VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
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P 15.00 • 20 PAGES RODY-INSPIRED FLOAT. The float of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School Sped Center is an instant hit among the spectators of Pamulak sa Kadayawan (Floral Float parade) due to its Duterteinspired image was made from flowers, plants and indigenous materials. Pamulak sa Kadayawan is the culminating event of the Kadayawan sa Davao festivity. Lean Daval Jr.
RODY TO UN: RUDE! President invites UN rapporteur to visit the Philippines EDGEDAVAO Sports By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA
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RESIDENT Duterte described United Nations special rapporteur on summary execution Agnes Callamar as “rude” for lambasting him in public instead of directly communicating with him. Duterte said during a press conference yesterday at the Malacanang of the South, in Panacan, this city, that the
actions of Callamar were impolite and unbecoming of her role as a UN dignitary. The President said he would like to invite Callamar to a public conference here in the Philippines so that she could ask all the questions she has in mind, but on the condition that she would also allow the chief executive to make his own
queries as well. “You seem to be characterized as a UN expert? Fine! I am just a simple trial lawyer, so why don’t you come here and let’s talk about what you are talking about,” he said. The word war between Callamar and Malacanan started when the UN rapporteur issued a statement questioning
the rising drug-related deaths in the country. Dutete said the UN should not throw unsubstantiated accusations against his administration, especially if their information is merely based on what they read in the national broadsheets. He added the UN should
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Moroccan ends Alora’s medal run Pg15
2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
HEADS TO ROLL. President Duterte gestures while answering questions from reporters during a news conference at Malacañang of the South in Panacan, Davao City early morning of Sunday. Duterte declared in the said news conference that all appointive government positions vacant to get rid of corruption especially in Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO). Lean Daval Jr.
DND supports latest ceasefire with Reds T HE Department of National Defense (DND) strongly supports President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). “The DND has anticipated and fully supports the restoration of the unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF declared by President Rodrigo Duterte. This declaration, which will take effect on 21 August 2016, is a manifestation of the government’s effort to pursue binding peace talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF,” DND
public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said. “With the progress we have made and the work we still have to do, we look forward to put an end to the insurgency problem that has claimed tens of thousands of lives—not just from the ranks of the communist guerrillas and the government defenders but also innocent lives of civilian non-combatants who are caught in the middle,” he added. Andolong said the DND also welcomes the ceasefire declaration of the CPP-NPANDF and views this move as a
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Mindanao priests back ceasefire with CPP-NPA
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INDANAO prelates their full support behind President Duterte’s reimposition of a ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as it would help attain peace in the region. Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said the Church always supports efforts to achieve peace by encouraging insurgents to sit down and talk. “We always welcome efforts which are meant to forge peace,” he said. Jumoad added, “I am happy the President is again doing his best to attain peace. There is no other way to peace
but only doing peace.” For his part, Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez lauded the decision of the Chief Executive. “Good, I hope it would last,” he said. Over the weekend, President Duterte approved of the offer of the rebel group for a unilateral ceasefire. Late last month, the President took back his announcement declaring a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA during his first State-of-theNation Address (SONA), when the rebel group attacked government troops in Davao del Norte days after the ceasefire declaration was made. (PNA)
Terrorists killed in AFP, PNP ops in Sarangani
By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ
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adlopez0920@gmail.com
HREE members of the terror group Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines (AKP) operating in the hinterlands of Sarangani province were killed after a joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) operation was launched on Saturday, the army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division reported. In a statement released to media in Davao City, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the Army’s 10th ID, said three members of AKP led by Mohammad Jaafar Sabi-
wang Maguid alias Tokboy, were killed in an encounter with the joint AFP-PNP elements at around 5:00 in the afternoon of Aug. 20 in Sitio Lebe, Barangay Daliao, Maasim, Sarangani. According to Batchar, government forces recovered one carbine rifle, one M79 grenade launcher, one rifle scope, a black flag with an ISIS logo, and an empty M203 grenade shell at the site of the encounter. The dead bodies of the three members of AKP group still have to be identified,
Batchar added. ISIS means the Islamic State of Iraw and Syria but is sometimes referred to as ISIL or the Islamic State of Iraw and the Levant and by its Arabic language acronym Daesh. ISIS, ISIL or Daesh is a Salafi jihadist militant group that follows a fundamentalist Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam, as their adoption of the name “Islamic State” and its idea of a caliphate has been widely criticised by nations across the world including Muslim countries. Since last year, media has
reported on the presence of ISIS members in the Philippines, although the government has not yet categorically confirmed their operations especially in Mindanao. Batchar also said in that residents in Daliao area and the surrounding villages have reported to authorities the presence of the Tokboy Group which they estimate to have more or less 17 members. Residents likewise revealed the presence of unidentified foreigners who were seen roaming the area with
Top officials of Compostela Valley province led by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, municipal and barangay officials are also expected to take part in the declaration. Private groups, particularly those coming from the business sector, as well as representatives from the academe and religious groups, will also participate in the event. In a statement to the media, the provincial government of Compostela Valley noted significance and timeliness of the event, considering that the province has been identified as
among the operational areas of the guerrilla fronts of the communists New People’s Army (NPA). The signing of the CMDRA will be held at the National Comprehensive High School Gymnasium in Nabunturan town. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) of CMDRA will be signed by Governor Uy, together with Major General Valencia and 1001st commander Col. Macairog S. Alberto. The CMDRA MOA was approved by the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan of Compostela Valley during its 6th regular session last Aug. 10, the statement added. Under the CMDRA MOA, the provincial and local governments, AFP, line agencies and the private sector will work towards the attainment of peace and development in Compostela Valley province. Various line agencies, including the regional and provincial offices of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), are also expected to grace the occasion. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ
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AFP to declare ComVal as‘conflict-manageable and dev’t-ready’
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HE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set declare the province of Compostela Valley as “conflict-manageable and development-ready are” or CMDRA. The declaration will be made tomorrow, August 23. The event will be graced by top officials of the AFP, led by Lt. General Rey Leonardo Guerero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army.
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
EDGEDAVAO
NEWS 3
Military suspends operations vs. NPA By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ
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adlopez0920@gmail.com
OLLOWING the restoration of the national government’s unilateral ceasefire yesterday as declared by President Duterte, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ordered the suspension of offensive military operations within its areas of responsibility. “Lt. General Rey Leonardo B Guerrero, Commander, Eastern Mindanao Command directed units under his command to suspend offensive military operations after the President and Commander-inChief restored the ceasefire with the CPP-NPA- NDF effective August 21, 2016,” said Maj. Ezra Balagtey, chief of Eastmincom’s public information office, in a statement released to the media on Sunday. Eastmincom, along with peace loving communities in its areas of operation are hopeful that the restoration of the unilateral ceasefire by the President “will be matched with the same sincerity by the other party so that the sense of security, stability and progress will be enjoyed by our people,” Balagtey added. The command also assured the public that the guidelines to be issued in line with the restoration of the uni-
lateral ceasefire will be strictly observed by all units under the Eastmincom. Eastmincom covers regions 10, 11, 12 and CARAGA. President Duterte announced on Saturday the restoration of the unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels. The President said the move is in line with the fiveday formal peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that will commence on Monday, Aug. 22 in Oslo, Norway. During a press conference on Saturday, Sec. Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also informed the public on the restoration of the unilateral ceasefire. “Today, the President restores the effects of that ceasefire declaration precisely at this strategic time when we are all at the onset of the formal resumption of peace talks that had previously stalled for the last 4 years,” Dureza said. He added the ceasefire will last for as long as necessary in order to bring peace and unity to the country. The ceasefire, Dureza said,
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BEST OF THE BEST. James L. Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Troupe dancers perform their ethnic dance routine which enabled them to bag the first prize in this year’s Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (street dancing competition). Lean Daval Jr.
Voyeurism raps filed vs Tagum mediaman T By CHA MONFORTE, Correspondent HE Tagum City Police Station has filed an anti-video voyeurism complaint against a local mediaman after he uploaded on Facebook a video he shot which showed a young rape
victim lying naked and unconscious on the floor, with her hands, mouth and feet bound. Tagum PNP station spokesperson and chief of the women and children’s desk S/ Insp. Anjannete Tirador filed
the complaint against community newspaper publisher and blocktime broadcaster Jorge Pangandoyon. According to police records, Pangandoyon was invited to the police station last
Thursday, Aug. 18. Upon his arrival, he was informed by S/Insp Tirador that charges would be filed against him for his alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9995 or the
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EDGEDAVAO
4 SUBURBIA
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
Officials of the Davao Integrated Development Program pose with Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol, after a meeting where he announced the availability of 100 motorized fiberglass fishing boats for each of the four Davao Del Norte coastal LGUs under the DIDP. (PIO-Davao del Norte)
DavNor coastal LGUs to get 400 boats F
OUR coastal local government units in Davao del Norte will receive 400 motorized boats from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strengthen the management of marine resources and intensify the anti-illegal fishing drive in their respective areas. The cities of Tagum, Panabo, and Samal, and the municipality of Carmen will receive
100 fiberglass fishing boats each. Two fisherfolk families will share one boat, which costs P70,000 and equipped with fishnets and fishing rods. The boats will be provided by the DA under the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP). Agriculture Sec. Emmanuel Piñol announced the availability of the boats during the
recent organizational meeting of the DIDP in Davao City. “For every LGU member of the DIDP na may coastal area we are committing a hundred fishing boats each…fiber glass fishing boats complete with engine (for every LGU member of DIDP that has a coastal area, we are committing a hundred fiber glass fishing boat complete with engine),” Piñol said. He asked local officials to
allow DA personnel to validate the identities of the beneficiaries before releasing the P7-million allotted to each LGU. He also outlined other requirements and responsibilities of the recipient fisherfolk families, which include joining the anti-illegal fishing and coastal clean-up efforts. “We have to educate the fishermen on their responsi-
bilities. For example, walang illegal fishing, mamumulot sila ng basura… Magmo-monitor lang sila ng illegal fishers, magre-report sila. They will also serve as “Bantay Dagat” (… For example, no illegal fishing, they will pick up trash. They will help monitor illegal fishers, and report them to us. They will also serve as “Bantay Dagat”),” he added. DIDP chair Gov. Anthony
del Rosario was in high spirits, as asked DA-XI OIC-regional director Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. regarding the requirements the recipients need to comply with. “…mogawas na ang atong request. Na-estorya na nato si Director Oñate bahin niana, (Our request will be out soon. I have already spoken to Director Oñate regarding that)” del Rosario said. (PIO-DavNor)
HE government-run Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) is set to launch in October a program for the rehabilitation of drug users, dubbed as “DUTERTE,” which stands for Drug Users Technical Education, Rehabilitation and Treatment Enhancement. Dr. Romeo Ong, ZCMC chief of hospital, told the Philippines News Agency that DUTERTE is a three-month program with nine modules that are
designed to help rehabilitate drug users. “We came up with a project where we will try to help these people (drug users) through a community based program because we cannot accept them all, our space is small,” Ong said. “We will treat them and bring them back to the society so they can use their skills and talents,” Ong added. He explained that those who need to be detoxified will
be treated for 15 days for a fee. The detoxification treatment cost P13,000. He said the objective of the DUTERTE program is to provide community oriented substance abuse assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, education and relapse prevention among drug users who surrendered. Ong said the implementation of the program would be spearheaded by the ZCMC Psychiatry department in co-
ordination with the City Health Office, Department of Health, barangay LGUs, and the city government. He said negotiations were ongoing with the barangay council of Tetuan to jump start the rehabilitation program, which would eventually be implemented in all the 98 barangays in the city. Local police records showed 8,239 drug users have already surrendered to authorities. (PNA)
outstanding performance in disaster response and prevention. The regional winners of the Search for Gawad Kalasag 2016 were: • Best LDRRMC (Provincial Category): 1st Place - Maguindanao Province, 2nd Place - Lanao del Sur Province • Best LDRRMC (City Category): Lamitan City, Basilan • Best LDRRMC (Municipal 1st-3rd Class Category): 1st Place - Upi, Maguindanao, 2nd Place - Wao, Lanao del Sur, 3rd Place - Pagalungan • Best LDRRMC (Municipal 4th-6th Class Category): 1st Place - Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, 2nd Place Buldon, Maguindanao, 3rd Place - Guindulungan, Maguindanao • Best Civil Society Organization (CSO) Category: 1st Place - Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Inc., 2nd Place - Community Organizers Multiversity, 3rd Place - SULADS
• Heroic Act Awardee: Myrna Jocelyn Henry of Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team (ARMMHEART) • Special Recognition Awardees: Hadja Pombaen Karon Kader of DSWDARMM, His Eminence Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo, OMI DD, Zenaida Naga of Marawi City MDRRMC, and the ARMM HEART.
