Edge Davao 9 Issue 137

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 24 PAGES Flowers, candles and the Philippine flag at the scene of last friday night’s bombing at the night market along Roxas Avenue in Davao City.

STATE OF LAWLESS VIOLENCE DECLARED 14 killed, 67 injured in Davao City bombing

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ, TIZIANA PIATOS and RIA VALDEZ

I

N the wake of the deadly explosion that rocked Davao City on Friday evening, 10:30 p.m. of Sept.

2, President Duterte announced the declaration of a State of Lawless Violence covering the entire country.

As of 5 PM on Saturday, Sept. 3, authorities said at least 14 civilians were killed by the blast, while 65 others were wounded and are still recuperating in various medical facilities in the city.

The explosion took place in the crowded Roxas Street where a night market is frequented by residents and visitors to the city.

Of the total number of casualties, 10 died on the spot, while four others

were declared dead while they were being treated in hospitals.

Among the 10 people killed on the spot, five were males and five were females. Authorities identified them as Caila Merecido; Eufemia Biscocho; SPO1 Jay Abresin, a member of the aviation police; Salvador Reginaldo Nakali, 23, of Davao Executive Homes, Matina; Mercy Bacilisco, 23 of Barangay 76-A, Davao City; Kristelle Decolongon, 17, a Pharmacy Student of San Pedro College and a resident of Surallah, South Cotabato; Christian Denver Reyes, 36, of Puan, Davao City; Edilyn Sobrecarey; Maria Luz Arellano, 29, of Cabantian, Davao City; and Rogelio Cagantas, 22

from Surigao del Sur. The four victims who died at the medical facilities were Daniel Larida, Melanie Faith Larida, Ruth Merisido and another unidentified victim.

As of 12 PM on Saturday, Sept. 3, the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) of Davao released the names of the victims admitted in various hospitals in the city.

Rosa Cartagena was admitted at the Brokenshire Hospital, while Sherry Lopez, Haemaccel Palima, Daryl Palima, Mary Jane Ang, Reyna Joy Sobrecarey, Perliza Saiyon, Marivic Fuerte, and a still unidentified victim, are being treated at the Davao Doctor’s Hospital.

Confined at the Limso Hospital are Junaeb Usman and On Palao Jeukarnin, while those admitted at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) are

Jerome Carayao, Jay Magardino, Jeramil Bansil, Myrna Bansil, Joel Loreto, Annie Lee Claro, Princess Tagadaya, Samuel Cayao, Mary Grace Cruz, Julino Gallardo, Wilfredo Masucat, Joan Marie Salusugan, Raihana Malang, Jenalyn Rosal, Joy Magandig, Gleen Merioles, a certain Kimberly, Mylene Puton, Jean Cape, Trisha Sarong, April Ann Cruz, Losario Lamban, Dennis Larida, Steven Tagadaya, Joel Esterno, Fatima Manalo, an unidentified male victim, and Angeline Kara.

Blast victims who were brought to the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) include Michael Egbus, Reezabeela Rodriguez and Camille Rodriguez; while taken to the San Pedro Hospital were Anji Laura Grecia, Jay Tumampos, Marieta Balili, Joanna Reyes, Donny Torres, Brando Goc-ong, Erickson Nacario,

Glenn Cabaral, Errol Campos, Flordeliza Uy, Jamil Caniba, Lilibeth Esportono, Dionane Samon, Melvin Artigos, Eldy Ampaso, Farusi Manan, Emelita Nacario, Karen Tandang, Liezel Bernalis, Antonio Padernal and Jasmin Merioles.

President visits blast site At dawn on Saturday, President Duterte visited the blast site and the various hospitals in Davao City where the wounded are being treated.

During an interview by media at the site, the President said there were already warnings that terror attacks could occur in the city.

“I cannot control the movements of the citizens of the city and every Filipino has the right to enter and leave Davao. It is unfortunate that this is a democracy

F STATE, 2

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

STATE p.1

and we cannot frisk anybody,” he said.

The President added the government will proceed with their investigations to find out the identities of those who were responsible for the blast, stressing the perpetrators committed the crime of murder.

