Edge Davao 9 Issue 128 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

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IP GAMES. Goalball players on blindfold block the ball to prevent the opposing team from scoring during yesterday’s Kadayawan sa Davao Paragames held at Rizal Park. Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for blind athletes. Lean Daval Jr.

OSLO PEACE TALK BEGINS

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

“A

S I always say: Let’s all stay the course! No matter what!” This was emphasized by Sec. Jesus G. Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in his opening statement as the negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) resumed at the Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Norway on Monday, Aug. 22. “On this crispy cold Oslo morning, we are all convened here, thousands of miles away from our own homeland, ironically in a foreign clime and time, in yet another renewed effort to re-ignite the lost

sparks that were once there, in our mutual search for that seemingly elusive peace in our land,” Dureza said. The government’s peace adviser also challenged the members of the panel to consider the following stark realities: 40 years of conflict; Filipinos fighting Filipinos; about 40 rounds of “off and on” peace talks; and around 15 deadlocks, last peace talks five years ago spanning six presidencies. “We all went through several breakdowns of talks. We stumbled due to preconditions, the so-called hard line non- negotiable positions; the ghost of the now obsolete status of belligerency rearing its ugly head from time to time. There were

many more of these obstacles. We have long worked together and we hope to learn from the lessons of the immediate past,” Dureza added. The GPH panel, led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, is composed of former secretary Hernani Braganza, former commissioner Rene Sarmiento, Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad and Atty. Antonio Arellano. The NDFP panel was led by Luis G. Jalandoni, with Jose Maria Sison as chief political consultant and Fidel Agcaoili as member. During the exploratory talks held last June 14 to 15 in Oslo, both peace panels issued a joint statement affirming the resumption of the peace nego-

tiations. The joint statement was witnessed by Ambassador Elisabeth Slattum, the special envoy to the Philippine peace process by the Royal Norwegian government. Dureza said that in the midst of the breakdown of talks, a new and refreshing factor has unexpectedly entered the scene – and that is the Duterte presidency. “President Duterte has committed his presidency to bringing a definitive and final peace settlement to our troubled land. We who are in government are working now under his leadership and guidance to bring about this com-

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Customs targets P406-B revenues T HE Bureau of Customs (BOC) aims to achieve its revenue collection target of P406 billion by the end of this year, as key reforms and measures are already being undertaken within the bureau, BOC commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said. In a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday morning, August 22, Faeldon expressed optimism that his agency will be able to meet its collection target, adding that, “The target is doable.”

He stressed that addressing major issues and concerns within the bureau will also help boost revenue collections from this month until December. Faeldon, however, noted that the BOC is already behind its collection target this year due to the agency’s low collections during the first two quarters. He said the BOC’s lowest collections were recorded in July, although he did not provide data to the media.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

FEISTY RODY. President Duterte threatens to leave United Nations after the organization’s rapporteurs released statements criticizing the Duterte administration against its war on drugs during a news conference at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City Sunday morning. Department of Foreign Affairs secretary Perfecto Yasay

DILG pushes for drug-free and sustaining barangays By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now working to transform every barangay in the country into drug-free and self-sustaining communities. in a press briefing in Malacañang on Monday, DILG Secretary Mike Sueno said the department is now working on its program called “Masa Masid” which means “People’s Watch,” an barangay-centered approach to eliminate illegal drugs, corruption and crimes in the village levels. The program will also help enhance development in the countryside, Sueno added. “Masa Masid is an umbrella organization of all government groups located in the barangays and the volunteers from communities,” he said. The program will also

draw support from the masses to the government, as President Duterte won through the support of volunteers coming from various areas in the country, Sueno said. “Now we know that this voluntarism among our people still exist and we will seize this opportunity for our barangays especially in the elimination of illegal drugs, criminality and corruption and in enhancing development,” he added. The objective of Masa Masid, Sueno said, is to lift the people in the barangays out of poverty by transforming communities into self-sustaining and free from illegal drugs, corruption and criminality. “Our strategy is to coordinate all the agencies in the barangays and work with the local residents at the lowest expense of the government,” he said.

clarified yesterday that the president never threatened to withdraw membership to the UN and that he was only expressing his disappointment. Lean Daval Jr.

All appointive positions in gov’t declared vacant By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

RESIDENT Duterte has declared all appointive positions in national government regulatory agencies vacant. This developed as President Duterte has received numerous complaints concerning alleged corrupt practices within government regulatory bodies, particularly at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Mr. Duterte, who has been touring provinces across the country over the past several weeks, instructed all employees under the said regulatory

agencies to vacate their current positions. “It will number in (the) thousands; consider yourself in the crucible of the truth about corruption in this country… I do not want to give the slightest headache to my fellow human being,” he said. The President stressed that it doesn’t matter if the employee was appointed during his term or under the past administration since as the Head of State, he has the power to appoint or dismiss an employee. He said that his order will spare no one, and applies to

all appointive positions in the concerned regulatory agencies. “If the rule is enforced, it must be enforced on it’s all or none at all,” Duterte said. The President said that since the start of his administration, he has ordered employees in all government agencies to put a stop to their corrupt practices. He added that he is expecting the said regulatory agencies to report to Malacañang within the week. LTFRB chairperson Martin Delgra has also been visiting different regional offices throughout the country to

find out the truth behind the corrupt-laden activities in the agencies he is heading. Delgra admitted that corruption is indeed rampant in the LTFRB, and that cases will be filed later on against erring employees. He previously said that there will be a major revamp carried out in all LTFRB regional offices once the investigations are completed. This week, LTFRB region 11 Director Benjamin Go and Davao LTFRB administrative officer Edgardo Violan tendered their resignation a week after Delgra paid their office a visit.

porary shelter for housing and food; psychological support and counseling; 24- hour call center for crisis calls; and, legal assistance in coordination with law enforcement entities and the Department of Justice,” she added. DSWD is also required to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) in the provision of case management service and development of a system for accreditation among non-government organizations (NGOs) for establishing centers

and programs in various levels of the community. “This law comes at an opportune time when the Duterte Administration is determined to put a stop to human trafficking,” Sec. Taguiwalo said. She noted the law creates genuine compassion among our citizenry “by preventing them [the countrymen] from falling into the trap of unscrupulous individuals who lure the poor with false promises of a good life in another country.”

Faeldon bares name of DSWD lauds passage of Anti-Mail Spouse Act corrupt customs official T By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

USTOMS Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon on Monday named a BOC official allegedly receiving monthly bribe money from smugglers amounting to millions of pesos since 2012. In a press briefing held Monday in Malacañang, Faeldon named the official as Customs Police Captain Arnel Baylosis and said that they have a strong case against the erring personnel.

“His case folder had already been forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation,” he said. He said that among the evidence they had against Baylosis included affidavits of smugglers who had direct dealings with the BOC official. “Four individuals who have direct transactions with him testified through affidavit that previously, since 2012,

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HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has thrown its support behind Republic Act No. 10906 or the “Anti-Mail Order Spouse Law,” which effectively repeals RA 6955 or the Anti-Mail Order Bribe Act. RA 6955 aims to prevent the exposure of Filipinos to abuse, exploitation, prostitution and violent situations, as it emphasized that the different forms of technology which facilitates such matching must

be taken into consideration as well. The term “spouse” acknowledges that both men and women are subjected to matching and are in need of the law’s equal protection. DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo explained that “DSWD is now mandated to implement preventive, protective and rehabilitative programs for victims.” “Furthermore, the Department shall provide basic services to victims such as tem-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DepEd releases guidelines to protect kids in conflict By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

I FIRE EATER. A fire-breathing artist from the Consulate of Indonesia shows off his skills during the Pamulak sa Kadayawan (floral float parade) along San Pedro Street in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

Bagobo K’Lata lady crowned as Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2016 By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

NNA Maristela Cassandra Betil Garcia of Bagobo K’Lata tribe was crowned as Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2016 last Friday, Aug 19, at the Davao City Recreation Center. Garcia, a business administration student from Amigo School of Calinan, competed with ten other candidates coming from 10 other tribes to

bag the prestigious crown. Garcia also won the Hiyas ng Kulturang Lumad for best in cultural presentation. Meanwhile, Rachel Caputol of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe was hailed Hiyas sa Tingusbawan and Mosrifa Hadji Sohair of Maranao tribe bagged Hiyas sa Kauswagan. Aside from P40,000 cash

awarded by the Davao City government, Garcia also received P10,000-worth of gift certificate from sponsors. “Ginahangyo nako among local na gobyerno, Non-governmental organization (NGO) or kung possible atong National na tabangan jud mi labi na financial support kay kinahanglan namo ni sa among tri-

bu para sa among pakigbisog sa among katarungan.” Garcia said, as she urged the government to look into the issue of the Lumad people defending their ancestral domain. The Hiyas sa Kadayawan further stressed that “It is about our ancestral domain, the grabbing of lands na wala

government’s health agenda is to bring together key stakeholders that will work towards improving people’s access to health services, and at the same time significantly reduce the “out-of pocket” costs of patients. The agenda aims to eliminate disparities in health out-

comes especially among the poor and highly vulnerable populations. “‘All for Health towards Health for All,’ shall be the unifying battle cry, “ Ubial said. Health Ministers expressed their overwhelming satisfaction and approval with the new Health Agenda.

Ubial also articulated the government’s wholistic approach with the recent inclusion of Reproductive Health in the 10-point Agenda of the Duterte administration. After the Peru event, Ubial and other officials will continue their official visit to Havana,

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Duterte administration’s unveils health agenda EALTH Sec. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial unveiled the Health Agenda of the Duterte administration at the 6th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High Level Meeting of Ministers in Lima, Peru slated from Aug. 21-22. Ubial explained the overall strategic thrust of the national

DFA to conduct probe on bogus passports of 177 Indonesians

HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it will conduct its own investigation on how the 177 Indonesian pilgrims were able to secure Philippine Passport. DFA assistant secretary Charles Jose said the Department was just waiting for the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to turnover the controversial Philippine passports. “Sa kasalukuyan hawak pa siya (passport) ng ating Bureau of Immigration. Pag nakuha na namin ito, magko conduct na kami ng sarili naming investigations,” Jose told reporters after the press briefing made by Secretary Perfecto Yasay on UN rapporteurs . There are reports that a group of Filipinos assisted the Indonesians in their scheduled

departure early Friday morning, but disappeared when the passport holders were accosted by intelligence agents of BI at Terminal 2. The Indonesians were about to board the Philippine Airlines flight to Saudi Arabia to attend the annual pilgrim in Mecca when accosted by authorities. Jose did not give further details, but assured that the confiscated Philippine passports were “authentic.” “Those are not fake passport,” Jose clarified. Last weekend, senior official of the APO Production Unit Inc., the exclusive printer of new Philippine passport claimed that the passports of 177 Indonesians were “counterfeit” contrary to the claim of the DFA that it they were “authentic.” (PNA)

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STILL DEADLY. A physically challenged person volleys in a table tennis match while Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (Philspada)-Davao president James Infiesto (second from right), Skye

N line with the celebration of the 2016 International Humanitarian Law Month, the Department of Education (DepEd) stressed the need to protect the rights of the children in times of armed conflict. Atty. Clifford Chan of DepEd’s investigation division said, “The children are forced to participate directly as combatants or take support roles such scouting, spying, sabotaging, acting as decoys, assisting in checkpoints, being couriers, and being used for sexual purposes.” “Whether you are a child at risk or a child in conflict with the law, you are still entitled to have quality education,” Chan added. He said that aside from those living in situations of armed conflict, “children who are considered at risk include those who are abused, exploited, abandoned or neglected, out of school, living in the streets, and are in other difficult situations that affect their

security and well-being.” Chan emphasized that DepEd recognizes the rights of children, and are taking the necessary steps, together with other government agencies and stakeholders, to ensure that welfare and education diversions, and juvenile justice are properly administered and monitored. In response to this concern, DepEd has released Order No. 18 s. 2015 or the Guidelines and Procedures on the Management of Childrenat-Risk (CAR) and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) to serve as guidelines for the protection of children in times of armed conflict and other difficult situations. Under the said order, DepEd provides children three levels of interventions or systematic social protection programs designed to promote their physical and social well-being, avert or prevent juvenile delinquency, and stop or prevent children from re-of-

