Edge Davao 9 Issue 123 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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YOUNG PEACE-MAKER. A young Matigsalog girl flashes the peace sign before her dance performance during a gathering in Marilog District, Davao City. This year’s Kadayawan sa Davao celebration will once again put the spotlight on the 11 tribes of Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

Davao parks, city hall now Wi-Fi hotspots

AVAO CITY’S public parks and the entire city hall building are now Wi-Fi hotspots. And everyone can enjoy online connectivity in these areas - for free. Ricarte Franco, City Information and Technology Center (CITC) chief, said the free Wi-Fi project is in partnership with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and was recently launched just as the city started celebrating the annual Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival. Franco said the city is among the first local government units chosen for the national government’s free internet access project “Juan Konek”. Free Wi-Fi can be accessed at the People’s Park, Osmeña Park, Quezon Park, and Rizal Park. Franco said a user can enjoy up to 100MB of free data.

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DRUGS RAMPANT IN DAVAO PRISON CIDG admits illegal drug transactions happen in Davao Prison and Penal Farm By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

RIMINAL Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Supt. Edilberto Leonardo bared that the sale of illegal drugs is still rampant at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm (DPPF) even

with the strict inspection and security procedures being carried out by the facility’s jail guards. Leonardo said that based on the CIDG’s recent intelligence gathering, they

have found out that drug-related transactions are still taking place inside the prison. “I must admit that based on our recent intel reports, there are still [illegal] drugs

inside the DAPECOL (DPPF). There are still drug transactions happening inside,” Leonardo said. He revealed the DPFF has been on the watch list of the CIDG due to intelligence

reports they have been receiving regarding illicit activities that are taking place within the facility. Leanardo even admitted that his men have purchased

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EDGEDAVAO Sports Tabuena finishes 53rd in golf P15

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DAVAO’S INDIGENOUS TRIBES. The deputy mayors representing the 11 tribes of Davao City grace the opening of the Kadayawan sa Davao 2016 at the People’s Park on Monday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Anti-discrimination bill for LGBTs pushed

INAGAT Islands Rep. Kaka J. Bag-ao has filed a bill seeking to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI). House Bill 51 or the “Anti-Discrimination Act” defines and penalizes practices that unjustly discriminate LGBTs in the criteria for hiring, promotion, transfer, designation, work assignment, re-assignment, dismissal of workers and other human resource movement and action. “Our lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBTs) continue to be oppressed by the iniquitous treatment of society at large, primarily because of misconceptions and ignorance. Sadly for our democracy, LGBTs are still considered second class citizens when they try to ex-

ercise the rights to which they are rightfully entitled,” said Bag-ao. “Prejudicial beliefs and policies based on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, workplaces, commercial establishments and public service limit the exercise and enjoyment of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Bag-ao added. The bill penalizes educational and training institutions that shall refuse to admit or expel a person based on SOGI. HB 51 also prohibits any person to deny access to public or private medical and other health services open to the general public on the basis of such person’s sexual orientation. It likewise rules out denial of an application or revocation F ANTI-DISCRIMINATION, 10

Bato says drug syndicates behind extrajudicial killings

RUG syndicates and not vigilantes are behind the spate of alleged extrajudicial killings in the past months, Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa revealed on Tuesday. During the command conference at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Dela Rosa said they have “scientific evidence” to prove the claim. He added the PNP has identified the drug syndicates involved in the killings. “We learned that because

we have scientific evidence leading to that conclusion. Malalaman niyo ‘yan later [You will know that later],” Dela Rosa said. He said some alleged vigilante killings were actually syndicated killings by those involved in drugs. “Mga grupo sa droga, magugulat na lang kayo kapag may inilabas kami na data, facts kung sino-sino nagpapatayan (There are drug groups, you will be surprised when we release the data and facts on who are killing each other),” Dela Rosa said. (PNA)

GPH-MILF meeting in KL yielding positive results By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Monday evening reported a major breakthrough during the recent meeting held between representatives of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “Within a record time of just six (6) weeks soon after the start of the Duterte Administration, the new architecture for peace between the Government and the Bangsamoro has been drawn and crafted with the initial building blocks immediately set in place by the newly launched peace implementing panels of both the

Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur,” said OPAPP secretary Jesus G. Dureza in a statement released to media on Monday. The meeting of the GPH and MILF panels ended last Sunday, August 14. In particular, Sec. Dureza lauded the members of the GPH and MILF panels headed by Irene M. Santiago and Mohaqher Iqbal, respectively. “The meeting was concluded in a high and positive note,” the OPAPP secretary said. The MILF, he reported, had agreed to increase the membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC)

from the original 15 to 21 in order to ensure the wider participation of all concerned parties in the peace process. The BTC’s expansion was in response to President Duterte’s directive for more inclusivity in the Bangsamoro peace process as set forth in the new roadmap for peace. “For this we give credit to the MILF under the leadership of Al Haj Murad Ibrahim in bringing this about as their positive acknowledgement of the inclusivity and convergence approach in the road map of peace of President Duterte,” Dureza said. In the joint statement released by both the GPH and MILF panels on Monday, the

following agreements were made: The succeeding meetings will be held in the Philippines with the closure of the negotiations phase, and the onset of the implementation stage for the Bangsamoro; With the immediate re-constitution of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which is the startup mechanism to re-craft a proposed new enabling law for submission to Congress in replacement of the failed Bangsamoro Basic Law ( BBL), the body will increase of its membership from 15 to 21 to allow more stakeholders to participate;

HE road to peace with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) may be a thorny one, but President Duterte is hopeful that a breakthrough will be achieved, as the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panels are set to meet on August 22 in Oslo, Norway. “The president assured NDF lawyers present during the meeting in Malacañang yesterday that the NDF consultants will fly to Oslo,” Labor

Secretary and GPH chief negotiator Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III said in a statement to the media on Monday. Bello and the rest of the members of the panel flew on Monday evening to Oslo, Norway to meet their counterparts to resume the stalled peace negotiations with the hope of ending the decades of armed confrontations that has caused the death of thousands of Filipino and continued underdevelopment in the countryside. The CPP, along with its armed wing the New People’s

Army (NPA), is waging Asia’s longest running insurgency. The NDF is the political umbrella of the CPP-NPA. “The president instructed the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) and the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist the NDF consultants who will be travelling to Oslo, Norway over the weekend for the formal talks slated for Monday next week, August 22,” said GPH panel member Angela Librado-Trinidad in the same statement to the media. To give way to the resump-

tion of the talks, several detained high-ranking NDF leaders have been allowed by the courts to post bail to be able join the peace negotiations in Oslo. Trinidad added the government, upon orders of the President, did not pose objections to their temporary liberties to fast track the peace negotiations. Among those allowed by the regional trial court in Quezon City to join the peace talks are Benito and Wilma Tiam-

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Rody sees thorny road to peace with Reds T F RODY, 10

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Rody administers oaths to 42 new appointees

4 O’CLOCK HABIT. Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte listens to a presenter during yesterday’s anti-dengue planning workshops for Barangay captains at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. The Davao City Council will implement a 90-

day siren every 4 p.m. to remind the public of the 4 o’clock habit of cleaning against dengue. Lean Daval Jr.

Dengue vaccine is good but needs further study – DOH By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE Department of Health (DOH) 11 agrees that further studies need to be done to determine the efficacy of the recently released dengue vaccine, as the number of dengue cases in the city has risen to 3,700. DOH 11 regional director Abdullah Dumama said he would like to recommend the use of the dengue vaccine in the region in light of the ballooning number of dengue cases, although he noted that more studies need to be conducted to ensure that it is safe for use.

According to Dumama, two out of the 6,000 Filipinos who received the dengue vaccines died, although no tests have been undertaken to categorically prove that the vaccine was the main cause of death of the deceased patients. “The vaccine is good, it is already recommended by the World Health Organization. However, we need to conduct further studies to ensure that it is safe to use and what are its mitigating factors,” he said. Dumama also reminded the people of Davao to practice the 4 o’clock habit, as this will

help eradicate the breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in the community. In the meantime, Davao City Council Committee on Health chairperson Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte filed a resolution under suspended rules last week in which police sirens will sound off every 4’oclock as a reminder for the public to clean their backyard. “We would like to make sure that the people will create a habit of cleaning every 4’oclock to eradicate the breeding ground of the dengue carrying mosquitoes,” Villafuerte said.

The dengue alarm will run for 90 days in order to help create a habit among Dabawenys to be mindful of the cleanliness of their surroundings, and ensure that dengue-causing mosquitos don’t breed. The councilor said that she does not want to penalize people through an ordinance, but instead encourage them to do their part in helping the government address the dengue situation in the city. Villafuerte explained that the ordinance drafted by former committee on Health

42 new appointees sworn into office at Malacañang. “Itong LTFRB, pati LTO all over, they’re still at it and to think that I placed there, si General [Edgar] Galvante and [Martin] Delgra, he’s a lawyer from Davao. Talagang itong mga tao na ito ay with proven competence and integrity. But hindi talaga nila ma-control, from the central government down the line doon sa mga regional. Eh nandiyan pa rin iyong... ganoon pa rin,” he said.