“We will investigate and we will solve the problem,” he said.

President Duterte claimed that there was no failure of intelligence on the part of authorities.

“We were ready for this.

There was a warning, and there has been violence committed by terrorists,” he said.

The President stressed all angles are being considered in the on-going investigations by authorities.

“Terrorism abounds everywhere, in the United States, Russia. As a matter of fact, magkikita kami doon sa Laos at puro kami nakatikim ng terrorism,” he added.

President Duterte also confirmed that he will proceed with his foreign trips that are scheduled next week.

To the residents of Davao City, the President said: “Keep calm. The government is here with you. As much as humanly possible we will protect everybody. We have very limited soldiers and policemen so I suggest that citizens also do their part for being vigilant and at this time you can go anywhere but there will be a lockdown in the city and many checkpoints along the way.” “These are extra-ordinary times, and I’m authorized to allow the security forces of our country to do searches,” he added.

Reports said the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has already claimed responsibility for the deadly blast and warned of similar attacks in the coming days.

But the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) in Mindanao, in its report on Saturday afternoon, said ASG spokesperson Muammar Askali alias Abu Ramie disowned the bombing and pointed to an allied group as responsible for the Davao attack.

The PDI report said Askali called their office and mentioned the group Daulat Ul Islamiya as the one responsible to last Friday’s attack.

Askali told the PDI that the attack was an act of sympathy of Daulat Ul Islamiya to ASG and that more bombings will be launched by the group in the coming days.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is currently conducting an all-out offensive against the said group in the island-provinces of Sulu and Bas-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

ilan.

Pray for the victims Davao City Vice-Mayor Paolo Duterte was among the local officials who immediately rushed to the blast site.

The younger Duterte was joined by Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella and President Assistant Christopher “Bong” Go. “Let us pray for the victims of this unfortunate incident, especially for those who died. Let us pray for those who are being treated in different hospitals and pray for their quick recovery,” the vice mayor said.

“There are at least 10 people who perished because of the incident and a number were reported wounded,” he confirmed in his statement.

The vice mayor also assured the public that authorities are on top of the incident.

“It’s a sad day for Davao and for the Philippines,” he added.

Philippine National Police Davao region (PNP PRO-11) Regional Director Chief Supt.

Manuel Gaerlan also assured the public that authorities are handling the situation carefully.

“A thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the explosion and checkpoints/chokepoints were already established at all exit points in the city together with TFD (Task Force Davao),” Gaerlan said in a statement on Friday evening.

He also called on the people to be vigilant at all times and report to the police any suspicious packages or persons.

“Please refrain from creating/passing misleading or unverified reports to avoid confusion and panic,” Gaerlan said as he also asked for prayers, especially for the victims of the incident.

“We will give updates regarding the results of the ongoing investigation,” he said.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also extended her deepest condolences to the families of those who died during the blast.

“I would also like to reassure all of them, as well as the families of those who are injured that the City Government of Davao will assist in all their needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses,” the mayor said in a statement issued on Saturday.

She also felt sorry for what happened, as she reminded other officials in the city to stay within the bounds of their official duties.

“Please leave me in peace to do my job and I’ll leave you to

focus on your own work. We will not be terrorized by this heinous crime and I call on all Dabawenyos to unite and let us help each other rise from this senseless incident,” she said.

The mayor also called on residents to remain vigilant and report to any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

She also announced the scheduled memorial service for the victims which took place at 4 PM on Saturday afternoon at the explosion site.

“Everybody is welcome to say their prayer, lay their flowers and light a candle for those who passed,” Mayor Sara said.

On full alert Meanwhile, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army said they are supporting the on-going investigations on the explosion.

“We are currently supporting the PNP on the investigations. As of now we are on red alert status and have directed our line units to tighten security measures in their respective areas,” said Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th ID. Batchar also called on the people to wait for the result of the investigations before making their own conclusions on the incident.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), on the other hand, said it is ready to carry out its tasks to ensure the public’s safety and order in line with the declaration of the State of Lawless Violence by the President.

“Rest assured that this will be done in coordination with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies and without compromising human rights and the rule of law,” Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastmincom said in a statement on Saturday.