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BI bars 700 aliens from entering PHL in July

HE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred more than 700 foreign nationals from entering the country in July for failure to explain the purpose of their travel into the country. BI commissioner Jaime Morente said that a majority of the 720 foreigners failed to explain the purpose of their travel to the Philippines. The foreigners barred from entry included those who were improperly documented and under the BI derogatory list. BI spokesperson Antoinette Mangrobang said that Chinese nationals topped the list of excluded aliens with 364, followed by 37 Indone-

sians, and 31 Vietnamese. Other foreigners that were also not allowed to enter the country were 27 Koreans, and 26 Indians, 19 Taiwanese, 15 Cameroonians, 15 Americans, 14 Uzbeks, and 13 Nigerians. Morente explained that immigration officers have the discretion to disallow the entry of an arriving foreigner if the latter cannot satisfactorily answer certain questions on matters such as his travel itinerary, his intended length of stay here, and his purpose of travel to the Philippines. “Under immigration laws, a foreigner is labeled a public charge if his presence here

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Dionela (second from left) and JCI’s Maryfe Sabino watch during yesterday’s Kadayawan sa Davao Paragames held at Rizal Park. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA Gov’t forces arrest KFRG gang leader J

OINT police and military operatives have arrested an alleged leader of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) who is also a known dealer of illegal drugs in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO9) director, said Monday the suspect identified as Hasim Calon alias Gingging and Husien, was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay province. Beltran said Calon was arrested by combined police and military forces while serving a warrant of arrest for kidnapping issued by the court of Ipil.

Beltran said Calon is the sub-leader of the Barahama Alih KFRG operating in Zamboanga Sibugay province. He said Calon was involved in the kidnapping of Australian Richard Warren Rodwel in December 2011, and Joel Indino in January 2011 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Beltran said the arresting team also confiscated from Calon six heat-sealed plastic sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu and other prohibited drugs paraphernalia. He said Calon is also a suspected illegal drug dealer and is in the watch list of illegal drug personalities in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. (PNA)

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COMVAL OFFICIALS AT WORK. Gov. Tyron Uy, Cong. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Rep. Maricar Zamora and other officials participate in a consultative meeting-cum orientation conducted by the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI at the NEDA XI regional office last Aug 12. (M.Lasaca/IDS ComVal)

disaster workers PNP on heightened alert after ARMM on alert due to storm death of 3 ISIS sympathizers D

HE Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has raised the security alert in some parts of the region in the wake of the killing on Saturday of three alleged sympathizers of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in an encounter in Maasim town in Sarangani Province. Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., PRO-12 public information officer, on Monday said all police units in the region are currently under heightened alert as they move to avert possible retaliatory attacks from the local armed group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines. The slain suspects have been tagged as members of the said group, which had earlier pledged support to the

ISIS. He appealed to the public to be vigilant and immediately report to authorities any suspicious activity they might observe. “We are currently under heightened alert and our intensified operations against the group are ongoing,” Galgo said. The three suspects were killed in a clash with operatives from the police Special Action Force at around 5 p.m. last Saturday at a portion of Sitio Upper Lebe, Barangay Daliao in Maasim. They were identified as Abu Sabana of Barangay Daliao in Maasim; Jomar Harid of Colong Colong in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; and, Arthur

Tagum of Lumatil in Maasim. Recovered at the site of the encounter were a carbine rifle, an M-79 grenade launcher, a rifle scope, a black flag bearing an ISIS logo and an empty shell of an M-203 rifle grenade. Galgo said two of the slain suspects - Harid and Tagum were allegedly involved in the grenade attack near the municipal police station of Maasim last June 20 that killed a policeman and injured five others. The police official said they have expanded their manhunt operations against the other members and leaders of the Ansar Al-Khilafah, especially its alleged founder Mohammad Jaafar S. Maguid

alias “Tokboy.” But he said police teams have been monitoring the movements of Maguid, who is facing murder and multiple murder charges over a string of terror attacks in the area over the years. He said the group is highly mobile and constantly moving from one place to another in areas across Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces. In late April, two suspected members of the group were killed in an encounter in an remote village in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. “Rest assured that there will be no let-up in our operations until we effectively dismantle this group,” Galgo added. (PNA)

HE Army’s 6th Infantry Division’s mobile capability, both in combat and humanitarian assistance, have been boosted with the arrival of 70 KM-450 KIA vehicles, Capt. Joann Petinglay on Monday said. Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, said the new vehi-

cles to be deployed to all Army battalion and support units under the Kampilan division arrived a day after President Duterte visited the camp to honor fallen and wounded soldiers in the campaign against illegal drugs. “This will help in our mobility, these vehicles will

improve our combat operations and in the support role in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs,” Petinglay told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida. A send-off ceremony is being prepared for the new military trucks that will compliment the existing Army mobility equipment.

Petinglay said the vehicles will be used mainly to transport government forces for combat and humanitarian missions in its area of jurisdiction. The Kampilan division covers the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, part of Sultan Kudarat and part of Lanao del Sur. (PNA)

are temporarily kept at the town police office compound. According to Balite, one of the three victims about 35 years old, has been claimed by his relatives while two others, identified as Roger Castor, 25 of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat and a certain Joross, about 20, are now in a funeral parlor in

Esperanza town. Baklite said the victims have hack wounds and bullet injuries in various parts of their bodies. They don’t identification cards. “Residents found them sprawling in a dirt road and they reported to the police of

their discovery,” Balite said. Baklite told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida that a witness informed investigators that he noticed a vehicle on passing by the village Sunday night and allegedly dumped the three bodies. Responding police officers recovered empty shells of cal.

Soldiers get new military trucks T

Maguindanao cops probe death of 3 men

OLICE authorities are hunting down the suspects behind the murder of three people on Sunday in a remote town of Datu Hofer, Maguindanao. S/Insp. Bryan Balite, Datu Hofer town police chief, said the victims, who have remained unidentified to date,

ISASTER officials and rescuers remained on alert in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as the region continues to experience dark cloudy skies with occasional light to moderate rains with thunderstorms, officials said. The military also remained on alert and are closely monitoring the water level of Liguasan marshland, as well as all tributaries connected to it in the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato. Myrna Angot, director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD-ARMM), said all disaster workers across the region, especially in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (also known as BaSulTa) have been alerted of the current weather situation. Municipal and barangay disaster risk reduction and management councils have been monitoring since Friday the coastal villages of BaSulTa. Disaster officials believe their front liners are well-prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge to respond to requests for assistance since most of them have already underwent disaster training last July. The office of ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman also directed the Philippine

45 and M-16 Armalite rifles at the site where the bodies were found. “Definitely, they are not from here,” Balite said, adding that the police are following a lead. He said that one of the an-

National Police to prepare its manpower and resources in light of the three days of on and off rains in the region. Local government units of 18 towns within the Maguindanao marshland have placed its personnel on alert status for possible flash floods. Maguindanao has 36 municipalities and half of it are situated around the marshland which serve as catch basin of flood waters from the rivers and tributaries in Bukidnon, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. So far, no reported fatalities due to calamities in the region, the OCD said. Some low lying villages in Maguindanao have been flooded with ankle deep flood waters the past days. These barangays are perennial flood prone areas. The ARMM’s humanitarian team, known as Humanitarian Emergency Response Action Team (HEART), has been alerted and its equipment and manpower resources have been put on stand by for quicker response. PAGASA, in its bulletin Monday morning, said the low pressure area (LPA) was estimated at 370 km East of Baler, Aurora (15.5N, 125.0E). Monsoon trough is currently affecting Southern Luzon and the Visayas. (PNA)

gles they are looking at is the possible involvement of the victims to the illegal drug trade. Baklite appealed to the victims’ relatives to claim their remains at a funeral parlor in nearby Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat. (PNA)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

PHILTOA confident on NDTP By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HILIPPINE Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), one of the largest associations of registered operators in the country, is confident the new National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2016-2022 will boost tourism infrastructure and transportation industries. PHILTOA president Cesar

Cruz believes the new NTDP will accomplish what the previous administration “failed to accomplish in the previous plan, which is basically infrastructure,” as the plan is in line with the Duterte administration’s efforts to speed up infrastructure projects across the country. “There is a difference be-

tween the last government from this [Duterte] government…I think the objective is there and it has always been done with speed. So that is what we are hoping for,” Cruz said. “She said the NTDP is not the DOT’s plan alone, but should also be sustained by the tourism sector as well,”

Cruz added, as he expressed optimism on Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Teo’s plan “to shape the industry.” Sec. Teo, who was the former president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS,) was part of the drafting committee of the Duterte adminis-

tration’s tourism agenda. In response to PHILTOA’s concerns, Sec. Teo’s representative DOT assistant secretary Malou Japson said, “A huge part of the NTDP 2016-2022 is dominated by the requirements to meet the needed program of improving transportation networks, primarily through the expansion of air-

Spatial Davao project development officer Sharon Luntao lead the lowering of time capsule ceremony during yesterday’s groundbreaking rites of Spatial’s gate and guardhouse along Ma-a Road in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Better Components Inc. opens 6th store

ETTER Component Inc. (BCI), one of the leading and biggest professional audio and musical instrument distributors in Southern Philippines, marked its 21st year in the industry as it opened its SM Lanang branch last Monday, Aug 22. BCI, whose main showroom is located in Juan Luna Street, Davao City, launched its sixth store in Mindanao, an addition to its existing five branches located at the NCCC Mall Davao, NCCC Mall Tagum, Robinson’s Butuan and LapuLapu City, Cebu. Young local artists such as Aby Singson and Anya Mercader from Musikademy per-

formed during the opening ceremony, which showcased to clients the high-quality of BCI’s audio equipment and musical instruments. Rev. Allan Wong led a short service, followed by a pray over for the company owners, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Sajonia, their children, and store personnel. According to Sajonia, music plays an important part in people’s lives, noting that things would be boring and monotonous without it. “We’d like to become relevant to the community. One is by providing cutting edge, relevant equipments that would fit to the needs, and then the

global mindset na we do everything to ensure quality.” Sajonia added. Meanwhile, Mrs. Sajonia attributed the company’s success to God’s grace. She said that BCI’s management welcomes the competition posed by other stores who offer similar services, as she referred to them as “friends”. Mrs. Sajonia said her husband’s plants to put up twenty or more stores in the future. Established in year 1995, Better Components Inc. aims to fulfill its mission of providing “the most valued products ever produce in the market today.” JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

Among the seven FTAs of the country, the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) is the most frequently used FTA followed by ASEAN-China FTA and ASEAN-Japan FTA. The survey showed that most of the firms that utilize FTAs are more established. Older firms with foreign ownership, members of associations, higher average sales, have greater business relations with companies in ASEAN, and are more aware with the dynamics within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Aldaba said the low utilization of FTA is due to lack

of information and education among stakeholders. Most of these surveyed firms are also registered in economic zones, which already enjoy duty-free importation of raw materials. Aldaba noted that in order to increase the utilization rate of FTAs, awareness programs on FTAs should be strengthened such as using information and communication technology, database of doing business in countries where the country has FTA, trade and investment missions, simplifying compliance to rules of origin, and government support to improve SME. (PNA)

22% of Filipino manufacturing firms use FTAs

NLY 22 percent of Filipino companies in the manufacturing sector are using free trade agreements (FTAs), according to the survey commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). During the 17th Trade and Industry Development Updates in Makati City on Monday, DTI assistant secretary Rafaelita Aldaba said 207 out of 939 surveyed manufacturing firms are utilizing FTAs in which the Philippines are a part of. Of the total number, 116 are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while 88 are large business.

