Edge Davao 9 Issue 132

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NEWS

1st round of peace talks with NDFP concluded

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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HE first round of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) concluded on Friday, August 26 with high hopes that the accomplishments reached between the two parties will carry the negotiations to the next round in October 8 to 12 in Oslo, Norway.

“Ours was a leap of faith when we braved to re-engage each other last Monday after more than half a decade of impasse and indifference. But no matter how difficult it was, we choose to believe and today, we start receiving the dividends of that faith,” said Secretary Silvestre Bello III, chair of the GRP panel in a statement sent to the media.

The agreements reached during the first round of talks charted how far

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MOUNT APO’S BIODIVERSITY REDISCOVERED

BY HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“The worst thing that can happen – will happen – is not energy depletion, economic collapse, limited nuclear war, or conquest by a totalitarian government. 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. This is the folly our descendants are least likely to forgive us.” – Harvard Magazine

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IODIVERSITY – coined from biological diversity – is most often thought of as the variety of organisms on earth. Yet it also includes two other factors: ecological diversity (the variety of ecosystems and ecological communities) and genetic diversity (the range of genetic differences found within and between species).

“All three aspects are crucial for the success and development of life on earth,” explains People and the Planet, a group raising environmental concerns based in London.

“Since environmental conditions at every level are constantly changing, only diversity can ensure that some individuals and species will be able to

adapt to the changes.”

Species declines and extinctions have always been a natural part of that process, but there is something disturbingly different about the current extinction patterns. “Like the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, humanity now finds itself in the midst of a mass extinction: a global evolutionary convulsion with few parallels in the entire history of life,” wrote John Tuxill and Chris Bright, authors of Losing Strand in the Web of Life.

“But unlike the dinosaurs, we are not simply the contemporaries of a mass extinction – we are the reason of it.”

The Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), of which the

Philippines is a signatory, has listed several wildlife species in the country that are rare, threatened, or endangered. Among these are the Philippine eagle (the country’s bird icon), tamaraw, calamian deer, Palawan bearcat, Mindanao gymure, Philippine tarsier, Panay flying fox, Cebu black shama, Philippine cockatoo, “bungang ipot,” “tagbak,” and Sander’s glocacia.

“A few decades ago, the wildlife of the Philippines was notable for its abundance; now, it is notable for its variety; if present trend of destruction continues, Philippine wildlife will be notable for its absence,” deplored Dr. Lee Talbot, a well-known ecologist and

geographer.

Why are we losing our biodiversity at alarming rate? “When people speak of the loss of biodiversity, they are referring to the exceptionally large numbers of species forced to the brink of extinction due to human activities,” explained H. Steven Dashefsky, author of Environmental Literacy: Everything You Need to Know About Saving Our Planet.

Species becoming extinct is not a new phenomenon but the speed with which these species are being lost is a major concern. A group of distinguished American biologists have called the species extinction crisis “a threat to civilization

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Free Masons to gather in Mati City, Sept. 1 & 2

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By RIA VALDEZ

HE 19th Multidistrict Convention of the Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines will be held this September 1 and 2 in Mati City.

“Up to 250 delegates coming from 26 Masonic lodges of Southern Mindanao composed of Cotabato City, Kidapawan City and North Cotabato, Koronadal City, General Santos City and SOCSKSARGEN region, Davao City and del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental, and delegates from Manila are expected to attend,” according to Julius S. Valdez, District Deputy Grand Master of Davao del Norte and Oriental.

“Former National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, grand master of masons in the Philippines, is our principal speaker,” Valdez said.

The Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest fraternity and biggest charitable institution with millions of members in the world, was formally founded in 1717 in Scotland. Its principal tenets are brotherly love, relief for those in need and the virtue to stand for what is the truth. Its main objective is making good men better. It has established many hospitals, schools, and other institutions—spending 2 million dollars a day on charity alone. The members of the royal family in England and Scotland were Masons. In the USA, the framers and signatories of the US constitution were Masons. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman,

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second only to the threat of nuclear war.”

“Of all the global

problems that confront us, species extinction is the one that is moving the most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious

consequences,” warns Dr. Peter Raven, another wellknown American biologist.

“The Philippines is one of the most threatened in the

All these species were found in the study done by UP-Min for Hedcor.

Courtesy of Hedcor

1st round... FROM 1

both panels reached and achieved, he added.

Bello also expressed thank to President Duterte for paving the way that ended the impasse that opened the resumption of the peace negotiations.

He also commended the work and support of the members of the GRP peace panel as well as the peace advisers who joined them during the talks in Oslo.

“We also recognize the enabling interventions in the discussion of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza and Professor Joma Sison which allowed the panels to understand each other’s fears and dilemmas, especially on contentious issues such as the ceasefire, JASIG and the release of prisoners,” the chief negotiator added.

Bello said the achievements were also made possible with the presence of 16 NDFP consultants, to include Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Tirso Alcantara, Alan Jazmines, Satur Ocampo, Vic Ladlad, Rafael Baylosis and Randall Echanis.

“Their inputs will enrich, indeed, our discussions not to mention the inspiration they can provide to other peace workers,” Bello said.

He particularly took note of the NDFP’s commitment to the peace process by agreeing to work with the GRP panel to complete the negotiations within the period of nine to 12 months.

Fruitful discussions on the socio-economic reform

agenda was also mentioned

by Bello including the NDFP’s commitment to extend its seven-day unilateral ceasefire to an indefinite period.

“It is most welcome that during this period, the NDFP will endeavour to work with the government to put in place a joint or bilateral ceasefire which will ultimately help us achieve an agreement for finally ending the hostilities,” Bello said.

He also commended the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG), particularly Foreign Minister Borge Brende for hosting the talks and the support to the peace process and RNG’s Special Envoy to the Philippines for facilitating the discussions between the two panels.

Agreements reached The talk in Oslo from August 22 to 26 reaped some milestones as both panels expressed optimism the good start of the negotiations will bring in more achievements in the coming round of talks.

Three of the five substantive agenda were agreed by both panels, an accomplishment that observers to the peace talks and peace advocates in the country said might lead to the acceleration of the process and forge a political settlement during the term of President Duterte.

The three major issues that were settled include the affirmation of previously-signed agreements; the

reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list; and the accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda.

The two more issues to be agreed in the substantive agenda include the socio-economic reforms, political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces, including the Joint Monitoring Committee.

Bello, in a statement last week said all agreements signed during peace negotiations from the time of President Corazon Aquino up to the present were re-affirmed, though these are all subject to enhancements that may be mutually agreed upon later by both panels.

“We may need these enhancements in the future as we do not want to be tied down by the rigidity of the past. Learning from mistakes of the previous negotiations, we want to explore all options to move the process fast forward,” he said.

The agreements that were re-affirmed include The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, Breukelen Joint Statement of 1994, the JASIG, and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRHIL).

The activation of the Reciprocal Working Committee on the Comprehensive

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world. The rate of extinction of species is 1,000 times the natural rate because of manmade activities,” Demetrio Ignacio, former environment official, said. “It is a crisis. We are the hottest of the hot spots.”

When it comes to biodiversity, Mount Apo – the country’s highest peak – is one of the diversified areas. With an altitude of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet), the flat-topped mountain is capped by a 500-meter-wide (1,600 feet) volcanic crater containing a small crater lake.

Last December 2014, Hedcor – a subsidiary of the publicly-listed Aboitiz Power Corporation, launched a research study called “Wildlife Inventory and Biodiversity Assessment Project at the Impact Areas within the Mount Apo National Park of Sibulan Hydroelectric Powerplant” in tandem with the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UPMin).

“Mount Apo is one of the richest areas when it comes to biodiversity. This is why we greatly thank Hedcor for this initiative to do this biodiversity study as the first step to promote conservation for the mountain.” Said Prof.

Marion John Michael M. Achondo, who headed the study which started on June Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) as well as the Reciprocal Working Groups (RWGs) on Political and Constitutional Reforms (PCR) and End of Hostilities-Disposition of Forces (EOH-DOF) to accelerate the pace of the negotiations was also concurred by both panels.

Elated on breakthrough In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday welcomed the developments of the first round of talks in Oslo and the extension of the ceasefire of the NPA. “The AFP have noted with elation and optimism this breakthrough in the peace negotiations. It is a laudable move on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF to respond positively to President Duterte’s declaration of re-imposition of the ceasefire, for as long as necessary, to attain lasting peace in the land.”

Under the leadership of General Ricardo Visaya, the AFP said it will continue to uphold the letter and spirit of the ceasefire declaration of the Commander-in-Chief.

“The nation can rely on every soldier, sailor, marines, and airmen to help provide an environment conducive to peace so that the negotiators from both panels can work under the climate of trust and the prospect of reconciliation,” the AFP statement added.

ADL

2015 and ended on February 2016.

According to Prof.

