the first telco in Southeast Asia to use Workplace by Facebook, a social media platform for enterprises that enables employees to go beyond traditional means of internal communication. Having nearly identical features with Facebook, Workplace enables employees to have interactive discussions

with their peers – and even with their big bosses like Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan – for better collaboration. Employees can join several interest groups, share information and ideas, ask questions, get real-time company news, and get instant feedback from colleagues. They can also use Work Chat, which is similar to Facebook Messenger, to send instant messages and do voice and video calling. As many as 5,000 employees are active in the platform every week. Liza Sichon, Smart’s Chief People and Culture Officer, said Workplace was helping break down traditional work silos and was facilitating a freer exchange of ideas among Smart’s thousands of employees. “Our evolution as a digital company can be seen not just in our commercial offerings and network capability, but also in our people culture. As we enable more Filipinos to enhance their lives via digital technologies, we are also promoting the digital shift within

our ranks,” she added. Smart’s use of Workplace recently won a Gold Anvil at the Anvil Awards, which is considered the Oscars of public relations in the Philippines. Smart was named Company of the Year after it won a total of 24 Anvils. Making corporate life fun Also winning a Gold Anvil was Smart’s Gamified Mobile

Learning (mLearning) Program, which was launched to build a culture of self-initiated learning beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom. The company gamified in-demand training topics – like telecommunications basics, Microsoft products, and project management – and made lessons available online. Employees get email and Workplace updates about the

lessons, and are free to decide which ones they want to take. Because the games and lessons are online, they can play and learn wherever they are and whenever they want. “Learning does not have to be dry and boring. By making learning fun and convenient, we are encouraging Smart employees to constantly enhance their skills. A continuously improving workforce

translates to better products and services for our customers,” Sichon said. Another Gold Anvil winner was Paskong Pagsaluhan, a year-end event for employees which aimed to, among others, rally brand ambassadorship by promoting the use of the Customer Advocacy Referral App or CARA. This app enabled Smart employees to help family and friends determine which Smart postpaid plan best suited them, facilitate postpaid applications, and report subscriber concerns more quickly. During the yearend event, employees were also encouraged to post thank you messages to colleagues on Smart’s online commendation portal, make social media posts related to the activities, and create fun Christmas videos with their work teams. Smart’s people programs have been winning not just local, but international awards as well. The company has been cited as best employer by prestigious programs like the Asia CEO Awards and Asia Communication Awards. (PR)

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Pacquiao signs fight against Horn F

ILIPINO boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has signed a contract to defend his welterweight world title against Australia’s Jeff Horn on July 2 in Brisbane, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said Tuesday as he waited for the deal’s remaining points to become finalized. The bout will be fought July 1. “We’re slowly finishing up the deal to fight … people have agreed on essential points,” Arum told The Times in a telephone interview from Washington. “Paperwork takes time, particularly when it’s not the usual thing of getting it done in the United States. We’re dealing with an Australian promoter, the state government. … Here, in this case, you’ve got to cross the T’s and dot the I’s, and that’s what we’re in the process of doing.”

FINALLY. It’s going to be Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn in Brisbane on July 2. Arum was previously pointing 38-year-old World Boxing Organization champion Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 knockouts) to a fight this month against former Olympian Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs). But Pacquiao and his manager, Michael Koncz, pushed to

DC booters clinch PRISAA Reg’l title T

HE Davao City men’s football team twice crushed the University of Mindanao Tagum City to rule the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Regional Finals held in Tagum City. The Durians composed of 12 players from the Rizal Memorial Colleges and three from UM Davao first defeated UMTC, 4-2 before a pro-home team crowd. In Game 2, the Durians displayed their usual grit and power as they repeated with a 4-2 victory over the hosts. “The boys are in high morale because last year Davao City

cism for assigning Pacquiao what appears to be a one-sided bout against the less experienced Horn, 29, when unbeaten junior-welterweight champion Terence Crawford and former four-division champion Adrien Broner were in play, the

promoter said there is a business strategy to the event. Arum said the bout will take place in Suncorp Stadium, which can have a capacity of 55,000. He said he expects a sellout while inspecting the potential to bring other major fights