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DTI’s financing arm awards P10.7M to SMEs

GROUNDBREAKING. Filinvest SouthMin area general manager Geraldine de Gorostiza (second from right), Filinvest SouthMin area sales manager Alan Barquilla (center), Engr. Art Flores (rightmost), MRB Centro Spatial project development officer Andy Calizo (second from left) and MRB 8

ports, seaports, and roads.” Japson, however, said the NTDP could only work with the private sector if the necessary support infrastructure is in place. “Our plan is to attract more tourism investments from the private sector primarily in modernizing and ex-

MALL Business (SB) Corporation, the financing arm of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), has awarded small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Region 10 with checks amounting to P10.7 million. A bulk of the amount was released to two small businesses in Bukidnon - ERC Enterprises and Furniture which received P4.0 million and Meljoydee’s Ice Cream and Cone Maker with P1.21 million. SB Corp. also awarded Pasalubong sa Camiguin with P1 million and Villa Corales with P1.6 million. JV Rugay Enterprises, a trucking services provider in Lanao del Norte, received P700,000 from DTI’s financing arm.

In Misamis Oriental, SB Corp. had three beneficiaries including Ann’s Lumber and Furniture which received P1 million, Padlas Human Resource Provider with P1 million, and construction supplier MJN Marketing with PHP220,000. Among the financing facilities provided by SB Corp. are retail lending, wholesale lending, and credit guarantees. In a previous interview with SB Corp. President and CEO Brillo L. Reynes, he said the agency targets a P3.0 billion loan portfolio for 2016. Reynes stressed that SB Corp. aims to further strengthen its support to small businesses which are underserved by banks and other financial institutions. (PNA)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

MTE 2016 at Abreeza extended to Aug. 24 T

CORN TRADERS. A trader and his wife sort out and clean corn before selling them to peddlers in Bankerohan Public Market yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE 2016 Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE), which, which opened at the Abreeza Mall last Aug. 12 and was supposed to end on Sunday, but has been extended until Aug. 24. Now on its 21st year, MTE is an exposition of Mindanao’s best manufacturers, exporters, and service providers, with the participation of several producers from the Visayas. MTE has also become one of the most anticipated events during Davao City’s annual celebration of the Kadayawan Festival, which culminated on Sunday with its former Mayor and now President Duterte gracing the festival. This year’s MTE gathered more than 120 exhibitors, mostly micro, small, and medi-

um enterprises (MSME) sector coming from all over Mindanao. In 2015, the Expo generated more than P30 million in sales and bookings. Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation Inc. president Dr. Rosevic Cembrano said, “MTE has always been an institutional avenue where entrepreneurs constantly showcase their creativity and craftsmanship that continuously corner new markets.” Organized in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, and the City Government of Davao, MTE’s objective since it started in 1996 is to develop Mindanao-based MSMEs and offer unique Mindanaoan products. (PNA)

HINESE and Japanese construction firms are interested to undertake the 2,000-kilometer Mindanao Railway System which is envisioned to start from Davao to the eastern part of Mindanao. But more than Japan, Socioeconomic Planning Sec. and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director general Ernesto Pernia said China has shown more aggressive in implementing the project which could start as early as next year. “Probably, both can do the project but I do not know how we get them together,” Pernia said. There are also reports that South Korea has also offered to do the project. President Duterte wants to start the construction of the railway system under his term. Pernia said the project will be done by segments starting from Davao to the eastern part of Mindanao toward Cagayan de Oro City. It is projected to go beyond the six-year term of President Duterte. The Mindanao Railway System is one of the major infrastructure development projects of the Durterte administration over the next six years. Aside from the Mindanao railway, the President plans to build the Manila-Nueva Vizcaya, Manila-Sorsogon, and Manila-Batangas line. As to funding for the project, Pernia said, “The money is not really a major consideration, because there are so many investors interested.” He mentioned a partnership being hatched between local and foreign investors and the Official Development Assistance (ODA), foreign funds that will be released with the objective of promoting sustainable social and economic development and welfare across the country. ODA resources must be

contracted with governments of foreign countries with whom the Philippines has diplomatic, trade relations or bilateral agreements, or which are members of the United Nations, their agencies and international or multilateral lending institutions. NEDA-XI regional director Ma. Lourdes Lim said the feasibility study (FS) of the railway system will be completed within the month. “It is almost complete and the FS is being done by a team where NEDA commissioned ten consultants to handle the work,” she said. Once the FS is completed, she explained it will be reviewed with further recommendations by the NEDA Board and to be submitted to the Inter-Agency Cabinet Cluster. According to Lim, the Mindanao Railway System aims to facilitate the faster and more efficient movement of goods, people and services across Mindanao. Under the initial proposal, Lim said the railway system would traverse the outer coastal areas of Mindanao, but it was later on redesigned in consideration of the total project cost. Last Wednesday, Sen. Richard Gordon filed a Senate bill aimed at creating the Mindanao Railway Corporation, an agency that would be authorized to establish and maintain an efficient railway system. Gordon backed the establishment of a railway system in Mindanao to spur economic growth and development in the second largest island in the country. “Mindanao is known as the Land of Promise, yet until the present, the State has failed to maximize the potential of the island to contribute to regional and national economic development. It is essential to facilitate transporta-

Sec. Dominguez signs IRR of ‘Microfinance NGOs Act’ C

China, Japan firms eyeing Mindanao Railway System

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

N the national government’s bid to improve the lives of marginalized sectors across the country, Finance Sec. Carlos Dominguez III signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of a law which will provide marginalized Filipino families access to much-needed microfinance services. Under Republic Act No. 10693 or the “Microfinance NGOs Act,” aspiring small entrepreneurs who do not have access to financial products and services can now link up with accredited microfinance nongovernment organizations (NGOs) that can provide them with convenient, flexible, and low-interest credit. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Teresita Herbosa, Trade and Industry secretary Ramon Lopez, Social Welfare undersecretary Mae Fe Templa were also present at the ceremonial signing.

Also in attendance were Sen. Bam Aquino and Pablo Nava III of the APPEND party-list group who authored their respective versions of the law in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Under the Microfinance NGOs Act, families can now tap government funding to start their small businesses. The new law is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s 10-point socio-economic agenda designed to sustain the economy’s growth, and whose benefits should be felt by all Filipinos. “By providing financial assistance to small entrepreneurs who would be shrugged off by the financial institutions because of their perceived ‘unbankability,’ the current administration would partly realize its electoral mandate of dispersing wealth and making growth inclusive,” Dominguez pointed out. For her part, Lopez said

the new law would provide market access to small entrepreneurs and simplify the processes of borrowing funds for their businesses. “We are hoping that with this law, microfinance NGOs can do their job better and their industry can help bring families out of poverty in a sustainable way,” Aquino emphasized. On the other hand, Nava pointed out the tax relief given to the microfinance NGOs would free more resources they could use to pay for VAT and other taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Meanwhile, Herbosa said, “The law would help people microfinance NGOs lend to people who would like to join small businesses such as sari-sari stores, small parlors, and other similar enterprises.” Templa added the law would provide the DSWD “with additional support in its ongoing efforts of improving

sustainable livelihood programs of the DSWD,” especially for the ongoing Pantawid ng Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps), the government’s conditional cash transfer program for the marginalized sector. RA 10693 is based on the policy of the State “to pursue a program of poverty eradication, wherein poor Filipino families shall be encouraged to undertake entrepreneurial activities to meet their minimum basic needs including income security.” The law mandates the government to work in partnership with qualified NGOs “in promoting financially inclusive and pro-poor financial and credit policies and mechanisms, such as microfinance and its allied services” to the marginalized sector. RA 10693 was signed into law by then-President Benigno Aquino III on November 3, 2015.

cilities such as seminar rooms, exhibit halls and meetings will be provided to food entrepreneurs. The hub will be housed with ASEAN trade experts, export marketing trainers and other trade experts that will cater to the needs of the food processing sector. “With the growing opportunities in the food sector and the anticipation of the huge market demand for innovative food products in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) integration, we would like to provide areas of assistance for our entrepreneurs specifically those processed food MSMEs,” Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) Executive Di-

rector Nestor Palabyab said. The DTI-PTTC expects to promote networking among industry players and venture capitalists through the food innovation hub to establish collaboration and develop viable business strategies. The facility was launched in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology- Food Innovation Center (DOST-FIC) earlier this month. The processed food sector is projected to increase its demand in the global market with the rise of healthy food products and Halal-certified products in non-Muslim regions. According to Philippine

Exports Confederation Inc (PHILEXPORT), there are about 500 processed food MSMEs that are currently registered as their members. These enterprises are expected to benefit through various trade assistance that the hub will provide to help their export products penetrate the global market. In 2014, Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA) reported that there are a total of 127,518 established MSMEs in the food and accommodation sector. These numbers are expected to grow as the Philippines prepares for the full integration of the ASEAN Economic Community. (PNA)

F SEC, 10

DTI creates innovation hub to boost PHL exports

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has set up a food innovation hub that aims to strengthen the competitiveness of exports under the country’s food processing industry. The Food Connection Innovation hub will support the industry in complying with export requirements such as hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) and other safety and quality certifications. Food laboratory testing equipment such as metal detector, water activity meter and pH meter, consultancy services on safe quality management, production, marketing and management and fa-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

ECONOMY 7

EDGEDAVAO

Dominguez to DOF staff: Let’s be frugal F

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has ordered officials and employees of the Department of Finance (DOF) and its attached agencies to refrain from conducting meetings and other work-related events in costly private venues. Instead, he advised the agency’s personnel to hold their activities at the Ayuntamiento de Manila, the historic home of the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) in Intramuros, as part of the Duterte administration’s austerity program. Any work-related meeting of the DOF or any of its attached agencies that would be held in a place other than the Ayuntamiento, “should be justified to me,” said Dominguez, in a statement. The Ayuntamiento, also known as the Casa Consistorales, is one of the country’s historic sites, located at the Plaza Roma (beside the Manila Cathedral) in Intramural,

Manila. This building was the venue of several firsts in Philippine history—the first City Hall of Manila, Office of the Spanish Governor General, the first House of Representatives, and the first Supreme Court. In his directive, which covers “all units of the DOF and attached agencies,” Dominguez said “that in the interest of frugality, when choosing venues for meetings in Metro Manila that will cost the government money, the Ayuntamiento should be the top priority.” Holding meetings and other work-related functions at the Ayuntamiento is cheaper than organizing them in private venues, which would entail expensive rental fees. At the Ayumtamiento, only a minimal fee for operating expenses would be charged the DOF and its attached offices when they hold meetings at any of its function halls. Complying with Domin-

guez’s directive, the DOF, which hosted the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Microfinance NGOs Act, held the event last Tuesday at the Sala de Sesiones of the Ayuntamiento, Finance nndersecretary Maria Lourdes Recente said. The Bureau of Customs also held the first of its series of public consultations with stakeholders on the IRR of the Customs and Tariff Modernization Act at the grand Marble Hall of the same historic building last Wednesday, Recente added. The simple rites marking the turnover of the DOF from former Sec. Cesar Purisima to Sec. Dominguez was also done at the Marble Hall of the Ayuntamiento lastJuly 1. Four former finance secretaries— Cesar Virata, Margarito Teves, Ernest Leung and Jose Pardo—had attended the turnover ceremony.

researches included studies on banana and other high-valued crops, marine resources like taklobo and seaweeds, pagatpat and rehabilitation on typhoon-pablo stricken communities. Consortium vice chairperson’s and University of Southeastern Philippines President, Dr Lourdes Generalao disclosed that since 1987, the 24 member-government agencies of the consortium holds their founding anniversary alongside the annual regional symposium and the Regional

Farmers and Fisherfolks Forum. Dr. Generalao noted that the annual gathering assesses the research capabilities of the member-agencies and the impact of their studies to the community. “Aside from giving award, this activity is also part of monitoring because we are accountable for the money of the government spent for researches,” she added. Dr Generalao emphasized that they will select the best papers from each category,

which will receive cash prizes of P5,000 each for the first placers, P3,000 for the second placers and P2,000 for the first placers. She also said that only the best paper per category will be endorsed to the national level and which will have a chance to win P100,000. Dr Generalao also stressed that although only two research papers will qualify to the national level, the consortium will also send the research papers to other scientific societies. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

support of the Department of Agriculture (DA), food safety under the Department of Health (DOH) and food wastage mandate belonging to another agency. “So there is a need for coordination. And policies on food are not only geared towards supply security (but also on) safety, supply, diversity, etc,” she added. Soriano said other stakeholders were also pushing for either amendments or improvements of the existing laws, particularly strengthening the organic law using the lessons and decisions of the SC on Bt talong commercialization. Dr. Nina Galang of Consumer Rights for Safe Food said the Philippines could be a producer and center of organic food. “That’s a huge opportunity for the Philippines because we have big biodiversity in corn, rice, vegetables, animals and these are destroyed by GMO,” she said in a forum.