He added that all those responsible for the explosion will be made to answer for the crime, and that the post-blast investigation of the PNP is expected to come up with conclusive and official findings.

“We call on the public to bear with us as we increase our presence in some areas. This is to ensure that the public will be safe from any terror attacks. Let us continue to be vigilant but calm and continue with our normal lives,” the statement said.

The Department of National Defense (DND), on the other hand, said it had already directed all the commands of the AFP to be on high alert especially in urban centers for possible attacks by terrorists.

“The Eastern Command in Davao city has been directed to assist the PNP in maintaining peace and order in Davao City and in the apprehension of the perpetrators. They will also aid in gathering intelligence information and in conducting investigations to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident,” said DND secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a statement on Saturday.

Victims’ agony Couple Jeramil and Myrna Bansil, who were among those who survived the explosion on Friday evening , told EDGE Davao about their heart-wretching story.

In an interview at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Jeramil, the 33-yearold massage therapist said that President Duterte went to each patient and apologized for the incident.

Jeramil Bansil and his wife Myrna Bansil, 31, were from Malita, Davao Occidental and worked as massage therapists at the Roxas Night Market.

They are currently admitted at the SPMC East Surgery Ward among the other 65 wounded.

Jeramil had several cuts on his knees and arms and abrasions in both eyes due to the explosion.

He added, “Gitahi akong mata (They had to sew my eyes.)” However, the doctor told him that his eyes could still recover after the swelling heals.

Myrna Bansil, on the other hand, suffered from multiple wounds on her back, legs, and elbows.

All wounds had to be sown.

“Dili ko sure kung major damage ni. Basta gitahi ni tanan (I’m not sure if these are major damages.

They just sewed all of it.)” said Myrna.

She also suffered from slight hearing loss after the explosion, as she recalled that the explosion was 5 meters away from them.

The couple said that it was a busy night, as they had just finished massaging several clients.

Jeramil said they didn’t notice anything suspicious, even with the huge number of people who came to the night market to

eat, take a stroll, or have a massage.

Myrna said she remembered talking to her third client for the night when the bomb exploded.

“Unya nakahapa na siya murag patay. Wala ko kabalo kung patay siya o dili basta nakahapa jud siya. (Then he was lying face down. I don’t know if he was dead or alive as long as he was lying down.)”

Myrna narrated how they were rescued by their fellow therapist who led them to a waiting ambulance in front of the Ateneo de Davao University.

The couple don’t know how long they would be staying at the SPMC. With regard to the financial assistance for the victims, Myrna said the government would handle all the expenses. “Sabi ni President, di na mabalaka sa pagbayad kay sila na daw bahala (The President told us not to worry because they will handle the expenses.)”

Night market to continue Despite the deadly attack at the Night Market, it will not close down, the city government said on Saturday.

The continued operation of the market, one of the popular destinations for residents and visitors, is in line with the declaration of Mayor Sara that Davao City will not be terrorized by such a heinous crime perpetrated by terrorists.

The mayor also called on residents to unite, and help each other rise from the senseless incident, which cost the lives of more than a dozen innocent people.

On Saturday afternoon, more than a thousand residents gathered at the blast site to offer their prayers to the victims.

Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao City led a mass that was joined by members of the clergy.

Mayor Sara and top officials of the city government, together with the members of the PNP and Task Force Davao, also attended the mass.

The residents lighted candles, offered flowers and prayers at the spot where the explosion took place which instantly claimed the lives of 10 people.

Declaration to suppress lawless violence In a statement to the media on Saturday, the PCOO said

President Duterte’s declaration of the State of Lawless Violence was anchored on the provisions of Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution.

The said provision says: “The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces of the Philippines, and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.”

The PCOO added that the declaration is limited such that the President can only call out the armed forces to suppress the lawless violence.

“It is a different case from the existence of invasion or rebellion. Only if there is invasion or rebellion, and when public safety requires it, can he suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law. In the spirit of unity and love of country let us remain alert to the activities of those who wish to create chaos and prayerfully agree for Peace to reign in the land. It takes a courageous and united people who complain less and do more to build the nation we dream of and deserve,” the PCOO added.