nism in obtaining sustained commitment and support from the highest level of governments by recognizing the exceptional contributions of various DRRM practitioners in rebuilding the resilience of nations and communities against disaster,” Angot said. The RDRRMC-ARMM Regional Selection Committee was tasked to oversee the activities of the annual Gawad KALASAG Search in the region. Its members were the regional partners and stakeholders of the Regional Council. “In our setting, the government, through the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council faces great challenges through the years to heighten its vigilance in ensuring that disaster risks are prevented or minimized as it also prepares to address the needs of affected population when disasters or emergencies take place. Rest assured that the council is doing its best to further strengthen the advocacy on the DRRM,” Angot said. (PNA)
Cops kill gunman Gov’t hospital to implement‘DUTERTE’program who resists arrest T A
MAN just released from a drug rehabilitation center was killed when he resisted arrest and fired at lawmen here over the weekend, police said Sunday. Chief Inspector Lorenzo Henares, police station 1 chief, identified the suspect as Louie John Agustin, 31, of Toril, Davao City. Henares said Agustin seen was seen in Mabini Street at past 1:00 am, Saturday, with a hand gun tucked his waist. When accosted, Agustin allegedly pulled his cal. 45 pistol and fired at approaching lawmen. Police retaliated and Agustin was killed in the encounter. Henares said the police
were suspicious of Agustin after he was seen in Mabini Street, one of the known illegal drug havens here. “We learned he was recently released from drug rehabilitation center in Davao City, why he was in one of the drug haven is worth finding out,” Henares told a local TV channel here. Police are also looking at Agustin’s contacts in the area. Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Danny Reyes, city police director, reported during a meeting of the Cotabato City Peace and Order Council that crime the incident from January to July this year has gone down from 76 percent to 60 percent
OUR New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed and five high-powered firearms were seized during a clash with troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion in San Luis town, Agusan Del Sur Saturday morning. The encounter took place at 7:50 a.m. in Sitio Kihingay, Barangay San Pedro after government troops responded to reports that around 30 NPAs, under one Commander Antoy of Guerilla Front 88, were extorting food and other provisions from residents. The same NPA group had accepted responsibility earlier for the massacre of the Bucalas family in Zilovia of Talacog-
on in May this year where a pregnant family member was among those killed. In the ensuing clash, four rebels were killed, while three AK-47s, two M-16 rifles, two ICOM radios, 20 bag packs and subversive documents were recovered. No one was reported killed nor hurt in the government side. All the bodies of the slain rebels were recovered. Col. Cristobal N. Zaragoza, 401st Infantry Brigade commander, ordered the operating troops to conduct pursuit operations and continue scouring the encounter area for the treatment of possible wounded rebels. (PNA)
4 rebels killed in Agusan del Sur F
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ARMM OCD honors partners, stakeholders
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HE Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OCD-ARMM) has recognized the efforts, initiatives and perseverance of its partners and stakeholders in disaster preparedness across the region. The OCD is the lead agency in the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) as stated in Republic Act 10121, aimed at achieving and building “disaster resiliency,” especially among high-risk communities in ARMM. The OCC-ARMM Recognition ceremony was held at the Glamour Convention Hall as part of the annual Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan). Plaques of recognition were given to local DRRM councils, civil society organizations, volunteer or people’s organizations, as well as government emergency response management sectors and individuals for their
Also in attendance were ARMM RDRRMO Dir. Ramil Masukat and Cardinal Quevedo. Myrna J. Angot, Officer-in-Charge of OCD-ARMM, said the Gawad “KALASAG” is the NDRRMC’s annual recognition scheme in its search for excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and humanitarian assistance since 1998. “This time, we are holding the regional awarding ceremonies. What comes next would be the national search. I must say that the Gawad Kalasag provides the mecha-
5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
tech sector far Mega harbour to realize Chinese mightier than Australia’s ‘Global Mindanao’ vision C By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ
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adlopez0920@gmail.com
ORT developer and operator Mega Harbour Port and Development Corporation Inc. expressed optimism that its “Global Mindanao” initiative will be realized, as the company gears up to implement the P39-billion mega harbour project in Davao City. In a statement, Mega Harbour Chairman Reghis M. Romero II said the mega harbour project for Davao City is aligned with President Duterte’s vision of a federal system of governance When completed, he said, the port project will serve its main role as a major generator of revenues, employment, livelihood, business opportunities and entrepreneurial activities within the area. “In today’s era, not having the port of that kind could pose a formidable disincentive and a severe bottleneck to the
supply chain, and prevent the entire South from optimizing its great economic potential,” Romero said, referring to foregone foreign investments and trade opportunities with vast overseas markets, including agriculture and cruise tourism. This is situation is regrettable, he noted, since the Philippines is essentially an archipelagic country. “The P39-billion mega harbour port development project in Davao City will be the key to filling up that gap,” Romero explained. With a modern and eco-friendly international port, Romero said that Davao can help position the Philippines as a strategic trade and commercial hub in the heart of Southeast Asia, and at the same time, enable the city to develop its potential as the capital of EAGA (East Asia
Edible oils extend gain due to rising demand
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N a holiday shortened week, edible oils extended an upward trend at the wholesale oils and oilseeds market on increased buying by vanaspati millers to meet rising demand from retailers driven by the festive season against tight supplies from producing belts. Castor oil in the non-edible section, also showed some strength on increased offtake by consuming industries. Markets remained closed on Monday for ‘Independence Day’ and Thursday for ‘Raksha Bandhan’. Marketmen said persistent buying by vanaspati millers and retailers triggered by ongoing festive season amid paucity of stocks on restricted supplies from producing regions mainly kept edible oil prices higher. In the national capital, groundnut mill delivery (Gu-
jarat) oil prices went up by Rs 300 to Rs 14,200 per quintal on day-to-day buying activity, while groundnut solvent refined held steady at Rs 1,9802,030 per tin. Mustard expeller (Dadri) oil moved up by Rs 100 to Rs 8,900 per quintal. Palmolein (RBD) and palmolein (Kandla) oils were also in demand and gained Rs 100 each to Rs 6,100 and Rs 6,150, while crude palm oil (ex-kandla) remained unaltered at Rs 4,500 per quintal. Soyabean refined mill delivery (Indore) and soyabean degum (Kandla) oils followed suit and edged up by Rs 50 each to Rs 6,900 and Rs 6,600 per quintal, respectively. Among non-edible oils, castor oil traded higher by Rs 50 to Rs 9,850-9,950, while linseed oil remained steady at Rs 9,700 per quintal respectively. (PNA/PTI)
Growth Area). “Thus, Davao City will then serve as the national model for the rise of similar port projects across the archipelago,” Romero said, as he hinted on the company’s plan to replicate the initiative in key areas nationwide. Mega Harbour’s strategy in realizing its “Global Mindanao” vision will be presented by in the upcoming 18th Davao Agri Trade Expo 2016 (DATE 2016) that will take place on Sept. 22 to 24 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City. “The company had been on the thick of preparations for its corporate and project presentations to the DATE participants and the members and guests of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.,” Romero said. Mega Harbour will be the platinum sponsor of the up-
coming business gathering. “The company’s presentation would essentially show the strategic importance of a modern, world-class, master-planned and pro-nature port in opening up any region to international trade, tourism and investments,” Romero added. The project presentation of Mega Harbour at the DATE 2016 is scheduled on Sept. 23, just before the company will host lunch for the Davao Chamber’s members and guests and in time with the DATE’s first-time hosting of a agri-marketing conference. In the same statement, Davao Chamber executive director Maan Doromal described Mega harbour’s participation in the event as “very timely” as the export industry will be among the main issues to be discussed during this
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DAVAO’S CRAFTSMANSHIP. A hawker shows off colorful lamps made from indigenous materials to a customer along City Hall Drive in Davao City yesterday. Art crafts and other native products are a common sight
HINA’S technology hub Silicon Dragon is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with as some of its tech companies are delivering revenue growth that could give Google and Facebook a run for its money, a columnist said. Fairfax Media columnist Michael Smith said on Saturday the hub based in Shenzhen near Hong Kong was its version of Silicon Valley, adding that Australia was “dinosaurs in comparison” to the Chinese progress in technology. This is evident as five of the world’s 14 privately-owned tech companies valued at more than USD10 billion were now based in China, Smith said quoting figures released by PwC. “There is a real hunger here (in China) that Australia does not have. The Chinese look at Australians and think you are fat and lazy by comparison,” an anonymous Australian working in the Chinese tech sector was quoted as saying. A Huawei executive James Peng said the Chinese government’s willingness to give incentives such as tax breaks coupled with its western-style market economy were the oth-
er reasons behind Shenzhen’s success. “You will see government efforts to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. What a lot of business people here like is that Shenzhen is a city where there is a recognition that businesses will do well but that some will fail. Failure is okay here, whereas Chinese provincial governments can’t have companies failing,” an unnamed Australian government official said. Simon Lance, managing director of the China operations for global recruitment agency Hays, said Chinese tech firms like their counterparts in Silicon Valley, also find it challenging to recruit the right talent and have to offer pay rises of up to 25 percent and a career progression plan to get new employees on board. “The thing that really strikes me about China is that it makes long-term plans ... 10year plans ... you can set up an industrial park working on virtual reality or artificial intelligence almost overnight. Australians touring here are surprised at how high-tech the facilities
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around the city during this time of the year when the arrival of domestic and foreign tourists increase due to the Kadayawan sa Davao festivity. Lean Daval Jr.