Meanwhile, the groups discussed the implications of the July 26 decision of the Supreme Court (SC) that set aside its Dec. 8, 2015 ruling on a motion for reconsideration on Bt talong field trials based on ‘mootness’. By that time, the field trials had been halted by the proponents themselves and new, stricter guidelines embodied in Joint Department Circular (JDC) 1-2016 had replaced DA Administrative Order No. 8 (DA AO8), which the original petition identified as wanting. The SC also stated in their July 26 decision that “the completion and termination of the field tests do not mean that (GMO proponents) may inevitably proceed to commercially propagate Bt talong.” JDC 01-2016, which was signed by the heads of the DA, DOH, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Interior and Local Governance

(DILG), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), replaced the DA Administrative Order No[. 8 (DA AO8) which the SC declared void in 2015. The groups assert that JDC 01-2016 still needs to be strengthened, as it still contains provisions that may still be used against public interest, such as unclear guidelines on using “counterpart” conventional crops in place of GMO crops in assessing their effects on health and the environment. Rather than promoting GMOs, which increase foreign corporate control over Philippine agriculture, the groups challenge the government especially the DA to support, promote and enhance the best practices of sustainable agriculture and farming already adopted by farmers who refuse to use chemical-based farm inputs and GM technologies promoted by corporate agribusiness. (PNA)

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III The Ayuntamiento’s Marble Hall can accommodate as many as 150 to 200 persons, while its Sala de Sesiones can acccommodate 100 persons and its Theater has a 200-seating capacity. Dominguez’s order to the DOF is in line with President Duterte’s policy of austerity and simplicity, which means

that all public officials and employees should abstain from the use of luxury cars, fly in economy class instead of charging the government for business class tickets, and save public funds by foregoing junkets, among other cost-saving measures. Leading by example, President Duterte has chosen to

dress, eat and live simply in Malacañang, and announced that he would not use the presidential yacht, a symbol of official luxury, and would convert it instead into a floating hospital. The original Ayuntamiento building was destroyed during World War II and reconstruction was started in 2009 to house the offices of the BTr. The Ayuntamiento’s Marble Hall was where the Congress held its first sessions and where the remains of Dr. Jose Rizal was placed for funeral rites before the eventual transfer to the Rizal Monument in December 1912. The reconstruction of the historic structure was done by DDT Konstract Inc, which finished the job in 2014 at a cost of P1.2 billion. The BTr transferred from the Palacio del Gobernador building in Intramuros to the Ayuntamiento in 2010.

19 researches highlight SMAARRDEC 29th year DBCC explains‘Budget for

N celebration of its 29th founding anniversary, the Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC) yesterday showcased 19 researches from different member-government agencies in the Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights (RSRDH) held at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan, Tagum City. With 16 papers in the research category and three in the development category, the

Envi group pushing for comprehensive food policy

NVIRONMENT group Greenpeace is proposing a comprehensive food policy to ensure the safety and security of the country’s food supply. Atty. Zelda Soriano of Greenpeace Southeast Asia bared this in an interview on the sidelines of a public forum where groups composed of farmers, scientists, agricultural communities and environmental advocates Monday asserted that Bt talong commercialization still cannot be pursued after the Supreme Court (SC) decision. They called on proponents of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to adhere to the new government guidelines that seek to ensure that GMO crops are not released to the environment before undergoing assessments on the threats they pose to human health and the environment. Soriano said food production is currently under the mandate, regulation and

Real Change’to Congress

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III today said the “Budget for Real Change” that Malacañang has submitted for congressional approval will flesh out the vision of President Duterte for a Philippines, which, by 2022, will be free of insurgencies and organized crime, and boasts a poverty rate of just 17% resulting from investments that create quality jobs and disperse wealth. In his presentation to the Congress as a member of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), Dominguez told the House committee on appropriations that to realize President Duterte’s vision of inclusive growth—as spelled out in the 10-point socioeconomic agenda--the government must implement a comprehensive tax reform package that includes lowering personal and corporate income taxes and simplifying tax processes, while accelerating spending on infrastructure and investments in human capital “Obviously, we need to put together a truly transformative tax reform program,”said Dominguez during the first appropriations committee hearing on the proposed 2017 General Appropriations Act (GAA) of P3.35 trillion. He added: “Just to make the challenge more interesting, the tax reform package must be designed not just to raise revenues but support inclusive growth. It must be a revenue package that coheres with the goals of maintaining the sustainability of our debt program, and more importantly, attracting investments, creating meaningful jobs and

eradicating poverty.” The country, Dominguez pointed out, “is at a critical juncture. The next six years can either continue along the path of high economic growth but high socioeconomic inequality, or chart a different path towards shared prosperity that will uplift all. This is why it is so important to fund the 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.” “The 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda revolves around the need to maintain sound macroeconomic and fiscal policies, invest in the people, and address the binding constraints to investment and job creation. This is why we need tax reform,” he said. The revenue erosion from the lowering of income tax rates, Dominguez said, would be offset by reform initiatives that include broadening the tax base, reviewing fiscal incentives that have not been indexed to inflation, adjusting the fuel excise tax rates, imposing taxes on unhealthy food items and eliminating some VAT exemptions. “At the end of its term, this administration envisions a country at peace with its neighbors and free from the threat of armed rebels and organized crime. We envision a country where the poverty rate is brought down from 26% to 17% through investments that create meaningful jobs, along with an economic strategy that lifts lagging regions into the mainstream,” Dominguez said. “The people elected President Rodrigo Roa Duterte because they want real change and a break from the status quo. To achieve Pres-

F DBCC, 12

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

“G

Global attention

ET used to the name Rodrigo Duterte, because we guarantee you will be hearing it a lot more.” The introduction by host Ross Coulthart says it all. President Duterte is sweeping the world of media as among the top trending global personalities today. President Duterte and his bloody war on illegal drugs in the Philippines was the main subject of Sunday’s episode of 60 Minutes Australia, one of the most widely viewed television news and current affairs program in Australia. As it was being broadcasted, Filipinos in the land Down Under shared the live feed on social media allowing for interactions to spread like wildfire and on a Sunday yet when most Filipino OFWs are at home glued to their sets. The episode started with the narrative: “meet the President who says it is OK to kill.” The show tackled the anti-druggs campaign of President Duterte and the bloodbath happening in Metro Manila on a daily basis. It says an average of 11 persons die from anti-drugs operations everyday and close to 1,000 as of the production of the episode had been killed six weeks into the presidency of Mr. Duterte.

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The show also featured PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa whose popularity, the host described as “similar” with that of the President. Dela Rosa hogged a lot of airtime as he was the main interviewee of the episode. He kept it clear that no innocent person was killed by far in the operations. Human rights advocate Cookie Diokno, interviewed in the same program, disagreed. She said there had been innocents who were killed by cops. Diokno projected the unjust killings have replaced the benefit of the doubt and that Duterte and Dela Rosa have become prosecutor, judge and executioner all at the same time. The show typecasted Duterte as an uncompromising, tough leader who would not be shaken by the opposing voices. Diokno typecasted him as another dictator and murderer. The messages are starting to spill out from the country in just the few months of President Duterte’s administration and at the rate it is going, Donald Trump looked like an altar boy when placed side by side the man who promised to kill hundreds of thousands of drug pushers and users and dump them on Manila Bay. Australia is shaken, and so is the rest of the world. The Philippines is ruffling some feathers just about everywhere. ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor SONNY L. MENDOZA Associate Editor

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Mindanao’s Olympic legends

AMBOANGA lass Hidilyn Diaz’s silver medal in weightlifting (53 kg category) in the 2016 Rio Olympics for a country that has been deprived of any Olympic medal in two decades, was certainly a source of pride for the country. In winning the much-coveted prize, she registered many sporting ‘firsts’: first Filipina to win an Olympic medal, first female Olympian medalist from Mindanao, and first to win an Olympic medal in weightlifting. Diaz is an Airman second class of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). For Mindanao, her triumph carries even more significance at a time when the highest positions of the land (Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary) are held by Mindanaoans. President Rodrigo Duterte (Davao City), Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III (Cagayan de Oro City), House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte) and Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Aranal Punzalan-Sereno all have roots in Southern Philippines. Sereno’s father was native of Siasi, Sulu, while her husband is a business executive from Davao City. Even the reigning Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzback, is from Cagayan de Oro City. For nearly a century now, Mindanaoan athletes have been part of the country’s Olympic quest, with close to two dozen icons establishing records in various global sporting events. Five Sulu-born Olympians made the archipelago proud. Abdurahman Ali, Tony Asamali, Leroy Goff and three-time Olym-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

pian Amman FAST BACKWARD Jalmaani (1964 Tokyo, 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich) were part of the country’s national swimming team, while Danny Antonio V. Figueroa Florencio (1972 Berlin Olympics) became Olympics ‘top 10’ basketball players in that year’s staging. Cagayan de Oro made its mark in the 2016 Rio Olympics through table tennis star Ian N. Lariba, the country’s flag bearer, while Cotabato City has two Olympians: shooter Jaime Villafuerte (1968 Mexico) and track and field athlete Mona Sulaiman (1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo). Olympian long-distance runner Eduard Buenavista of Gen. Santos City represented the country in both the 2000 (Sydney) and 2004 (Athens) Summer Games. Seven other Zamboanga icons participated in the Olympics. Weightlifter Alberto Nogar was in the 1960 Rome Olympics; basketball player Alfonso Marquez in the 1968 Mexico Olympics; and boxer Harry Tañamor and diver Rexel Ryan Fabriga in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Meanwhile, fencer Manuel Toledo represented Spain in the 1924 Paris Olympics, while weightlifter Nestor Colonia, who won gold in the 2015 Asian Weightlifting Cham-