Terrorism condemned In the meantime, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in Southern Mindanao region (Bayan-SMR) strongly condemned the attack on Davao City.

“The explosion last night reminded us of the twin bombings in 2003 in Davao International Airport (March 4) and Sasa Wharf (April 2) that killed 39 people and injured around 200 people,” Bayan SMR Secretary General Sheena Duazo in a statement released on Saturday.

The group also recalled that on the same year, there was the accidental bombing which occurred in a hotel room occupied

by CIA agent Michael Terrence Meiring, who was later ‘rescued’ from a hospital and flew back to the United States by FBI agents.

“We warn against unleashing an anti-Moro hysteria now that the Abu Sayyaf Group has owned up to the Roxas night market bombing. The ASG is widely known as a CIA creation, and just like other terrorist groups like ISIS,” Duazo added.

The group added that fear and speculations can be stopped through an objective probe on the bombing. █

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

3

4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO Duterte Admin’s drug campaign goes multi-media VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

By RIA VALDEZ

P

RESIDENT Duterte’s war against the illegal drug trade is now employing a multi-media approach.

This developed as the first series of anti-illegal drug ads helmed by award-winning director Brillante Mendoza and a pamphlet entitled “Winning the First Phase of the Drug war” were launched last Friday at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Mendoza’s ad utilizes a novel approach in presenting the drug problem to the general public.

“He used [both] a public

health approach and a social health approach,” Abella said.

According to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, some TV stations had already agreed to air the two 2.5-minute-long ads, and committed to run them in three separate timeslots after 9 pm as public service announcements (PSA).

Andanar said that among the TV stations which have approved to air the said ads include ABS CBN, TV 5, among others.

He added that a radio

version of the ad will also be released, which will have Tagalog and Visayan versions.

Moreover, Andanar said, an online version of the ad will be launched, as well as a movie theatre version that will be screened in over 300 other cinemas across the country.

The communications secretary bared the ad in its varied forms is scheduled for release by next week.

In the meantime, Presidential Spokesperson Abella also showed a 40-page pamphlet prepared by the PCOO, which sheds light on the

anti-illegal drug trade.

The pamphlet consists of statistics and figures on drugaffected barangays, the roles of the Local Governing Units (LGUs) on addressing the problem, and the assessments made by the PNP. Abella said the PCOO has already printed out 500 pieces of the pamphlet for international release.

The PCOO, he said, have chosen international media as among their main target audiences who will be given copies of the pamphlets placed in press kits.

“The international media hasn’t painted a rosy image on the campaign,” noted Andanar, while Abella added that the pamphlet would “give it (drug problem) a Philippine context.”

He explained that the pamphlet will show how the Philippines is winning the war against the illegal drug trade as evidenced by the huge number of drug pushers and users who have surrendered, which has now reached 600,000.

With regards to the opinion of people who have voiced their opinion against the Duterte Administration’s anti-drug

campaign, Abella said the issues they have raised are now being addressed by national government.

He said these people may have apprehensions regarding the way the campaign is being carried out, or they might even have certain “political inclinations.”

When asked if these criticisms have affected the government’s campaign, Abella replied, “The whole campaign is not,” adding that President Duterte is determined to push through with the campaign at all cost.

DOT: Davao City remains safe for visitors, residents

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T MULTI-MEDIA ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) secretary Martin Andanar shows off the government’s antiillegal drug pamphlet which the agency is planning to distribute to foreign media in the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Laos so they would be able to

better understand the Duterte administration’s fight against illegal drugs during the launching of director Brillante Mendoza’s anti-drug institutional ad at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Award-winning director to help improve PSAs

A

N award-winning Filipino director wants Public Service Announcements (PSA) to be maximized as a strategy to win the war against the illegal drug trade.

“We need help from the media,” said Brillante Mendoza, who was tapped by the Duterte Administration to direct the first series of ads which highlights the drug menace while offering ways to combat it.

According to Mendoza,

the ad was shot in three days with the help of the crew of his film “Ma Rosa,” a film which presented a no-holds barred picture of the narcotics trade and corruption in government.