He cited his meeting with Cagayan De Oro City businessmen sometime last week wherein they fielded the same complaint – corruption at the LTO and LTFRB. “I suppose that this is true, universal throughout the country except for minor exceptions,” the President noted. “Sabi ko iyong gobyerno, I think there is a need really to purge. I do not want to transgress Civil Service rules, I do not want to ignore due

process, which I loathe to do. Pero, apparently itong sa gobyerno mahirap tanggalin iyong nandiyan na, or you need another generation of workers really to do the job,” he said. “But I would be very, maybe harsh in the coming days because it seems that my appeal -- that this would be a clean government -- is not registering at all in the grey matter between the ears of some people in government,” the President said. (PNA)

Last Sunday, the CPP released a statement withdrawing its support for the intensified drive against illegal drugs by the administration of President Duterte. “Police officials have brazenly carried out summary killings against suspected drug peddlers and users. Hundreds have been killed while ‘resisting arrest’ or while under custody and detention, in police cars as well as in jails,” the communist group said in statement. ”That statement would

be premature because there is not at this time, any investigation showing that there has been extrajudicial killings,” Panelo replied. He added: “As far as we are concerned, the killings are being made by drug pushers themselves, killing each other.” According to the reports, more than 500 drug pushers and users were killed amid the aggressive anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration. Panelo said the govern-

ment’s war against the drug menace should be part of the discussion in the scheduled peace talks between the Philippine government and the communist group on Aug. 2027 in Oslo, Norway. ”That is why there will be talks. That should be part of the discussion,” he said. The Senate Committee on Justice chaired by neophyte Senator Leila de Lima is set to conduct an investigation on alleged extrajudicial killings, urging President Duterte to monitor the inquiry. (PNA)

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday swore into office 42 appointees during a simple ceremony held in Malacañang Palace. Appointed to the Office of the President (OP) were: Michael Ong, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration; Nathaniel Dalumpines, Assistant Secretary; Annalyn Tolentino, Assistant Executive Secretary, Social Secretary’s Office; Commissioner Melissa Avanceña Aradanas, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor; Astravel Pimentel-Naik, Presidential Legislative Liaison Officer III; Jose Marie Concepcion III, Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship; Undersecretary Jimmy Lalo Manabat, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force. Also appointed were: Angelito Banayo, member and Chairperson Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO); along with Leticia Ramos Shahani, Gilberto Lauengco and Rommel Sytin as members of the Board of Directors, MECO. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete, executive director of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI); Cariza Yamson Seguerra, chairperson of the National Youth Commission (NYC); Jay Daniel Rodriquez Santiago, Acting general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA); Gregorio Garcia and Vivencio Dizon, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) board of directors; Antonio Generoso Buendia Jr., acting general manager, Civil

CPP’s extrajudicial killings charge premature - Palace

ALACANANG on Monday described as premature the accusation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that the government is involved in extrajudicial killings, prompting the rebels to withdraw its support from the Duterte Administration’s war against illegal drugs. ”Inhumane? E parang they are already concluding that there is being extrajudicial salvaging,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said in a media interview.

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PNP chief won’t budge in war against drugs

LTO, LTFRB to be purged of corrupt personnel P RESIDENT Duterte said on Monday he is mulling a nationwide purge that will rid the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of widespread corruption. “Itong minsan, magpapasyal-pasyal ako ng probinsiya, endemic talaga ang graft and corruption. I really do not know why other people would insist on doing it until now,” he said during his speech before

Aviation Authority of the Philipines (CAAP); and Mary Liza Bautista Diño, chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Abraham Khalil Mitra, chair of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB); Amable Aguiluz V, Special Envoy of the President to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); Arturo Evangelista, Assistant Secretary, Department of Transportation (DOTr); Abraham Sales, Executive Director II, Toll Regulatory Board, DoTr; Jose Maria Zubiri Jr., chair of the Regional Development Council, Region X, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); and Gamaliel Asis Cordoba, Cmmissioner, National Telecommunications Commission, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Alvin Feliciano, Deputy Director General, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (NEDA); Nestor Sumod-Ong Valeroso and Jesus Clint Aranas, Deputy Commissioners of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR); Aimee Torrefranca Neri, Assistant Secretary, Department of Justice (DOJ); Michael Robles and Al Argocino, both Deputy Commissioner III of the Bureau of Immigration (BI); Leopoldo Leuterio Jr., Director III, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Rolando Espiritu Asuncion, Deputy Director, Bureau of Corrections (BuCor); Rafael Cunanan Yabut, Senior Undersecretary, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); and

HILIPPINE National Police Chief Dir. Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa rejected calls to arm the police with tasers instead of guns during raids especially on drug-related operations. In a press briefing in Camp Crame on Tuesday, Dela Rosa said the use of non-lethal weapons such as taser may put police officers at risk because drug suspects and criminals are armed and dangerous. Tasers are electroshock weapons that could be used only to neutralize unarmed and less dangerous suspects, he explained. “Marami na tayong pulis na namamatay, marami ang agaw buhay, 50-50 na nasa mga hospital pa [Many of our police have died and more are still in hospitals fighting for their lives],” he told reporters before leading a command conference on Tuesday. “Nakikita naman natin kung paano manlaban itong mga kalaban natin. We are at war. So if you go to war, don’t go there unprepared. Pag nandun ka, desidido ka [We saw how our opponents responded. So if you go to war, don’t go there

unprepared. If you go to war, you must be decided.]” Once police officers join a drug raid, they must be ready to kill or be killed, he said. “You should be ready in both instances, he noted. There are also some suggestions for the raiding team to be fitted with cameras to document operations and prevent them from violating police rules. But Dela Rosa said such measure is not practical at this time when policemen lack the basic tools to do their jobs. He said he would prefer buying guns and ammunition to make law enforcers effective in the field. “Uunahin muna namin ‘yung basic na pangangailangan to defend themselves. Not to defend the other party. Yun ang iniisip namin ngayon [We are looking at prioritizing the basic needs of police to defend themselves],” Dela Rosa said. “Last priority ko ang pag-satisfy namin sa mga critic na ‘yan. Hindi ko sila i-satisfy para lang sila magkalma. Bahala sila [It is not our priority to satisfy the critics. I won’t do that just so they would stop],” he added. (PNA)

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DATE to highlight Davao’s ‘golden crops’ By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

AVAO City will host the 18th Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE 2016) on September 22 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center, in SM Lanang Premiere. “DATE is the biggest and longest-running trade expo and business event in Mindanao,” Tessie Pascual, vice president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) told reporters in a press conference on Monday. Accroding to Pascual, this year’s DATE will highlight the “golden crops” of Mindanao that includes cacao, corn, coconut, rice, coffee and cassava. The event also aims to establish institutional markets for these crops, and at the same time, encourage stakeholders to go beyond production and venture into financing, processing, marketing and exporting. DATE 2016 is a collaborative effort between the DCCCI, city government of Davao, the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). In the same presscon, DCCCI president Bonifacio Tan said that businessmen, business companies, stakeholders

in the agriculture and trade industries are expected to join the event. Platinum sponsors of DATE 2016 include the Mega harbour Port and Development Inc.; the Anflo Management and Investment Corporation (Anflocor); and the DMI Medical Supply Co., Inc. Gold sponsors of the event are Vitarich Corporation, Cargill Philippines Inc., and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD). “Everything is already on board. Our partners that we used to have are still there. They really made efforts to put up everything for the upcoming DATE 2016,” Pascual said. Other highlights of DATE 2016 include the Agri-Trade Exhibition, Agri-marketing Conference, technical seminars and business matching. The event will be attended by exhibitors coming from the fields of agri-trade, agri-industrial equipment, fertilizers, crop sciences, and disease management of Mindanao’s golden crops. This year’s DATE will also be the first time that an

HE provincial government of Davao Oriental plans to develop at least 15,000 hectares of the area’s agricultural land into cacao plantations by planting it with three million trees. According to provincial agriculturist Rotchie Ravelo, the province’s cacao expansion plan was announced during the Provincial Cacao Industry Research and Development Extension (RDE) consultation, promotion and investment forum held in Mati City last week. Ravelo said the province also aims to increase the productivity of its cacao trees by at least two kilos in order to increase farmers’ annual income from P80,000 to P90,000 per hectare. “Davao Oriental has a total of 4,657 hectares planted to cacao or intercropped with coconut and other crops producing 1,771 MT of none fermented beans per year,” he said. “However, the number is decreasing since some of these trees are already old and no longer productive as before. Some trees were also cut and planted with other crops,” he explained. In the same forum, Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang said the province’s cacao industry will be the next big thing in the province next to its coconut industry.