Achondo, the study served as an “evaluation of the biodiversity in the impact areas, basis on the effects of Hedcor’s environmental programs, a five-year biodiversity enhancement action plan to address the critical issues within the impact areas, and other scientific data such as the effects of the use of natural resources by Hedcor.”

The study discovered 368 species of plants with 26 (7.1%) of them endemic (prevalent in or limited to the area) and 23 (6.3%) considered as threatened species (either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered).

Insects abound in the area with more than 235 species: 89 species of moths, 26 species of butterflies, and 20 species of dragon flies and damselflies. More than 100 species of other insect orders were found: beetles, Hymenopterans, Dipterans, etc.

As for terrestrial vertebrate fauna, about 146 has been identified with 64 (43.8%) endemic and 10 threatened species (6.8%).

Of those identified, 25 were amphibians, 27 reptiles, 81 birds and 13 mammals.

Among those that the study recommended for future work were as follows: complete and longterm survey covering all seasons, monitoring surveys, population count, measures of abiotic parameters and studying the ecology of each important species.

“Protectionofbiodiversity should be one of the top priorities of any meaningful strategy to safeguard the world’s biological heritage,” suggests John C. Ryan, author of Life Support: Conserving Biological Diversity.

As Dr. James Kirchner, an American professor of earth and planetary science at University of California, puts it: “The planet would be biologically depleted for millions of years, with consequences extending not only beyond the lives of our children’s children, but beyond the likely lifespan of the entire human species.”

But there is still a glimmer of hope. “Humans, after all, are not dinosaurs,” Tuxill and Bright declare. “We can change. Even in the midst of the mass extinction, we still largely control our destiny, but only if we act now. The fate of untold numbers of species depends on it. And so does the fate of our children, in ways we can barely begin to conceive.”

Henry Ford, Douglas McArthur, Walt Disney, John Wayne, Houdini, Bob Hope, Shaquille O’Neal, Norman Vincent Peale, Nat King Cole, to name a few famous persons are masons.

Philippine Masonry was founded in January 6, 1892

by Spanish military officers.

Famous Spanish masons were Jose Malcampo, Jacobo Zobel, Miguel Morayta, etc. The Philippine revolution was led

by Masons like Jose P. Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar. Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Jacinto, Andres Bonifacio, Juan Luna, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Gregorio Aglipay, Artemio Ricarte, Vicente Lukban, Mariano Ponce, Emilio Aguinaldo, Jose Abad Santos, Jose Laurel and other Filipino heroes. Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel Roxas, and Ceasar Virata were also masons.

In Davao, masonry was founded in 1918 by Feliciano Inigo, Bruno Gempesaw, Celestino Chaves, Teodoro Palma Gil, Jose Madrazo, Juan Sarenas etc. Most of the streets in Davao were named after masons. The brother of President Rodrigo Duterte, son-in-law Mans Carpio, and Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte are masons. Cabinet members like Sec. Lorenzana of DND, Bong Visaya Chief of Staff, Sid Lapena Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA), Bong Morente Immigration, and several undersecretaries (USECS) and assigned secretaries (ASECS) are now with the present administration.

The last multiple district convention of the Free and

Accepted Masons of the Philippines was also held on Mati City in 1993, 23 years ago. Topics to be discussed, according to Valdez, are “internal plans and programs of masonry and our relevance and involvement in community affairs. Also, the support for the public schools, enhancement of the environment, medical missions and scholarship programs.” A mangrove planting will be undertaken after the convention.

The two-day affair will include guided tours to Davao Oriental’s tourist spots. These include the Aliwagwag falls, San Victor Island, Pusan Point in Caraga, Mt. Haguimitan, Dahican Beach, Pujada Bay and etc. The tours are coordinated with the provincial tourism office of Davao oriental.

In this note regarding tourism, Valdez says Mati City and Davao Oriental will benefit from this event. “The City of Mati and surrounding municipalities will benefit in terms of exposure since our focus will be on ecotourism which the city and the province of Davao Oriental are well endowed with.” The event will also create some economic activity considering the 200 delegates who are expected to attend.

Accordingly, this will be the biggest convention that Mati will be hosting.

Congresswoman Corazon Malanyaon, Gov. Dayanghirang and Carlo Rabat have given their full support and confirmed their attendance as guests of honors.

Free Masons... FROM 1

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GOOD SOLDIER. President Duterte salutes a soldier who is one of the awardees while Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana looks on during the 10th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan, Davao City on Friday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao PNP welcomes release of policemen

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HE Philippine National Police in Davao region (PNP PRO-11) on Friday welcomed the release of two policemen previously abducted by the communists New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.

“The Police Regional Office 11 welcomes the release of PCI Arnold Ongachen and PO2 Michael Grande. The whole PNP is grateful to our Almighty for keeping the two police officers safe and free once again,” Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna said in a statement to the media.

Ongachen and Grande were turned over by the NPAs to Senator Manny Pacquiao on Friday afternoon, August 26 in Barangay Calapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Pacquiao was accompanied by Compostela Valley 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Davao City Councilor Leah Librado-Yap, Sarangani province Board Member Cyril Yap, Reverend Jurie Jaime of the Exodus of Justice and Peace and other church leaders.

The senator then turned over the two policemen to PNP PRO-11 director Chief Supt.

Manuel R. Gaerlan and Eastern Mindanao Commander Lt. General Rey Leonardo Guerrero in Camp Panacan, Davao City.

“Like a human being and law abiding Filipino, they deserve their freedom. The PNP long expected the release because the communist NPA has no choice but to release them to boost the image of the revolutionary movement,” the PNP statement added.

Chief Inspector Ongachen

was the police chief of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental who was abducted when the NPAs attacked the station last May 9, 2016.

PO2 Grande, on the other hand was forcibly taken by the NPAs last June 19, 2016 in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

The PNP statement added that the NPAs justified the abduction of Ongachen by accusing him of keeping illegal drugs in the police station while Grande was slapped with trumped up charges.

“The PNP condemns such practice of kidnapping police officers for propaganda purposes by the communist NPAs and their release on goodwill.

Ongachen was deprived of almost three months of freedom and time with family and service to the country while Grande was detained for about two months for an alleged minor offense. Deprivation of freedom is a violation of their human right and a justice system can never be based merely on goodwill,” the PNP PRO-11 said.

The same statement said that Gaerlan condemned the one-sided interpretation and use of CAHRIHL or the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Law. “Ang pulis ay tao rin na may karapatan katulad ng ibang mamamayan. Ang sistemang dukot-pampropaganda ng kilusang komunista ay maliwanag na paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga pulis. Ang isang tao ay inosente hanggat hindi napatunayang nagkasala.

But to the communists, they

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115 villages, 5 provinces cited manageable areas

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

N time with the commemoration of the 10th founding anniversary of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Friday, August 26, its commander, Lt. General Rey Leonardo reported on the accomplishments that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) gained in its areas of responsibility for the past years.

Last Friday’s celebration was graced by President Duterte, officers of the AFP and top officials in provinces, cities and towns in Eastern Mindanao area.

In his message, Lt. General Guerrero said Eastmincom’s accomplishments marked not only as significant milestone of its existence but also highlighted the strong and lasting

partnership established with stakeholders over the years.

Such partnership, Guerrero said, “resulted not only in the improvement of the peace and security in the area but also in the improvement of the social and economic conditions of the people in the farflung barangays.”

Guerrero said that a total of 115 barangays in Eastern Mindanao were already cleared from the influence of the communists New People’s Army (NPA) while five provinces and one city in the area were already declared as conflict-manageable and development ready.

He vowed the command will continue its efforts to clear the remaining 156 villages in Eastern Mindanao from the in-

fluence of the NPAs by the end of this year.

He also recognized the efforts and support of the local government units (LGUs), government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), the civil society organizations (CSOs) in the achievements of the command.

From August of 2015 until August this year, the number of regular members of the NPA in the area reduced to 115 from 177, he reported.

“These reductions in the NPAs armed capability have been the result of the effective barangay immersions by the army’s peace and development teams supported by the members of the local communities themselves,” Guerrero said.

The community immersions made around 5,199 NPA sympathizers in Eastern Mindanao to surface and renounced the armed struggled being espoused by the communist movement.

Eastmincom has also been active in territorial defense operations over the years, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response, international defense security engagements and support to law enforcement operations, Guerrero added.

“Through the Naval forces in Eastern Mindanao, Eastmincom was able to conduct a total of 287 naval operations logging a total of 3,266 hours steaming along the 16,667 nautical-mile stretch of our maritime area of

tasked to implement the order.

CTTMO chief Rhodelio Poliquit said they have monitored minor violations since the night market was reopened on August 13.

And he assured that the CTTMO will not tolerate violations, no matter how minor they are.

Poliquit said there are vendors who go beyond their line of designated stalls but CTTMO personnel are always there to monitor day-to-day operations and their com-

pliance with City Hall’s night market policies and regulations.