The director revealed that the theme of the two ads he produced largely focused on family: one ad featured an OFW mother with a drugdependent son, while the other showed how a daughter survived while having a drug addict as a father.

Mendoza said he found

the theme relevant because family is central to Filipinos.

“We don’t want to lose them (families),” he explained.

Mendoza also revealed that the next ads he will be working on will present strategies on how to address the problem of drug addiction and trafficking.

He explained that he wanted the ads to show gradual change so that the viewers would better understand the message behind them.

When asked if he made a personal commitment with Pres. Duterte, Mendoza said he was helping the government because it was his advocacy.

He also emphasized that his decision to direct the ads didn’t mean he was sacrificing his artistry.

“My advocacy is on film appreciation and the youth,” he said stressed, as he related how youth used to ask him the next actor/actress who will star in his next movies.

of Davao for their show of support and appreciation to the security personnel who respondent to the act of terror.

Valles was confident that the city’s residents will be able to rise from the ashes and show to all the true Dabawenyo spirit.

“Just remember to love one another, care for each other, and be united together as a people of Davao,” he added.

Despite fearing for their safety, residents who attended the memorial said

that it was important for them to show their solidarity with the victims.

For Sabrine Seares, who is a regular at the night market, described the market as a “happy place for everyone in the city.”

Seares said that she was in total shock when the bloody incident occurred just a stone’s throw away from where she lived.

“It is really tragic, they [victims] don’t deserve to die. Justice sana para sa mga injured at namatay, lalo na sa mga masahista,” she said.

F AWARD-WINNING, 14

Davao remembers blast victims in somber mass

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

D

AVAO City’s grieving residents offered a mass on Saturday for the victims of the Roxas Night Market explosion.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte led some 500 mourners who brought flowers and candles to the blast site along Roxas Avenue.

The Friday night attack left 14 people killed and 67 others wounded.

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles led the memorial service, as he urged residents to pray for unity and safety.

In his sermon, Archbishop Valles said that he was disappointed “pure evil and destruction” happened that Friday night.

The prelate said the act of violence was senseless, as he noted that some people might not fully understand the rationale behind such appalling incidents.

“One of the things we can do is we humbly offer ourselves to the Lord and bring ourselves closer to God in prayer,” he said.

Meanwhile, the bishop commended the people

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) assured tourists and visitors that Davao City, after the deadly attack on Friday evening, remains a safe place, even for its residents.

DOT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo issued the statement on Saturday afternoon in the wake of the explosion at the Night Market in Davao City that killed four civilians and injured 67 others.

“The Department of Tourism assures the tourists of Davao that the city remains a safe place for visitors and residents alike,” the DOT statement said.

The secretary added the “quick and professional response and action of our police, armed forces and security group shows that Davao is well-prepared for contingencies, including isolated attacks like this bombing incident.”

She also expressed sympathies for those who suffered loss and injury during

the incident, and echoed the nation’s expression of outrage for the senseless act.

Teo also expressed confidence that President Duterte and the nation’s security forces are more than capable of bringing the perpetrators to justice, managing the aftermath, and in preventing more attacks from happening in any part of the country.

“The President is making inroads in his campaign against lawlessness and terrorism and we are united with him in his pursuit of peace in Mindanao and throughout the country. We need to show that such acts have no place in our society and should not deter us from doing our normal activities,” she added.

The tourism industry also expressed support to the call of Mayor Sara Duterte for unity and vigilance and urged everyone to cooperate in ongoing security-related efforts.

HE Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has put all police units in the region under full alert following the bomb attack in Davao City Friday night that killed 14 people and wounded 71 others.

Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., PRO-12’s public information officer, said all police personnel have been deployed to various strategic points in a bid to avert similar attacks.

Citing a directive from PRO-12 regional director, Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Galgo said their personnel have sealed off the borders of key cities and municipalities and established additional checkpoints along major highways.

He specifically cited General Santos City, which is currently celebrating its 48th foundation anniversary and the 18th Tuna Festival.

“Our intensified security

operations are ongoing and we have set additional measures to properly secure the festival venues and activities,” he told PNA in a phone interview.