“We are thankful to the Department of Agriculture in Region XI (DA-XI) for providing us 1.6 million cacao planting materials which enabled us to expand our production areas,” Dayanghirang said. The governor said the provincial government will help “level-up” cacao farmers from mere producers of beans to cacao processors. He pointed out this move will enable farmers to sell not only cacao beans, but also value-added cacao products such as tablea and processed chocolate which can be sold at a premium price. Dayanghirang stressed that farmers should observe Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in their farms so that their products will meet international standards and become more competitive in the global market. “Our resources are not sufficient, but with the support of the national government particularly the DA we can attain our vision for the cacao industry in the province,” the governor said. He also bared his plans to discuss Davao Oriental’s agriculture situation with DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to ensure that the province’s agricultural priorities are aligned with the development thrust of the agriculture department. (Evelyn G. Deligero/ DA-XI)

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DavOr eyes 15K has for cacao expansion T

A MAN AND HIS CACTUS. A flower grower arranges his collection of rare cactus varieties at his stall located in SM City Davao’s Kadayawan Farm and Agri Trade Fair yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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DA bats for floriculture roadmap T

HE Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged members of the floriculture industry to unite and come-up with an industry roadmap that will set the sector’s direction and propel its growth. DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops and Agribusiness Evelyn G. Laviña said that while rice is a priority commodity of the Duterte administration, the President also wants agricultural growth

to be inclusive wherein all subsectors including the floriculture industry will benefit. “I would like to ask the floriculture industry of the Philippines to move as one with a roadmap so that DA will give you the help that you need and we can include it in our program,” Laviña said while addressing Davao’s floriculture stakeholders during the opening of the Kadayawan Farm and Garden Agri Trade Fair held Monday at SM City

HE Office of the President will host the twoday Social and Economic Development Summit on August 17 and 18 at the SMX Davao Convention Center aimed at crafting the social development plan of the Duterte administration. Deputy Cabinet Secretary Peter Laviña said the summit will be attended by representatives from 14 sectors identified in the law creating the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NPAC); the youth sector, senior citizens, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, victims of disasters, farmers, among others. Laviña said that among the 14 sectors, the fisherfolk is considered the most mar-

ginalized, having witnessed how they tried to earn a living and sending their children to school; the IPs who are victims of the crossfire in armed conflicts and militarization; and, those in the formal sector who are vulnerable to displacement and involvement in crimes. Laviña said the national government aims to provide opportunities for the marginalized sector to earn rather than rely on government assistance all their lives. “We will teach them how to fish,” he said during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM Davao. The outcome of the twoday summit will be submitted directly to President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also expected to grace the event. (PNA)

Davao city to host socio-econ summit T

Davao. Laviña said the DA is currently embarking on a “color-coded” agricultural map to determine which crops or agricultural commodity would best thrive in a specific area based on existing geographic, climate and social conditions. She said the DA studying the viability of implementing an easy financing program for short gestating crops so that small farmers, including ornamental and floriculture

KADAYAWAN GARDEN FAIR DA Undersecretary for High-Value Crops and Agribusiness Evelyn G. Laviña (2nd from left) join local officials and guests during the opening of the Kadayawan Farm and Garden Agri Fair held Monday at SM Davao City grounds. Joining her from left are: Councilor Marissa Abella,

tricity supply in the franchise area of Palawan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PALECO). According to DPC, about 5,400 out of 7,263 households in Aborlan have electricity connections. About 26 percent of the total households in the first class municipality are still not connected to the grid. To date, DPC has a total contracted capacity of 56 MW with its projects in Masbate, Calapan in Oriental Mindoro and Sultan Kudarat through supply contracts with electric cooperatives. (PNA)

UDCC is warning the public against false rumors about a “libreng pabahay” government program being implemented on a “first-come-first-serve basis.” While government subsidizes housing programs towards making acceptable housing affordable to the homeless and underprivileged, subsidies are not used to fund a “dole out” system such as the so-called “libreng pabahay,” the HUDCC clarified in a statement. “Dole-out” programs have been found to be counterproductive to the social development and economic empow-

To recall, the SEC rejected in March PSE’s request for exemption from Section 32.2(c) of Securities Regulation Code stating that no party should hold more than 20 percent ownership in an industry group to ensure that there will be no monopoly in the exchanges. But Sicat defended the financial services organization, explaining that it represents a minority of products that are going to the financial system. “It’s the banks, loans, deposits which continue to dominate not only in the Philippines but emerging markets,” he said.

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mittee can help in formulating the floriculture industry roadmap, particularly in organizing small ornamental farmers and growers in the city. “In formulating the industry roadmap, we will ensure that production areas of ornamentals from highlands to lowlands will be identified, and the necessary support that they need will be provided both by DA and the local government,” she said. (Noel T. Provido/DA-XI)

Malaysia Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir, Acting Indonesia Consul General Endah Yuliarti Farry, FIDI Charter President Charita Puentespina, FIDI President Angel Puentespina, and Councilor April Marie Dayap. Photo by N.T. Provido/DA-XI

erment of the homeless and underprivileged members of society. The rumors appear to have spread recently when last July 29, 2016, an unexpected deluge of people queued at the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Quezon City claiming to have heard about a government “libreng pabahay” program being implemented on a ‘first-come, first-serve basis.’ Despite the clarification by NHA on the same day that there is no “libreng pabahay” program whether from NHA or other government agencies, rumors have continued to spread such as an alleged

distribution of forms for the so-called “libreng pabahay” program. Furthermore, several text messages about free housing care of the vice president have been circulating. “Dirty tricks are being played and false rumors are being spread to confuse the public and this may not be the last,” the HUDCC statement said. HUDCC called on the media and the public to be vigilant against misinformation and to rely only on official announcements from local officials, Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs), and other concerned agencies.

The KSAs, aside from HUDCC and NHA, are Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC), Home Guaranty Corp. (HGC), and National Home Mortgage Finance Corp. (NHMFC). The HUDCC also urged the public to report to the complete names, contact details and other relevant information of persons or entities spreading such rumors through eag@hudcc.gov.ph or to 09175792037 so that the housing body may take the proper action in coordination with concerned agencies.

or to any government official. Please come because you want to invest in the Philippines,” he said before 27 businessmen from major Chinese construction firms, who to date, represent the largest business delegation that visited the country under the present administration. Tugade said there were needs for more roads, piers and ports, railroads and airports to ensure higher growth all over the country. He said the sites of these infrastructure projects put up would also need horizontal constructions to support more economic activities just like what was happening in economic zones. “There are economic zones that were developed

because of airports. There are economic zones that were developed because of sea ports. There are economic zones that were developed because of airport and seaport. And there will be economic zones that will be developed because of connecting railroads,” he said. Tugade also said he personally wanted investments in walkalators along Ayala Avenue in the Makati Business District to ease traffic in the area, but stressed that it needed the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). He said these projects can be funded in different modes such as build-operate-transfer (BOT) and through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), but stressed the government pre-

fers unsolicited proposals. Projects to be included under unsolicited proposals will be published by the government, and companies that want to undertake it need to submit their respective proposals and challenge the proposals of other entities. For PPPs, Tugade said the Duterte government plans to fast track the process from about two years in the previous administration to just about nine months. He said the government would provide the projects legal protection of up to 25 years depending on the project itself, the amount contributed by the private sector, and the employment opportunities. ICC-Philippines founding chairman Francis Chua told

Tugade to bizmen: Invest in projects not bribes

PSE-PDS merger mulled T HOULD the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reconsider to favor the integration of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and the Philippine Dealing System (PDS), PSE President and CEO Hans Sicat said he mulls the refiling of the planned merger within the year. Sicat told reporters that talks for PSE-PDS merger have been restarted. “Hopefully this month we get a good sense of what SEC is thinking,” he said. “What we want to be sure, if indeed they are amenable to the concept, then we’ll be working towards an updated filing, a formal filing,” he added.

were attempts for large group and companies to invest and be part of the industry but for several reasons, they have not sustained their participation,” Puentespina said. “I think it is really necessary that the vision of where we want to go would be defined so that we can determine what are the best [strategies] to move forward.” he added. Moreover, Davao City Councilor Marissa Abella said the council’s agriculture com-

HUDCC:‘Libreng Pabahay’a hoax

DMCI invests P600M for H Palawan power project MCI Power Corp. (DPC), a subsidiary of DMCI Holdings, Inc., is investing PHP600 million for a 2x4.95-megawatt bunker-fired power plant in Aborlan, Palawan. “We are investing approximately PHP600 million in Aborlan to address the continuing increase in electricity demand in the province due to the rise of local tourism and commercial establishments,” said DMCI Power President Nestor D. Dadivas. DPC said its new power project aims to stabilize elec-

growers, can avail themselves of much needed funds. Meanwhile, Floriculture Industry of Davao Inc. (FIDI) President Angel Puentespina noted that the DA’s proposal for crafting of an industry roadmap is most welcome, as it is the only way for the industry to improve. “The floriculture industry has been there for a long time and mostly participated in by small growers and small farmers. In the past, there

RANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur Tugade encouraged foreign businessmen to invest their funds for projects that would further push the Philippines growth and not use them to bribe government officials. In his speech during the meeting with the Chinese business delegation, held in coordination with the International Chamber of Commerce – Philippines (ICC Philippines) at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Tugade said the Duterte government wantS businessmen to invest in the country, but warned the latter against involving themselves in corrupt practices. “Bring your money to invest in this country (but) don’t bring your money to give to me

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

TECH-VOC SKILLS. Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries of Davao City District 3 undergo a skills training on shielded metal arc welding, as well as motorcycle small engine servicing at University of South Eastern Philippines (USEP) College of Technology, Extension Division. DSWD continues to equip Pantawid families with technical-vocational competencies

to prepare them for employment as they graduate from the program. To date, there are 264,000 families benefiting from Pantawid Pamilya in Davao Region including indigenous peoples. (DSWD/lls)

ARMM guv: Speed T up infra projects R

EGIONAL Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Tuesday directed public works officials to expedite the delivery of infrastructure projects to the region’s constituents. Hataman issued the directive as he presided over the expanded management committee meeting of all officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM), as the region starts tpo implement its massive infrastructure development projects. Hataman met with DPWH-ARMM regional Sec. Mustapha Don Loong, eight district engineers and all division chiefs. Listening to detailed reports on the operations and financial reports of the lead agency in infrastructure development, Hataman said the region is on schedule in its development program which he started upon assumption to office a few years ago. Loong said that with the aim at sustaining the gains and the reforms of the administration, DPWH-ARMM is continuously working towards the improving the lives