US stocks decline due Canada’s CPI dips to 1.3% in July to rate hike concerns C
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S STOCKS ended lower after wavering in a tight range Friday, as investors kept cautious amid hawkish remarks on rate hikes from Federal Reserve officials. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 45.13 points, or 0.24 percent, to 18,552.57. The S&P 500 lost 3.15 points, or 0.14 percent, to 2,183.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 1.77 points, or 0.03 percent, to 5,238.38. San Francisco Fed President John Williams signaled
support for a rate hike in the near future in a Thursday afternoon speech, according to Reuters. In the context of a strong domestic economy with good momentum, it makes sense to get back to a pace of gradual rate increases, preferably sooner rather than later, he said. New York Fed President William Dudley said Thursday the past two jobs reports “helped allay concerns that
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ANADA’S year-on-year inflation rate rose 1.3 percent in July, down from 1.5 percent in June, Statistics Canada said Friday. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) was unchanged in July from the previous month, after increasing 0.2 percent in June. Gasoline prices fell by 5.6 percent in July, bringing their 12-month drop to 14 percent. Fuel oil and natural gas prices were also down by double digits from a year earlier.
Clothing prices fell year over year, but consumers paid more for food and shelter, the data agency said. Canadians paid 10.3 percent more for fresh or frozen fish last month compared to July 2015. The annual gain in fish prices is the largest in more than two years. The core rate of inflation, which strips out volatile elements like fresh produce and fuel, was unchanged from June at 2.1 percent. “Markets may be worrying about Canada’s economic growth performance, but
underlying inflation certainly isn’t raising any eyebrows,” noted Toronto-Dominion Bank economist Leslie Preston in a commentary. In a separate report, Statistics Canada said retail sales in June unexpectedly fell by 0.1 percent from the month before. Economists had expected they would rise 0.6 percent. Retail sales totaled 44.1 billion Canadian dollars (USD34.5 billion) in June. Canadians spent less on food, beverages and clothing, offsetting higher sales of mo-
tor vehicles. Sales at new-car dealers rose by 2.5 percent, the first such increase in five months, Statistics Canada said. Sales of alcohol fell 4.7 percent, the largest monthly drop in the category since June 2013. The Canadian dollar weakened following the release of the retail sales and inflation reports. Most analysts expected the Bank of Canada to keep its key interest rates at 0.5 percent for at least the rest of this year. (PNA/Xinhua)
6 ECONOMY Gold down on stronger US dollar G
OLD futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange fell on Friday as the US dollar strengthened. The most active gold contract for December delivery fell USD11, or 0.81 percent, to settle at USD1,346.2 per ounce. Gold was put under pressure as little news and low volume was the feature of the day, leading to a rebound in the US Dollar Index, which rose by 0.47 percent to 94.60 as of 1730 GMT. The index is a measure of the dollar against a basket of major currencies. Gold and the dollar typically move in opposite directions, which means if the dollar goes up, gold futures will fall as gold, measured by the dollar, becomes more expensive for investors. The precious metal was prevented from falling further as the US Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 67 points, or
0.36 percent as of 1730 GMT. Analysts note that when equities post losses, the precious metal usually goes up, as investors are looking for a safe haven, while the opposite is true when US equities post gains. As no major economic report was released on Friday, traders are still in the process of digesting the Fed’s meeting minutes released on Wednesday. According to the CME Group’s Fedwatch tool, the current implied probability of a hike from 0.50 to 0.75 is at 18 percent at the September 2016 meeting, 25 percent at the November 2016 meeting, and 54 percent at the December meeting. Silver for September delivery fell 42.3 cents, or 2.14 percent, to close at USD19.317 per ounce. Platinum for October delivery dropped USF14.8, or 1.31 percent, to close at USD1,118.4 per ounce. (PNA/ Xinhua)
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
‘UKAY-UKAY’ HAVEN. Magsaysay Park is transformed into an “ukay-ukay” haven, as vendors of second hand clothing were allowed to do business inside Magsaysay Park in time for the Kadayawan sa Davao 2016 celebration. Lean Daval Jr.
Dressed chicken prices Spain’s trade deficit increase in Cotabato City falls by 31.4% in H1 S
PAIN’S trade deficit fell by 31.4 percent in the first six months of the year to 7.878 billion euros (USD8.92 billion) when compared to the same period a year earlier, according to data released on Friday by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. The Ministry said exports increased by 2.3 percent in the first half of the year to 128.041 billion euros hitting a record high, while imports fell by 0.5 percent to 135.919 billion euros. Exports increased espe-
cially in Europe. The exports to European Union countries rose by 5.7 percent to account for 66.9 percent of the total, while those to eurozone countries increased by 5.2 percent to represent 52.1 percent. Spain’s State Secretary of Trade Jaime Garcia-Legaz emphasized the importance of the data, saying, “Spain had not ever exported such an amount of goods in a semester.” “We surpassed Germany and also France, Italy and Britain when it comes to exports growth,” Garcia-Legaz said. (PNA/Xinhua)
Jamaican economy recovers
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AMAICA’S economy is recovering gradually, with inflation remaining low and international reserves continuing to increase, but its unemployment rate remains high, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission said in a statement Friday. The mission has concluded a 10-day review of Jamaica’s economic performance under the four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) endorsed by the IMF, to inspect whether the Caribbean island has met all quantitative targets and structural benchmarks under the program. The EFF has been established to help countries which are experiencing serious payment imbalances because of structural impediments or are characterized by slow growth and an inherently weak balance of payments, according to its official website. “Program implementation under the EFF remains strong -- all quantitative performance targets through end-June
were met, with tax revenues exceeding expectations, and structural reforms are well in train,” the statement said. The IMF team noted that Jamaica’s economic growth has been revised up to 1 percent in the 2015-2016 fiscal year and is expected to reach 1.7 percent in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, as ongoing investments, including in tourism, mature and agriculture continues to recover. “Inflation remains low, and gross international reserves continue to increase, reaching almost 3 billion U.S. dollars at end-July,” the statement added. However, the mission found that unemployment remains high at 13.7 percent in the country, which is partly due to an expansion in the labor force. Continued strong implementation of the government’s growth strategy is crucial to support the creation of jobs and alleviate poverty, said the statement. (PNA/Xinhua)
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RICES of chicken in public markets and grocery stores in Cotabato City have gone up due to the scarcity of supply, vendors and the city veterinary office here said. Vendors noted that this was was due to the principle of demand and supply. “We have limited deliveries the past few weeks and lately, no more chicken supplies coming,” Zenaida Veranda, a chicken vendor at Cotabato City’s old market, said. She said regular custom-
ers were prioritized when stocks are available “but on slightly higher prices.” Dr. Robert Malcontento, Cotabato City veterinarian, said the limited supply could be attributed to the recent dry spell that has affected chicken production. “At this time, the poultry industry in Gen. Santos City, Davao and Cagayan de Oro are still recovering from the effects of drought,” Malcontento told the Philippines News Agency (PNA). Before the scarcity of chicken supplies hit the city,
the prices per kilo of dressed chicken was PHP130 but it rose to PHP150 to PHP160 the past days. Several roasted chicken stalls in the city have temporarily closed shop. Chicken stalls inside grocery stores have been empty the past three days and store workers said there were no supplies available. Malcontento said chicken supplies in the city come from Gen. Santos or Davao City. Compared to Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Gen. Santos, the prices of chicken
per kilo is higher now due to transport cost. “Deliveries were limited owing to the fact that the poultry industry have also suffered in the dry spell early this year,” Malcontento said, adding that city’s weekly demand is about 15 tons of chicken. “We have very limited supply and they come from backyard poultry, supplies from Davao and Gen. Santos have dwindled too thus few stocks reach the city,” he said. “This is temporary, nothing to worry,” he said. (PNA)
HE US dollar climbed against other major currencies on Friday after a top Federal Reserve official called for an interest-rate hike in the coming months. San Francisco Fed President John Williams said on Thursday that the US economy is strong enough to warrant a rate-hike soon. “In the context of a strong domestic economy with good momentum, it makes sense to get back to a pace of grad-
ual rate increases, preferably sooner rather than later,” Williams said in an open speech in Alaska, adding that an earlier start to raising rates would allow a smoother, more gradual process of normalization. Williams’ words were in accordance with two other Fed officials’ comments earlier this week. New York Fed President William Dudley said Tuesday that the Fed may raise rates as soon as September.
Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart also said Tuesday that there could be one or two rate increases this year. The Fed officials’ hawkish remarks spurred market expectation for an interest-rate hike soon, which supported the greenback on Friday. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, was up 0.37 percent at 94.503 in late trading on Friday. In late New York trading,
the euro fell to USD1.1325 from USD1.1354 of the previous session, and the British pound declined to USD1.3081 from USD1.3152. The Australian dollar went down to USD0.7624 from USD0.7690. The dollar bought 100.21 Japanese yen, higher than 99.95 yen in the previous session. The dollar rose to 0.9596 Swiss francs from 0.9552 Swiss francs, and it inched up to 1.2856 Canadian dollars from 1.2772 Canadian dollars.(PNA/Xinhua)
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on speculation that Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will agree next month to a production freeze deal with non-OPEC members led by Russia. For the week, US oil posted its best weekly gains in
more than five months. Meanwhile, oilfield services company Baker Hughes said Friday that the number of rigs operating in US fields rose by 10 to 406 this week, notching an eighth straight weekly gain. The West Texas Interme-
diate for September delivery increased USD0.30 to settle at USD48.22 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for October delivery fell USD0.01 to close at USD50.88 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. (PNA/Xinhua)
US dollar rises on Fed’s hawkish remarks T
Oil prices waver after strong rebound
IL prices fluctuated in a tight range Friday, with US oil logging a seven-day winning streak, as traders became cautious after recent solid gains. Both US oil and Brent crude have risen about 15 percent in the last six sessions
7 BIGGER PICTURE
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
World’s longest ocean-crossing bridge Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO “Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge is a world-class bridge constructed through advocating science, following rules, valuing talents and recognizing innovation… It is a magnificent feat in Chinese bridge history and the concrete embodiment of the implementation and execution of scientific outlook on development.” – Xi Jinping
R
ECENTLY, I was invited to be one of the journalists from the Philippines to get a glimpse of the recent researches and technological development in China. When I learned that we won’t be flying from Beijing (our first stopover) to Shanghai (on our way out), I wondered. When I received the invitation together with the itineraries, I was totally excited. We would be riding a bullet train from Beijing all the way to Ningbo City, a distance of 1,800 kilometers. The travel time: just about six hours (with a speed of more than 300 kilometers per hour). What was even more fascinating was the fact that we would be traveling from Ningbo City to Shanghai by bus crossing the bridge built above the sea. When I tried to search for it, I saw a bridge that was even more beautiful than the world-famous San Francisco Bridge in California. With a span of 36 kilometers, the Hangzhou Bay Bridge is perhaps the longest ocean-crossing bridge I had ever crossed. In fact, when it opened in 2005, it surpassed the Donghai Bridge (whichconnects mainland Shanghai’s Pudong New Area with the offshore Yangshan Deep-Water Port in Zhejiang’s Shengsi County), thus making it the longest transoceanic bridge in the world. During the press conference, we learned that the S-shaped bridge shortens the ground transportation distance from Ningbo to Shanghai by 120 kilometers. Instead of traveling for four hours, the travel time will only be two hours and a half. The Hangzhou Bay Bridge, the main component of a 5.2-kilometer national highway between the provinces of Heilongjiang in the north and the Hainan in the south, has six lanes and two-direction highway. The speed limit is
100 kilometers per hour (for the main spans) and 120 kilometers per hour (for land approaches). What is interesting is that the bridge has a 100-year, service guaranteed, cable-stayed design. It is said that the cable-stayed design was chosen for the main spans “for its strength and ability to withstand adverse conditions in an area prone to earthquakes, typhoons and strong tidal forces.” When it was still built, Wang Yong, chief director of the Hangzhou Bay Trans-Oceanic Bridge Construction Command Post, was quoted as saying that the bridge would be one of the most important bridges not only in China but in the world as well. “(The bridge) is not only the longest – over a sea – but also will be built in the world’s most complicated sea environment, with one of the three biggest tides on Earth, the effect of typhoons and the difficult content of the sea soil,” Wang explained. (The other two are located in India and South Africa.) “Designed, invested and constructed by Chinese people on their own, Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge is a masterpiece symbolizing the China’s capability advancement from constructing bridges across rivers to seas,” said the
What’s more important, it has formed a spirit which is the ambition of the Chinese people to do things that have not been done before, the vigor for science, truth-seeking and innovation, the essence of hard work, boldness to tackle problems and unremitting efforts to achieve perfection booklet entitled “Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge.” The website, roadtraffic-technology.com, shared this information: “Preparatory work started on the bridge as far back as 1994. Construction work began in June 2003 and was completed in June 2007 and an opening ceremony was
held on June 26. Several tests and evaluations were conducted for about one year before official opening. The bridge was opened to the public in May 2008 and carried about 50,000 vehicles per day in its first year of operation.” Some years later, Wen Jiabao was quoted as saying: “Hangzhou Bay Sea-Crossing Bridge embodies the painstaking efforts and work of tens of thousands of builders. The project is ranking the world’s first in various aspects and has achieved top-rated experience in terms of design, engineer-
ing, size, technology, safety and management. “What’s more important, it has formed a spirit which is the ambition of the Chinese people to do things that have not been done before, the vigor for science, truth-seeking and innovation, the essence of hard work, boldness to tackle problems and unremitting efforts to achieve perfection,” Wen added. But what is amazing about the bridge is the 12,000-square meter-big sightseeing platform called “Land between the Sea and the Sky.” It was used before as the home base for offshore workers during the construction period. Today, it is now the “world’s only sightseeing zone over sea.” Opened to the public in 2010, the platform is built on piers to avoid disrupting tides and currents. From a distance, you can observe that it is decorated in blue and white. The service center, as it is
called, consists of a viewing platform and tower. The viewing platform is a 24-meter high steel structure, resembling an eagle spreading its wings. There are six floors: parking lots occupy the first and second floors while the third floor is the main viewing area with an outdoor viewing zone, an indoor café, a multi-media theater, and museum, among others. If you’re looking for some souvenirs or wanting to eat, go to the fourth floor. The fifth floor is a 5-star hotel, equipped with a meeting room and banquet hall. The sixth floor is off-limit as it reserved for the staff. The 145.6-meter high viewing tower is connected to the platform by a 42-meter-long bridge. Standing on the viewing corridor on the fifteenth or sixteenth floor, you can see the Qiantang River Tide, nearby Jiaxing Port and Hangzhou Bay Wetland.
8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
EDITORIAL
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Hero’s burial in the eyes of the Jesuits
HERE are at least two groups under the Jesuits congregation, the religious order running the Ateneo de Manila University, who have once again spoken on the issue of the Marcos burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. The groups issued a statement rejecting a hero’s burial for the late dictator. “Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) buries human dignity by legitimizing the massive violations of human and civil rights, especially of the right to life, that took place under his regime,” the Jesuit groups said in a statement. According to them, “Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani will not heal our wounded country,” they added, rebutting President Rodrigo Duterte’s assertion that a hero’s burial for Marcos will bring “healing” for the Philippines. They also listed other arguments against Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, to wit: 1. Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani buries truth by perpetuating the myth of Marcos’ achievements as a leader, distorting the valuable lessons of history that we pass on to our young, and confusing them about what constitutes heroism. 2. Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani buries justice by justifying the shameless corruption of the dictator, his family, and the
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oligarchy of cronies he created. It violates the moral values we cherish as a nation by rewarding wrong and making it seem right. 3. Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani buries solidarity by denying the pain and anguish of the many victims of human rights violations and their families, the misery of the poor who suffered most under Marcos’ development policies, and the sacrifices of those who fought to restore the country’s fallen democratic institutions. 4. Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani buries peace by erasing the memory of the violence that his regime inflicted on our nation. 5. Burying the dictator in the Libingan ng mga Bayani buries genuine empowerment by legitimizing the concentration of power in a single leader and the suppression of democratic rights and participation under his regime, and by negating the triumph of the empowered popular movement that unseated him. The groups are now asking people to consider their position on this issue. They enjoin everyone to unite with them in calling upon President Duterte to reconsider his decision and find a resolution to this issue that will bring about genuine reconciliation with justice for all. The President, meanwhile, has given his side of the issue and knowing him, he is one who stands by his word even if it meant, at the end of the day, not too popular with the people.
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
VANTAGE POINTS
9
Cry for Independence
I
N local annals, pre-war Davao governor Sebastian T. Generoso has been profusely honored, appropriately or otherwise, in various historical landmarks. Despite his dubious record as a public official—he was reprimanded, suspended and eventually dismissed from public office—his name has been immortalized in Davao City’s oldest concrete bridge and in Davao Oriental, as the new place-name of the town where he was originally from. But a little known aspect of his life that’s hardly recognized is his role in the cause of Philippine independence long before the country was released from U.S. control. In fact, a decade before joining politics, he was chosen president of a Mindanao-wide labor union, the Federacion Obrera, with a membership of 3,853 in 1921 and held office at 1 Claveria Street, Davao City. Alternately known as the Labor Federation of Mindanao, the group was one of high-profile organizations that openly supported calls for Philippine independence. Following the election of U.S. president Warren Harding in March 1921, the American government sent to the country the Wood–Forbes Mission, a fact-finding commission which later came out with a report that the Filipinos were not yet prepared for self-government and “that many educated Filipinos wished to remain under American tutelage.” Actually, the mission was in response to governor general Francis B. Harrison’s liberal position that “the best method of preparing Filipinos for independence was to give them as
wide a latitude FAST BACKWARD as possible in managing their internal affairs.” With the passage of the Jones Act in 1916, which proclaimed the American intent to grant Antonio V. Figueroa Philippine independence, Harrison pushed for the replacement of Americans in civil service with Filipinos. This move to Filipinize public service, however, was met by strong opposition in Washington, calling the intent as premature and claiming such arrangement would only result in “marked deterioration of services.” As a result, the mission was dispatched. In response to the mission’s findings, the Labor Federation of Mindanao came out with a memorial (a statement of facts as basis of a petition) on August 6, 1921, “asking that immediate independence be granted the Philippine Islands.” This was signed by Generoso, as president, and attested to by Gregorio Torres the association’s secretary who later became municipal president (mayor) of the town of Davao. In part, the lengthy memorial enumerated the following petitions: “The laboring masses of the Philippines, who in former years fought on the battle-fields and suffered in many perilous fights for the
cause of liberty, who swore to defend conscientiously and resolutely the individuality of this nation and its historic right to nationality, who preferred to live in hardship that they might offer all their possessions on the shrine of patriotic devotion, who struggled on led by the ideal of liberty, who sprinkled with their blood the fields and valleys of this land that we adore, now remind this Special Mission of the unceasing desire of the Philippine people to obtain their independence. “If in other years we, the laborers, were willing to fight to the end for such objects, with how much stronger faith and loftier reasons may we now request the boon we sought and which by natural right is ours, the independence of our Motherland. “In its intervention on behalf of the struggling people of these Philippine Islands against the power of Spain the aims of the United States were benevolent, for it is an incontrovertible fact that elsewhere the Americans made a disinterested liberation of people that had been subjugated by Spain. For the highest reasons of humanity and justice the United States has extended its protection over another country that sought its freedom. The American flag could not stand for emancipation in Cuba and at the same time for forcible subjugation in the Philippines. And we beg leave to remind Americans, also, that our position is based not on considerations of a sentimental character but on the justice of our cause as derived from “the law of God and nature” and sustained by the moral force of the promises solemnly made by the United States
and accepted by the people of the Philippine Islands. “In the recent war these people gave their adhesion and aid to the cause of America, recognizing that cause to be based on the principles of justice and self-government, of the liberty and security of small nations, as proclaimed by the government of the United States. These fundamental features of the policy of America have appealed to the hearts and brightened the hope of the Filipino people. America will add another glory to her banner by establishing the first really democratic republic in the East and will apply a second time, generously and freely, the measure of humanity and justice that she applied in the case of Cuba. And in so doing she will logically vindicate and uphold the immortal principles of the Declaration of Independence of 1776. “Since the common people have been led to believe, as they had good reason to believe, that the purposes of America were not of domination or self-aggrandizement, but altruism, humanity and liberty, and since we have full and abiding faith in the terms of the promises made by the United States, the fulfillment of which is now due, we, in the name of justice, ask now our independence, in whatsoever form.” Unfortunately, The mission, led by Leonard Wood, the newly installed U.S. governor general of the Philippines (1921-27) and William Cameron Forbes, an investment banker, diplomat and former U.S. governor general in the country (1909-13), did not support the federation’s cry for independence.