The police has assigned some 500 policemen to secure the ongoing festivities, which is centered at the city’s oval plaza grounds.

The festival formally opened last Thursday and will end on Monday, the city’s 48th founding anniversary.

Aside from city police officers, volunteers from barangay peacekeeping teams and personnel from the city government’s civil security units have also been deployed to the festival venues.

The PRO-12 has provided additional personnel from the Regional Public Safety Battalion-12 and other support units.

PNP-12 on full alert after Davao City blast T

F PNP-12, 14

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 5

SOCO AT WORK. Members of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) collect evidence at the site of an explosion in Davao City’s Roxas Night Market Friday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody: ‘Clint Eastwood showed us the way’

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

“I

adlopez0920@gmail.com

’M sure you know Dirty Harry.”

This was the question thrown back by President Duterte to a member of the foreign media in a press briefing on Friday in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. The media man asked him on the continuing war against drugs, the reactions of the international community and on the increasing death toll resulting from the intensified campaigns versus those who are into said illegal contraband.

The President told the

story of a soldier who was once assigned in Jolo and had done everything to send his daughter to school.

And one day, he added, the soldier was asked to go home because his daughter was found dead, raped, and the suspect was into drugs.

“Do you think that soldier would limit himself to 100 and be contented to killing one, two or three?”

The President said it is always an eye for an eye at the end of the day and this was the message of Dirty Harry as portrayed by American actor

Clint Eastwood in the movie.

“He felt something for the community,” he described of the personality of Dirty Harry.

This is not the first time President Duterte mentioned the Dirty Harry movie when describing the illegal drug crisis in the country.

He also reiterated his former statements to the media that he is putting at stake his life, honor and the presidency in the fight against illegal drugs.

“Anytime they can

F RODY, 14

EDGEDAVAO

6 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

Earthquakes hit Sultan Kudarat coastal town

A

SERIES of tremors hit the coastal town of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat from Friday afternoon until early Saturday, with a Magnitude 5 felt at 4:36 p.m.

The earthquakes rekindled among residents memories of the 1976 earthquake, which triggered a massive tsunami that left thousands of people dead.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the first quake was followed by seven aftershocks, the latest, a Magnitude 3.5, registered at 2:43 a.m. Saturday.

The tremors were tectonic in origin and was traced 40 kilometers south of Kalamansig and had a depth of 1 kilometer, Phivolcs said.

The 4:36 p.m. quake was followed by aftershocks recorded at Magnitude 2.5 that occurred at 7:07 p.m. followed

by Magnitude 4.5 (7:56 p.m.), Magnitude 4.3 (8:02 p.m.), Magnitude 2.7 (8:41 p.m.), Magnitude 4.0 (8:52 p.m.), Magnitude 3.3 (10:52 p.m.) and Magnitue 3.5 (2:43 a.m.)

Phivolcs said the aftershocks were also traced to about 30 to 40 kilometers south of Kalamansig and had a depth of one to two kilometers.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in a bulle-

tin issued at 8:30 p.m. Friday, traced the epicenter at 24 kilometers south-west of Kalamasig’s coastal village of Sangay.

Rosario Ybiosa, an official of the village of Sta. Clara, Kalamansig, told the Philippine News Agency that no casualty or damage to property was reported as of 8 p.m.

“Some residents went out of their homes yelling, apparently to stop the tremor based on their belief,” he said.

“We are monitoring our area, so far no reported casualty or tidal wave happening, if there are, it will be minor,” he said.

Ybiosa said the tremors reminded the residents of the killer 1976 Intensity 7.9 earthquake that left about 8,000 people killed and more than 10,000 injured.

“We are monitoring the sea water level, (we) hope there will be no tsunami,” he added.

Mayor Ronan Garcia has already alerted the municipal disaster risk reduction and management council (MDRRMC).

In the meantime, an Intensity 2 quake was reported in Gen. Santos City and Cotabato City, while an Intensity 1 quake was recorded in Koronadal City after the first quake hit Friday afternoon. (PNA)

GENSAN FLOAT PARADA. The yearly Tuna Festival Float Parade is one of the most anticipated events of the celebration, as exquisitely designed tuna floats rolled across the main streets of General Santos City last Thursday, Sept. 1.