P150-M CDO coastal road project halted

of the constituents it serves. Hataman has another marching order: “Speed up the procurement and implementation of works without sacrificing quality.” Hataman regularly inspects all DPWH-ARMM projects through its inter-agency monitoring group headed by the regional planning board. This is aside from the fiveman regional validation team, representing the five regional DPWH divisions, that visits and validates construction works per province, especially those that have been completed. “It is our mandate to be very vigilant and circumspect to ensure that there will be no ghost projects in this administration and that we are able to uplift the lives of our people through better infrastructure,” Loong said in a statement. With the goal to carry out the first 100 days target of the agency, Loong ordered the fast tracking of projects that have yet to be started in 2016. He said project implementation needs to be hastened in order for the public works department to meet its first 100 days and milestone

accomplishment targets for the next three years. DPWH-ARMM set a 60-70 percent physical accomplishment target in its 2016 projects by November. Loong also said the projects are not only being implemented on time, they are also implemented with utmost transparency. “We have adopted good practices and policies to ensure that our projects are being implemented on time, at the right cost and at the right quality,” Loong said. Hataman has urged the local and national media to help monitor the implementation of ARMM government projects, especially infrastructure, to ensure transparency and accountability. Members of the Regional Assembly, the region’s law making body, have committed to help give feedback to the DPWH-ARMM secretary regarding the status of implementation of projects in their districts. Relative to the ARMM-DPWH’s target-setting, the priority projects of the agency, according to Loong, include access roads to tourism sites, farm-to-market connectivity

and infrastructure support to the socio-economic development of the region. During the meeting, Hataman also checked on the accomplishments of the agency including the completion of all regular infrastructure projects programmed in 2012 and 2013, which is substantially completed. He was told that projects included in the 2014 and 2015 regular infra budget are almost completed, while most 2016 projects are currently ongoing. After Hataman joined DPWH-ARMM in its expanded management committee meeting, the district engineers of the region assured Hataman the implementation of projects for 2016 are closely monitored. Hataman emphasized the agency’s accomplishment is vital and is important in demonstrating, not only the region’s public works projects, but the region’s good governance practices as well. Despite these accomplishments, Hataman still reminded DPWH-ARMM and other agencies represented in the meeting to ensure prudent fiscal management. (PNA)

Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog, Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and City Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog, of Ozamiz City, surrendered assorted short and high powered firearms Monday. Serenas said town Mayor David Navarro, of Clarin, Misamis Occidental, also surrendered all the firearms

registered under his name in the municipal police station of Clarin last Monday. The surrendered firearms included M16 Bushmaster, FN, SOCOM II, AK45, Galil, Uzi, Glock, Para Ordnance and other high-powered firearms and pistols, Sereñas said. He said Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa

issued the order to the local executives to turn over their firearms after their names were included in the “drug list.” Sereñas also said that Chief Supt. Noel Constantino, regional police director in Northern Mindanao, also ordered the recall of police officers detailed as security escorts of the local executives.

Mindanao politicians turn over guns K

NOWN politicians in Misamis Occidental in Southern Philippines turned over high powered firearms after the licenses of all the firearms registered under their names were ordered revoked, a police official said Tuesday. Police Supt. Surki A Sereñas, regional police spokesperson, said City

HE construction of the Php 150-million coastal road along the fishing village of Macabalan here was temporarily suspended pending resolution of some issues and concerns raised by the residents. Norbel Saa, chairman of the coastal village of Macabalan, said a group of fishermen had complained that they’ve lost the docking area for the fishing boats since the coastal road would block the shoreline. He said the contractor of the project has stopped the filling and the reclamation of the area until a the fishermen’s complaints are resolved. He said the coastal residents of Macabalan welcome the project, but not until the concerns of the affected residents are properly addressed. “It would be difficult to implement a project that would be beneficial to the community and yet there are some residents who would be deprived of the livelihood because of the project,” Saa said. He said that the DPWH must find a way for the fishermen to have a passageway for their boats and must see to it that the residents whose houses and properties are damaged due to the project are properly compensated or relocated. Saa said that the village officials also asked the highThe security escorts were directed to report back to the regional headquarters for reassignment to other units in the region. He said President Duterte also ordered the cancellation of the deputation authority of the local executives whose names were mentioned in the drug list. “This means that the local executives no longer have operational and administrative control and supervision over the PNP in their respec-

way officials to hire local construction workers who are residents of the affected projects. In a dialogue with the DPWH officials last week, Saa said he would only accede to the continuation of the project if an assurance is given that the welfare of the people is taken cared off. Vinah Maghinay, regional information officer of the DPWH here, said the highway officials would take all the complaints positively in order to find an acceptable solution to these various issues and concerns. Maghinay assured the residents that once the coastal road is finished, the project would have a positive impact on communities in the area, as more investors would be attracted to do business. Project data released by the DPWH in Northern Mindanao described the project as a 1.3-kilometer two-lane road with a carriageway of 13.40 meters. The coastal road equipped with a four-meter boardwalk would connect the proposed Macabalan-Bonbon Bridge, which would ease traffic congestion in the city, highway officials said. The coastal road and the planned bridge were part of the priority projects of the DPWH in Northern Mindanao, which has an allocated budget of Php 32 billion for 2016, Maghinay said. (PNA) tive areas,” Sereñas said. Sereñas said the local executives whose security escorts were recalled could employ the services of a licensed and accredited security service provider with the approval of Dela Rosa. According to Sereñas, those whose names were mentioned in the drug list but failed to surrender their firearms could face arrest and be charged with illegal possession of firearms. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

EDITORIAL

Raising little monsters

HE United States has always been in the forefront of protests over human rights violations happening outside its territory. The Big Brother image has become its cloak of invincibility and supremacy over countries across the world that has inner problems. However, that superhero and Big Brother image is no less vulnerable to its own share of social injustice—racial discrimination, and of late, raising a culture of violence among its children. Recently, a 13-year-old boy from Staten Island, New York, took his own life after being bullied by classmates at school. In teenager Daniel Fitzpatrick’s tragic suicide note, he claimed that his old friends in school at Holy Angels Catholic Academy had stopped talking to him and didn’t like him. “I gave up.” Daniel, who was scheduled to start at Brooklyn’s Xaverian High School in the fall, wrote on lined paper. “The teachers either they didn’t do ANYTHING!” Daniel scrawled in the note. How painful is that to Daniel when he was living, and now to his parents after Daniel died of hanging? Daniel’s father, also Daniel Fitzpatrick, posted a video to his Facebook

EDGEDAVAO

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page on Saturday to thank people for their support. In it, he condemns both the boys who allegedly “tormented” his son and the Catholic school that reportedly told him, “You’ll be fine… These things will pass” when the teen went to school officials for help. The words of the grieving father went: No parent should have to bury their child. No child should have to go through what my son went through. How can America exist as a Big Brother seeing its children grow up as little monsters? How can it promote a just society when even its teachers and those running schools do not do anything when a boy like Daniel come knocking on their offices for help? Now here is America telling us to stop killings related to illegal drugs when it cannot even save the life of a young boy bullied by its little monsters? America allowed its children to grow up like monsters bullying others because in the macro-social situation, it also does the same—bully others. Daniel’s fate to bullies in school reflects the culture of violence and aggression America’s children are growing up into. The question is: who will tell America it is wrong? Who will tell them to stop the culture of violence and aggression?

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EDGEDAVAO

ITH the celebration of Kadayawan Festival down here southern Mindanao in Davao City, all flights are booked for thousands of revelers who want to experience what Davao City is, home of our incumbent active, energetic, no-holds barred President Rodrigo Duterte.

*** An airline official of Cebu Pacific mentioned that there is an overflow of passengers to Davao this weekend as many Visayans as well as Metro Manilans take advantage of the festival as their way of seeing what Davao really is.

*** For sure the Department of Tourism now headed by Dabawenya Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo, is in full gear with RD Robby Alabado to welcome the for-

HE logic is that if public trust on our government officials is high, it means they are doing the right

things. Based on the recent 91% rating he earned from opinion polls, President Duterte and his men are deemed to be on the right direction vis-a-vis the intensified crackdown on illegal drugs. It means the public approves of the way the new administration – not yet three months on the job – is conducting government affairs particularly the verbal pledge of Duterte made during the presidential campaign to rid Philippine society of crime, criminality and corruption within 3 to 6 months. Aksiyon agad. Conclusively – from an ordinary citizen’s point of view - on the average, crime rate is down including snatchings, road and street holdups, robberies and petty thievery – the kind that the people have been cowering from in the past years. Police visibility has increased in all parts of the archipelago as the new PNP leadership set the active example of how cops on the beat should be conducting themselves. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been the untiring epitome of a cop who, rising from the ranks, remains a simple man. By his personal philosophy, the PNP has

VOL. 9 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

Visayans visit Davao eign and do- The Visayan Edge mestic tourists to Davao City. Event before the festivity, the festival movers are promoting thru social media the different CELSO “TOOTS” B. JIMENEZ JR. activities that will happen and is even already happening prior to the final highlights of Kadayawan.

and Iloilo. And that would mean that my craving for my favorite durian and mangosteen will now be it.

*** How Davao promotes its annual festival is a gesture of tourism and travel stakeholders in this city as they cohesively bond together in unison to make a successful celebration. Other cities, towns and even provinces must learn from this Davao experience.

brod in law of the President I believe.