pionship in Thailand and bronze in the clean and jerk at the 2015 World, was part of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Of course, there was Simeon G. Toribio (1905-1969), the ‘pride of Zamboanga’, who won the first Olympic medal for Mindanao by getting bronze in high jump in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. He also represented the country in the 1928 (Amsterdam) and 1936 (Berlin) Summer Games, awarded the Helms World Trophy in 1930 as ‘Asia’s greatest athlete’, and recognized as the ‘Filipino Field Athlete of the Half Century’. He finished Law as Silliman University and became an elected congressman of Bohol. A municipal road in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, is named after him for his agricultural contribution to the gold-rush town. For its part, Davao region has sent athletes to compete in boxing, diving, and basketball in the Summer Games. Its first sporting icon was cager Loreto Carbonell, a native of Malita, Davao Occidental, who was in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Diver Shiela Mae Perez was with the Philippine team to the 2000 (Sydney) and 2008 (Beijing) Olympics while Charly Suarez and Rogen Ladon, of Sawata, Davao del Norte, and Panabo City, respectively, were part of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Mark Anthony Barriga, also of Panabo City, represented the country in the 2012 London Olympics. Carbonell was part of the Philippine team that placed 7th in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The team qualified for the Summer Olympics after winning the bronze

medal in the 1954 FIBA World Championship behind the USA and Brazil. The finish was the highest the country or any other Asian nation had achieved in global basketball. He also joined the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, which won gold for the country, followed by China and Japan. Davao City-born Perez is the first Filipina diver in the Olympics. She first earned credit in the 2005 SEA Games (Philippines) where she won gold medals in three springboard events, thereby making her as the first triple-gold medalist in the Games. In the 2007 SEA Games (Thailand), she brought home gold and silver from two springboard events. In the 2009 SEA Games (Laos), she won silver in the 3-meter springboard, and a bronze in 3-meter synchronized springboard in the 2011 SEA Games (Indonesia). Suarez, meanwhile, won silver in boxing in the 2014 Asian Games in South Korea; silver in the Kazakhstan President Cup; two separate gold medals in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos (featherweight) and 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta; silver in the 2011 SEA Games ; silver in the 2011 Indonesia President Cup; and another silver in the 2010 Tammer Tournament. In the 2016 Asia & Oceania Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament, he earned silver medal. On the other hand, boxer Ladon won gold in the 2011 Hong Kong International Tournament; gold in the 2012 Taipei City Cup (Taiwan); silver in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games; and silver in the 2015 Bangkok SEA Games. These were earned while fighting in the light -flyweight division.

c o m m e n t e d THINK ON THESE! Dr. Lee Talbot, who was once a member of the Southeast Asia Project on Wildlife Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. Henrylito D. Tacio Noted Filhenrytacio@gmail.com ipino wildlife expert Dioscoro Rabor echoed the same sentiment. “It is about time that we, Filipinos, stop making ourselves internationally blind to the real status of our wildlife resources,” he said. “We should face the fact that our country is no longer rich in forests and consequently, of wildlife which used to be a normal component of our forests.” The Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) has listed almost 50 wildlife species in the country that are rare, threatened, or endangered. Among those that are included in

the list are five marine turtles, two crocodile species, the Philippine eagle, tamaraw, and dugongs. “Once these species are gone, they are gone forever, leaving behind an imbalance in ecology and beauty difficult to determine and restore,” observed a committed Filipino environmentalist. “Some people will argue that if we lost a number of insects yesterday, and the sun still came up today, does it truly matter?” asked Prof. Norman Myers, authors of several books and has served as a consultant to several UN agencies. Here’s what “Time,” in a special report, has said: “The damage being done is more than aesthetic. Many vanishing species provide humans with both food and medicine. What’s more, once you start tearing out swaths of ecosystem, you upset the existing balance in ways that harm even areas you didn’t intend to touch.” Dr. Peter Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Gardens in the United States, is very much concerned with the fast disappearance of the world’s biodiversity. “Of all the global problems that confront us, spe-

cies extinction is the one that is moving the most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious consequences,” he contends. Unlike other global ecological problems, Dr. Raven stressed, the crisis is completely irreversible. “Extinction is forever,” declared the Washington-based World Resources Institute. Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson agrees. “The worst thing that can happen -- will happen -- is not energy depletion, economic collapse, limited nuclear war, or conquest by a totalitarian government,” he writes in Harvard Magazine. “As terrible as these catastrophes would be for us, they can be repaired within a few generations. The one process… that will take millions of years to correct is the loss of genetic and species diversity by the destruction of natural habitats. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us,” Dr. Wilson says. The country’s biodiversity must be saved before it’s too late. Perhaps the statement of Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi is a reminder: “There is sufficiency for man’s need, but not for man’s greed”

Saving biodiversity for future generations (Part 2)

HE number compares with other countries like Brazil,” noted Philippine fauna specialist Dr. Laurence Heaney of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. “But compare their sizes, for such a small area, the Philippine rockets ahead.” Brazil has a total land area of 3,286,488 square kilometers while the Philippines has a total land area of only 115,800 square kilometers. On the other hand, Indonesia -another biodiversity-rich country, has a total land area of 741,101 square kilometers. While its biodiversity is among the highest, the Philippines’ ecosystems are among the most threatened. In fact, the US National Cancer Institute lists the entire Philippine archipelago as among the five biogeographical areas in the world considered to be the “hottest of the hot spots,” a hot spot being an area whose high biodiversity is gravely threatened. “A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if the present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,”

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monly shared dream,” Dureza said. Duterte’s leadership, he added, is the main and compelling reason why the peace talks have resumed. “We can all see now that there is renewed and fresh euphoria in the air. Our coming together starting today should be not in the context of out-witting or out-maneuvering each other across the table. Neither is this a joust of one side unduly gaining strategic advantage over the other. But this should be more of a coming together of Filipinos interested to see changes in the land – in our land, to be shared for and by all,” the peace adviser added. Based on the joint declaration issued last June, the agenda to be discussed by both

panels during the resumption of the talks include the affirmation of the previously signed agreement; the accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks to include socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms; and the end of hostilities between both groups and the subsequent disposition of forces. The talks will also cover the reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Safety and immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list; the amnesty proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners, subject to the concurrence by Congress; and the mode of an interim ceasefire.

“We are picking up this month (August). We are hoping that we can recover up to December,” he added. Meanwhile, Faledon reported that the P1.3 billion worth of contrabands seized by the BOC, which ranged from illegal drugs, red onions, sugar, cosmetics were fake. He added that the cache recovered by the BOC also yielded 10 high-powered firearms. There were attempts to smuggle the firearms out of the country through balikbayan boxes, Faeldon said. In line with the bureau’s fight against corruption, Faeldon bared that one of their employees is now under investigation for supposed grafttinged activities. “We have a strong case against one of our employee. The name is Customs Police Capt. Arnel Baylosis,” he said. Faeldon further revealed that four individuals who have direct transactions with Baylosis testified through affidavits that they have given him bribe money since 2012 amounting

to P100 million to P120 million monthly. “We already forwarded the case folder of this employee to the DOJ for investigation,” he said. In the meantime, Faeldon said the activities being carried out inside the various offices under the BOC will soon be visible to the public via CCTV. “In our effort to make the bureau more transparent to the public, by next week you can already view the office of the commissioner through online. We are already setting up CCTV cameras including in the front line offices of the bureau,” he said. In the next 30 days, the BOC commissioner said the big ports in Manila can be viewed through CCTV, including the transactions being done inside the said ports. “This is in line with the President’s position on transparency. We will open up our offices, you can ask anything you want and we will provide it to you,” Faeldon said. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

nagapananghid sa amoa.” Garcia’s advocacy is to focus on their ancestral domain and promotion of their culture through Bagobo K’Lata tribe’s old traditional clothes. Laira Lapitan of the Kagan tribe; Judy Ann Egay of the Ata tribe; Alyssa Casanguan

of the Iranun tribe; Jenefer Sabuan of Matigsalug tribe; Norfaina Hamsi of the Tausug tribe; Jenielyn Palmero of the Obu-Manuvu; Fatima Tanjili of Sama tribe; and Norjaima Macalay of Maguindanao tribe were hailed as Hiyas sa Kaliwatan.

Cuba from Aug. 23-26, to learn about Cuba’s popular health system and to have a fruitful exchange of information with their health authorities.

President Duterte strongly supports the special visit because he was impressed with Cuba’s success in public health. (PNA) FPV/EIC/EDS

panding our existing air fleets and building accommodation supply across all categories,” she added, in reference to the strategic direction of NTDP towards improving tourism competitiveness and sustainable growth. PHILTOA’s 4th general membership meeting, which was held last Aug. 12, gathered over a hundred of its

members in Caliraya Resort Club, Lumban, Laguna, to discuss the future of Philippine tourism. With the theme, “Breaking barriers,” issues on transportation and infrastructure development, government policy regarding visa, investments, capacity building, tourism manpower, among others, were tackled by the group.

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MAKING A LIVING. Young scavengers collect damaged rollerblade shoes from the trash bins inside Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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Furthermore, Sec. Taguiwalo stressed the law comes at the right time, as the Duterte Administration is determined

to put a stop to human trafficking since “it will add more teeth to the government’s efforts versus trafficking.”

fending. The primary level interventions include programs on advocacy, and socio-economic, health and nutrition, training, and education services which is provided in collaboration with the family and the community where the child lives. The secondary level interventions includes preventive and protective in nature, and are needs-specific and age-appropriate to lead the CAR back to his/her expected development course. The tertiary level interventions, on the other hand, includes remedial in nature. These interventions aim

to restore the child’s well-being and ensure that education is provided and available to them through various learning schemes, such as, but are not limited to: 1) Alternative Learning System (ALS); 2) Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM); 3) Open High School Program (OHSP); 4) Program EASE (Effective Alternative Secondary Education); 5) Home Study Program; 6) Internet-based Distance Education Program (iDEP); 7) Accreditation and Equivalency Program (A&E); 8) Flexible Learning Option (FLO); and 9) Modified In-School Off-School Approach (MISOSA).

tion for both people and goods to spur economic growth and development in Mindanao,” he pointed out. Gordon said the creation of the Mindanao Railway Corporation is a crucial step

in the government’s efforts to fully harness the natural and human resources of Mindanao for the benefit of the island’s inhabitants and the Filipino people as a whole. (PNA)

Under RA 10693, microfinance NGOs are required to maintain a compensating balance, defined as “the proportion of the total loan of a microfinance client, which is retained with the microfinance institution as capital build-up (CBU) or microsavings.” Microfinance NGOs provide the poor with direct access to reasonable and affordable credit and related programs and services “which includes, but shall not be limited to, microfinance, microinsurance, microenterprise development, health care, and microhousing.” Therefore, NGOs are allowed to: provide business development opportunities as well as entrepreneurial and leadership training to their microfinance clients; borrow money or incur such obligations for the purpose of relending to microfinance borrowers; and collect compulso-

ry savings only from its clients for purposes of maintaining the compensating balance in relation to the same client’s loan. Microfinance NGOs may also accept donations, grants or contributions in accordance with existing laws and regulations; invest its funds in sound, non-speculative enterprises and instruments; and charge reasonable interest loan rates. However, they are barred from deposit-taking activities for the purpose of equity buildup of an individual borrower’s own loans; directly engaging in the insurance business; and engaging in quasi-banking operations. Under this law, accredited microfinance NGOs will have access to government programs and projects as well as any form of technical assistance from the government, donors and support organizations.