Business firms in the city joined the float parade to show support their support to the local fishing industry. For this year’s completion, the historically-accented tuna float of M Lhuillier bagged the first prize. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

ARMM gov condemns Davao City bombing G

OVERNOR Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has con-

demned the deadly explosion Friday night in Davao City that left 14 people dead and 71 injured.

“We are no strangers to such incidents, and we know the fear and sorrow that come with these tragedies,” Hataman said in a statement released here Saturday.

In response to reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has claimed responsibility for the attack, Hataman

said, “Acts of terror have no place in a country that tirelessly hopes for peace and stability.”

“Time and again, this group has proven to be the biggest traitor of Islam, their activities are purely a betrayal of the values and principles we hold dear as a peace-loving people,” Hataman said.

He emphasized that Islam does not condone violence and the incident in Davao was

not the work of a true Islam believer.

“Islam does not condone the spilling of blood. The murder of innocent people has no place in Islam. Acts of terrorism are not and will never be the way toward unity and progress,” Hataman said.

“We are one with Davao City in this time of grief. In the fight for peace, we will not falter,” the ARMM governor said.

(PNA)

T

According to Mercedita P. Jabagat, regional chief of DSWD, agency social workers readily conducted hospital and funeral home visits to ensure that immediate needs are promptly addressed.

“We will also provide additional financial assistance to

affected families for medical and burial expenses and in due time, we shall conduct psychosocial intervention to affected families,” Director Jabagat said.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit through its City Social Services and Develop-

cial website and social media, particularly on Facebook.

Inspired by its slogan “Aksyonan mo, Probinsya mo!,” the program promises to bring more provincial updates and developmental news, deliver accurate events, and promote transparent government practices among the people.

The program also extends its services to national government agencies to help them in their information and communication needs.

To date, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police have guested in the radio program to talk on security measures, peace and order updates and advocacies.

“Sobra pong nakakatulong,” said 2LT Jhona Marie Molinar of 1001st Brigade who sat as one of the guests.

“Since we really need to have a voice para po marinig ang panig ng mga kasundaluhan. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa oportunidad na binigay ng probinsya,” she added.

In addition, the program also encourages citizen participation and social accountability, as it receives feedback through its hotline number which is announced over the radio and posted onscreen.

Spearheaded by the provincial government of ComVal through the Information Dissemination Section (PGO-IDS), Aksyon Comval! replaces the former radio program “Uswag ComVal.” Soon, the program will be on simulcast via Nabunturan Cable TV Network (NCTN) on Channel 33. (Wina Gonzales/ ids comval)

DSWD, City Gov’t immediately provided needs of victims of Davao bombing HE regional office here of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the city government immediately extended assistance to victims and families of victims of the bombing incident at Roxas Avenue Friday night.

F DSWD, 14

‘Aksyon Comval!’program intensifies info drive

C

OMPOSTELLA Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy recognizes the indispensable role of communication in good governance.

Seen as a tool to positively influence individual behavior and bring about social change, the ComVal provincial government has launched a new radio program called “Aksyon Comval!”---a “NeTeleRadyo” which airs from Monday-Friday, 12 noon to 1 pm over 88.5 DXYK FM. The “NeTeleRadyo,” is a hybrid of internet, television and radio which adapts to society’s techno-communication in order to reach a broader audience.

The program can now be viewed on Youtube via Livestream and page links of the provincial government’s offi-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

7

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

EDITORIAL

T

Wounded but not down for the count

ERRORISM once again reared its ugly head when an improvised bomb killed 14 people and injured 71 others just before midnight on Friday at the crowded night market in Roxas Street.

The perpetrators must have picked a time and place that will send its message of terror reverberating loudly across the world, and Davao City, the President’s home city, was the unfortunate choice.

Friday’s blast came shortly after the extremist group Abu Sayyaf had warned this week of launching attacks and terror activities including Davao City. The armed group has claimed Friday night’s bombing as its handiwork.