*** Visayans from Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu are packed up to fly to Davao City before Saturday falls as all seats in the planes are taken. Davao Mayor Inday Sara Duterte is surely happy with the preparation of the festival organizers and our congratulations to you Madam Mayor.

*** We are thankful to be part of the media entourage invited by the Davao City Government in cooperation with Cebu Pacific Air to fly to Davao along with print and social media faces from Cebu

*** In my trip to Davao, I hope to meet my former barkada classmates at the Ateneo de Davao like Congressman Tony Boy Foirendo Jr., Binggoy Montemayor, Oca Robillo, Ray dela Paz, Tito Sorongon, friends Benjo Toribio, Boy Banaag, and more. My mind still recalls that I had a classmate Zimmerman at the Ateneo, a

*** One destination the tourists should not miss is a food celebration at VIKINGS SM Lanang Premiere where thousands are expected to have a great experience in the Largest Buffet Restaurant of the Philippines, a multi-awarded restaurant operating several restaurants in Metro Manila including Davao, Bacolod and Cebu. Happy fiesta, Dabawenos!*

been able to SPECKS OF LIFE restore the respect and credibility it had lost in the past. Aksiyon agad. Thus far, Filipinos Fred C. Lumba in general have a big reason TO SMILE. In the labor front, DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, following Duterte’s instructions, has promptly issued a memorandum circular stopping the pactice of “ENDO” (End of Contract) that has been allowed during the PNoy regime. Aksiyon agad. Bello, also on orders of the Chief Executive, like the Lone Ranger astride on his white stallion moved fast to promptly repatriate thousands of stranded and famished OFWs in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, to the loud welcome cheers of their grieving families. Aksiyon agad. Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade is likewise on his toes, ably presenting to the senate his proposal for Congress to grant Pres. Duterte emergency powers to solve the huge Metro Manila traffic problem.

A practical man, Tugade brought the matter to the committee chaired by Sen. Grace Poe with a forceful and convincing power point presentation, aided by his equally-capable undersecretaries. If granted, Tugade said within twoyears, the exasperating traffic mess in the metropolis would be eased, including the completion of several vital road links and highways that would serve as arteries to outlying areas north, east, south and west of Metro Manila. Aksiyon agad. But, mind you, there are also sad stories to tell. Like the revelation that a QC alderman, Hero Bautista, brother to Mayor Bistek, has publicly admitted his addiction to drugs and that he is taking a leave to go through rehabilitation. Why it took Duterte to become President in 2016 for the fellow to confess to be a “victim” of the drug menace is beyond me, including the alibi of Mayor Bistek that he did not know of his younger kin’s malediction until after the results of the drug test every QC official and employees underwent. I am also sad but not surprised why a younger brother of ex-DA Sec. Prospero Alcala only now surfaced and surrendered to police authorities when media reported of his alleged drug pushing ac-

tivities together with his son. They were, not surprisingly, accompanied to the precinct by a couple of Alcala relatives – the TV news report said - including a city mayor and a congressman. Talk about a showing of force huh? I am also sad that the hundreds of thousands of surrenderees –drug users, dependents and pushers alike - indicated clearly how the previous regime treated the menace with kid gloves and indolent nonchalance. What this corner does not fathom is the fact that all this time barangay officials appear to have played deaf and dumb by tolerating the existence of drug pushers in their respective areas. Being the frontline of local governance, the barangay officials are logically the first people to know who are the culprits involved in illegal drug activities. They should have collaborated with the PNP, right? At any rate, Pres. Duterte has disclosed that anytime now, more names said to be involved in the illegal drug business will be publicly named, including some governors, congressmen and barangay officials. Aksiyon agad! (Email your feedback to fredluba@yahoo.com.). God bless the Philippines!

Aksiyon Agad!

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prohibited drugs inside the jail during a “test buy.” He added that they are also closely monitoring the activities of DPFF personnel following reports that illegal drugs can still enter the facility’s premises undetected. Leonardo, however, said that when Mayor Rodrigo Duterte became President, the situation inside the prison has drastically changed in so far as the conduct of illegal drug-related activities is concerned. “After the change of command, there was also a change of the system there. It is more difficult for them to transact drugs and there are now lesser drugs there,” he said. Leonardo also disclosed that different contrabands have found their way inside the DPFF. The two kitchen knives that were used by prison inmates to kill on Saturday three convicted Chinese nationals who were imprisoned in the facility, were allegedly owned by the victims themselves, he said.

The Chinese nationals were allegedly connected to a drug triad operating in the country, and were previously detained at the New Bilibid prison before they were transferred to the DPPF The victims were identified as Chu Kin Tung, Li Lan Yan and Wong Ming Pin. Braulio E. Dujali Municipal Police Station commander Sr. Insp. Jay Nocidal said his office is still conducting an investigation to determine how the suspects obtained the knives and used them to stab the victims. “As of now we are still clueless as to how did the suspects get those knives, we have yet to conduct our own investigation because the DPPF is still conducting a separate investigation,” Nocidal said in an earlier report published by Edge Davao. Leonardo said that the CIDG is currently gathering evidence to support the case they are set to file against the two murder suspects who have been identified as Fernando Magdadaro and Leopoldo Tan.

zon, chair and secretary general of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), respectively, she said. The opening of the resumption of the talks will be led by Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). In the same statement, Dureza said: “The president said [that] while he was hurt by the sharp exchanges between him and CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison who is based in The Netherlands, he gave assurances that he will walk the extra mile for peace,” Dureza shared. Peace advocates and other stakeholders who have been pushing for the resumption of the government’s peace talks with the CPP have expressed

serious concerns, especially on the series of armed confrontations between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NPAs in Davao region. These confrontations were followed by an exchange of harsh statements between the President and Sison. Despite these recent incidents, the OPAPP said that President Duterte has express his openness to any proposal that “would address the root of rebellion in the countryside.” The resumption of talks in Oslo will tackle substantial issues on socio economic reforms, political and constitution reforms, security and immunity guarantees, cessation of hostilities and disposition of forces, the OPPAP added in its statement. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

agri-marketing conference will be featured, with the aim of presenting marketing techniques that will help create domestic and export opportunities for agricultural products, conduct an industry road mapping, establish links to global value chain, and provide finance counseling. The agri-marketing conference will also feature a meeting between Davao suppliers and traders, as well provide a venue to discuss international market updates, export trends and financing schemes. “This event is for the small farmers who are engaged in the production of rice, corn, coconut, cacao, cassava, coffee and other products,” Tan said. As the flagship project of DCCCI, the Davao Trade Expo

is considered one of the premier business events in Mindanao, said John Tria, one of the organizers of the event. Tria added that DATE also attracts the most number of participants in the region and is now be comparable to big business events held in Metro Manila. “This is already the 18th year that we are holding DATE. Every year we feature a different set of commodities, last year it was livestock and the other year it was banana,” he said. Tria said the “golden crops” of Mindanao have already been featured in DATE 2013 that was participated in by more than 8,000 delegates. The event generated around P83 million in revenues, Tria said

The parties for the merger have tapped the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) - an independent government body ensuring fair

competition in the local market - and will continue to engage with the agency regarding the stock market and bond market integration, he added. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

JOB HUNTER. Job seekers looking for jobs abroad fill up application forms outside the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) at City Hall in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao parks... FROM 1

After consuming the 100mb allocation, Franco said data connection will be throttled. A user must wait for the next day for fresh 100mb data allocation. Pornographic sites are banned and for those who will access the wi-fi spot at the city hall, Facebook, Youtube, and other social net-

working sites are not available. The modem and internet connectivity is provided by the DICT, while the city’s counterpart is to secure the equipment, provide power connection, and assign a technical person for the wi-fi’s smooth operation and maintenance. (CIO)

of professional or other similar kind of licenses, clearance certification or other similar document issued by the government. The bill protects any person from denial of access to or use of establishments, facilities, utilities or services, including housing, open to the general public on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Further, HB 51 shall not allow any person to be forced or be subjected to undertake any medical or psychological examination to determine or alter the person’s SOGI. Refusal or revocation of accreditation, formal recognition, registration to organize

any group, political party, institution or establishment in educational institutions, workplaces, communities and other settings solely on the basis of SOGI of the members shall also be considered illegal. The inclusion of SOGI concerns in all police stations shall also be recommended and the Women and Children’s Desk shall be assigned to act on any SOGI-related complaints or cases. They shall also undergo appropriate trainings with human rights-based approach. For any violators of this act, HB 51 imposes a penalty of P100,000 but not more than P500,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years. (PNA)

chair, Councilor Bernard Al-ag in 2004 was penalty-based, and being a doctor herself, she would not want to punish residents. “That ordinance is based on punishment, and I as a doctor I don’t want to punish people. Right now, we would like to revisit it (ordinance) and probably make it incentive-based,” she said. Villafuerte also plans to put up tarpaulins in barangays that have tested negative for

dengue. From January to July of this year, the City Health Office recorded 25 deaths due to dengue, which has greatly alarmed Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Duterte Carpio. Aside from ordering the CHO to immediately bring down the number of dengue cases, the mayor also threatened not to release the Christmas bonus of city health personnel if she receives more reports of dengue-related deaths.

Roberto Bernardo, Assistant Secretary, DPWH. Also sworn in were: Benito Ligsanan Ranque, Undersecretary, Department of Energy (DOE); Charade Puno, Director-General, Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa, Undersecretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development

(DSWD); DSWD Assistant Secretaries Maria Lourdes Turalde-Jarabe, Aleli Bawagan and Hope Vargas Hervilla; Nonita Caguioa, Assistant Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); and Katherine Chloe Sinsuat de Castro, Undersecretary, Department of Tourism (DOT).