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they have been giving bribe money -- called ‘tara ‘ in the Customs -- amounting to at least 100, 220 million pesos monthly,” Faeldon said. He said the affidavits were given to him in the first week of July, immediately when he assumed office, but decided not to break the news until now so that a proper investigation could be conducted. The BOC chief said Baylosis’ name cropped up as a result of a follow-up investigation conducted after the apprehension of at least 88 containers of red onions. “There was a follow-up on the smuggler; and because of the smuggler, he was able

to reveal to me the people who have been facilitating the smuggling of commodities in the country. He named two people, the other one is a subordinate,” he said. Faeldon said that he immediately talked with Baylosis upon receiving the information, but the official denied the allegations. “That is why I turned over the case folder to the DOJ so that they will be the one to conduct investigation and come up with whatever courses of action it is necessary to be done,” Faeldon said. At present, Baylosis is still reporting for work at the BOC pending the recommendations of the DOJ. (PNA)

would constitute a burden to the State, thus he is deemed undesirable and therefore excludable,” the BI chief explained. He said the aliens were immediately booked on the first available flight to their port of origin and afterwards placed in the immigration blacklist. On the other hand, the BI is set to employ six Chinese interpreters to be deployed at the international airports to help the immigration officers communicate better with ar-

riving Chinese tourists. Mangrobang noted that the main trust of interpreters is to help the Immigration personnel communicate well with foreign nationals, especially visitors from China. “The most number of excluded aliens are Chinese nationals. The purpose of hiring interpreters is to totally eradicate the possibility that aliens are excluded simply because our officers failed to understand the explanation or responses of the passenger,” she added. (PNA)

Tech in Asia, Geeks in Cambodia, Hubnob.tv, InnoPub Media, Mytechisland.com, Zerothreetwo.com, Jumpstart Magazine, Mobile Ecosystem Forum, Asian Journal Publications, Balikbayan Magazine, Innovation is Everywhere, e27, Newsdesk Asia, WazzupPilipinas, Escooped.com,Istorya.net, Expat Philippines, PayPerClick. ph, TopTen.ph and Our Awesome Planet. GOAB founding sponsors are Smart, Smart Bro, Smart Devnet, Ideaspace, Mynimo.com, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, STAC Silicon Valley, Islands, Istorya.net, GT Cosmetics, Chef on Demand and Ng Khai Development Corporation Internet.org by Facebook

will be hosting the “Happy Hour” closing party on the last day of the two-day event. Facebook will present Internet.org in one of the GOAB special sessions on Thursday. Internet.org’s mission is to make the world more open and connected by developing a range of solutions to address connectivity barriers such as accessibility, affordability and awareness—in hopes that one day, everyone will be connected. For more information, to sponsor or purchase tickets, visit, www.GeeksOnABeach. com; or contact Hello@GeeksOnABeach.com. Facebook: Geeks On A Beach and Twitter @GeeksOnABeach.

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EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Endless Summer in

Dahican

THE THING ABOUT VACATIONS IS THAT AT THE END OF IT, you’ll start to hate why you even bothered to go on one in the first place. It’s that postvacation depression that starts to consume you the moment you start packing your things up, saying goodbye to the new friends you’ve found. and getting in that vehicle that will transport you away from the happy place you’ve called home for the past four days. It’s only been one night since I left the turquoise waters of Dahican in Mati, Davao Oriental. Every time I think of the mornings I spent watching the sun rise and set for the past four days, I get teary-eyed. I start to wonder why I can’t just spend the rest of my life living on the beach where everything seems to slow down and all you have to care about is the here and now. Will the surf be up tomorrow? If not, should we be doing yoga while the sun rises, or should we sleep longer to catch up for lost sleep from the night’s stargazing session on the sand? It all starts from the moment I arrive. You know the all-toofamiliar feeling of being all too excited to do every single thing you dreamed about doing for months? Yes, that’s what I felt since I decided to schedule this vacation. From the moment you take off your slippers and feel the velvety soft sand warm your toes as you run across the shore, to the rejuvenating splash as you dive into the unusually clear waters of the ocean – every single nerve in my body was tingling with life. What was most exhilarating was the good news of surf. When your surf buddies release the words “Naay balod” (Surf’s

up!) the adrenaline starts pumping. I run towards the hut, grabbing the wax and doing a superhero move to change from land clothes to my surf costume. Every ounce of my body was shaking from excitement. I didn’t mind the 9-foot plus longboard I was carrying. I had to rush to the spot, the quicker I get there the more waves I can catch. After all, the waves don’t wait for anyone. Carefully traipsing across the reef rocks, making sure I don’t cut myself, I get the leash on quick and jump on. Paddling out, I can’t help looking at the bottom, which was getting deeper. It is a bit scary not knowing what really lies underneath and what could probably jump out of the water any moment but those thoughts die a natural death when I see the waves breaking towards me. Paddling faster to avoid getting caught by the incoming wave, the excitement just grows ever stronger. You know the lulls in between waiting for the sets to arrive? This has to be one of my favorites aside from actually riding the waves. That lull means I can catch my breath and watch my buddies paddle hard to catch the wave like nothing else mattered. That lull also means I can

cheer for them when they finish that long ride. It also means I can sit on my board and look back to see a potential wave I can catch. Lulls give me time to just thank God for the moment I am in. From the moment I was being tossed by the waves and pulled under, to the moment of breaking through the surface to breathe; pure gratitude and bliss was all I felt. These brief escapades tend to leave my heart longing for more of these. There is always that part of me that longs to be part of the world only dreamed about. Of being one with the ocean, be it surfing or snorkelling or diving ever deeper until my breath stops me. For more surf adventures, you can check out @ferinasantos on Instagram and www.mermaidsdosurf.wordpress.com

“

What was most exhilarating was the good news of surf. When your surf buddies release the words ‘Naay balod.’

”

TOP: When the waters are calm enough, usually around the start of the Amihan season, learning to surf can actually double as a photoshoot especially when the waiting time in between waves takes quite awhile. Here, I find enough time fixing my leash. ABOVE: A personal experiment to gain more courage out in the deeper waters, diving over the reef help one learn more about how the waves break at a particular area. A surfboard nearby functions as a guide for me while I tried going deeper. BOTTOM: Dahican’s captivating waters never fails to draw admiration from anyone seeing its clear waters in different shades of blue and green.

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Ann

Dav

Davao’s bounty wa dayawan Festival. Jo renowned Davao de showcased her lates Abreeza Mall.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Pamintuan and

avao’s Bounty

as showcased during the last week’s Kaoining the weeklong celebration was wellesigner Ann Tiukinhoy-Pamintuan who st creations in a one-man exhibit at the

Titled “Bounty”, the exhibit featured functional metal sculptures and furniture, which are products of Ann’s meticulous eye for detail. Taking inspiration from her successful “Horses” series, Ann

unveiled her “Carabao” sculpture, together with her “Flower” table. “I decided to create the pieces with the Kadayawan celebration in mind,” Ann

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EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

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shared. “The Carabao is one iconic Filipino animal which represents the bounty of the farms and fields, while the Flower represents the blooming of Davao.” Aside from Ann’s flair for creating metal sculptures, her exhibit also showcased various eyecatching fashion accessories that are works of art in themselves. From vine rings, to leaf bangles in silver and gold, to woven metal minaudiere and purses, Ann is truly a master of Davao-inspired designs which every Dabawenyo should be proud of, love, share and appreciate.

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MoneyGram connects Filipinos through sports

MOVING UP ANOTHER LEVEL. With the 18th level 50% complete, the Aeon Towers project of FTC Group of Commpanies along Jose P. Laurel Avenue is ready to move to the next level. The 33-level skyscraper, shown here with the ground and top levels, is expected to top off by December this year.

Geeks on a Beach 2016 in Bohol set Aug. 25-26 G

EEKS on a Beach (GOAB), one of the most highly-anticipated international tech and startup conventions in the country, will have its fourth run in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines this August 25-26, 2016. “Geeks on a Beach” (GOAB) is a unique international conference featuring the cutting-edge of the tech world in a laid-back atmosphere. With the theme “Empowering startups, leading change”, GOAB4 will once more highlight innovation-driven enterprises that are focused on software or apps development, which have seen remarkable growth in the Philippines in the last few years. Over the years, GOAB has significantly contributed in empowering Philippine startups. “We are looking at startups taking the lead in strategically leveraging opportunities offered by a bigger regional market of ten countries with some 617 million people and a combined GDP of US $2.1 trillion opened up by the Asean integration,” said Mon Ibrahim , Innovation Consultant, Department of Information and Communication Technology

(DICT). Organized by TechTalks.ph and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and co-presented by PLDT SME Nation, Ideaspace, PLDT Innolab and SmartDevNet, the 4th annual GOAB gathering will be held at the Bellevue Resort Hotel in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. GOAB participants include a mix of software professionals, developers, designers, startups, tech/startup enthusiasts, business professionals, investors, the government, academe and various organizations supporting the innovation community in the Philippines. “We are excited to have this fruitful collaboration with Internet.org by Facebook. We are happy that an initiative by a startup that has really made it big has gone out of its way to help GOAB empower other startups,” said Dave Overton, GOAB Chief Geek and Founder/CEO of Sym.ph. Meanwhile, Tina Amper, founder of TechTalks.ph, said that those who are involved in digital technology, web design, and innovation should not miss this opportunity to learn about the latest developments

in the industry, and meet the key players in the tech startup world. “The Philippines’ remarkable work-play environment complemented by the famous Filipino hospitality and a unique cultural mix of East and West makes it the natural cultural doorway to the ASEAN for geeks and investors alike,” said Amper. Some of the brightest minds in the industry from the USA, Singapore and other countries will be participating and lending their expertise in GOAB 2016. Included in the impressive line-up of speakers are Techstars Co-founder and Managing Partner David Brown, Startup Weekend Co-founder Marc Nager, Chris McCann of Greylock Partners, Crowdsourcing Week Founder and CEO Epi Ludvik Nekaj, 500 Startups Managing Partner/ Investor Khailee Ng, 500 Startups Corporate Innovation Director Arnaud Bonzom, Zalora Philippines Managing Director Constantine Robertz, PLDT SME Nation Head of Community Partnerships Francis Oliva, Ideaspace.ph Managing Director Diane Eustaquio, TechTalks.ph Chief Content

Officer Robert Cristobal, Citrix Principal UX Designer Philip McKay, and STAC Silicon Valley President Cristina Laskowski. GOAB is held in partnership with the Bohol Provincial Government, Tagbilaran City, HappyGaraje, Sym.ph, and PR Works. This year’s official airline partner is Philippines AirAsia. Silver Sponsors are Zalora, Mynimo, Teradoor, PouchNation, A Space and Infocomm Investments, while Bronze Sponsors are Yoyo Holdings, Payoneer, Eurekloud, USAID-STRIDE, Eastern Communications, RTI International, Piktochart, Office of Senator Bam Aquino, Department of Tourism, Launchgarage, US Embassy, Microsoft and StarTechUp Inc. Major organizational partners are Internet.org by Facebook and FbStart. GOAB organizational partners are Philippines Software Industry Association, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines, UP CebuInit. org, CedFIT.org, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Digital Commerce Association of the Philippines, Developers Connect, STAC Silicon Valley and GoNegosyo. Media partners are Auza.Net,

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S PART of MoneyGram’s commitment to supporting Filipino community living in Saudi Arabia , the company has become an active sponsor of various sport activities. The company is in fact sponsoring a local basketball team and two volleyball teams which now compete in professional tournaments. This is MoneyGram’s way of bringing Filipinos closer to their loved ones not only through its reliable money transfer services, but also through sports which plays an important role in this community’s everyday life. This initiative allows players supported by MoneyGram to showcase their skills, and stay connected with their peers living and working in Saudi Arabia . “At MoneyGram we believe that sports truly connect people especially when they live away from their families and loved ones. We had decided to support volleyball and basketball teams to facilitate their participation in profes-

sional, structured tournaments,” said Maher Haddad, senior regional director for Middle East , Pakistan and Afghanistan at MoneyGram. “We are excited with the competition ahead and hope MoneyGram’s teams will bring some unforgettable moments to their supporters,” added Haddad. The men’s basketball team sponsored by MoneyGram was among the 12 teams which took part in Unite Basketball Tournament in Riyadh. “Basketball is my first love ever since. It helps me to make friends here in Saudi, keeps me in good shape and eases home sickness,” said Jhay, one of the players of the MoneyGram team. Aside from the support it gives out to the basketball team, MoneyGram is also sponsorsing volleyball tournaments, particularly the men’s “Samaritan” which started on July 22, and woman’s “SAE (Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity)” with the first match taking place last July 29.