lost,” said head coach Albert Ryan “Abing” Lim, whois also the sports director of RMC. “We were able to make our game plan. The boys, who were all fit to play were able to do it,” said Lim. The RMC Bulldogs in the DC squad are Warren Ravanes, Gregorio Zamora Jr, Noel Teves, Geylord Onil Padernal, Archemides Ligaray, Khadaffy Biruar, Stephen Anotado, John Otong, Rongie Herminda, Alfonso Loenar, Romeo Poblacion and Krentz Orbigo while the three from UM are Fatrick Pacot, Michael Sam Aradillos and Mark Paul Dayanan.

Westbrook ties triple double mark OR just a few moments, Russell Westbrook slowed down. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s mile-a-minute point guard took the time to soak in the atmosphere Tuesday night after he matched Oscar Robertson’s single-season record with his 41st triple-double. The home crowd stood and chanted ‘’MVP! MVP!’’ long after the assist, and he later waved to the crowd after play stopped . ‘’It’s one of those nights, a special night, and something I definitely will never forget,’’ he said. ‘’I’m just truly honored to do it here, especially in Oklahoma City.’’ Westbrook finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists to help the Thunder beat the Milwaukee Bucks 110-79. He clinched his seventh straight triple-double on an assist to Taj Gibson with 9:17 left in the third quarter. ‘’An honor to just be mentioned in a conversation with

stage a bout in the United Arab Emirates against England’s Amir Khan. The financing for that bout never materialized. Arum said a November date with Khan is possible. Although Arum has been subjected to criti-

to the continent. “The last I knew, guys like Broner and Crawford weren’t Aussies,” Arum said. “Horn is an Aussie. There’s government behind it. They want the fight. They wanted Manny Pacquiao. Essentially, to buy the cheese, they wanted Pacquiao against this Aussie fighter.” He said it’s premature to identify other fighters who could accompany Pacquiao to Australia on the undercard, but said he expects to place one more title fight and younger prospects on the card, which could be a self-produced pay-per-view as Pacquiao’s title victory over Jessie Vargas last November was. That’s one of the remaining details. “There’s nobody objecting to the deal. Everybody is moving ahead to get it done,” Arum said.

Oscar Robertson, the different things he did for the game of basketball to allow me to play the game today,’’ Westbrook said. Robertson set the record during the 1961-62 season, and Westbrook can break it Wednesday in Memphis. Westbrook said he just wanted to focus on the moment, yet his mind raced ahead to someday telling his unborn son about the experience. ‘’It’s something that I could never dream about growing up in the inner city of Los Angeles,’’ he said. ‘’I never dreamed about a moment like this, to be able to be on this stage.’’ Westbrook also moved into a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for fourth on the career list with his 78th triple-double. Bucks coach Jason Kidd, who is third with 107 triple-doubles, was impressed with Westbrook’s ability to dominate without scoring as much as usual. Westbrook, the NBA’s scoring leader, made just four field goals.

TRIUMPHANT BLUE KNIGHTS. The Steneo de Davao University Blue Knights pose for a team photo after defeating Holy Child College of Davao in an exhibition match serving as aperitif to the PBA out-of-town game between Ginebra San Miguel and Phoenix on Saturday at the USEP Gym. Photo by Jimmy Javier/SCOOP

Lebron, Love lift Cavs past Magic

HE defense was tenacious. The offense flowed like it hasn’t in months, with crisp ball movement leading to a deadly volley of 3-pointers that lit up the scoreboard. For 12 glorious minutes, the Cavaliers were themselves again. Everything was in place. No drama, no disagreements. ‘’That’s us,’’ Kevin Love said. LeBron James notched his second straight triple-double, Love scored 28 and Cleveland warmed up for a big game in Boston by dropping 18 3-pointers in a 122-102 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night. Kyrie Irving added 24 points and J.R. Smith 19 for the Cavs, who made nine 3s and scored 43 in a