“Daghan dira naga lapas og isa ka dangaw, pero ginapabalik dayon namo na. Wala namo na ginapasagdan,” Poliquit said.

Today’s Roxas night market, he said, is much better than it was before even as he noted that it far from being perfect.

It can be recalled that Mayor Sara ordered the shut down of the night market on

August 3 upon the recommendation of the CTTMO chief due to several violations.

Among the violations were: refusal to follow the “one-family-one-stall” rule; vendors’ insistence on their preferred locations and presence of stalls that are run by financiers but managed by dummies; vendors sub-leasing stalls; claims that vendors were able to buy or secure rights/permits over preferred stalls; and presence of illegal vendors. CIO

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Mayor orders delisting of erring Roxas vendors

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AYOR Inday Sara Duterte has ordered the delisting of Roxas Avenue night market vendors who continue to violate the local government’s rules and regulations.

“We have already given them a chance but if they still refuse to follow our rules, we are left with no choice but to strike them out from the list,” said the mayor.

The Davao City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (CTTM) was

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NEWS 5

Mayor heartbroken, furious over death of 3-year-old boy

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AVAO CITY Mayor Inday Sara Duterte is both heartbroken and furious over the death of Kean Gabriel, the 3-yearold boy who was allegedly beaten by his stepfather on Wednesday in Matina Pangi.

The mayor, who is pregnant with triplets, has been told by her doctors to keep away from crowded places, but on Friday morning, she defied this and went to the house of the victim to personally talk to the boy’s relatives.

A crestfallen Duterte could not apparently hide her anger as she listened to the story of how the boy met his tragic death in the hands of his stepfather, 22-year-old Sonny Boy Mendoza.

“Dapat i-report ninyo ang mga kaso sa pag-abuso sa mga bata, mga kaso sa rape...ayaw ninyo binuangi ang mga bata (Report all abuses against children, cases of rape. Do not hurt your children),” the mayor told the boy’s grandfather, Ruben.

Mendoza was immediately arrested after he told the authorities of the boy’s death.

Kean’s mother was also arrested for being an accomplice.

Mayor Sara said she will hire a private prosecutor who will pursue the appropriate charges against Mendoza and everyone who did nothing to save the boy’s life, including his mother.

But the mayor felt that this is even not enough.

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Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday visited the wake of three-year old Kean Gabriel in matina Pangi who was allegedly beaten by his stepfather. CIO

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8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

One big step

HE conclusion of the Oslo round of peace talks between the government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) panels produced a giant leap towards the end of nearly half a century of conflict in the Philippines.

Peace negotiating panels from the GRP and the NDF on Thursday reached agreements on six major agenda taken up at the resumption of the formal peace negotiations hosted by Norway.

Not everyone expected for a swift and jovial conclusion of the Oslo round leaving the host Royal Norwegian Government (RNG) very pleased and satisfied.

As it is, the round is highlighted with indefinite ceasefire declaration, which both parties have already declared or will announce, as the peace process moves into the succeeding rounds

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to hammer out details of a negotiated political settlement.

Described as a milestone by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza, the Oslo round is one accomplishment under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Not only has President Duterte walked the extra mile. He has also taken a step back to give the NDF space under his democratic and inclusive government,” said Dureza after the talks.

“We will go home with a promise of a just and lasting peace and our soldiers and the combatants of the NDF finally coming to terms that the war must end.”

With the first round now history, we look further beyond for an honest-to-goodness commitment by both sides on the agreed documents and pray that within a year, this long cherished dream of peace will finally be realized.

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Did Baraan just indict De Lima?

ITH the important statement about his “limited “ supervision of the Bureau of Corrections, former Justice undersecretary Toti Baraan thus tried to absolve himself from controversy, and distance himself from his longtime former boss, Leila De Lima.

“The BuCor is just one of several DOJ agencies under my limited administrative supervision... I never did oversee, either on the ground or from a distance, the prison operations in the seven penal colonies, more so the NBP,” so goes Baraan’s statement.

What it does is diminish the capability of Delima to corroborate her supposed innocence with Baraan. So far, only she has proclaimed herself innocent. As far as we know, no one else implicated has

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VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

TART spreading the news, I’m leaving today…” I was singing the Frank Sinatra hymn while packing

my bag.

For the first time in my life, I will be going to the United States, the country that most Filipinos are dreaming of going to. “Where are you going this time,” my mother asked.

I had not been telling anyone about this trip since I didn’t want them to know if in case I won’t be going. Big Apple, as New York is sometimes called, I told her. Her eyes widen. She couldn’t believe what she heard. After all, when I was still a little boy, I told her that one of my dreams was to visit any place in the United States.

“Yes, it’s a dream come true,” I replied as I wiped the tears falling from her eyes.

She never said a word after that but instead hugged me tightly.

“I’m coming back, mom.” The trip took place right after the Y2K hoopla.

Don Hinrichsen, an American environmental journalist, invited me to cowrite a paper on water and population for the Washington-based Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

We never met yet although we communicated every now and then via e-mail.

The trip was very exciting for me. In fact, the night before the trip, I was not able to sleep well. I was afraid I might be late in going to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. So, even if it was still three in the morning, I woke up and took a bath. Afterwards, I went to the airport and checked in.

The Northwest Airlines flight from Manila to Tokyo was long – four hours. We disembarked at the Narita International Airport and stayed there for a couple of hours before our plane left for the United States. It was another long flight.

For the next thirteen-hours-and-a-half,

come forward MY TWO CENTS’ to vouch for or certify her declarations.

Lone voices are often honest, but not exactly accurate nor believable. Unfortunately for her, the louder John Tria she screams her inno- ecisouth@gmail.com cence, she will continue to be alone, isolated and buried.

It does not help that the “witnesses” presented at the Senate hearing on extrajudicial killings have shown that there is

a deep relationship between drugs, their sellers and the police. That much we have assumed and have therefore been proven right. That these networks have been allowed by previous governments, helping nurture the 3 million or so drug addicts in the country, is what we need to find out and stop.

If this is how the cookie crumbles for De Lima we hope it doesn’t end there.

We expect more of the identified to extricate themselves from her, proclaiming a “limited” relationship that they hope, Lbsolves them from involvement.

What is damning is their own admission that whatever drug links they are involved in, and protection they have enjoyed from within government have been present long before this administration

took over. It makes former Justice Secretary De Lima and the rest of the previous government look complicit.

Should this be the end game, no!

The effort to rid our streets of the drug menace should continue.

Making our communities, schools and families drug free is the deep desire of a generation reared on the hopelessness of and ineptitude of government in the face of this scourge that has fed trillions to the greed of a few, and wrecked the future of millions it has snared in the grip of pathological dependence.

If others may fall, then let them. The depravity of their nefarious drug peddling and the corruption of our institutions by this sick chemical business should be destroyed.

I was doing what most THINK ON THESE! passengers were also doing: eating, reading, writing, walking, drinking, playing, watching movies, and Henrylito D. Tacio s l e e p i n g . henrytacio@gmail.com When feeling bored, I watched other passengers.

There was a mother bottle-feeding her baby.

An American couple three seats from me were talking, or perhaps they were arguing – sorry, I really could not tell the difference.

They were too far for me to eavesdrop.

In another lane, one huge man was snoring out loud (was the lady near him trying to find another seat, I can only guess).

Two fat men – probably not Greeks! – were drinking to their heart’s content while another one was typing in his computer.

Welcome to New York, the airport sign said. Thank you, I said to myself but my biggest problem was: how do I get to know Don, whom I have never met yet? Five days before my flight, he e-mailed me and told me to look at the airport’s waiting area for “a tall guy with mustache and wearing a hat.”

The information was not enough so I decided to e-mail Dr James Hansen, a former colleague who now works in New York. “Yes, I will pick you at the airport,” he answered back.

Now, if I would miss spotting Don, then there was James. Or, vice-versa. Since I knew James personally, he was the first person I looked for at the waiting area.

He wasn’t around; maybe he was late, I

consoled myself. So, I decided to carry out the second plan: to search for a tall guy with mustache wearing a hat.

I spotted three men. Who among these three was Don? Using my gut feeling, I approached one person and asked him if he was Don. He answered affirmatively. Still not convinced, I requested for his identification card. He showed his ID without much ado.

In no doubt that it was Don and started talking with him.

When suddenly, someone from behind called my name. It was James. “Sorry, I wasn’t able to recognize you, Henry,” he apologized. “But when I heard your voice, I am sure it is you.” Since Don knew the hotel where I would be staying in New York for the next 10 days, I went with him. James understood the situation. But before he left, he asked Don about the hotel and then told me that he would pick me up by Saturday morning.

It was still Thursday when I arrived.

When Don and I arrived at the hotel, he told me not to sleep. After all, it was still two in the afternoon. “Okay, thanks for the advice,” I told him before saying goodbye.