“They (stakeholders) know that if they invest in protected areas, the returns would be huge. Everything would come in later. There should be the recognition of the people of the value of biodiversity to them, even the national government. Once the national government recognizes that biodiversity is actually the foundation for development, they would invest more than what we are getting at the moment.” -- Dr. Mundita Lim, director of Biodiversity Management Bureau
this country,” she said, cit- THINK ON THESE! ing Batangas as “the center of marine biodiversity in the planet” while Sibuyan in Romblon has “the densest forest on Henrylito D. Tacio Earth.” henrytacio@gmail.com In 2012, the e nv i ro n m e n t department released the 48-page report, “Communities in Nature: State of Protected Areas Management in the Philippines.” Although the country has been active in protecting its biological diversity, much has to be done. “Many scientists have expressed the concern that despite the significant gains in protected areas management, the Philippines is still losing its remaining forest and coastal ecosystems at an alarming rate,” the report said. “In other words, the country is either not effective in conserving its resources, or not fast enough in protecting ecosystems at risk,”
the report added. In 2016, the “Guidebook to Protected Areas in the Philippines,” published by DENR, was launched. “The guidebook is a showcase of our country’s natural wealth,” said Senator Loren Legarda during the launching. “Not only does this remind us of the natural blessings that our country is endowed with, but it also urges us to veer away from the path of apathy, to act responsibly now before it is too late.” Eight years earlier, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) IUCN identified the Philippines as one of the 17 countries in the world which are considered “biodiversity superstars.” The Biodiversity Management Bureau (formerly the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau) reported the country has the highest rate of discovery in the world. The Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plants species and maintains 5% of the world’s flora and ranks fourth when it comes to endemic birds. “The Philippines has tremendous wildlife resources,” wrote Jesus B. Alvarez Jr. in a 1981 position paper. “We have unique and beautiful birds which are in great demand,
both here and abroad. We also have rare interesting mammals. Most outstanding are the tamaraw and the Philippine eagle which could be placed alongside the world’s finest species.” The Philippines is home to about 170,000 faunal species, most of which are insects and are mostly unidentified, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Twelve thousand plant species and 960 animal species are found in the country’s forests. Of the identified animal species, over 500 are birds and 167 are mammals. Out of the 500 known coral species in worldwide, about 488 coral species in 78 genera are found in the Philippines. There are only about 50 species of seagrasses in the world. A total of 16 species can be found in the country, and this is the second highest diversity that exists in one country; only Western Australia has more -- with 17 species. At least 2,000 fish species are found in the Philippines. Almost 100 mammal species are endemic to the Philippines. In recent years, experts have discovered more than a dozen species of mammals in the country seen nowhere else on the planet. (To be continued)
Saving biodiversity for future generations (Part 1)
*** URING her first day as the head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Gina Lopez said that one of her priority goals is the exploration of the country’s biodiversity. So that those communities living in the areas where these biodiversity abound can benefit, she explained. “I would like to keep biodiversity and not let it be raped by any interests, because it belongs to the Filipino people,” pointed out the environment secretary, whose appointment caught Filipinos by surprise. According to Lopez, the Philippines has “the most endemicity per unit area.” “We have the most flora and fauna exclusive to
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10 NEWS Rody... FROM 1
instead look into the number of policemen who have died and the innocent people killed during the national government’s intensified war against the illegal drug trade. The President even said that he will help Callamar count the number of drug suspects killed, as well as the innocent people slain by members of these drug syndicates. “I would invite her to come and to hold her finger and begin to count the figures and I would ask her, compare it to the previous administration,” he said. “Same deaths, but these were the innocent children being killed, raped, victims of holdups and everything, this time almost with the same number, but it is the criminals who have died,” Duterte added. He recalled an incident were an 18-months old child was killed by his uncle who was a drug addict. “What where the wrong
things that the 18 months old child did? Nothing! But he was killed,” Duterte said. He also hinted that the Philippines might withdraw its membership from the UN, because of the baseless accusations thrown at him by Callamar. “If you (Callamar) are that rude, then we might as well leave (the UN organization),” he said. Asked if he was serious on the withdrawal of the Philippines from the UN, he said “the joke is on you.” Duterte stated that he will only push for the withdrawal of the country from the UN if the international body will return all the contributions the Philippines has given since it joined the organization. The President said that he can build several rehabilitation centers for drug dependents out of the money the Philippines has been contributing to the United Nations.
the Tokboy Group. Batchar also bared that prior to the encounter in Sarangani, the joint AFP-PNP forces arrested in the afternoon of Aug 20 a certain Mustapha Gansing. Seized from Gansing were an UZI machine pistol loaded with a magazine and various subversive documents containing IED (improvised explosive devise) diagram lectures. In the same statement, Brigadier General Ronald Villanueva, commander of 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade lauded the joint AFP-PNP forces for the successful operation against the Tokbo Group. “The President is serious in dealing with ISIS or Daesh that is trying to enter our country. This is the reason why the AFP and the PNP jointly con-
ducted this counter terrorism operations to eliminate this threat that endanger the safety and well-being of the residents of Maasim and the neighboring municipalities of Sarangani Province,” Villanueva said. He also expressed gratitude for the support of the residents in the area, particularly for the invaluable information they have shared with authorities. The information, Villanueva noted, enabled government forces to immediately respond to the situation, resulting in the death of three AKP members and the arrest of another member. “This only shows that the people in the area are already aware that security is a shared responsibility of the people and the authorities,” Villanueva said.
during the same period last year. He said since July 1 to August 19 this year, 91 persons have been arrested due to illegal drug use and selling. Reyes said 1,947 persons who admitted involvement in the drug trade have voluntarily “surrendered” to police offices. Of this number, 1,301 were drug users and 126 drug peddlers. “Our operation against illegal drugs is relentless until all these are eradicated,” Reyes said. Cotabato City Vice Mayor
Cynthia Guiani Sayadi, also acting mayor, said the local government will continue to support the Duterte Administration’s anti-drug campaign. “We will not tolerate, nor condone, any public official or government employee proven to have links with illegal activities, especially drugs,” she said. Cotabato City has about 400 cops. The ideal ratio is one police officer to 500 people, but the city has a ratio of one cop to 750 individuals, Reyes said. “We need an additional 200 police officers to comply with the ratio,” he said. (PNA)
arose earlier this year that job growth was beginning to stall. Indeed, these reports reinforce my view that labor market conditions continue to improve. “ Meanwhile, with no major economic data due out Friday, traders were still sifting through the Fed’s minutes from its July meeting. According to the minutes, some voting Federal Reserve
policymakers expect that a US interest rate increase will be needed soon, although there is general agreement that more data is needed before such a move. For the week, the Dow fell 0.1 percent, and the S&P 500 edged down 0.18 point, or less than 0.1 percent, while the Nasdaq rose 0. 1 percent. (PNA/Xinhua)
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
HEAT PROOF. Dabawenyos, armed with all kinds of warm weather protection, brave the scorching heat of the sun to watch Pamulak sa Kadayawan (Floral Float parade), the culminating event of the Kadayawan sa Davao 2016 celebration, in San Pedro Square yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.
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manifestation of their goodwill in response to the government’s determined and sincere efforts to bring about just and lasting peace in the land. On Friday, the Communist Party of the Philippines and its New People’s Army (NPA) declared a seven-day unilateral ceasefire hours after the release of its high-ranking leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were named consultants to peace talks scheduled Aug. 22 to 26 in Oslo, Norway. The rebel ceasefire will
take effect 12:01 a.m. on Sunday until 11:59 p.m., Aug. 27. We fully support the peace initiatives of the government, and we will direct the immediate implementation of the ceasefire declaration. Our troops will continue performing their constitutional duties to protect our communities, secure our sovereignty and preserve the territorial integrity of our Republic. The ceasefire is not applicable to lawless armed groups,” Andolong stressed. (PNA)
will also provide an enabling environment for the success of the peace negotiations between the two panels. President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDFP during his first State of the Nation Address last July 25. Meanwhile, the CPP-NPANDFP also declared last week a seven-day unilateral ceasefire that also took effect on midnight Sunday and will hold un-
til midnight of Aug. 27. In a statement, the CPP said the ceasefire was declared to celebrate and bolster the resumption of the peace negotiations between the government and the NDFP. The group added the ceasefire declaration is also aimed to encourage the government’s facilitation of the release of all NDFP consultants who are set to join the peace negotiations.
year’s DATE. Around 10,000 to 12,000 delegates coming from the business sector and other stakeholders in Mindanao and other parts of the country are expected to attend this year’s DATE 2016. This year’s attendees are more than half of the participants who joined the previous DATE events – from 4,000 in 2011 to 4,856 in 2015. Doromal said sales for this year’s DATE are also expected to increase, as the sales generated by exhibitors during the Expo over the past five years have surged by 550 percent – from P61.5 million to a whopping P342.8 million. “The numbers can grow even further as Mega Harbour takes shape and become operational in the few years ahead,” Romero said. He also reported that Mega Harbour’s sister firm, the Harbour Centre Port Terminal (HCPT) in Manila had posted a phenomenal increase
in cargo volume, rising from three million metric tons to six million metric tons over the past five years. Romero said that HCPT’s 1.115-km berth will be increased by another kilometre and its 12-hectare apron and storage area will be expanded by an additional 20 hectares through a reclamation project that will be completed within a year. “We are prioritizing port development in our menu of infrastructure and environment projects because of its urgency in the wake of the ASEAN economic integration. As a responsible corporate citizen, we have to align our priorities with national interests,” he added. Romero, in the statement, also lauded the Davao Chamber for branding this year’s DATE “Bridging the Gap: Global Opportunities for Mindanao’s Golden Crops,” as he said the theme also speaks of Mega Harbour’s purpose and vision.
Military... FROM 3
Mega... FROM 5
Voyeurism... FROM 3 Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009 for the video post he made which has gone viral. The law prohibits, among others, the act of taking a photos or videos of a person/s performing a sexual act or any similar activity without the latter’s consent, or the capturing of an image of the private area of a person/s without the latter’s consent, and publishing or broadcasting, or showing or exhibiting the photo or video of such sexual act or private parts through DVD, internet, cellphones and other similar means or device, even though consent to record was given initially. A person found guilty of photo or video voyeurism will serve a maximum jail sentence of seven years and pay a fine which could amount toP500,000. In an interview with media, Pangandoyon claimed that he posted the video to inform the public about the crime, which could eventually lead to arrest of the rape suspect who just happened to live about five houses away from the broadcaster’s house. Pangandoyon said the victim could have died if he and other concerned civilians didn’t bring her to the hospital for treatment. According to the victim, she “slept alone” in the apartment she rented, which was located at the back the Robinson’s mall. According to a neighbour it was her day-off. When her co-workers returned to the apartment, the door was half-open door, as the victim lied naked on the floor. Upon their discovery of the victim, her co-workers ran for help, which caught the at-
tention of Pangandoyon. As a mediaman, his first instinct was to get his camera and record events at the crime scene. After uploading a short video of the incident on his Facebook account, he posted another longer clip with subtitles in the vernacular. The identify of the victim, however, was not disclosed in the said videos. In one of the videos, the rape victim lied naked on her side, as her hogtied hands covered her breasts. The videos became a viral, with the first one having 6,000 shares. In the longer video, Pangandoyon’s voice can be overheard asking help from the city police. It appeared that the mediaman was irritated with the police’s long questioning, which sparked online comments over the delayed response by authorities. Some netizens, however, commented that Pangandoyon failed to blur the videos before he posted them on Facebook. The videos have already been deleted by late Thursday afternoon, as netizens commented that it was unfortunate Pangandoyon was arrested by the police and not the rape suspect . Various online news sites and Facebook users have downloaded the videos from Pangandoyon’s FB account and re-uploaded them on their own sites. As of Friday morning, Pangandoyon was set to post a P14,000 bail bond pending the inquest case filed by the city police against him. He slept Thursday night at the city jail behind the old city hall as the fiscal was unable to sign the case records.
are becoming,” said Lance, an Australian who moved to China 15 years ago. Drone maker DJI executive said the ability of Chinese companies being able to move fast and adapt was another reason for its success.