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GPH to fast track the early passage of the proposed Bangsamoro enabling law in tandem with the monitoring assistance for the MILF; The implementing panels will craft and determine their own terms of reference; The review of all mechanisms on the ground, and align them in accordance with the evolving implementation phase of the peace process. It was also agreed by both panels to jointly work on the next steps of the normalization program, and the immedi-

ate conduct of a joint strategic planning session for both panels for a better understanding of the legislative track that will be pursued. The next panel meeting is set on August 30, 2016 in Davao City. “These series of fastpaced steps are in line with President Duterte’s avowed commitment to quicken the pace of the peace process to bring about an early and much-needed end to conflict in the region and throughout the land,” Dureza said.

vision technology that brings superior cable entertainment nationwide; SKY on Demand, an on-demand video streaming and entertainment service allowing content viewing on any screen; and SKYmobi, a

mobile pocket wifi service that offers access to SKYcable’s slew of shows even outside the home. SKY Cable is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN, the Philippines’ leading media and entertainment company.

region’s digital infrastructure and support economic growth in southern Philippines. These projects include PLDT’s fourth cable landing station, which will improve resiliency and latency of international data traffic going in and out of Mindanao; an Innolab

or innovation laboratory; and the PLDT Group’s eighth data center. Smart’s accelerated LTE deployment and PLDT’s infrastructure projects in Davao City form part of PLDT’s programmed capital expenditures of P48 billion for the year.

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EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF SHARE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late NICASIA A. GALAURA has been the subject of an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF SHARE executed among her heirs per Doc. No. 127; Page No. 26; Book No. V; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC MALENE JADE G. SANCHEZ-BRION. 8/17,24,31

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 123 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

STYLE

EDGEDAVAO

STELLAR DFDC’s first fashion design competition ON AUGUST 26, Mindanao’s up-and-coming fashion designers will have the chance to put their unique vision and artistic skills on display during a competition that encourages these young talents to rethink, create, and innovate as they present their visionary and contemporary take on Mindanao’s cultural and artisanal heritage.

Organized by the Davao Fashion & Design Council (DFDC) in partnership with Abreeza Mall, “Stellar: Rising Fashion Star” is a Mindanao-wide fashion and design competition combining design ideation and business incubation that will be held on August 26 at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center. The Philippine Women’s College of Davao serves as an academe partner to Stellar’s Information Technology, Business Administration, and Fine Arts programs. The two organizations have join forces to train the future winners during their design ideation and business incubation education. Stellar’s maiden edition takes on the theme “I AMindanao,” as it challenges the competing Mindanaoan designers to interpret the island, its people, and its culture through a five-piece capsule collection with a global perspective that tweaks Mindanao artisanal heritage to create wearable and marketable garments using manipulated, commercially available materials or traditional and indigenous textiles. On August 12, DFDC presented a

sneak preview of Stellar at the Abreeza Fashion Forum, Abreeza Mall’s regular convergence of press, bloggers, and fashion insiders. The forum aims to discuss and promote notable fashion trends, projects, brands, and ideas in the field. Introduced at the event were Stellar’s competing designers: Aries Buenvenida, Neil Patrick Jimlani, Wilson Limon, Jr., Lala Luz, and Mandy Velasco from Davao City; Chard Pulatche from Davao del Norte; Mimi Tandingan from Davao Occidental; Frankie Galagnara from Cagayan de Oro City; Marlon Suan from Tagum City; and Mark Joseph Sayad from the Island Garden City of Samal. The competitors teased looks from the collections they will be unveiling at the Stellar stage on August

26. The three designers who will shine the brightest in Stellar will receive cash prizes, as well as business incubation mentorship from DFDC. The grand prize winner will take home Php 50,000; the first runner-will get Php 30,000; and the second runner-up will receive Php 20,000. All the winners will also get additional prizes. For more information on “Stellar: Rising Fashion Star,” please visit www. dfdc.com.ph. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Smar best

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sin

MINDANAO’S PRIDE, B MJ LASTIMOSA AND PANGILINAN, JOINED B AND SOCIAL MEDIA introduced the newest Sm launch held last August 6 i At the launch, Sma mobile broadband brand u highlighted the best wa as it unveiled to Davao m community the best and m ever!

Hit the streets of Davao with you very own iPad Mini and captu the moments as they happe Update your social media friend

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

rt Bro launches iPad Mini 2 deals

nsuat Ambolodto

BB. PILIPINAS – UNIVERSE D BALLADEER MICHAEL BY SMART BRO EXECUTIVES MOVERS FROM MANILA, mart Bro deals during a media in Davao City. art Bro, the country’s leading under Smart Communications, ay to enjoy Kadayawan 2016, media and the city’s blogging most exclusive iPad Mini 2 deal

ur re en. ds,

post pics and capture videos. Now, you’d never miss an update wherever you may be. Powered by the fastest and most reliable LTE

technology to hit the country, Smart Communications, every day becomes a celebration! Together with their iPad Mini 2 deal, the brand toured the entire country and went on a Brokada Road Trip, which featured some of the country’s brightest personalities. Smart Brokada celebrities included beauty queens Bb. Pilipinas – Universe MJ Lastimosa and Ms. International 2013 Bea Santiago; premier athletes Gretchen Ho and Michelle and Mark Gumabao and singers Christian Bautista and Michael Pangilinan.

The Brokada Road Trip has conquered parts of Manila, Baguio, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Ilocos and is set to invade Olongapo, Zamboanga, Bulacan and Iloilo. Smart Bro’s iPad Mini 2 package includes your very own iPad Mini 2 (for only P599 per month) that comes with 1.7GB monthly data. The deal also comes with free 1.1GB video streaming (Youtube, iflix, Dailymotion and Vimeo) for the first 3 months. *Just an additional P300 your Smart Bro Plan P299.

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

A4 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

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Mayor Sara’s gowns by Silverio on exhibit at SM Lanang Premier IN KEEPING WITH THE CITY’S KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL, SM Lanang Premier promotes Davao’s artistry and talent with a special exhibit of seasoned fashion designer Silverio Anglacer from August 16 to 21, 2016 at the mall Atrium.

The exhibit by Silverio features a collection of gowns worn by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. It kicks off Moda Mindanao, the region’s longestrunning fashion design competition, which will be held this Kadayawan weekend, August 21. Davao-based Silverio is the go-to designer of the first family, the Dutertes. His recent couture creation – the form-fitting tulle royal blue gown worn by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio at the historic inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte – placed him in the national spotlight, earning him rave

reviews and numerous praises for its striking style and elegance. Silverio also made the inaugural outfits of Mayor Sara’s mom, Elizabeth Zimmerman and her grandchildren. Opening on Tuesday, August 16, the special exhibit aims to pay hom-

age to the unique aesthetic and creativity of Davao fashion designers like Silverio while showcasing the iconic ensemble of the First daughter at the country’s most significant event this year. Moda Mindanao, now on its 11th season, has found a new home

at SM Lanang Premier. Redefined as a ‘Young Fashion Designers Competition,’ it seeks to promote contemporary Mindanaoan fashion and pave the way for young and emerging local designers to be recognized in the national and global fashion scene. Mallgoers can witness the latest creations from 10 promising designers who will vie for Moda Mindanao Season 11 slated on August 21, 6pm at The Atrium. As a festival treat, they can enjoy as well up to 70% off on fab finds at SM Lanang Premier’s ongoing Kadayawan Sale, which runs until August 21. Get into the #KadayawanGoodVibes at Supermalls. For inquiries, check out SM Lanang Premier’s official account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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BASKETBALL SUPPORTER. Esdevco president-CEO and Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) regional director Glenn Escandor tosses the ceremonial ball during the 31st Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament sponsored inn part by Matina CHAMPS. Esdevco president-CEO Glenn Escandor and wife Michelle after the Duterte-Matina Enclaves won the championship in the tournament. Enclaves. Lean Daval Jr. Lean Daval Jr.