But when I was alone in my room, I tried to stretch my body and before I knew it, I was already slumbering. I woke up at 8:30 in the evening and was already starving. I went out and looked for a place where I could eat. Not far from my hotel, I saw one Mexican restaurant, not very fancy but was serving pizza, short orders and drinks.

Not knowing what to eat, I ordered what was familiar to me: pizza, chicken wings and soft drink. I ate my food with gusto. The following night, I went again to the same place. The same waiter was serving me and I ordered the same thing. On the third night, I still went to same place. The same waiter was there. But before I could utter my order, the waiter said, “Do you want pizza, chicken wings and soft drink, sir?” Was my face red?

It was in December when I visited New York and during my first three days, I did not experience any chilly weather. But on the fourth day, I ventured to visit the Central Park, which was not very far from the hotel.

I woke up very early and went outside the hotel. I was only on my fifth step when I felt the unpleasantly cold air that I had to rush back to the hotel. “Anything wrong, sir?”

Feeling embarrassed, I answered, “I just forgot something from my room.”

Exploring New York was not a herculean task. If you know how to count (first, second, third, etc.) and are familiar with directions (east, west, south and north), then you won’t get lost in the Big Apple. You don’t have to ride a taxi to get to know New York.

Just walk.

And that’s what I did. While walking, I finally got a glimpse of people whom I had seen in movies before: a teenager buying coffee and donut in the street, a man preaching on the street corner, a female walking who seemed to come out live from a glossy magazine, and an old woman pushing a cart.

Life in New York (even in other parts of the United States) is a matter of choice. Even when buying food. So, you have to be very specific. I did that mistake when I ordered a soft drink. “Diet or Classic?” the waitress asked. When I answered, she asked again, “In can or in bottle?”

My first trip to the United States was indeed memorable. It broadened my mind.

It gave me the opportunity of meeting fascinating people along the way. More importantly, it offered me a new perspective of what life really is.

“So, how was the trip?” my mother asked me when she saw me coming out from the car. She was smiling. I hugged her and whispered, “It was great, mom!” And, by the way, I learned, too, that New York never sleeps.

My first American trip

EDGEDAVAO

10 ECONOMY Mindanao has 1 million hectares of idle lands for palm oil production

M

INDANAO has 1 million hectares of idle and unproductive cogonal, grasslands and logged-over areas that can be devoted and developed into palm oil production.

This was emphasized

by Undersecretary Peter T. Laviña of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary as he addressed the participants to the 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) in Surigao City on Friday, Agusut 26.

Laviña is also a member of the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council Incorporated (PPODCI).

He said that since the 1960’s until today, the country’s land areas devoted to palm oil production are only 82 to 83 thousand hectares – a number so low compared to the 11 million hectares of palm oil plantation in Indonesia; 5.6 million hectares in Malaysia; and the 1 million hectares of palm oil in Thailand.

“In the 1980’s the palm oil industry was started in Agusan but was not replicated. We revived the industry in 2005 to 2006 through the efforts of the private sector,” Laviña added.

The current state of the coconut industry in the country is another factor that farmers and investors must shift to palm oil production, he said.

Coconut industry in the Philippines, Laviña emphasized is largely for export – citing as an example the direction that was set by the

previous administration on the exportation of buko juice to international markets.

Laviña said copra production is highly affected with such policy saying that the country cannot produce oil out of coconut without the copra product.

With the decline of the production of coconut oil, the country is forced to import substitutes for coconut oil – a move that caused the country to buy P35 million worth of substitutes in 2013 and an expected increase to P53 billion next year.

“Our substitute now would be palm oil because it is cheaper and produces more,” he urged the delegates to the 25th MBC. Laviña also hit the misconceptions on palm oil that is being spread by other sectors that eventually affected its production in the country.

“These misconceptions on palm oil are being spread by environmental non-government organizations (NGOs) who are receiving funding from the competitors of palm oil,” he said.

Laviña recalled that the same group also destroyed the coconut oil in Europe during the 1980s by spreading the idea that the same is cancer-causing due to the presence of aflatoxins in copras.

“These same groups are now destroying palm oil,” he added.

To further boost the palm

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

Lifting on limits of land ownership sought by Mindanao businessmen

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

B

adlopez0920@gmail.com

USINESSMEN who joined the three-day 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) in Surigao City on August 24 to 26 have called on the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) of the Duterte administration to lift the limitations on land ownership that have been distributed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and to remove the Commonwealth-era restrictions on agricultural patents.

The businessmen also urged the government to create the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that will provide the long-delayed attention to the fishery sector.

The proposed agency, the resolution added will also ensure the preservation and

proper development of the country’s archipelagic waters and marine resources.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) secretariat said the resolutions were the outcome of the 16 issues raised by Mindanao businessmen during the consultation-dialogue of PCCI Mindanao Presidents and Regional Governors with PCCI President George Barcelon and the PCCI-MinDA Policy Forum on April 15-16, 2016 in Cagayan De Oro and Davao City.

The output and resolutions were presented and adopted by the delegates at the plenary of the 25th MBC on August 26.

These issues raised include transport, ICT, logistics and power issues; agriculture and fishery; land use zoning

and land administration; and access to finance, the PCCI Secretariat said.

The businessmen also called for the enactment of Land Administration Act and the National Land Use Policy Act and the updating of comprehensive land use plans by the local government units (LGUs).

The policy, the participants said, will finally resolve the problem of inconsistent laws on land utilization that will provide a broader policy framework that will govern land use allocations and will ensuring that there is balance to meet demands for food security, housing and shelter, industry and commerce.

The delegates also expressed their support to the national government’s programs of increasing the budget

for agriculture- and aquaculture related infrastructure and service; the utilization of LGUs to improve access to finance; and the enhancement of the capacity of agricultural extension services to provide technical support to farmers.

They also urged for the accelerated formulation of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10817, or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016, ensuring that the private sector is engaged in the IRR’s formulation and encouraging international cooperation on Halal training and certification to efficiently penetrate the globally growing halal market.

The participants also endorsed the adoption of a convergence program where

FLIFTING, 11

FMINDANAO, 11

Surigao City to boost agri and fishery productions

I

N line with the Duterte administration’s program and priority on food security, the city government of Surigao poured in P129,615,925 to boost its agriculture and fishery production this year.

Of the total budget, P5,190,000 will be sourced out from the funds of the city government while the P124,425,925 will be coming from the support funding of government line agencies particularly the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Achieving food security is among the goals stipulated in the city’s five-year goals from this year up to 2020.

Surigao City’s development framework for agriculture and fishery also aims to alleviate the economic conditions of farmers and fisherfolks in the area, to ensure resource sustainability and competitiveness in the provincial, regional as well as the national level.

Under the administration of Mayor Ernesto Matugas, the city government is able to source out funds to rehabilitate farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in the city.

Data provided by City Agriculturist Isias M. Elumba states that a total of P102 million will be allocated this year

to rehabilitate and improve six FMRs in the city.

The local government will also fund the rehabilitation and maintenance of five irrigation systems this year with a total budget of P3 million.

A total of P3,405,000 budget is also set aside for the procurement for seeds and seedlings of rice, corn, vegetables and high-value crops (HVCs) that will be distributed to the farmers in the city, while P668,000 is also allocated for the provision of pre and post harvest facilities.

For this year, the city government also allocated P16,584,925 to boost the fishery and aquaculture production in Surigao City.

Material support intervention for fishery production got a total budget of P2,025,000 for the provision of tilapia, bangus and prawn fingerlings and seaweed propagule that will be distributed to the fisherfolks in the area.

The city government also set aside P2,300,000 for the provision of assorted fishing paraphernalia and another P2,300,000 for mariculture and park development.

The biggest slice of the budget in fishery was allocated to develop bangus cage culture in the city with an allocation of

FSURIGAO, 13

DAMOSA AWARDS. Damosa Land, Inc. vice president Ricardo “Cary” Lagdameo imparts an inspirational message during the company’s Excellence Awards 2016 at Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao City on Friday night. Lean Daval Jr.

Siargao gets nod to host Miss U 2017 photo-shoot swimwear competition T HE proposal to host the photo-shoot swimwear competition of the Miss Universe 2017 that was proposed by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte gained a positive response from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas told reporters on Thursday that the response to the request was personally received by her in a meeting with DOT Secretary Wanda T. Teo in a meeting in Davao City last week.

Matugas said at least 20 candidates of Miss Universe 2017 will have their swimwear competition in Siargao Island, the premier tourist destination in CARAGA region and Northern Mindanao.

“In behalf of the entire Su-

rigaonon community, we are very pleased to support the efforts of the Department of Tourism in the development of the tourism industry, especially with the country’s successful selection as the host of the most anticipated Miss Universe 2017,” Governor Matugas said in a request letter she sent to Secretary Teo earlier this month.