“Chinese tech companies used to copy what western firms were producing but then they started improving on it and now they are breaking new ground on their own,” the unnamed executive was quoted as saying. (PNA)
Chinese... FROM 5
INdulge!
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
EDGEDAVAO
LIVING
Tips and tricks to enjoy
Pokemon GO POKEMON GO, THE POPULAR DIGITAL MONSTER CATCHAND-TRAIN GAME, FINALLY WENT ONLINE IN THE PHILIPPINE SHORES. Dabawenyos have caught on with the craze as young and old run around parks, malls, schools and hotels! While many are familiar with the original Pokemon games, this latest iteration of Pokemon takes a page out of virtual reality by filling real spaces with virtual Pokemon which can be caught using the Pokemon App. As soon as the game went online, many places around Davao City experienced an uptick in foot traffic, thanks to the many Pokemon masters trying to catch Pokemon in the area. Here are some tips and tricks to become the best Pokemon trainer in the real world. For those who want to know what the game is all about, Pokemon GO can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Both Globe and Smart offer seven free days of data access for Pokémon GO so there is no excuse not to be a real world Pokemon trainer.
Always bring extra power Playing Pokémon GO uses the internet either through mobile data or WiFi, GPS to establish your location and detect nearby Pokémon. The game also uses your camera as part of the augmented reality experience, which could drain your battery within hours. It is best to bring an extra power bank or two with you to keep your game going.
Go to convergence areas for more PokéStops PokéStops are there to provide you items such as Pokeballs, Rasberries, or eggs to help you catch Pokémon, and can sometimes be spots where Pokémon can appear when lure modules are applied. PokéStops are most likely located in nearby convergence areas such as malls, parks, basketball courts or even mural paintings and statues. Some of the best clusters of PokéStops here in Davao include the Davao City Hall area, Abreeza Mall, SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, Ateneo University, and People’s Park. PokéStops refresh in a few minutes, so just keep on collecting items!
Form a team! Gear up properly Pokémon GO requires you to go around and explore your surroundings, sometimes even walk or bike between two to 10 kilometers just to hatch a Pokémon egg. Always bring water and wear comfortable clothes to avoid dehydration. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.
Have fun while being aware of your surroundings Although Davao is a safe city to walk around with a smartphone out in the open, always be mindful of your surroundings, as holding your phone in public can possibly attract thieves. You might be also too distracted while being immersed in the game so be on the lookout for things you might bump into or trip on.
Pokemon GO is best played with friends. Aside from relative safety in numbers when you explore your neighborhood, your friends can serve as navigators as you go around areas. Once you reach level 5 in the game, you have to choose between teams Mystic, Instinct, or Valor. It’s best to form a team within your neighborhood or friends, as his will give you an advantage in certain situations such as taking over Gyms. This also allows you to gain prestige for your team, allowing more Pokémon from your team to defend the Gym. Plus, if one of your Pokémon is defending the gym, you can get PokéCoins for free every 21 hours.
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Isuzu holds Truckfe
By Kenneth Irving Ong
LEADING TRUCK MAKER ISUZU MOTORS PHILIP GETHER WITH SOUTHERN MOTORS PHILIPPINE its Isuzu Truckfest at the open parking area of SM Lanang August 4 to 6. The event, which was launched in Davao Cit time, featured the latest Isuzu trucks and commercial veh In his remarks at the event, Isuzu Philippines president, Hajime Koso said that he has always found it a pleasure to visit Davao. “Davao is Isuzu country and this truckfest is intended to bring our service closer (to Dabawenyos),” said Mr. Koso. “The exhibit features 30 trucks and truck heads with different bodies which showcase the versatil-
ity of our truc Meanwhile Motors Phili manager Jocs optimistic on prospects in exhibit is the new era,” sai ing “Isuzu ha for 64 years a mined to pa rapid growth
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PPINES, TOES INC., held g Premier last ty for the first hicles.
cks.” e, Southern ippines general son Yu said he is n Isuzu’s growth n Davao. “This e dawning of a id Mr. Yu, addas been in Davao and we are deterarticipate in the h of the region.
This event showcases a wide selection of trucks to choose from that would suit our client’s businesses.” A simple ceremonial turn-over also followed the opening with Mr. Koso and Mr. Yu giving out ceremonial keys to Nestfarms Inc., TADECO, and Eden Mountain Resort who are all loyal Isuzu clients.
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
MYX welcomes newest VJs THE NUMBER ONE MUSIC CHANNEL IN THE PHILIPPINES welcomes to its family Donny Pangilinan and Sunny Kim, two fresh and talented faces who will surely make the MYX viewing experience more exciting for music fans and the youth.
Donny Pangilinan is the son of award-winning actress Maricel Laxa and TV host Anthony Pangilinan. At 18 years old, Donny has obtained a cult following through social media with over 35K followers on Twitter and 68K on Instagram even before appearing on TV. VJ Donny is a fresh graduate of Brent International School and describes himself as super competitive and someone who loves basketball and surfing. Standing 6’1” tall and armed with his active and easy-going personality, Donny is now the latest addition to the exclusive roster of MYX VJs. Sunny Kim, on the other hand, is 100% pure Korean but her heart is 100% Pinoy. She arrived in the Philippines when she was 6 years old. Her family loved Manila so much that they
decided to live here for good. VJ Sunny, who is a B.A. Broadcast Communication student in UP Diliman, is an all-around ball of energy wherever she goes. She first came to MYX as a translator for a Korean awards show back in 2014. She then applied as an intern and spent her days helping out in the studio and learning from the staff. She auditioned for the MYXph.com Vlogger Search, and ultimately won the competition with her fun and quirky personality. Get to know VJ Donny and VJ Sunny as they take over your favorite shows this August. MYX, the number one music channel in the country is on Skycable chan-
nel 23. For more information on the channel, log on to www.myxph.com, follow MYX on Instagram (@myxph), Twitter (@MYXPhilippines), and Facebook (MYX. Philippines).
Gabby Concepcion signs exclusive contract with GMA Network SEASONED ACTOR GABBY CONCEPCION REMAINS A KAPUSO, as he inked an exclusive contract last August 17 with GMA Network, Inc. Present in the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Consultant for Business Development Department II Marivin T. Arayata, GMA Vice President for Drama Productions Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, GMA Assistant Vice President for Drama Productions Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager for ETV Charles Koo and Popoy Caritativo, Gabby’s manager. During the contract signing, Gabby said he is very honored and excited about this new milestone in his career as a Kapuso, “I am very, very grateful. I think it’s going to be a good year. Malapit na ang birthday ko so this is really a good birthday gift. Definitely, we are doing other shows in GMA.”
The Kapuso actor headlined the hit primetime series Because of You with Carla Abellana and Rafael Rosell. He became a household name because of his role in the show where he was tagged for his onscreen moniker “Boss Yummy.” Gabby happily announced that the network has already lined up projects for him, “Meron kaming gagawing comedy show. Pahinga muna tayo sa drama. Magpapatawa at magpapasaya muna tayo ngayon. Kaya tuloy-tuloy nila akong mapapanood after ng role ko as Boss Yummy.” Atty. Gozon said he is very happy that Gabby is joining GMA’s stable of stars because he is a brilliant actor, “Si Gabby matagal ng uma-appear sa
ating mga shows at nakita naman natin na maganda ang pagtanggap ng manonood sa kanya maliban sa magaling na artista at gwapo pa, talagang asset si Gabby kahit saang TV station mapunta. Kaya tayo ay nagpapasalamat na napili na naman niya tayo.” Rasonable said the network will continue to provide quality projects for Gabby that his avid fans and supporters can look forward to, “Nakita natin how he was so effective in Because of You so we will continue giving him more drama projects. He is doing something else, he is doing a comedy on primetime. Dapat abangan nila yun kasi another side of Gabby that they have not seen for a long time, makikita nila dito.”
11 COMPETITIVE EDGE
EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
HUDCC issues streamlined rules on socialized housing I
N its bid to streamline all procedures within the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and all the shelter agencies under it, the Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) is issuing new rules on socialized housing projects under its High Density Housing and the Community Mortgage Program (CMP). For CMP, communities and homeowners associations will only have to submit 9 documents, down from the 27 documents that were previously required. The new rules were signed by Vice President and HUDCC Chairperson Leni Robredo and SHFC President Ana Oliveros at the Villa Robredo CMP Project in Naga Thursday. “SHFC itself will procure several documents from government agencies and
nate with the Land Registration Authority (LRA) to facilitate the issuance of the titles covering community-housing projects. The new rules on socialized housing projects were developed after a series of consultations with various groups coming from the urban poor. “This is also in line with our strategy to mainstream community-driven approaches to urban development and housing,” Robredo said. As HUDCC chairperson, the vice president is also the chairperson of the board of directors of SHFC, HLURB and the other Key Shelter Agencies (KSAs), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), National Housing Authority, Home Guaranty Corp., and National Home Mortgage Finance Corp.
and 5MP front cameras in f/2.0, this phone enables users to take photos like a pro. Its special filters will enhance the details and colors of each picture. Moreover, Good Food photo filter will reveal and bring out the
natural appeal of a delicious meal. It also has a 5.5-inch screen that features a wide and vibrant full HD display coupled with an impressive Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, 2GB RAM,
Android 5.1 Lollipop and 3,000 mAh battery that will let users enjoy non-stop quality entertainment, run multiple applications and seamless gaming. Huawei GR5 is available in all Huawei concept and partner stores for PHP10,490. The GR5 Great Selfie Raid has held successful visits in various malls in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cavite, and Laguna. The last stop of the raid will be in Metro Cebu in September to give mobile phone users there a chance to bring home their very own Huawei GR5 phones! To know more about the Huawei GR5 Great Selfie Raid, Huawei GR5 and other Huawei devices in the Philippines, you may visit Facebook.com/HuaweiDevicePH.