dazzling third quarter to turn a tight game into a blowout and beat Orlando for the 17th straight time. There were no on-court issues following Sunday’s emotional and exhausting, double-overtime victory as the defending champions moved into a tie with the Celtics atop the Eastern Conference. The teams will meet Wednesday for first place and temporary ownership of the top seed and home-court advantage until the NBA Finals. As regular-season games go, it’s significant. James, though, isn’t making too much of the matchup. ‘’Their crowd is going to be great and it’s a very good team we’re going to be playing against,’’ he said. ‘’We know that. Taking

nothing from them, they’ve been playing some great ball, but I’m not one to get caught up in the regular season. I’m sorry. I’ve been to six straight Finals, man. I’m the last person to ask about a regular-season game.’’ Evan Fournier scored 21 for Orlando, which has lost five in a row and six of seven. The Magic led by two at halftime, but were simply overwhelmed in the third when the Cavs put it all together. ‘’Nobody can survive that,’’ Magic coach Frank Vogel said. ‘’The bottom line is you have to bring help to elite players. Kyrie and LeBron had 13 assists in that quarter. That triggers their championship-level ball movement.

That’s why they’re champs. They were at their best in that quarter. ‘’Too much for us.’’ The Cavs became the third team in league history to reach 1,000 3s in a season, joining Golden State (1,077 last season) and Houston, which has dropped 1,109 this season. Focusing on their defense, the Cavs got some early stops and came out firing - from deep - in the third to quickly spin the game in their favor. Smith, who has rediscovered his shooting touch after missing 36 games following thumb surgery, made four 3s in the first 3:12 and Cleveland started 6 of 7 on 3s - with James getting assists on five of them.

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BACK-TO-BACK ‘Swingderella’wins second title in two days By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

ERTH, Australia – ‘Swingderella’ is a winner again. Barely dusting off her golf shoes after winning the Class B Girls Under 14 title in the Royal Melbourne Junior Classic on Sunday, Dabawenya golf phenom Ella Nagayo added the prestigious Stuart Appleby Regional Series Division B title on Wednesday at the Kooringal Golf in Melbourne. The 13-year old Nagayo, a golf scholar at Waverley, fired an eagle-aided four over par 78 to

WINNER AGAIN. Ella Nagayo receives her trophy in the 2017 Stuart Appleby Regional Series.

assert her supremacy in the 14 and under class. She bested archrival Sayumi De Costa who carded a 7 over 79. Jade Brooks finished third with 82 while Claudia Rubtsova and Trinity Francis tied for 4th to 5th with 83. Nagayo pieced toger nines of 37 and 41 on the 5,391-meter layout highlighted with an eagle 2 on the par-5 third that carried a distance of 372 meters. “She was on fire from the start,” said father-caddy Danny Nagayo. Nagayo momentarily slowed down in the next hole after missing the fairway and going down to a triple bogey 7. She had another bogey on the par 3 8th before sinking a birdie on the par 4 324-meter 9th to close out the frontside. In the backnine, Nagayo was hounded with a string of bogeys from the 10th to 13th before recovering her touch and went par-par on the next two and bogeyed 16th. She nailed it in the 17th with a birdie 4 on that par 5 366-meter penultimate hole then closed out with a regulation par. N a m e d after the great Aussie golfer Stuart Appleby, the Regional Series is modelled along the lines of the Fedex Cup played on the USPGA Tour. Divisional points and Regional Series Points are allocated at each event, with bonus allocations for the 3 SAJG Regional Series “Majors”, which attract a bonus points allocation for each placing. In last Sunnday’s