The governor added that hosting the particular event is a rare chance and opportunity for Siargao Island to showcase its diverse tourism destinations which includes a vast mangrove area, pristine waters on white sand beaches, tidal pools and rock formations, caves, verdant forests and captivating islets.

The final date of the com-

petition is not yet finalized, Matugas added.

The positive response from the DOT was also welcomed by Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Francisco Jose Matugas II who told the participants of the 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) in Surigao City on Thursday, August 25 that Siargao Island will receive around P1.2 billion worth of infrastructure projects by 2017.

The allocation, Rep. Matugas said will complete the concreting of the major road networks in the island, including those leading to the tourist spots in the area.

Lined up projects for next year include the P347 million preservation of national roads that would include repairs; the P289 million road network

development; P3 million construction and maintenance of bridges; P55 million flood control and drainage; P774 million construction of access roads to airport, seaports and tourism destinations; and the P55 million local infrastructure projects for barangays.

Matugas also bared the plan to establish a new international airport in the island.

The plan, he added, has already got the support of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who also shared the vision of the leaders of Surigao del Norte to infuse more development projects in the island.

The establishment of a new international airport will part of the master development plan that is now being worked on by the Tourism

FSIARGAO, 11

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Enigmatic Flavours of

Yolks Flower

Cake + Cupcakery

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

DINING OUT NEED NOT BE COMPLICATED. With today’s hectic schedule, it’s a must to find a place that can cater to your every gastro cravings...under one roof. Oftentimes, we “hop” from one restaurant to another in order to satisfy our yearning for comfort food. Still, going to two (or three) restaurants in one go is not a favourable past time that we can do all the time.

The question remains, is it possible to satisfy a craving under one roof? Of course, YES! Let me introduce you to Davao’s newest food destination -- Yolks Flower Cake + Cupcakery. A resto, flower shop and cupcakery in one, Yolks creates a wonderful playground for the senses.

Being the first concept store in the Philippines to tie the beautiful anaesthetics of flowers and delicious flavours of food under one roof, it’s truly a must visit for everyone who seeks a food adventure without breaking the bank. And yes, everything on their menu is perfect for that particular palate explosion you are craving for.

Media personality and Chef, Michelle Robin, with her artistically creative partner, Chiq Ybaῆez, conceptualised Yolks as a one stop shop – flowershop and resto that serves all day breakfast. Together with their Chef consultant, Chef Mon Abalos, they came up with a number of dishes that expanded Yolks’ repertoire of flavours. Hence, a menu that’s packed with every flavour you want.

Their menu is not complicated; it’s very straight forward.

From all day breakfast to bursting with flavour pasta dishes to colourful salads and juicy meaty mains, you will never not find something for you at Yolks.

Indulge in a plate of their delectable Florence Home Gourmet Tuyo Pasta or a plate of Waldorf Salad with your family and friends for that invigorating combination of flavours in your palate.

Feeling adventurous? Try their Yolks Black Pepperoni Pizza and be in 7th heaven in every bite. By the way, the black pizza is the first in Mindanao.

FOOD A4

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Délicieux annive

THE MISE EN PLACE (A FRENCH CULINARY PHRASE MEANING “PUTTING IN PLACE”) OF AOIFE MARIE BARRETTO UY’S GRAND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION STARTED JUST A MONTH BEFORE HER ACTUAL FIRST BIRTHDAY. There was a harvest and food inspired photo shoot with photographer Mima Tan, some back-andforth messages about floral frocks between mom Bianca Uy and designer Maureen Disini and a gathering of some of dad Morris Uy’s prized kitchenware for the party props.

Aoife or Pippa as she is fondly nicknamed, is the fourth child of Bianca and Morris Uy and nothing short of a marche gourmande was prepared as the main course of her festive and tastefully decorated party. The makeshift indoor market of gastronomical treats that greeted and surprised the guests was undoubtedly culled from Morris’ passion for cooking and penchant for the finest cuisine and unique food concoctions. He hung up his apron that day but had a per-

The towering cake made by Joel Rodriguez of Osvaldo’s Cakes.

sonal say in the selection of the artisans and food that were to be served by the likes of Yuyu Dessert & Cafe, Soul Kitchen Co., Basti’s Brew and Kutsara ni Juan. This was not your usual kiddie party fare.

The term ‘marche gourmande’ was coined by in-demand event stylist Annie Lim to further expound on the Uys’ idea to make Aoife’s birthday culinary-inspired, drawing from the rich European tradition of joyful food romps done around the countrysides in the company of family and loved ones. Freshly cut flowers, kiddie toys and fancy kitchenware like a Kitchen Aid mixer and Le Creuset cast iron pot featured prominently on the long tables as guests shared savoury treats and salad shakers. Giant balloons festooned the ballroom of the Marco Polo Hotel Davao in hues of purple, which is mom Bianca’s favorite color. The backdrop of the main stage was something akin to the prettiest Parisian pastry shop of your imaginings, complete with a stunning five-tiered cake fitted with playful details such as utensils, flowers and a teddy bear on

Morris, Quent, Isha, Zach, Bianca & A top whipped up by Joel p Rodriguez of Osvaldo’s t Cakes. More sugar and f gourmet party tricks? t s Yes, please!

The kids appetites P were whetted further as y they were treated to a b sandwich demonstration p

by Chef Maki Uy and m made quick beelines by a Yuyu’s ice cream station w for scoops of Chef Adi r Uy’s original flavors be- f fore rejoining host Ellen b Ferenal-Garcia and the v games. The inviting pho- w to booth set up just right d by the party entrance P prompted steady streams a of people to gamely pose f and have photo memen- n tos taken during this

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

versaire de Aoife

Aoife Marie or Pippa clearly having a ball at her first birthday.

Mom Bianca’s favorite part of the program is this dance number by Pippa’s siblings, cousins and friends.

Serving a seamless society

edible remembrance - the kids with loot bags filled with goodies and adults with the odd puff pastry or salad and a bottle of Basti’s Brew’s superb cold-brewed coffee. This party proved that food is the way to anyone’s heart which made it a true delicieux anniversaire for Morris and Bianca’s petit cheri.

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

Aoife Marie Uy. party to remember. As the party continued in full swing, guests were treated to two slideshows showing milestones in Pippa’s cherished first year. The montages of the bright-eyed little girl were prepared by popular lensman Milvene Mineses and child photography wonder Mima Tan. To round out this thorough feast for the senses, a live band that played cover versions of popular songs was on hand and a special dance performance by Pippa’s siblings, cousins and friends which was the favorite part of the evening of the proud parents.

Everyone left with an

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

A4 INdulge!

FOOD ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD A1

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

Breakfast, anyone? Wake up to a sumptuous combo of flavours with their Egg in a Basket and Sunrise Baguette for that instant added boost to your day. If you love pesto, then brace yourself. Pesto and breakfast? Pure heaven right there.

Going straight to the mains? Make room for their Yolks Pork Ribs Smothered in House Barbecue Sauce or a plate of Pan Grilled Peppered Steak and Rosemary Compound Butter minus the guilt. If salmon is your cup of tea, then you must try their Pan-fried Salmon Fillet with Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc Sauce – you’d fall in love with the sea in an instant. Their Main Dishes are served with a generous amount of Garlic Mashed Potato (this is beyond words – super delish!) and sautéed spring mix vegetables.

Aside from the dishes, you’d also find an array of hot and cold drink choices. Go ahead and take a sip of their decadent frappes and smoothies -- Choco-Strawberry Smoothie, Choco-Hazelnut Frappe, Tiramisu Freeze, Blueberry Vanilla Freeze, Kiwi Smoothie and my personal favourite, Choco-Peanut Butter Freeze.

Or have fun drinking their colourful lemonades -- Blue Lemonade and Cucumber Lemonade – which are both refreshingly good. Try mixing both. Thank me later.

Want something hot? Try their hot Matcha for that perk me up feeling –anytime of any day. (As of writing, Greene Dare Cold Pressed Juices will soon be available).

Dessert, anyone? You must make room for their array of decadent cupcakes decorated to make you smile in an instant.

Choose from their selection ... don’t be shy.

You’d surely thank your self after.

Yolks Flower Cake + Cupcakery is located at Doors A & B, Bella Vie Building, Circumferential road, Sarenas Avenue, Davao City For inquiries, you may call them at 0927 488 3528 They are open Daily Facebook: facebook.com/YolksPh Instagram: YolksPh Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com IG: @iamleebai

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

115 villages... FROM 4

responsibility,” he said.

The Air Force composed of TOG 10 and TOG 11 also conducted a total of 1,566 air operations including maritime air patrols.

“The security of our maritime borders was also the focus of our international defense security engagements.

Last June of this year, the command participated in a coordinated maritime patrol with the Indonesian navy as part of an existing border crossing agreement,” Guerrero said.

Eastmincom was also able to deploy the elements of TOG 11 and the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division on disaster response operations particularly during the fire in Mt. Apo. Guerrero said a total of 90 helicopter sorties were performed by the command to survey and drop water and ice over the affected area.