Nokia IMPACT comes with comprehensive capabilities for all things connected: • Scalability: Being cloudbased, customers can add on-demand server capacity to support massive numbers of connected devices. Scaling capacity is also enhanced by the platform’s internal architecture, built from the ground up for extreme scale, security and reliability. • Total security: IoT security is under-addressed by the market. As IoT data increases, the more security matters. IMPACT has factored in the increasing security requirements including network, cloud and end-point security.
ion Designers Competition,’ it showcased contemporary Mindanaoan fashion and paved the way for young and promising local designers to be recognized in the national and global fashion scene. Ten young local designers showcased their creations on the runway, as the final judging was held yesterday at the mall’s Atrium. The contestants vying for Pret-aPorter and Evening Wear for Women categories highlight-
ed different fabrics, patterns and materials, reflecting the unique Mindanaoan heritage with a fashion-forward sensibility. Cash prizes worth P20,000 for Evening Gown and P15,000 for Pret-a-Porter and other special prizes were given away to the winners. Moda Mindanao Season 11 also featured young international accessories designer Ken Samudio, whose pieces have been featured in edito-
rials of many notable fashion publications. Samudio is the first Filipino designer selected by Vogue Italia as one of its Talents for Accessories in 2014 and featured in its 50th Anniversary issue. Judging the participating designers were celebrity stylist Pam Quiñones, Samudio, Project Runway Philippines’ Jared Servano, Designer Bobby Castillo of Chardin and Davao’s bonafide fashion icon Jackie Dizon.
Behind this year’s Moda Mindanao is a working team of emerging millennial designers: Jun Artajo, Wilson Niñofranco Limon and Frances Marie Tendencia as creative directors and Grand Ravacio as fashion director. The highly anticipated runway event was co-presented by Inquirer Lifestyle 2BU (To Be You), and M Magazine (official media partners), Air Asia (official airline partner), Park Inn
I
D
• Intelligent Management Platform for All Connected Things (IMPACT) is for service providers, enterprises and governments wanting a secure application-independent IoT platform to quickly bring services to market • IMPACT includes a new release of the industry-leading Motive Connected Device Platform, which has connected and securely managed more than 1.5 billion devices
With their regards their BIR requirements, beneficiaries of housing programs had to excuse themselves from work, and at the same time, incurred additional travel expenses, as the processing of capital gains tax exemptions (CGTE) were centralized. Under the proposed new agreements, HLURB is developing an online integrated database for the registration of homeowners, while the BIR will decentralize processing of CGTE applications. HLURB is also working with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to come up with a harmonized land use plan that will eliminate the need for communities to get a separate clearance from DAR to convert agricultural to residential lands for on-site projects. SHFC will also coordi-
LGUs on behalf the communities,” said SHFC president Ana Oliveros. For years, stakeholders had to contend with bureaucratic red tape, taking them as long as two years to have their documents processed. “We want to make our services for efficient so we can scale up the number of families we can serve,” said Vice President Robredo. The new rules are also intended to help prevent communities from being subjected to the payment of illegal “facilitation fees.” “Ultimately, our goal is streamline all processes and processing time will be reduced to 15 - 30 days,” the vice president said. Socialized housing projects have been delayed in the past due to conflicting registrations of homeowners associations with the HLURB.
Huawei GR5 Great Selfie Raid joins Kadayawan!
N time for the most-awaited Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, the Huawei GR5 Great Selfie Raid ran its fourth stop in SM Davao-Annex and Gaisano Mall last Saturday, Aug. 20. The Huawei team’s mission delighted Davaoeño mall-goers, as it gave away free GR5 phones after they unlocked a unit using its patented fingerprint technology. Korean MYX VJ Sunny Kim challenged mall-goers to take “selfies” with her using the Huawei GR5. The Huawei GR5 boasts of an advanced touch technology that lets users unlock their phones and take amazing photos in a matter of 0.5 of a second by simply using the 360 degree fingerprint sensor at its back panel. With its 13MP rear
Nokia launches new IMPACT platform for fast and secure delivery of IoT services
Espoo, Finland – Nokia is extending its device management leadership into IoT with the launch of the Intelligent Management Platform for All Connected Things (IMPACT), which gives operators, enterprises and governments a secure platform on which to scale new IoT services. IMPACT handles data collection, event processing, device management, data contextualization, data analytics, end-to-end security and applications enablement for any device, any protocol and across any application. The new platform, which reflects Nokia’s increasing focus on the fast-growing IoT market, includes Nokia’s Motive Connected Device Platform, the industry’s leading converged device management platform. It provides lifecycle management for more than 80,000 models of broadband, home and IoT devices. The latest edition, released today, integrates all Nokia mobile and IoT device management software.
It also implements the latest Lightweight M2M (LWM2M) security model for IoT device management and is backed by Nokia’s extensive security portfolio. This is important as you can’t trust data from an unmanaged source. • More devices: Along with supporting 80,000 device models from 100 of the world’s top manufacturers, Motive CDP can detect new device formats that come on the market. It is flexible enough to support multiple deployment and business models including private, public cloud, private cloud, SaaS and transactional. This provides a lower entry cost and ability to scale both up and down. Furthermore, MotiveSmart™ certifies how the device and service are used together on an operator’s mobile network. • Better devices and network management: Nokia’s services expertise encompasses both devices and networks, allowing issues to be pinpointed back to either the device or the network for comprehensive root cause analysis.
Bhaskar Gorti, president of the Applications & Analytics Business Group at Nokia, said: “Our new IMPACT platform with Motive CDP is particularly strong in device management, security and analytics. These matter because as we work to collect and derive meaning from IoT data, it becomes more valuable to everyone involved – and more crucial to protect.” IMPACT adds to Nokia’s rapidly expanding IoT portfolio that now contains the four major building blocks of every IoT solution: • Applications: Vertical solutions for connected cars, healthcare, first responder, smart cities, smart homes, and utility deployments • Platforms: IMPACT IoT platform with Motive Connected Device Platform • Infrastructure: Extensive network infrastructure portfolio including leading capabilities in narrow-band and low-power IoT radio solutions • Devices and Sensors: Connected devices like the recently acquired Withings and the home gateway announced today.
Revamped Moda Mindanao at SM Lanang Premier
URING the Kadayawan weekend, the region’s longest-running fashion design competition celebrated Mindanaoan artistry and set the runway ablaze at its new home in SM Lanang Premier. Now on its 11th year, Moda Mindanao returned with a new creative format and perspective, but retained the same global aspiration it has displayed over the years. Redefined as a ‘Young Fash-
by Radisson Davao, L’Oréal Paris, L’Oréal Professionel, Salon de Rose, and 8telcom. For the past 10 years, Moda Mindanao has been hosted annually by SM City Davao every Kadayawan Weekend. It has grown to become one of the most celebrated fashion events in Southern Philippines. For event updates, follow SM Lanang Premier’s official account on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
12 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
Isuzu offroad 4x4 demo in Cebu D
EMONSTRATIONS of the off-road driving capabilities of Isuzu’s four-wheel-drive models continue to thrill crowds across the country as Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) staged the third round of its spectacular 4x4 event in the Queen City of the South. Following successful runs in Manila and Iloilo, IPC mounted the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground in Cebu City on August 12 to 14, 2016. Held at the open parking area of SM City Cebu, the event drew off-road driving enthusiasts and mall goers alike for its unique brand of motoring spectacle. Featured at the show were two units each of the Isuzu mu-X 4x4 LS-A and Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 LS, which were offered up for testdrives so that 4x4 fans and other consumers in Cebu City may be able to experience the excellent off-road performance of the two models. To ensure that the mu-X’s and D-MAX’s off-road capabilities were ably shown to the crowd, the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground featured various extreme obstacles, which included the slipper slope, articulation ramp, 40-degree transverse-angle ramp, and the centerpiece – the 20-foot Thrill Hill. ”Cebu City’s blend of island liv-
ing feel and urban sophistication makes it one of the most appealing places in the Philippines. Its proximity to natural beauty provides the perfect balance to its bustling city life. This means vehicles like the Isuzu mu-X premium SUV and Isuzu D-MAX pickup are the ideal choices for Cebuanos as both models can comfortably navigate urban settings as well as being highly capable of taking on the great outdoors,” IPC Senior Vice President Arthur Balmadrid said during the event’s opening on August 12. Accompanying Balmadrid at the opening ceremony was Emmanuel Aligada, President of Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc., who along with other IPC executives experienced first-hand the variety of driving obstacles found in the Isuzu 4x4 Action Playground. Serving as added attractions at the event was the special on-thespot 30 percent discount that IPC offered on genuine Isuzu parts and accessories. “The discount promo is IPC’s humble way of showing our tremendous appreciation to the people of Cebu, who have been faithful to the Isuzu brand for decades. This unwavering support is what made Cebu one of the strongest markets for Isuzu,” Balmadrid said.
Suzuki opens in General Santos City S UZUKI Philippines, Inc (SPH), the only integrated motorcycle and automobile company and the pioneer manufacturer of compact vehicles in the country, extends its reach to the South with the opening of its latest auto satellite showroom located in SM City General Santos. Suzuki Auto General Santos satellite showroom, which is owned and managed by Grand Canyon Multi-Holdings, Inc., is the 1st Suzuki Automobile satellite outlet of the group and 1st Suzuki Automobile satellite showroom in Mindanao. Led
by the President Jan Andrew T. Po, the group started its selling operations on August 8, 2016 to bring customer convenience by providing sales and spare parts to car enthusiasts in the South. “The formal opening of the satellite showroom in SM City General Santos is anticipated to strengthen SPH’s thrust of bringing the Suzuki Way of Life in the area. Suzuki Auto General Santos is our 21st satellite outlet and 51st total automobile outlet but we still continue expanding to other provincial areas because we want our customers to experience the inno-
vative products that we are offering,” says Shuzo Hoshikura, the General Manager of Suzuki Philippines. Hoshikura adds, “We have seen the exponential growth of the city and we believe that opening a satellite showroom in this area will help us achieve better growth by the end of this year. Consistently strengthening its market presence, Suzuki Philippines posted an impressive growth of 37 percent for the first 6 months of 2016 – even surpassing the 27.1 mid-year sales growth achieved by the entire auto-
motive industry. The opening of Suzuki Auto General Santos satellite showroom will help fuel the growth of Suzuki Philippines as it makes owning a Suzuki more convenient for the motorists in General Santos City. Prior to the inauguration of the satellite showroom, Suzuki Philippines opened its 3S dealership in General Santos City last February 2015. Located at J. Catolico Avenue, Lagao, Suzuki Auto General Santos is a one-stop shop that offers Sales, Spare parts, and Services to deliver customers a complete Suzuki Way of Life experience.