triumph at the Royal Melbourne, Nagayo improved her standings in the current Junior Ranking Scoreboard in all of Victoria. She won as Gross Champion in the Girls Under 14 Division which attracted 110 entries and received a Gift Voucher for her effort. Sunday’s tournament was played at the West Course of Royal Melbourne. According to her father Danny’s notes, Ella began her round in Hole 9 where she had good start, hitting the green on the second shot, had a 12-footer putt for birdie, but made par. In the 10th, she hooked her drive and went to the deep fairway bunker and managed to get out 20 yards short of the green, a pitch and 2 putts and ended with a bogey. On hole 11, (371 meters par 5) she had a good drive but hooked her second shot and third shot, 125 meters. She hit the green for a birdie putt and finished with a par. In the 12th (par 5), she had a good solid and centre drive, took her rescue for the second shot but hit the rough, left with 85 meters to the green for third shot, and 40 feet for birdie, got out par. In the 13th (par 3, 115 meters), she used 9 iron, landed short of the green, pitched and had a four footer putt for par. On hole 14 (par 4, 285 meters) Ella made a good drive and her second shot went to the green but missed her birdie putt for a par. On hole 15, Ella’s drive went to the left and she had to play out 110 meters to the green for third shot and got out bogey. On hole 16, she hist a rescue, landed short of the green, pitched and putt but missed her par and got out with a bogey. On hole 17, she pulled her drive to the left, went into the trees which was unplayable and she had to drop a penalty shot. Her third shot left 200 meters to the gr en,and she laid up her ball 40 meters short of the bunker for her fourth shot and landed 20 feet from the pin, managed to get a par. She closed out the first 9 on the 18th with a bad drive and a trip

to the bunker, then two-putted for bogey. On her second nine, she began on no. 1 with a good drive, missed the green for her second shot, and got out with a bogey. In no. 2, she had another good drive and hit the green on her second shot, two putts and got par. In no. 3, she missed the fairway, went to the rough but was able to hit the green on the second shot and saved a birdie.

In the 4th, her drive bounced to the right rough, but left with 162 meters to the green for an eagle putt, but she had 3 putts and ended with a par. In no. 5, she missed the green, went to the bunker, got our with a sidehill, downhill 10 footer putt for par. In the 6th, , Ella had another good drive but missed the green, then pitched and putted for par. Another missed green on the 7th and

she hit the deep bunker to the right, got out, made two putts for bogey. In no. 8, she made a solid centre drive, had a deceptive second shot with greens running slightly to the back bunkers, and she thought of playing short than long. She made an uphill 10-footer birdie putt, missed, and ended with a par. She finished with a title-clinching 5 over par 77.

Davao City Water District officially launched its yearround 2Big Campaign on March 30, 2017 at the Matina Town Square. The launching was held during DCWD’s finale activity for the 2017 World Water Day celebration dubbed One Call for All. Around 300 Davaoeños responded to DCWD’s One Call for All. In the afternoon, participants were from various government agencies, barangays, and academe who joined in the kNOW H20 interactive exhibit featuring DCWD’s frontline services and annual World Water Day celebrations since 2008. A 2Big Services booth was also set up to accommodate water service related concerns alongside the Social Security System’s booth that brought their services closer to the public. The participants also enriched their knowledge on environmental concerns through the three-part 2Big

Forum about water quality by DCWD’s Water Quality Division manager Hydie R. Mapiñas, water conservation by DCWD’s Public Information/Relations Division OIC Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod, and promoting zero waste and recycling plastic wastes by CEO and president of Envirotech, Inc. Engr. Winchester O. Lemen. The kNOW H20 interactive exhibit was displayed until evening for the participants of DCWD-sponsored Zumba. All participants took part in the Blue Hands to symbolize their pledge to protect the environment and conserve water. Prior the event, DCWD requested the invited participants to bring discarded plastic bottles for the project of recycling discarded materials into plastic chairs, which forms part of the 2Big Campaign. Around 10 kilos of plastic bottles have been collected to kick start the recycling project. DCWD acting general

manager Mildred G. Aviles thanked the participants and their respective agencies for the positive response to the water utility’s call for multisector support to reduce the wastes going back to the environment and help the would-be recipient public schools in the watersheds. Earlier on March 22, 2017, DCWD held a simultaneous Customer’s Appreciation activity in all its offices and collection centers wherein around 600 paying customers participated in the water trivia and received information, education, and campaign materials. DCWD keenly observes March 22 as World Water Day as the celebration focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. World Water Day 2017 highlights the relationship between water and wastewater. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)

DCWD launches 2Big Campaign in World Water Day celeb

Participants pledge to conserve water and protect the environment. Students, public servants, and other participants paint their hands on the Blue Hands commitment wall as pledge to conserve water and protect the environment.