“Support to law enforcement operations was also given emphasis with the Pres-

ident’s directive for the AFP to join the police in the fight against illegal drugs and criminality. Joint AFP-PNP operations during the past year resulted in the neutralization of 12 high value individuals that include wanter criminals and drug offenders,” he said.

Despite the accomplishments, the Eastmincom commander still sees more things to be done to sustain the accomplished gains.

“Now that the ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF is in effect, we expect that the implementation of the government’s peace and development programs in the countryside will be able to proceed much faster – providing the much needed services to even the remotest barangay,” Guerrero said.

He expressed gratitude to President Duterte for joining the celebration and pledged the command will give its utmost best in sustaining peace in Eastern Mindanao.

Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Representatives from the Civil Aviation Administration of the Philippines (CAAP) have already visited Siargao two weeks ago and conducted an ocular investigation on the possible site of the proposed airport, Matugas added.

“Come to visit and invest in Siargao Island,” the congressman urged the businessmen who joined the conference.

He said the island is considered as the international surfing and game fishing capital of the country as tourna-

ments are being held in the area every year.

On September 23 another round of international surfing competition will be hosted in Siargao Island where professional surfers from other countries will come to compete.

With surfing being considered as one of the official games in 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Matugas said the possibility of winning first gold medal for the country is not far as Siargao Island has already produced a number of surfing champions in the past competitions. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

ing the financial burden that may be caused by the treatment of a critical illness, Sun Life created innovative health solutions that will cater to their different needs: SUN Healthier Life and SUN Fit and Well.

SUN Healthier Life is the first Critical Illness (CI) life insurance product that covers five of the top critical illnesses in the Philippines. With its hassle-free application process, clients no longer need to undergo a medical examination, provided he is able to answer the health questions favorably.

Moreover, SUN Healthier Life offers coverage for minor (early stage) CI and Angioplasty to help clients secure the medical treatment they need and focus more on their recovery.

Meanwhile, SUN Fit and Well, a new generation wellness product that covers more than 100 CIs, offers the most

comprehensive life and health protection, from prevention to rehabilitation. It was designed to help a client care for his health through wellness programs, and also have access to the best care should an illness strike. The product’s “life stage protection” feature will also enable one to address his evolving health protection needs from childhood all the way to the golden years.

With SUN Healthier Life and SUN Fit and Well, Sun Life aims to help Filipinos address both their health and wealth needs. After all, these two go hand-in-hand, as health concerns could potentially affect one’s financial objectives. Sun Life’s innovative health solutions will give Filipinos the confidence to pursue his journey for a brighter future by being ready to face even the unexpected.

Siargao... FROM 10

Sun life... FROM 12

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CEREAL PLAZA and APOLINARIA PLAZA has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF SALE executed among their heirs per Doc. No.96; PageNo.20; Book No. 129; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN. 8/29, 9/5,12

EDGEDAVAO

Lifting... FROM 10 infrastructure projects are consistent with and support the development of agro-industrial-tourism hubs of Mindanao.

They also identified priority projects in Mindanao that include the construction, rehabilitation and expansion of the General Santos City Aerotropolis; the Panguil Bay Bridge; the Davao Airport and Seaport; the Polloc Port; New Zamboanga Airport; Zamboanga Ecozone; the Laguindingan Airport; and the Mindanao Railway System.

A review on the mining industry policies in the country was also asked by Mindanao businessmen including the formulation of Mineral Products Industry Development Plan that will take into account onsite processing into high-value mineral products of existing mining and mineral ore exports.

They also expressed opposition to the privatization of the Agus-Pulangui Hydroelectric Power Complexes and endorsed as priority measure by the Senate and House the creation of the Mindanao Power Corporation (MPC).

The MPC, they added, being a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) will ensure for affordable electricity rates and prevent the monopoly of the electricity market in Mindanao.

The delegates also requested for national wealth-revenue

sharing in favor of the LGUs to catalyze the developments of the regions and its local communities and effect inclusive growth.

They also endorsed for a thorough assessment and comprehensive consultation on the proposal shift to a federal system of government to ensure that the same truly reflects the ideals and aspirations of the people in Mindanao.

oil industry in the country, Laviña said the PPODCI is now pushing for a convergence strategy that include the drafting of the road map that was started in the past two years; the creation of the palm oil corridor; the formation of public-private-community/cooperative partnership (PPCP); and the creation of an inter-agency coordinating body that will focus on oil palm production.

The palm oil corridor will include the areas of Palawan to Zamboanga in the west; Bukidnon up to Bohol Island in the north; CARAGA and Davao regions in the east; and the provinces of Cotabato and

South Cotabato in the south.

“There are plenty of foreign investors interested to come in and invest in palm oil production,” Laviña said.

In the first 100 days of the Duterte administration, Laviña said they are hoping to complete the master plan for the palm oil industry and the forging of PPCP in the areas considered as palm oil corridor in the country.

He also told the participants on the positive impact of strengthened palm oil industry in the country that includes the creation of 150,000 jobs in a fully-developed 350,000 hectares of palm oil plantation. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

Myoma/Ovarian Cyst or Mass, 15 patients; Cholelithiasis/ Gallstones, 10 patients; Fistula in anno, 20 patients; Baker’s Cyst, 15 patients; Lipoma/ Sebaceous Cyst, 150 patients; and Bilateral Tubal Ligation.

The AY Foundation Inc. provides funds to defray cost of transportation of the team of medical specialists from Manila to Davao, including hotel accommodation of the volunteer medical specialists; operating room consumables such as medicines and supplies needed for the different surgical procedures including screening of patients (IV needle, lines, pre-op and post-op medicines, anesthetics, sutures); Laboratory tests of patients, X-ray films and developer, and blood screening of blood donors for patients who might need blood trans-

fusion in the course of or prior to surgery. The group is also responsible for organizing a team of medical specialists to conduct physical examination, cardio-pulmonary screening, work-ups, appropriate surgeries of patients free of charge, and a post-mission follow-up of patients twelve days after the mission.

On the part of the provincial government, however, it identifies patients based on the targeted cases. It is also tasked in information dissemination regarding the time, venue, target cases, and schedules of the surgical mission. It also grants free use of the hospital facilities such as the operating rooms, wards, X-ray, among others. Aside from food, the provincial government also provides vehicles to shuttle volunteer medical specialists

LANZONES VENDOR. A vendor arranges his display of lanzones fruit at his makeshift store at Agdao Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Mindanao... FROM 10

Life... FROM 13

NEWS 11

Davao... FROM 4

kidnap, detain and release on goodwill. Such a system of justice under a communist regime smack of deception and play on people’s lives,” Gaerlan said.

Gaerlan added that the PNP does not condone nor tolerate abuses or irregularities among its ranks.

“Police officers are governed by certain disciplinary mechanisms, rules and regulations. It is, therefore, calling on the people, including the CPP/NPA/NDF to present their witnesses and evidence in the proper forum under the Philippine Justice System should any of its officers commit violations of laws or regulations,” he added.

The PNP director in Davao region also called on the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) to inspect the detention facilities of the NPAs and the conditions of police officers and soldiers the group previously abducted.

Gaerlan said they are receiving reports indicating that victims of abduction by the NPAs are locked up under sub-human conditions.

He also assured the people in the region that the PNP will continue to serve and protect the people in the area regardless of their political beliefs or ideologies, including members of the CPP/NPA/NDF. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

“Late na kaayo ta. Wala na ta’y mabuhat kay Kean (We came in late. We can no longer save Kean),” the mayor said.

A team from the Davao City Social Services and Development Office were also sent to take care of the other children of the couple, one of them is only 1-year-old.

Reports said the suspect forced the boy inside an empty sack and hang him for hours inside their shanty in Matina Pangi -- sitting on him when the sack fell a number of times.

In between sobs, the boy begged for him to stop but the suspect and the boy’s mother ignored this. CIO

from their quarters to the provincial hospital. It also ensures the availability of blood that might be needed, pre, intra and post operation.

Meanwhile, soldiers and reservist from the Philippine Army also play a big part on this massive endeavor. Patients from very remote barangays were transported by the military in the hope to help them get access of surgical services.

In addition, they also provide security throughout the activity and offer additional manpower to assist hospital staff in lifting and transporting patients straight from operation.

“Our commitment to deliver a quality health care program for the poor is strong.