New framework to facilitate ISO 20022 harmonization

OLLOWING the launch of the ISO 20022 Harmonisation Charter, an industry-driven framework to facilitate the rollout of ISO 20022 globally, SWIFT has formed a global market practice task force of market infrastructures and banks. Sponsored by the Payments Market Practice Group(PMPG), the task force aims to address the evolving ISO 20022 standards requirements of high value payments systems (HVPS) providers. It is a key component of SWIFT’s ISO 20022 harmonisation initiative that aims to address the industry concern around fragmentation and the risk of multiple versions and flavours being adopted across various markets, leading to higher implementation costs. The new task force, called HVPS+, will build on the existing HVPS market practice documented in MyStandards that focuses on ensuring interoperability with FIN messages in the cross-border space. The new group, which goes beyond current market practice, will deliver an additional set of ISO 20022 market practice guidelines for high value payments systems, taking into account the evolving needs of market infrastructures and their members, including more structured, accurate and richer end-to-end data. It creates a common

foundation on which major payments in which market infrastructures can build their community implementations, while supporting global interoperability. ‘From an industry perspective, this is a meaningful collaborative initiative that can benefit all market infrastructures and their members,” said Gina Russo , Federal Reserve Bank of New York . “By encouraging a standardised global approach to ISO 20022 implementation for high value payments systems, the industry as a whole can be in a position to reduce costs, ensure efficient implementation, and realize the true benefits of using a common global standard,” Russo added. “As HVPS providers around the globe are planning adoption of ISO 20022, the PMPG is committed to sponsoring this new initiative, helping to establish harmonised global market practice, which is imperative to reduce implementation costs and ensure straight-through processing for banks,” added Rob Green , Head of Payments Market Infrastructure in Banking Group Treasury, FirstRand Bank and Director, SWIFT Board of Directors and co-chair, PMPG. Roy DeCicco , Managing Director and Industry Issues Executive with Treasury Services at JPMorgan and cochair, PMPG, said, “It is great

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ident Duterte’s promise to the people to deliver tunay na pagbabago—real change that the people can feel—we need to enact big reforms that can steer the country toward a better future,” he added. “Today, the Philippines has among the highest tax rates in the region and among the narrowest tax bases. This is a condition tax reform should reverse. We should aim to bring down tax rates while at the same time broadening the tax base,” Dominguez said. This tax reform plan, he noted, “aims to lower tax rates and broaden the tax base to align with the systems prevailing in neighboring economies.” “In our present tax system, the VAT system captures approximately half of GDP. Self-employed professionals easily escape the tax net, largely due to bank secrecy laws. It is a system that causes inequality, economic distortions and discourages investments,” he added. According to Dominguez, “as a general rule, the rich will have to pay more in taxes while the vulnerable sectors of society will be protected through highly targeted subsidies and the conditional cash transfer program. We will ensure that ordinary workers and the bottom 50 percent of households will be fully protected through social protection programs.” “Tax reform is needed to achieve the larger goals of the administration and to make sure that everybody feels the

country’s growth,” he said. The other members of the DBCC—Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Director General Ernesto Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority, and Deputy Governor Diwa Gunigundo of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas were also present at the briefing. “We hope to further compensate for the lower tax rates by closely reviewing the incentives so casually given out in the past. We are looking at adjusting excise tax rates for a number of goods and eliminating some VAT exemptions and zero-rated transactions. We will submit to the Congress in a matter of a few weeks the specific tax reforms we recommend,” Dominguez said. “We are designing a system that will be more transparent, performance-based, highly targeted and time-bound. By increasing the effective tax rate for companies receiving incentives and reducing the corporate tax rate, we improve the equity of the whole system,” the finance secretary added. Dominguez also said the deficit target would be increased to 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) under the 2017 proposed budget, which will “substantially be offset by lower debt service.” “The proposed budget targets a deficit of 3% of GDP. This is only marginally higher than the previous years. But the slightly higher budget deficit will translate into substantial

EDGEDAVAO infrastructure programs and human capital expenditure next year. This will enable our economy to expand programs such as TESDA that raise the skills profile of our labor force,” he noted. The finance chief said the Duterte administration will not stop at overhauling revenue systems, but would also trim bureaucratic fat by, for starters, abolishing obsolete agencies. According to Dominguez, the country’s stable fiscal situation allows the Duterte administration to carry out these reforms. He cited the country’s double-digit revenue growth, which outpaced nominal GDP growth; higher tax collections as a result of tax administration reforms and the implementation of the Sin Tax Law; and the improving debt-toGDP ratio, which has reduced the outstanding national debt to 44.7% of the GDP by the end of 2015. “Today, only a third of the national debt is from foreign borrowing compared to almost half in 2009. The foreign debt component of the national debt declined to 11.6% of GDP by the end of 2016,” Dominguez said. “Our policy is to source as much of our financing needs from domestic sources,” he said. “At end-2015 interest payments for the outstanding national debt declined to 14.7% of revenues. That trend will continue.”

He likewise pointed out that in 2015, total revenue collections amounted to P2,109 billion or 10.5% over the previous year, with tax revenues reaching P1,815.5 billion or 5.6% higher than the preceding year. Through the first half of 2016, revenue collections were at P1,101 billion, a 1.4% increase over the first half of 2015, he added. “If we net out the transfer of the Coco Levy Fund, the improvement in collections will be 7%.” The only revenue decline was at the BOC, with collections for 2015 decreasing 0.5% over the preceding year due to substantially lower oil prices, Dominguez said. “Tax administration reforms and higher revenues from the implementation of the Sin Tax Law enabled tax collections to grow by 7.4%--still higher than the nominal GDP growth. We expect the improvements in collection to continue through 2016 and beyond,” Dominguez said. Dominguez noted that the “sin” tax has shown that creative revenue measures can deliver the much-needed government funds to improve social services. For instance, the “sin” tax increased the budget of the Department of Health (DOH) by 63% in 2015 and 130.4% in the first half of 2015 over its 2013 numbers, allowing the agency to fund public health programs that benefit the poor

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the most and provide insurance coverage to an additional 10.1 million indigent families as well as 2.8 million senior citizens under the Financial Risk Protection strategy. Proceeds from the “sin” tax also allowed the DOH to immunize close to 614,000 persons against pneumonia and over 355,000 against dengue; treat 79,000 tuberculosis cases and more than 4,000 HIV/AIDS cases; vaccinate

more than 302,000 females aged 9 and above against cervical cancer; hire 9,334 nurses, 171 dentists, 170 medical technologists and 808 public health associates; build 5,700 health centers in schools, enhance 956 Barangay Health Stations to qualify them for PhilHealth accreditation; deploy 162 mobile dental clinics; and make 1,623 Urban/Rural Health Units become 3-in-1 accredited.

to see market infrastructures and banks join together, to ensure this additional set of ISO 20022 HVPS+ market practice is future-proof and supported by all relevant stakeholders of the financial ecosystem.” Commenting on ISO 20022, Bob Pepitone , CHIPS Product Manager at The Clearing House, said, “The Clearing House is adopting ISO 20022 as its preferred messaging standard for real-time and high-value payments. As we prepare our implementation strategy to convert our proprietary CHIPS format specifications to ISO 20022, we would like to use this new global market practice as a baseline.” “This will allow our members to use the same formats and processes with TCH and other HVP communities, while incorporating the unique characteristics of the CHIPS messaging formats. This approach

will definitely help to enable interoperability for all payments market infrastructures globally,” Pepitone added. The following organisations are participating in the new HVPS+ task force (in alphabetical order): ABN Amro, Australian Payments Clearing Association, Banca d’Italia, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bank of England , EBA Clearing , ECB, Federal Reserve Bank of New York , First Rand Bank Ltd, Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited, Payments Canada, Societe Generale , Standard Bank, The Clearing House, and Wells Fargo. The task force started work at the end of June 2016 and expects to publish a first set of additional market practice guidelines in MyStandards, SWIFT’s online platform for sharing standards information, in Q4 2016/Q1 2017.

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

Malunggay fights hidden hunger Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ICRONUTRIENT deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, can be won right in your backyard. And this is possible by planting malunggay. The Florida-based Education Concerns for Hunger Organization describes malunggay as the “natural nutrition for the tropics.” For the past 30 years, the Geneva-based World Health Organization has been promoting malunggay as a low-cost health enhancer. During the administration of Ferdinand E. Marcos, there was a craze about malunggay as a solution to the malnutrition problem in the countryside. Marcos himself was a malunggay addict, consuming soup littered with green leaves in every meal in addition to the saluyot and labong (bamboo shoots) as his main fare. Malunggay, known in the science world as Moringa oleifera, is so rich in nutrients and vitamins that its image is used as the official logo of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology. “If Manny Pacquiao shows how a Filipino fights in the ring,” said one commentator, “malunggay is the symbol of Filipino fight against malnutrition.” Last year, Senator Loren Legarda has re-filed the proposed Malunggay Development Act, under Senate Bill

No. 104, to spur the production, processing, marketing and distribution of malunggay in suitable areas of the country in order to acquire its benefits. “Because of the many uses of malunggay, the government should formulate a sustainable framework for development that will serve as guide to the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects for the production, marketing, processing and distribution of malunggay for food, medicinal, health and commercial needs,” the lady senator said. Nutritionists aver that 100 grams of malunggay leaves yield the following: 75 calories of energy (higher than ampalaya, squash, tomatoes, or carrots), 5.9 grams protein (higher than cauliflower, lettuce, or mustard), 12.8 grams carbohydrate (higher than okra,

papaya, or watermelon), 353 milligrams calcium (higher than gabi leaves, mung beans, squash, and sweet potato tops), 3.7 milligrams niacin (higher than other vegetables analyzed). And for thiamin, phosphorus, and ascorbic acid, malunggay is at the top of the list. In addition, nutritionists affirm that 200 grams of malunggay leaves would give a nutritive value roughly equivalent to four eggs and two glasses of milk. Its iron compound prevents deficiency of red blood cells known as anemia. And being a very rich source of calcium, it aids in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Malunggay is also rich in vitamin A (higher than red and green mung beans, radish, or eggplant), thus helping prevent xerophthalmia, a disease of the eye. Adults are urged to eat malunggay leaves as its vitamin C content is higher than those of ampalaya leaves. Vitamin C may protect against declining mental ability and stroke. In studies with elderly people, researchers found that low vitamin C levels contributed to shower reasoning skills, which was a strong factor in their dying from stroke. Man’s body manufactures only 12 of the 20 different amino acids needed to build protein. The other eight essential amino acids must come from diet. “One of the things that impresses me most about moringa is the fact that it has the full complement of the essential amino acids that human beings need – there are eight of them that we cannot synthesize, so we have to