Mitsubishi Motors PH updates Pajero engine
M
ITSUBISHI Motors Philippines’ long servicing flagship SUV, the Pajero, gets a new heart for 2016 that boasts more power, better refinement, and of course, Euro 4 emissions compliance. Now available at all Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide, the 2016 Pajero gets an upgraded 4M41 engine with a new variable geometry turbo system. This brings the 3.2-liter 4-cylinder’s output to 192 horsepower at 3,800 rpm (up from 165 horsepower) and 441 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm (up from 373 Nm). Apart from just pure power, the upgraded 4M41 engine meets Euro 4 emissions regulations while also benefiting from improved cooling performance and stronger internal components. This new engine boasts the Pajero’s comfort and
refinement levels. Outside, it gets LED daytime running lights, HID headlights with auto dimming, and a power tilt/sliding sunroof. Inside, it boasts of full leather seats (Claysoil Beige or Black depending on the exterior color) and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Giving the Pajero surefootedness on any terrain, it has the proven Super Select 4WD-II system as standard equipment as well as M-ASTC or the Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control system which applies braking force to the free-spinning wheels, redistributing power to the wheels with traction, curbing over- and understeer. The 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero retails for P 2,750,000 for the diesel variant. A gasoline variant, powered by a 3.8-liter V6 retails for P 2,550,000.
EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
NEWS 13
PDEA backs drug rehab for PHIC beneficiaries
T
HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) supports a proposed bill that would extend affordable treatment and rehabilitation services to drug dependents that are entitled to health care benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC). PDEA director general Isidro S. Lapeňa said the agency supports Senate Bill No. 8, or “An Act Providing for Affordable Drug Rehabilitation Treatment for PHIC Beneficiaries, Further Amending Re-
public Act 7875, as Amended” “The proposed measure which is filed by Senator Vicente Sotto III on July 30, 2016, aims to make treatment and rehabilitation more affordable to drug dependents. The bill is proposed to amend the PhilHealth law and include supplemental health benefit coverage to its members or their dependents as medically necessary for drug rehabilitation treatment purposes and its appropriate services,” Lapeňa said. “The bill would help re-
solve the common predicament of those who want to bring their children to treatment and rehabilitation centers but do not have enough money to pay for it. If we fail to treat the drug dependents, a good number of them will only resort to street crimes, or engage in drug-pushing in the interest of supporting their addiction,” Lapeňa added. The PDEA chief thanked Senator Sotto for sponsoring the bill, saying, “PDEA is looking forward when the bill is finally enacted into law to help
address the incidence of drug abuse in the country, particularly in the recent upsurge of voluntary surrender of thousands of self-confessed drug users nationwide,” he said. PDEA is pushing for the construction of treatment and rehabilitation centers in Regions 2, 4B, 12, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Negros Island Regional Office (NIRO)- areas which still don’t have even a single treatment center. (PNA)
sa tabi ng ilog, huwag naman natin itapon ang ating mga basura, solid waste kung saansaan lang,” MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Director Baltazar Melgar said in a radio interview on Sunday. ”Itong linggong ito, ang aming tauhan sa flood control ay abala sa paglilinis ng ating waterways kasi naipon lahat ng dumi diyan, buong linggo naglinis kami sa ating waterways para kung may dumating ulit na malakas na ulan, ‘yan ay nakahanda,” he added. Melgar said huge volumes
of waste in clogged waterways hinder the function of pumping stations, making it hard for these to absorb water coming from the Manila Bay and the Pasig River, especially during heavy rains. ”Sa pag-operate lang namin ng pumping station, mga dalawang truck load ng basura ang nakukuha agad dun. Lahat ng mga basurang hindi nakolekta, kapag umulan tiyak yan mapupunta sa ating pumping station,” Melgar said. In 2002, the formulation and implementation of flood
control functions were transferred from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the MMDA. These include clean-up of waterways and maintenance of pumping stations. The DPWH, meanwhile, remains in charge of the construction of flood control infrastructure projects. In May, the MMDA installed electric motor-driven pumps in 12 out of its 54 pumping stations in the metropolis, with each engine being able to pump 350 drums of floodwater per second. (PNA)
MMDA: Don’t dump rubbish into waterways
T
HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has renewed its call to the public to refrain from dumping their wastes into waterways in order to prevent floods during the rainy season. The agency made the statement following its cleanup operations in various waterways after heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon caused floods in different parts of Metro Manila last week. ”Sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na yung mga naninirahan
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016
END OF THE ROAD Moroccan ends Alora’s medal run K
IRSTIE Elaine Alora lost to Wiam Dislam of Morocco, 7-5, on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) in the repechage to miss out on a chance at a bronze medal in the Olympic taekwondo competitions. Given a chance at bronze after Maria Espinoza of Mexico reached the finals, Alora couldn’t finish off a much-taller Dislam as she failed to sustain a 5-4 lead in the final 20 seconds. Down 7-5, national head coach Roberto ‘Kitoy’ Cruz
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requested for a video review after Alora issued a kick to the head—a maneuver worth three points—that didn’t register on the scoreboard. However, the review showed Alora’s kick only grazed Dislam’s head gear. The loss ended Alora’s campaign that began with a loss to Espinoza in the roundof-16, but got another opportunity when the Mexican jin advanced to the gold medal match. Alora, however, said she fought better this time
against Disl a m d e spite giving up a few inches, as she was able to prepare against taller fighters in her gear-up for the Olympics. “Hindi ako maka-engage ng maayos sa first match. Dito, I scored pero kinulang at hindi lang pinalad ‘yung isang sipa ko sa ulo. Alam ko tumama pero hindi nag-sensor,” said Alora.’
STRUGGLE. Kirstie Alora struggled against Maria Espinoza of Mexico and did a bit better in the repechage but still couldn’t pull off the win against Wian Dislam. Spin.ph photo
Park wins gold in golf
NBEE PARK is taking a gold medal back to South Korea to show anyone who doubted whether she should play in the Olympics. And to anyone who questioned her place in women’s golf. Slowed all year by a thumb injury that led to speculation she might retire, Park was dominant as ever on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at Olympic Golf Course. She made three straight birdies early, never let anyone closer than three shots the rest of the way and closed with a 5-under 66 for a five-shot victory. “Because I had an injury, a lot of people were saying maybe it was better to have another player in the field, which is understandable,” Park said. “But I really wanted to do well this week to show a lot of people that I can still play.” She had a poker face and a putter that couldn’t miss, a combination that was too much for Lydia Ko or anyone else. Even more remarkable is that Park had not faced top competition for two months. She took time off to recover, and to pour everything into being ready for the Olympics. But when she played a Korean LPGA event earlier
this month and missed the cut, there was talk at home that someone else should go in her place. “This is definitely one of the special moments in my golfing career and in my whole life,” Park said. “It feels great. It’s just really all I’ve wanted.” Ko, who replaced Park at No. 1 in women’s golf 10 months ago, didn’t make a birdie until the seventh hole. The 19-year-old Kiwi at least made one that mattered. She holed an 8-foot birdie putt on the 18th for a 69 to claim the silver by one shot over Shanshan Feng of China, who also shot 69. Park is 28 and already has won seven majors, including the career Grand Slam, and two months ago became the youngest player to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame. This victory — the first gold medal in women’s golf since 1900 — might have topped them all. She kept her composure during her three straight birdies ear-
ly, a 30-foot birdie on the 13th that turned back the last challenge and her 10-foot birdie on the 17th. When she tapped in for par on the final hole, she threw both hands in the air and leaned back her head at the cloudy sky. “I’ve won majors, but I haven’t won a gold medal, so this feels very, very special. Nothing I want to exchange,” she said. “I’m so honored to represent my country. Being able to receive the gold medal was an unforgettable moment.” Asked if fans might have forgotten that she was pretty good, Park only smiled. Ko, sitting next to her at a news conference, leaned into a microphone and said, “She’s really good. She’s not pretty good. She’s really, really good.” The Americans had an outside chance at a medal. Stacy Lewis birdied the 16th and 17th holes, but missed a 15-foot birdie on the 18th and shot 66, one shot behind Feng. Gerina Piller, who played in the last group, was part of a three-way tie for third until missing three straight putts — two for par — on the back nine. Maria Verchenova of Russia posted the lowest score, a 62 that featured the third hole-in-one of the tournament. This final round, however, was all about Park. South Korea has
Alora sets sights on Tokyo
been the dominant nation in women’s golf, so a gold medal was no surprise. Not many thought it would be Park because of her injury and poor form this year. She had not broken par on the LPGA Tour since April. She missed the cut or withdrew in her last four events, even skipping the US Women’s Open and Women’s British Open to try to heal and get ready for the Olympics. “There was a little bit of confusion from me whether I can perform well this week or not because I really haven’t performed well this year with the injury,” she said. “Being able to overcome injury this week and being able to play good, I’ve worked really hard for this week and hard work really paid off.” The pressure was as great as she has ever felt. Fans dressed in red shirts held up South Korean flags for her to see behind every green and on the way to every tee. Park stared straight ahead and kept pouring in putts. Ko’s best chance was around the turn. She made her first birdie on the seventh hole to cut the lead to five shots, and then hit a tee shot about 12 feet short of the flag at the par-3 eighth. Park answered with a 6-iron to 3 feet for another birdie. It was like that all day — all week. Park finished at 16-under 268, the same score Justin Rose had when he won the gold medal in men’s golf.
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IRSTIE Elaine Alora was left in in tears after she exited the Olympic taekwondo competitions, ending the Philippine campaign in Rio. But Alora says that the losses will serve as a lesson for her and fuel her to do better as she eyes a return in the Tokyo Olympics. “Another sad moment na second chance ko na pero still, parang pinagkait sa akin. Siguro kailangan ko pa na ’wag itigil ’yung journey ko sa pagtataekwondo,” said Alora. Alora lost in her first match against Maria Espinoza of Mexico, but got another shot in a repechage when Espinoza reached the finals of the women’s +67kg division. She needed two wins to get the bronze medal, but got tripped on the first fight. Going up against a taller Dislam, Alora gained a 5-4 lead in the final round with 20 seconds to play but the Moroccan landed shots to the body in the final seconds to take command. In her final attempt to win the bout, Alora attempted a kick to the head that
could have given her three points but the strike didn’t register on the scoreboard and not even a video review could overturn it. Alora said she had plans of retiring if she won a medal in Rio, but now she wants another shot. “Instinct ko kasi is if magkamedal ako, maybe this is the last. I think may gusto pa si God sa akin na have a long journey for my taekwondo career,” said Alora. “For this journey, maybe it’s God’s will na kung ano ’yung para sa akin, ayaw pa Niya ako huminto. Maybe gusto Niya ako maging Asian champion or world champion before maging Olympic champion,” said Alora. Alora said she will have to work even harder for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “I think kailangan ko pa mag-ensayo to get a good ranking kasi ’yung mga nakakalaban ko have a good standing. ’Yun talaga kailangan ko i-pursue na taasan ’yung ranking ko. I need to have a medal dun sa mga sasalihan ko. ’Yun ang magmomotivate sa akin na pag-igihan pa,” said Alora.
QUEEN OF SWINGS. Inbee Park of Sout Korea raises her arms in triumph.
LOOKER. Australian golfer Minjee Lee in action.
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EDGEDAVAO
VOL. 9 ISSUE 127 • MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2016