So I can confidently say that the people of Davao Oriental are in good hands. With the acquisition of new equipment

and recruitment and training of better-qualified staff, the hospital is now capable of performing all procedures except those that are extremely specialized. As our new hospital is now being benchmarked and awarded as an outstanding public hospital in the region, I earnestly call on our health care workers to enhance the hospital’s medical reputation because you are the heart of this new hospital that we have envisioned to have gentle hands and compassion for the poor. I earnestly ask our health care workers to bring to the sick poor a great deal of loving care, attention and more understanding. Let us always strive to make especially the indigent patients feel special in this hospital,” says Governor Dayanghirang. BY FERDINAND ZUASOLA

Mayor... FROM 5

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

Tagum Coop renews int’l brand of excellence

H

OMEGROWN multi-billionaire Tagum Coop renewed the A-one competitive Choice for Excellence in Service and Soundness (ACCESS) Silver brand from the Association of Asian Confederation of Credit Unions (ACCU) in 2016.

This was recently confirmed by Ms. Sylvia Paraguya,Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO),the federation which sent the ACCESS validators at Tagum Coop from July 18 to 20.

The four-man validators led by Ms. Daisybelle Cabal

noted improvement in the systems of the Cooperative based on the recommendations drawn last year.

First branded with bronze in 2014, Tagum Coop levelled up to Silver in 2015 and renewed such category this year.

Compared last year, Tagum Coop recorded an increase in three perspectives setting the mark to pass the standards of the ACCESS Silver Category.

ACCESS is an ACCU-developed quality assurance tool with preset 84 indicators of excellence guided by four key perspectives which are on Finance, Customer-member, Internal Business Process, and

Learning and Growth.

With the brand,members are assured of financial soundness and excellent services of the Cooperative as it follows international standards.

The ACCESS Silver Certification will be formally awarded to Tagum Cooperative during the ACCU Forum in September 2016 in Incheon, South Korea where thousands of cooperators in Asia gather to discuss cooperative matters in the region.

ACCU, according to its website,is a regional member

based organization of credit unions and cooperatives in Asia envisioning to play a vital

role in regional credit union development and to make credit unions more relevant

community-based financial institutions. (Tagum Cooperative)

tries from the region. The best healthcare solution will be announced later this month in Bangkok, Thailand.

MySHINE is the end-user version of the Secured Health Information Network Exchange (SHINE OS+), an electronic medical record (EMR) platform leveraging on opensourced technologies that can be customized to fill current gaps in the health sector or open opportunities to develop new innovative solutions for healthcare.

MySHINE seeks to address the gap in the continuity of healthcare by allowing patients access and control over their health records. It also allows patients access to location-based information on health related services, including nearby pharmacies,

health facilities, health practitioners, and laboratories.

“With MySHINE, the patient becomes the center of the health care system allowing for a wider variety within the service delivery network.

As the end-user, the patient can access health-related services when needed most,” said Dr. Reena Estuar, executive director of AJWCC. She explained that with the tool, members of the SHINEOS+ community are now visible to the patient whenever he requests for services.

Once the request is accepted, relevant information is made available leading to the delivery of the service.

“Through the years, Smart has been at the forefront of harnessing technology for inclusive development.

MySHINE digitizes healthcare from the perspective of the patient, allowing him to access not only his health records but also health-related services relevant to his well-being,” said Ramon R. Isberto, head of Public Affairs at Smart.

“Digitizing healthcare was seen as a way to improve the delivery of healthcare in a country of many islands like the Philippines. With the mobile phone, Smart and Ateneo are helping healthcare services more accessible to more Filipinos, particularly those who are in far-flung areas unreached by basic medical services,” added Isberto.

MySHINE and SHINE OS+ are aligned with the country’s health policies. For more info about SHINE OS+, click on www.shine.ph.

that Mind Brew is a series of talks that provided insights to Globe employees around the latest concepts and trends on innovation. Jos Ortega, CEO and founder of Havas Ortega; Althea Utzurrum, Lazada vice president for Online Marketing; Mike Lao, Accenture director of Delivery for Digital in the Philippines; and Jagan Srinivasan, president for Philips Lighting, Philippines shared valuable insights on innovation and their importance to further business growth.

Hack for a Nation, on the other hand, is a 24-hour hackathon aimed at addressing social challenges through innovation and technology. Around 35 groups from various schools and companies participated in the hackathon, where the participating teams were asked to create apps within the given time frame. Specifically, the challenge was to build an interactive prototype, mobile or web application, that would support nation building initiatives from a telco-oriented approach to address issue on transportation, education and emergency response services.

The Haraya team, composed of Juan Paolo Espiritu, Mark Joseph Basibas and John Hay Supetran won the competition for creating DriVR, a virtual reality simulator to test Metro Manila drivers for both driving skills and traffic discipline on the road.

The two-day Globe Innovation Forum, meanwhile, aimed to showcase new solutions and technologies through learning sessions and a tech exhibit that provided valuable inputs to help realize Globe Telecom’s business thrust in the next few years. Now on its third year, the event also served as an avenue for the company’s product and technology groups to showcase their respective products and services.

Companies that supported the Globe Innovation Forum include Huawei, Amazon Web Services, SAP, Dell, SMS Global Technologies, Pontis, VMWare, MD as well as Cisco, Hortwonworks, Allot Communications, Ericsson, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Teradata, Xura, Amdocs, Microsoft, F5, Stratpoint, Oracle, EMC, Indra and Samsung. (PNA)

Sun life boosts line AJWCC, Smart health solution nominated for int’l award of health solutions A L

IFE events that worry Filipinos mainly revolve around health. According to a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations commissioned by Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc., 93% of Filipinos worry about suffering a grave illness. This also reflects in their financial anxiety, with 88% saying they are worried about their family’s financial situation should

they pass away.

Ironically, many also admit to be financially unprepared should an illness strike. The top sources of funds to finance treatment would be their businesses (34%) and financial support from their children (32%), both of which are often utilized for daily expenses as well.

To aid Filipinos in address-

F SUN LIFE, 11

HOMEGROWN mobile application that allows a patient to access his health records has been nominated at the HIMSS Asia Pacific Innovations Challenge 2016, where the best innovative solution that will revolutionize healthcare takes center stage.

Designed by the Ateneo Java Wireless Competency Center (AJWCC) for Smart Communications (Smart), MySHINE, the only nominee from the Philippines, will be pitted against three other en-

Globe Telecom enhances innovation drive to further boost business growth

I

N A bid to further propel business growth, Globe Telecom is taking its innovation drive to the next level by providing its employees an avenue to explore and harness concepts, ideas as well as technological advances that could prove relevant amid customers’ growing penchant for a digital lifestyle.

In this year’s run of Globe Innovation Month, the company arranged several activities designed to encourage, inform and enable Globe employees to further embrace innovation: Mind Brew, Hack for a Nation and Globe Innovation Forum.

“For Globe to remain relevant, the company needs to be consistent in offering innovative products and services that shape the Filipino’s digital lifestyle. With the set of activities we have prepared, we hope to generate within the organization new ideas that could potentially become major breakthroughs in our thrust to create wonderful experiences for our customers and drive business growth,” the company said.

Globe Telecom explained

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 13

Life-changing service for poor and infirm Governor Nelson Dayanghirang

Surigao... FROM 10 P7,709,925 for this year while seaweed production will have P1,000,000 budget.

The city government will also push for the rehabilitation of fish sanctuaries in the area, the establishment of artificial coral reefs and mangrove reforestation with a total budget of P1,350,000.

The allocation for agriculture and fishery developments

in Surigao City is approximately 21% of the more than P600 million budget of the city for 2016.

As the city hosted the three-day Mindanao Business Conference (MBC) from August 23 to 26, Mayor Matugas urged the businessmen to invest in Surigao City and Surigao del Norte. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late MARIANO C. BARRIENTOS has been the subject of an EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE executed among his heirs per Doc. No.60; PageNo.13; Book No. 129; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN. 8/29, 9/5,12

L

IVING up to the true essence of free service to the less fortunate, the provincial government of Davao Oriental headed by Governor Nelson Dayanghirang and the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation Inc. have partnered together for the conduct of a big surgical mission in the province.

More than three hundred indigent patients are expected to benefit from the ten-day surgical mission which started

on August 24 to September 3at the provincial government-run Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center in the City of Mati. The surgical procedures will be conducted free of charges to poor patients who needs surgeries.

Described by the newly elected Governor Nelson Dayanghirang as a “life-changing service for the poor and the infirm,” the surgical mission is targeting indigent patients from the ten municipalities

and one city of Davao Oriental.

“Words alone are worthless. Our love especially for the sick poor should not be just words and talk. It must be true love which shows itself in action,” says the governor who is deeply grateful to the well-meaning humanitarian group, AY Foundation Inc., for bringing to the province at least fifty top surgeons in the country for the ten-day surgical mission here. At least 35 other Davao-based medical

doctors have joined the surgical mission.

Established in 1970

by Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco as a social development organization, the AY Foundation Inc. is into socially relevant programs. One of its flagship programs which have already benefitted several indigent patients across the country is the Surgical Mission.