get them from our food,” notes Dr. Ann Hirsch, a professor of botany at the University of California Los Angeles. Filipino women consider malunggay as ally in nurturing babies. In fact, they dubbed malunggay as their “best friend.” For lactating women, malunggay aids in the production of vitamin-rich milk for the newly-born baby. The calcium content of malunggay, nutritionists claim, is four times those found in milk. Lowell Fuglie, author of Moringa oleifera: Natural Nutrition for the Tropics, shares this information: “For pregnant and breast-feeding women, moringa leaves and pods can do much to preserve the mother’s health and pass on strength to fetus or nursing child. One 100-gram portion of leaves could provide a woman with over a third of her daily need of calcium and give her important quantities of iron, protein, copper, sulfur and B-vitamins.” In order for a growing child not be to be malnourished, he should be served with malunggay, too. “For a child aged 1-3, a 100-gram serving of fresh, cooked leaves would provide all his daily requirements of calcium, about 75% of his iron and half his protein needs, as well as important amounts of potassium, B-vitamins, copper and all the essential amino acids,” Fuglie writes. “As little as 20gram of leaves would provide a child with all the vitamins A and C he needs.” More often than not, children don’t like eating malunggay. So Dr. Riza A. Ramos and her two colleagues, Rosaly V. Manois and Amelia V. Morales decided to supplement the popular rice crackers with

malunggay. All three researchers are from the Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division of the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice). They believe that by introducing malunggay into the junk food, they can help beat micronutrient deficiencies among children. “Symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies are usually unnoticeable until the state of massive chronic disease is reached,” said Dr. Ramos, who won the 2015 Gawad Saka Outstanding Agriculture Researcher award in Central Luzon for leading the study. Every part of malunggay is nutritious, she said. So it is the perfect ingredient to making nutrient-filled rice crackers. She said she drew inspiration for her research from being anemic herself during her preschool years. Ramos admitted that there are similar efforts being done by local bakeshops to incorporate malunggay in other products. But she’s not sure if the right amount of malunggay to meet the nutritional requirements is being added. Based on their research, the malunggay-supplemented rice crackers have lower total fat content and significantly higher beta-carotene, vitamin C, and calcium levels. These nutrients are essential for growing children. Malunggay is the country’s counterpart of the apple of the United States – in terms of keeping the doctor away. The malunggay leaves are good for curing headache, bleeding from a shallow cut, and can be used as anti-inflammatory, or cure for gastric ulcers and diarrhea. “Due to its high vitamins A, C, and E, which are very potent antioxidants, malunggay is a

very good quencher of unstable free radicals that can react with and damage molecules that cause aging,” says FNRI’s Dr. Lydia M. Marero. “Antioxidants reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They also prevent the onset of various chronic diseases like arthritis, cancer, and heart and kidney diseases.” In rural areas, Filipinos without good source of water can rely on malunggay to purify their drinking water. “The crushed moringa seeds can clear very turbid water,” said Dr. John Sutherland, of Leicester University’s Department of Environmental Technology. By using malunggay seeds, people can get away in using chemicals like aluminum sulphate, which is expensive and poses risks to people and the environment. The seed powder can remove between 90 and 99 percent of bacteria in water. The oil extracted from matured malunggay seeds is a high value oil that can be used as cooking oil, industrial oil, and ingredient for cosmetics, bath soaps and shampoos, perfume, shortening and lubricants, among others. But despite its legendary potentials, malunggay is still relatively unknown. “The sale of all forms of vitamins, minerals, and health supplements is a big business,” points out an American company that promotes and sells malunggay products in capsules. “If you are a company selling hundreds of nutritional products, why would you sell a product that will wipe out all your other products? This is true for the pharmaceutical industries as well. These industries would rather that the general public remains ignorant about the moringa.”

EDGEDAVAO

14 MOTORING

VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

E-Jeepneys now used in malls T

HE electric jeepneys have come a long way. From the industrial zones to commercial establishments to residential subdivisions to LGUs to school campuses to resorts and now, the malls. Which is but natural for after all, the Philippines is the mall capital of Asia. Malling is the country’s

national past time. And malls have defined the course of development for the Philippines for so long. In fact, mall population density is considered a very good barometer of the country’s economic condition. And as real estate developers are increasingly going green, there is a trend much welcomed by

the public in mall and other commercial establishments. That is the EJeepney as a mode of alternative clean transport for the development. An EJeepney they can hop on to to take them around the sprawling mall and from the mall to their residences or nearest bus stop. Filinvest City in Alabang is a prime example of EJeepneys being seamlessly integrated into the public transport spectrum of this

240-hectare prime development in Muntinlupa. Currently, 20 units of

Ford GT production extended

F your Ford GT application was denied, then you may be in luck. Ford Performance just announced that they’re adding two more years of production for the all-new carbon fiber supercar. The announcement comes on the heels of letters sent to potential customers notifying them of their application status to purchase the Ford GT. The additional production supports the recent decision by Ford Performance to race Ford GT in both IMSA and World Endurance Championship (WEC) series events for four years. “While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors,” says Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.” Year three of production will support applicants who were placed on the wait list; previously deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window will be served by production year four. The application process for fourth-year production will reopen in early 2018. Those who already applied to own the car will only need to update their request. “Ford GT has racing in its blood,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, product development, and chief technical officer. “The road car and race car will live on, side-by-side, for the next four years – providing ample opportunity to test and prove innovative new technologies both on and off the track.”

EJeepneys are servicing the office workers, call center agents and visitors of the real estate development, ferrying them from one

building to the other in this sprawling commercial complex. In Legaspi City, Embarcadero Mall uses EJeepneys to shuttle mall shoppers to and from the mall to the other public transport access hubs in the city. Even in Zamboanga, this green practice is now being adapted by Southway Mall. Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines says that EVAP welcomes these green initiatives of the mall developers as it makes perfect sense to introduce eco-friendly EJeepneys. “They emit no smoke and are very quiet. No air and noise pollution. So passengers are happier and so is the environment”. “We need to introduce more of these systems around the country so that we can reach critical mass and achieve economies of scale”, he adds. “Our organization fully supports these initiatives and will even work with the developers in installing battery charging and swapping stations and other electric vehicle essentials such as retail financing and fleet operators. We will supply the complete mass transport solution package. All the mall developer needs to do is give us the area to serve”.

EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 • TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

CHAMP. James Infiesto receives his trophy from Mikey Aportadera, OIC of the City Sports Development Office, and Mike Barredo of Philspada Philippines. The rest of the winners are shown in the group photo.

TURNING BACK HANDS OF TIME D Infiesto pockets Kadayawan Open chess title

CMO edges Rep. Velasco cagers in friendly match

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

AMES INFIESTO, an international chess arbiter, former champion and part-time magician all rolled into one, summoned back the hands of time to emerge the surprise champion of the 2016 Mayor Inday Sara and Vice Mayor Pulong Kadayawan

chess tournament at the Damosa Market Basket. Infiesto, who also heads the city’s athletes with disabilitiies, amassed 6 points to win the Open division of the tournament serving as part of the sports festivities of the annual Kadayawan Festival.

Mojimar Tomang and Reynaldo Quinonez finished in a tie for second with 5.5 points apiece but Tomang won on tiebreak. Five players wound up with 5 points apiece with Panabo’s Carl Zirex Sato finishing 4th, youthful John Rey Ba-

KINGS OF THE RING

tucan 5th, Ricarte Tiauson 6th, Clark Dairo 7th, top-rated NM Cedric Magno 8th, and Jimzon TRangia 9th. Werner Priee finished 10th. Mikey Aportadera, officer-in-charge of the City Sports Developent Office, awarded the prizes to the winners.

USA puts away Serbia, wins 15th Olympic gold

HE US Olympic men’s basketball team won its third straight gold medal and did it easily, beating Serbia, 96-66, on Sunday (Monday, Manila time). After a few close calls earlier in the tournament, this was no contest. Kevin Durant scored 30 points and helped the Americans jump out to a huge lead by halftime. It was the final game with the national team for Mike Krzyzewski, who took the Americans back to the top and leaves

with them there after becoming the first coach to win three Olympic gold medals. Carmelo Anthony also picked up his third gold to go with a bronze, becoming the most decorated male in Olympic basketball history. The US beat Serbia by just 94-91 in pool play, holding on when Bogdan Bogdanovic missed a 3-pointer at buzzer. This rematch looked nothing like that meet-

ing, but it did resemble the final of the 2014 Basketball World Cup, which the Americans won, 129-92. Anthony checked back into the rout in the final minutes so he could grab a seventh rebound, passing David Robinson for US record with the 125th in his Olympic career. He had already become the leading scorer earlier in the tournament, capping an Olympic career that began with disappointment as a member of the US team

that finished third in 2004. The Americans haven’t lost since, winning 25 straight in the Olympics. A few of the victories were more difficult than usual in this tournament, where half the Americans’ eight games were decided by 10 points or fewer. Krzyzewski said it didn’t matter how the Americans won, that there would be no questions as long as they did. And there was no doubt they would Sunday once Durant heated up. He had also scored 30 in the 2012 gold-medal game, after he poured in a US-record 38 in one game en route to the MVP of the 2010 world basketball championship. He is already the Americans’ No. 2 career scorer in the Olympics in just two appearances. When the final horn sounded, the US players shared long hugs with each other and then Krzyzewski. CELEBRATION. USA’s NBA stars celebrate their gold medal win in the Olympics over Serbia via a big 30-point win.

AVAO CITY Mayors Office turned back the visiting team of Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, 102 – 87, in their basketball friendly match on Friday at the Genesis 88 Gym. Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go fired 50 points to lead the charge for the host squad which pulled away midway of the final half to seal the win. The special assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte and PMS chief nailed nine triples on top of 11 baskets from within the arc. The visiting team put up a good fight behind its balance scoring style of game. Four players, who showed different offensive arsenals, finished in double digits for the

visiting team led by Gulas who paced with 26 points. Hernandez, Arong and Cabahug made 19, 15 and 13 in that order for the visiting team. CMO opened the game with a buzz marked with barrage of long bomb baskets as it looks like want to break away early. But the visiting team managed to weather the storm as Gulas and Hernandez joined hands to stay within the striking distance. Go and company pushed hard in the final half and the visiting squad ran out of gas to keep with the CMO’s pace. Eugene Labor was the lone double digit contributor for CMO with 10.

Spain survives Australia for bronze 89-88

BA star Pau Gasol scored 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Spain captured the Rio Olympics men’s basketball bronze medal Sunday by defeating Australia 89-88 in a thriller. The Spaniards grabbed a third consecutive Olympic podium finish after silver medals in 2008 and 2012, having lost each time in the championship game to the United States. Patty Mills, one of four NBA champions on the Australia roster, scored 30 points to lead the Boomers, who just missed out on their first Olympic men’s basketball medal. Aussie Aron Baynes was whistled for a foul on Gasol with 28 seconds remaining and the Spaniard hit both free throws to put his team ahead 87-86. Baynes sank a hook shot with 9.7 seconds remaining to put Australia back in front. But then Mills was called for a blocking foul on Sergio Rodriguez as the guard drove to the hoop and the Spaniard hit two free throws to create the final margin. Australia had the final possession but lost the ball and could not get off a final

shot before the buzzer sounded. The Aussies, who had talked about taking gold, settled for matching their best-ever Olympic finish of fourth from 1988, 1996 and 2000. Ryan Broekhoff scored five points to lead an 11-3 Australia run that put the Boomers ahead 75-73 with 5:46 to play. The lead quickly changed hands four times after that, the game hanging on a knife’s edge, before Gasol sank a fadeaway jumper to put Spain ahead 81-80 with 2:27 remaining. Baynes answered with a jumper to reclaim the lead for Australia before Gasol struck again for two. Mills responded for the Aussies but Rodriguez followed with an inside jumper that put Spain back in front 8584 with 89 seconds remaining as the tension mounted. Mills missed an open jump shot but Nikola Mirotic fouled the Boomers’ David Andersen on the rebound and the Aussie made both free throws to put the Down Under squad ahead 86-85 with 35 seconds remaining, setting up the final drama.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 128 â&#x20AC;¢ TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016