Matina Enclaves backs Kadayawan hoops By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

IVING back to the community that catapulted it as one of the fast-growing real estate companies in this part of the country, the Escandor Development Corporation extended support to the city’s Kadayawan Festival as corporate sponsor. Esdevco, through its signature project Matina Enclaves supported the 31st Kadayawan Festival Invitational

Basketball Tournament held August 11-14. Aside from being one of the event’s corporate backer, the Matina Enclaves also proudly took part as the official Duterte squad to the tournament and was officially known as Duterte-Matina Enclaves paying tribute to President Rodrigo Duterte under whose administration as city mayor the tournament was

born. Partnering with Matina Enclaves in the tournament was Far Eastern University (FEU) who was personally invited by Esdevco president and CEO Glenn Escandor. The Tamaraws were fresh from its conquest of the 2015 Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) tournament and coming to Davao City was a dream for

the varsity squad coached by Nash Racela. The Matina Enclaves squad was composed of Raymar Jose who was adjudged Best Player of the Tournament, Joe Allen Trinidad, Kimlee Bayquin, Ron Marvis Dennison, Kevon Barkley Ebona, Wendelino Comboy III, Alec June Araula, Monbert Arong, Joseph Nunag, Brandey Bienes, August Vince Denila,

Kadayawan Invasion on August 20 also at the Crocodila Football Grounds. With millions of local and international tourists expected to join the festivities, Smart announced that it will continue to fortify its network in Mindanao, particularly in Davao City, to ensure excellent mobile experience especially for data and digital services. Smart earlier said that Davao City will soon be covered with high-speed mobile broadband service, as part of Smart’s three-year plan to cover 95% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its LTE (Long-Term Evolution) service by the end of 2018. “Starting here in Davao City, we are accelerating our LTE deployment because that is what will enable us to deliver faster, more reliable and affordable Internet services,” said Ramon R. Isberto, head

of Public Affairs at PLDT and Smart. Under the plan, Smart will boost its LTE coverage in Davao City and its surrounding municipalities by tripling the number of its LTE-capable sites by the end of this year. This will be done by combining the compnay’s existing frequencies with the new spectrum it can now utilize under the co-use arrangement between PLDT and the telecoms business of San Miguel Corporation (SMC). For instance, Smart is using the 700 MHz covered by the co-use arrangement together with its existing frequencies, to roll out LTE in 360 cell sites in Metro Davao, Metro Cebu, and Metro Manila, this year. Smart has so far fired up eight 700 MHz-powered sites, five of them in Davao City. These are located in Matina,

in Barangay Ma-a near DBP Village, along San Pedro Street near Osmeña Park, at the PLDT building along Ponciano Reyes St., and at Kilometer 4, near the Davao City Golf Club. Complementing the aggressive LTE deployment across Davao City, Smart and its parent company PLDT are also working to increase the capacity of its domestic fiber optic backbone network. “Our network rollout in Davao City includes putting in place the pipes that will accommodate the expected surge in data usage, along with international cable systems, and facilities for local caching of content,” added Isberto. PLDT recently announced it will complete by September this year three major projects in Mindanao, all located in Davao City, to enhance the

spective of their gender identity and sexual orientation.” Philippines AirAsia has more than 1,000 employees to date with women making up 40% of the total workforce. The company also accepts qualified family members of employees as long as such employment does not create a conflict of interest. Philippines AirAsia Chief Executive Officer, Captain Dex-

ter Comendador said, “The success of AirAsia is largely driven and inspired by people who dare to make a difference. In the weeks and months ahead, expect exciting times, significant changes and improvements from Philippines AirAsia as we are set to expand our operations, increase our fleet, launch new international flights, and introduce innovations. We uphold gender

equality and would like to tap into a diverse pool of talented, skilled and creative individuals to be part of our Allstars team.” The airline is currently looking for qualified applicants for sales, marketing, engineering and ground operations positions. Interested applicants may send their resume to paa_careers@airasia. com.

Smart powers Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival

LDT subsidiary and leader in mobile Smart Communications (Smart) reaffirmed its strong commitment to support tourism and development in Davao City, as it partners anew with the organizers of the Kadayawan Festival, the city’s biggest annual event. Kadayawan honors the rich culture and tradition of the lumad - the local indigenous people - and is held yearly in Davao City. This year, Smart joined the opening ceremonies of Kadayawan 2016 held last Monda at the Great Lawn in People’s Park, and will be supporting the Great Kadayawan Trade Fair at the DavCon Trade Center in Torres on August 18; Dula sa Kadayawan also at the Great Lawn in People’s Park on August 18; the Happiness Party at the Crocodile Football Grounds on August 19; and

F SMART, 10

AirAsia promotes gender equality in the workplace

HE Board of Directors of Philippines AirAsia today announced it will welcome transgender applicants for all positions as part of the company’s inclusive hiring policy. Philippines AirAsia Chair, Maan Hontiveros said, “AirAsia values diversity in the workplace, and we are thrilled to offer equal employment opportunities to everyone irre-

Prince Orizu, Ken Holmqvist, Kenneth James Tuffin and Richard Escoto. The team went on to win the championship winning three of its four games in the tournament. “We are just glad to be of support to the Kadayawan and at the same time compete. Winning the tournament is a bonus,”said Gerald Kent Garces, project head of Matina En-

claves. Meantime, the Matina Enclaves reported its construction works going full throttle witth Building 1 of The Residences, the condominium sector of Esdevco’s mixed use real estate project, set for turnover by December. Construction of Building 2 is underway while Buildings 3 is already sold out and 4 with very few units left.

Davaoeños invited to catch SKYLife Dance Revolution finals at NCCC MALL

Kadayawan festival to be aired live on SKYcable and sky on demand

KYcable and Destiny Cable digital subscribers can join the merriment of Davao’s Kadayawan Festival, the city’s annual thanksgiving celebration for good harvest, wealth of culture, and peaceful living, right in the comforts of their homes because SKY will once again provide exclusive full coverage of the festivities from August 19 to 21 via the Kadayawan Free View on SKYcable, Destiny Cable, and on SKY On Demand. SKYcable and Destiny Cable digital subscribers in Metro Manila, including CAMANAVA and Rizal (CH 211 SD and CH 242 HD), as well as those in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Baguio, General Santos, and Dumaguete (CH 64 SD and CH 702 HD) can catch the events “Hiyas sa Kadayawan” on August 19, from 6 pm to 12 am, “Indak Indak sa Kadalanan” on August 20 from 7 am to 5 pm, and “Pamulak sa Kadayawan” on August 21 from 8 am to 12 pm. Davao audiences, meanwhile, can catch the “SKYLife Dance Revolution,” a dance contest among locals on August 17 from 4 pm to 6 pm, live from the NCCC Mall Activity Center on SKY

Community Channel 54. Davao City’s best dance groups converge to compete for the Kadayawan Festival 2016: SKYLife Dance Revolution Grand Champion title and prizes. Expect Davao’s unique, ground-thumping and breathtaking moves to add fun and entertainment to the Kadayawan Festival. To enjoy the Kadayawan Free View on SKY On Demand, subscribers need only to go to www.skyondemand. com.ph and register for free or watch it on the go via the app available on the App Store or Google Play. About SKY Cable Corporation SKY Cable Corporation is a leading cable and broadband technology provider in the Philippines, offering an array of innovative and pioneering products with rich content delivered on various platforms. Its products are a showcase of top-of-mind choices among Filipinos: SKYcable, known for its topnotch programming; SKYbroadband, which offers reliable, unlimited broadband connectivity, and online entertainment options; SKYdirect, a direct-to-home tele-

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Mindanaoan craftsmanship, celebrity shows, a fruit craze, and a mall-wide sale this Kadayawan at Abreeza Mall

ADAYAWAN fun has kicked off at Abreeza Mall, and the hottest celebrities, the coolest shopping deals, the tastiest local fruits, and the best of Mindanaoan art and culture are coming your way!

Each Kadayawan season, Abreeza Mall has always sought to celebrate the richness of culture and craftsmanship not just in Davao, but in Mindanao, and this year is no different. For the fifth year running, the Mindanao Trade Expo takes place at Abreeza Mall,

showcasing products and services by the island group’s micro, small, and medium enterprises at the Activity Center and the Supermarket Hallway until August 21. Davao’s renowned sculptor and designer, Ann Pamintuan, also unveils her much-lauded artistry through the Mindanao’s Bounty exhibit at the Ground Floor Fashion Hallway from August 18 to 21. Meanwhile, T’nalak Home’s Woven Dreams exhibit displays home décor and furniture pieces in different locations around the mall to highlight the uniqueness and superb quality of Mindanaoan textiles and materials. For shoppers, Abreeza Mall is the place to be until August 21 as the annual Kadayawan Sale brings discounts of up to 70% off mall-wide, with extended mall hours of up to 10pm on August 19 and 20. The Asian Fruit Market also takes part in the mallwide discount craze through the Asian Fruit Market Happy Hour, where foodies are treated to great deals on fresh fruits, healthy eats, and more from 4pm to 7pm until Au-

gust 21. Kadayawan weekend is all about entertainment at Abreeza Mall, with daily performances scheduled at the Activity Center from August 19 to 21. On August 19 at 4pm, the stars of ABSCBN’s ASAP are all set to entertain the crowd; namely, Sarah Lahbati, Grae Fernandez, Diego Loyzaga, and Birit Queens Morissette Amon, Klarisse de Guzman, Jona Viray, and Angeline Quinto. On August 20 at 4pm, an afternoon honoring Davao’s cultural heritage takes place through the Kalumon Cultural Show. And on August 21 at 4pm, shining bright at the GMA Kapuso Mall Show are Dennis Trillo and Kim Domingo of Juan Happy Love Story;

Tom Rodriguez and Lovi Poe of Someone to Watch over Me; Rhian Ramos, Rafael Rosell, and Kiko Estrada of Sinungaling Mong Puso; and Team Kramer, who are coming to Davao courtesy of one of their sponsors. All shows are free admission. Another Kadayawan staple returning this year is the 3rd Abreeza Mall Kadayawan Open Volleyball Tournament. Organized in partnership with Balebolista de Dabaw, it runs at 3pm every weekend of August at the Open Court. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www. facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @ abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

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Aeon Towers moves up to 18th By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

EON TOWERS is moving up to the 18th floor in its ongoing construction reaching over the halfway mark of what is anticipated to be the tallest skyscraper of Mindanao. Construction works for Davao City’s next iconic structure has just concluded the 17th level this week as developer FTC Group of Companies braces for the topping off by the end of the year. As of August 10, the construction team of the 33-level Aeon Towers project reported the completion of the concreting works for the 17th floor and will be moving upwards for another level of construction works. “We are moving to the 18th floor in our construction phase, that is more than half the building now,” said Ian Cruz, president and CEO of FTC Group of Companies. Aeon Towers is the initial venture into real estate development by the FTC Group of Companies, a Davao-born firm

with highly successful track record in business. Cruz said he is excited with the progress of the project and ensures that everything is right on schedule based on timelines. “We are happy to inform our clients that the project is moving right on schedule. Pretty soon this building will be up for occupation,” said Cruz. Aeon Towers, located at JP Laurel Avenue in Davao’s CBD, will have residential units of varying sizes and features in several floors, a luxury hotel, fitness gym, jogging lane, shops, BPO offices, skydeck pool, and offices. “Aeon Towers represents the dreams of Dabawenyos. Living high and in style,” said Gen Marchan, marketing head of the top-selling condominium project. The J.P. Laurel area is fast emerging as the city’s new central business district with giant malls and condominiums sprouting around in the past five years.