Since 1986, AYF organizes and funds a group of medical specialists to screen, evaluate and conduct appropriate surgical procedures free of charge to indigent patients needing surgeries. The project is done five times a year. “The latest mission that we did was in May in Calbayog City. We are happy to inform you that several indigent patients availed themselves of the surgeries that we provided free of charges,” says Leonilo Quinte, project officer of the AY Foundation Inc. Target cases of the Davao Oriental Surgical Mission are the following: Thyroid, 30 patients; Parotid/Mandibular/Submandibular Mass, 15 patients; Breast Mass, 10 patients; Cleft Lip/Palate, 20 patients; Hernia, 50 patients;

F LIFE, 11

14

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EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

Superal still on track of LPGA Tour card P

RINCESS Superal suffered two bogeys in the last seven holes, carding a 72 to stand in 20th spot eight strokes off the pace on Friday after two rounds of Stage I of the LPGA Tour Qualifying School in Rancho Mirage, California.

Superal, the amateur golf star that has won multiple pro tournaments in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, was at 142, eight strokes off the lead but still on track for the next phase of the qualifying school.

The top 120 players after three rounds advance to the final round to vie for 90 spots for Stage II set Oct. 20 to 23 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida.

The 19-year-old Superal recovered from a bogey on No. 6 with three birdies in the next four holes but stumbled with a bogey on No. 12 and dropped another stroke on No. 15.

Regina de Guzman put herself in contention with back-to-back 72s for 144 for a share of 46th.

American Sarah

STILL ON TRACK. Princess Superal adds a 72 to her opening 70.

Schmelzel shot a second straight 67 to lead Savannah Vilaubi and Brazil’ Daniela Darquea by three.

Filipina Symetra Tour campaigners Dottie Ardina and Mia Piccio and twotime Symetra Tour winner Clariss Guce will resume their LPGA bid in Stage II while Cyna Rodriguez, after failing to make the Top 80 in the LPGA Money List, will vie again in Stage III slated Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 at the LPGA international in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Jutanugarn leads in Canada

A

RIYA Jutanugarn had five birdies in a six-hole stretch and shot an 8-under 64 on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) to take a three-stroke lead in the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

A week after withdrawing from the Rio Olympics because of a left knee injury, the 20-year-old Thai star played 20 holes on Friday at Priddis Greens. She bogeyed the par-5 18th for a 68 in the com-

pletion of the delayed first round, t h e n made eight birdies in her bogey-free second round.

“I just had to rest and take care of my knee,” Jutanugarn said. “After that, I feel like just play golf. It didn’t feel like anything changed.”

South Korea’s In Gee Chun and Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow were tied for second. Chun closed birdie-eagle for a 67.

Meadow had a 69. The former Alabama player had a seven-hole stretch without a par, making three straight birdies, three straight bogeys and a par.

“It’s a rough little stretch there in the middle, and I just kind of had to pull myself together.” Meadow said.

“I definitely saved myself on

the back nine with my short game. It wasn’t pretty, but I got it done, and that’s what golf’s about.”

Three-time champion Lydia Ko was four strokes back, and Canadian star Brooke Henderson was eight behind.

“I played pretty soli d the

LEADER. Ariya Jatanugarn of Thailand paces the Canadian Pacific Women’s Open.

last few days,” Ko said. “Hoped for a few more putts to drop, but it’s just really tough out there with some pins being tucked and on little slopes. ...

There’s still a lot of golf to be played.”

In the event before the Olympics, Jutanugarn won the Women’s British Open for her fourth victory of the year. She won three straight tournaments in May, and shares the tour victory lead with the top-ranked Ko with four.

The second-ranked Jutanugarn began the second round with birdies on Nos. 1 and 2, ran off four straight on Nos. 17-2 and added birdies on Nos. 4 and 8 to get to 12 under.

Hammering 2-iron and 3-wood off the tee, Jutanugarn hit all 14 fairways in the second round.

“I don’t think it’s like so good, my game,” Jutanugarn said about the tree-lined course.

“Because to me it’s a little bit narrow and I can’t hit my driver. But right now I feel more confident because I can hit my iron on the fairway and my 3-wood on the fairway.”

She considered skipping the tourna-

Gilas overtakes Germany in FIBA rankings

T

HE Philippines may have fallen short of its Olympic dream, but that didn’t prevent Gilas Pilipinas from improving by one spot in the latest FIBA World Rankings.

Gilas Pilipinas rose to 27th from 28th in the rankings re-calculated after the recently concluded R i o Olympics in Brazil.

The Filipinos surprisingly now have a better ranking than Germany which settled for 29th. Philippines’ Asian rival Jordan is

ranked 28th.

It should be understood that the FIBA World Rankings takes into account two Olympic Games cycles, with certain points given to each team for every tournament it participates in during that period.

Gilas Pilipinas finished second place in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and was able to host the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament where it lost to France and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Germany wound up in a disappointing 18th place in the 2015 EuroBasket despite being led by

NBA players Dennis Schroder and former MVP Dirk Nowitzki who has since retired from the national team. Germany didn’t earn a ticket to the Olympic qualifier.

After failing to reach its second consecutive Olympics, former Asian champions Iran (25th) fell by eight spots but remained second in Asia behind China (14th).

Reigning Olympic champions Team USA stayed on top of the rankings, followed

by Spain, Serbia, France and Lithuania. Completing the top 10 are Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Russia and Australia.

ment to get another week off.

“But I feel like I’m OK,” Jutanugarn said. “I wanted to see how I’m feeling. But after like Monday, it didn’t hurt that much. Today, it’s getting a lot better.”

Ko shot a 69, making four straight birdies in the middle of the round.

She has won the event three of the last four years, the first two as an amateur. The 19-year-old New Zealander won in 2012 at Vancouver Golf Club at 15 years, 4 months to become the LPGA Tour’s youngest winner and fifth amateur champion. She successfully defended her title in 2013, winning by five strokes in Edmonton. Last year back at Vancouver as a pro, she beat Stacy Lewis in a playoff.

Ko was second in Rio, five strokes behind Inbee Park.

South Korea’s Sei Young Kim (67), Hyo Joo Kim (67), Mi Jung Hur (69) and Chella Choi (71) matched Ko at 8 under.

Henderson dropped a stroke in the completion of a first-round 72 and had a double bogey on the par-3 eighth — her 17th — in a second-round 68. The 18-yearold from Smiths Falls, Ontario, beat Ko in a playoff in June in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship for her first major title, and successfully defended her Cambia Portland Classic title in early July.

“I had massive crowds today and it was so much fun to play in front of them,” Henderson said. “I kind of felt their energy, and I got it to minus 6 at

one point today and was feeling pretty good. Unfortunately, I had a couple of mistakes coming in.”

Alena Sharp (70) and Maude-Aimee Leblanc (69) topped the Canadians at 6 under.

“It’s always good to see the Canadian flag on the leaderboard no matter where we are, but definitely this week,” Sharp said. “I know in the past we’ve done well as a group, the Canadians, so it’s nice to see halfway through we’ve got some people up there. Hopefully we can continue it on the weekend.”

Sharp shot 68-70, and Leblanc 69-69.

Canadian amateur Jaclyn Lee was 5 under after a 70. The Calgary player is a sophomore at Ohio State.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 132 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, AUGUST 28 - 29, 2016

NEW FACES NEW GILAS. UST’s Kevin Ferrer and FEU’s Mac Belo (left) and La Salle’s Arnold Van Opstal.

E

D DAQUIOAG, Chris Javier, Ponso Gotladera, Jaymar Perez, Arnold Van Opstal and Carl Bryan Cruz are set for their baptism of fire with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2016 Fiba Asia Challenge Cup after being included in the final 12-man lineup by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Young cadets take over in Gilas squad SBP executive director Sonny Barrios bared the final lineup submitted to Fiba Asia for the September 9-18 showpiece in Iran, Gilas’ first test since the SBP bared plans to revert to the cadets program due to a new Fiba qualifying format that put in doubt the continued participation of PBA players in the national

team.

The lineup is led by Gilas cadets mainstays Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, Kevin Ferrer and Von Pessumal but also included a lot of new faces following the decision of amateur stars Kiefer Ravena, Rayray Parks and Jio Jalalon to skip the Iran tournament for

varying reasons.

Blackwater reserve Arnold Vosotros and Jonathan Grey, earlier named to the 14-man team, were listed as alternates who will join Gilas in the trip.

At 6-7, Van Opstal now stands as the tallest in the young team which also added some ceiling with the drafting of former Ateneo big man Got-

ladera, former Far Eastern University standout Cruz and Javier, who until recently manned the paint for the University of the East.

On the other hand, Daquioag and Perez are set to shore up a backcourt that had been left wanting in depth after Ravena, Jalalon and Parks pulled out of consideration one after

the other.

Perez, whose eligibility had to be cleared with Fiba at the last minute, was in fact converted from two-guard to point guard to back up Tolomia in the playmaking position.

Pogoy and Pessumal are considered the team’s top threats from the outside, with help from Ferrer.