Marchan said Aeon Towers mirrors the evolution of Davao City from the infamous “killing fields” reputation in th 80s to the flourishing business haven that it is now. Aeon Towers, she said, is an embodiment of the aspirations of Dabawenyos—modern lifestyle in a highly liveable metropolis. “Aeon Towers is ideal for those starting to live in a place to call their own or to start a family of their own.,” Marchan said. The Aeon Towers building is cast in glass and will have a clear look at the majestic environs of Davao and the nearby Island Garden City of Samal.

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EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

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Tabuena finishes 53rd in golf THIRD. Eric Cray of the Philippines trails Keisuke Nozawa of Japan in the 400meer hurdle heats.

Cray 3rd in heats, advances to semis E

RIC CRAY of the Philippines took the first step toward a crack at the medal when he qualified for the semis of the men’s 400m hurdles in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Cray, born in Olongapo City but now living in Texas, finished third in heat No. 4 with a time of 49.05 seconds at the Olympic Stadium here, not enough to beat his personal best of 48.98. But Cray is in the semis scheduled Tuesday. If he surpasses his best time, the 27-year-old Cray can get to

the finals on Thursday and hope for a medal. “That’s the goal – get through the preliminaries,” said Cray. Keisuke Nozawa of Japan topped the heat in 48.62 followed by Thomas Barr of Ireland at 48.93. For the Japanese it was a personal best, and for the Irish it was a season best. “Let’s take it step by step. He’s in the semis now and the next goal is to get to the finals,” said Philippine chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta from the stands.

Thompson breaks out of slump, keys USA win over France 100-97

BA gunslinger Klay Thompson shook off a shooting slump to score 30 points as Team USA once again laboured to subdue an Olympic opponent but ultimately proved too much for France. Sunday’s 100-97 victory means the two-time defending gold medallists win their group with a 5-0 record but must wait until late Monday to know who their quarter-final opponent is. After close calls the past two games against Australia and Serbia, the heavily favoured Americans once again had their hands full even though France rested star guard Tony Parker ahead of the medal rounds.

France stayed within range early and was down by only nine points at the half, 55-46, finding ways to get through the American defensive press. “I think we just let up a little bit (defensively) and you can’t let up in this kind of tournament,” said Thompson. One of the NBA’s top shooters, Thompson had been in a funk through the first four USA games in Rio de Janeiro, hitting only 15 percent of his shots before Sunday. But he broke out against France, grooving a quintet of three-pointers in a four-minute stretch of the third quarter to give the USA a 16-point lead.

IGUEL Tabuena finally broke par at the Olympic Golf Course Sunday but still did not get the result that he had hoped for in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Tabuena hit five birdies against four bogeys for a oneunder-par 70 and a four-day total of 291 after previous rounds of 73, 75 and 73 under various circumstances. Sunday’s round was his best here in Rio. The reigning Philippine Open champion finished the 72-hole tournament, won by Great Britain’s Justin Rose, in 53rd place among 60 qualifiers from around the world. Tabuena, who’s only 21, said his first stint in the Olympics is “part of the learning curve.” He vowed to do better if given another chance in the future. “It’s a dream come true to represent the country here. I will be more ready next time, hopefully in the (2020) Tokyo Olympics,” he said. Tabuena birdied Nos. 3, 5, 8, 16 and 18, all “inside five to ten feet,” but bogeyed Nos. 2, 4, 6 and 10, mostly on “missed greens.” “I was targeting every pin because I just wanted to shoot as low as I could today. There was no holding back,” said Tabuena, who played three rounds with a hurting shoul-

der.

SAIN Bolt has roared into Olympic history, capturing an unprecedented third consecutive 100 metres crown to confirm his place in the pantheon of the greatest athletes the world has seen. The 29-year-old Jamaican legend, competing in his final Olympics, powered over the line in 9.81 seconds, vanquishing drug-tainted American rival Justin Gatlin who took silver with Andre de Grasse of

Canada claiming bronze. Gatlin, who had been booed by the Rio crowd as he was introduced, crossed in 9.89 with De Grasse just behind in 9.91. Bolt galloped away in celebration after a superb win, basking in the adulation of the stadium and even taking selfies with fans during his lap of honour.

Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, won the gold medal with a 268 total on rounds of 67, 69, 65 and 67, which was 16-under for the tournament. Reigning PGA Open champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden won the silver with his 270 (66-68-68-68) while Matt Kuchar of the United States will go home with the bronze. Kuchar had the day’s best round of 63 built of six birdies, an eagle and no bogey. In all, 38 players broke par on the final round, including Tabuena. “The game plan was to attack the pin. I promised the guys back home that I will not give up. I didn’t and I shot my best round today,” he said. Tabuena said there’s more to learn in golf. “I’m still in the process of learning whether I’m trying too hard or I’m not trying too hard,” said Tabuena, who is all set to compete in the European Tour later this month. Tabuena had little time to rest after four days out on the course because he took a flight out of Rio de Janeiro to Manila past midnight Sunday. He left with his swing coach, Joel Altea, caddy Casey Besset; and swimmer Jessie Khing Lacuna and coach Ar-

chie Lim. Slowly, the Athletes Village here had seen athletes, by themselves or by busloads, leave for home. Jasmine Alkhaldi, the Filipina swimmer, flies back to Hawaii with her coach Jennifer Buffin Mond a y ; while boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez with coach Boy Velasco flies home Aug. 15. Still in Rio representing the country are track and field’s Eric Cray in the men’s 400m hurdles and Marestella Torres Sunang in women’s long jump; and taekwondo bet Kristie Elaine Alora. Cray will be in Heat 4 of the men’s 400 hurdles at around 12 noon Monday (11 p.m. Monday in Manila). He

hopes to get to the semis, to be made up of 3 heats, leading to the finals scheduled on Thursday. Sunang vies in women’s long jump on Tuesday, and Alora in the +67 kg of women’s taekwondo on Aug. 20.

Five moments have defined Usain Bolt’s career, leading up to his third consecutive victory in the 100 metres final at the Rio Olympics. He then delighted the fans with his traditional “lightning bolt” pose as reggae blasted out of the stadium sound system. Bolt said he never doubted that he could achieve three straight gold medals in the event. “No, I think after the semi-finals I felt extremely good,” he told Channel Seven. “I wanted to run a faster time. The turn-around time was so quick. It didn’t give us a chance to relax. I was confident coming out.” Bolt said his effort to power over the top of Gatlin made it one of his best victories. “Definitely it’s one of my finest wins and the third one. I’m happy with the execution,” he said. The victory left Bolt standing alone in the 120year history of sprinting in the modern Olympic games. No other athlete — man or woman — has won three consecutive individual Olympic sprint titles. It also leaves Bolt on track to complete an incredible “triple-triple” of clinching 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay titles for a third consecutive Olympics. Bolt, the 2008 and 2012 Olympic champion, had already earned the right to be regarded as the greatest sprinter in the history of athletics after accumulating more golds on the track than any-

one else. But the Jamaican’s latest triumph erases any last lingering doubts that he deserves to be ranked alongside the likes of Muhammad Ali, Pele and Michael Jordan as the kind of once-in-a-generation athlete who transcend their sports. Bolt’s win — his 18th gold in Olympic and world championships since 2008 — averted what might have been a public relations disaster for the drug-tarnished world of track and field. A corruption scandal involving the sport’s former rulers, who were accused of accepting bribes to cover up positive drug tests, and an investigation which alleged an elaborate state-sponsored doping system in Russia have plunged track and field into the worst crisis in its history. A gold medal for Gatlin would have made uncomfortable viewing for many — world athletics chief Sebastian Coe among them — who have advocated that serial doping offenders should be banned for life. But those fears were swept away by the smiling, laughing figure of Bolt, for so long the sport’s most charismatic showman. Gatlin, who has served two drug bans during his long career, made a powerful start to lead over the first 50 metres. But as soon as Bolt’s head came around the midpoint the American was in trouble and the defending champion surged home around a metre clear of the field.

NOT ENOUGH. Miguel Tabuena, 21, of the Philippines had his best round in the final round but still it wasn’t enough.

Bolt zooms to third Olympic sprint title U Usain Bolt: Five steps to greatness

SULTANS OF SLAM. Prince Orizu does a reverse dunk while Kevin Ebona hangs on to the rim after a throwdown dring the Phoenix Petroleum Slam Dunk competition in the 31st Kadayawan Invitational basketball tournament. Orizu won the title. Both dunkers are from the Duterte-Matina Enclaves FEU Tamaraws squad. Lean Daval Jr.

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