The bombing brought back memories of the Sasa Port blast that claimed 15 people dead and 46 hurt in 2003.

Still sleepless and terribly upset, President Duterte has placed the nation on state of lawlessness. Saying the explosion was an act of terrorism, he authorized the police and military to search cars and frisk people at checkpoints.

A “state of lawlessness” under our jurisdiction is not a state of martial law nor does it suspend the writ of habeas corpus.

We condemn this most recent terror attack as it comes on the heels of

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

Printed by Zion Accuprint Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Building, Quirino Avenue, 8000, Davao City, Philippines Tel: (082) 224-1413 301-6235 Telefax: (082) 221-3601 www.edgedavao.net editorial@edgedavao.net marketing@edgedavao.net

ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor SONNY L. MENDOZA Associate Editor

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS MEGHANN STA. INES RIA VALDEZ NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN Reporters FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

the national association of newspapers

OLIVIA D. VELASCO D.D. MARATAS RICHARD C. EBONA OLIVIA D. VELASCO JOCELYN S. PANES SOLANI SOLANI MARATAS General Manager Finance Advertising Specialist General Manager Director of Sales Finance RICHARD C. EBONA Marketing Supervisor

the country’s march towards peace with rebels. The battle with the bandits is another war, however, and our military has been ordered to bring them down.

If at all, Friday’s terror attack gave the Abu Sayyaf a morale boost.

It is quite sickening though that at the height of this very unfortunate event, there are Filipinos who went on social media and scoffed at Davao City’s fate.

It seems, terrorism has its brother in politics.

For once, this is not a laughing moment, or an opportunity to belittle the no-nonsense campaign of this government against drugs and criminalities. It is also disturbing that while the bandits have claimed responsibility to the bombing, some media organizations still try to establish a link between the bombing and the war against drugs, the street killings and the police operations.

Davao City, a city which comes to the rescue of a fallen city or province when disaster strikes, is not asking for mercy nor sympathy.

Instead, Davao City is asking everyone across the country to be safe.

Terror is like a thief in the night. It comes when you least expect it.

Yes, Davao City is wounded, but it is not down for the count.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

LEIZEL A. DELOSO | Marketing Manager EDMUND D. RENDON Unit 6, SouthbankMarketing Plaza Velez-Yacapin Sts. Specialist General Santos City Cagayan de Oro City Mobile: (Smart) 0948-823-3685 Tel: (088) 852-4894

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

ANGELICA R. GARCIA | Marketing Manager 97-1 Bayanbayanan Ave., Marikina Heights, Marikina City Tel: (02) 654-3509

EDGEDAVAO

D

AVAO CITY, with a land area of 224,000 hectares (approximately 7.8 times the size of Cebu and three times that of the entire Metro Manila), has a very low crime rate.

“A great land mass cannot be considered as a hindrance to secure the city’s perimeter and give the 1.8 million Dabawenyos their security,” said a document obtained by this columnist. “The stability of peace and order in the city is manifested in the downward trend of the average monthly crime rate in every 100,000 persons.”

Will Davao City still claim as one of the safest cities in the world with the bombing at Roxas Boulevard night market last Friday?

It was already midnight when I was awakened by the ringing of my mobile phone. “Who is calling me at this time of hour,” I asked myself.

“Are you safe?” the caller inquired. “Yes,” I replied. “I am sleeping well when you called me.”

“Thank, God,” the other end said. I was wondering what was going on so I asked. “What happened?”

“You didn’t know?” she asked. “Would I ask you if I know?” I said back.

When he told me, I was totally shocked.

“That cannot be,” I told her.

Now, I was not sleepy anymore. I got up from my bed. I turned on my Wi-Fi connection and checked my Facebook account (where I was sure that people from Davao will be posting the incident).

When I opened it, the first that was in my wall was the post of Alma Anonas-Carpio, one of the associate editors of Philippines Graphic.

“Praying for the people of Davao City. I have family and friends there and I am praying for their safety right now. Henrylito D. Tacio, are you okay there?”

And there was this Facebook Safety Check – “The Explosion in Davao City, Philippines” –

Y

EARS before Davao City was drawn into World War II theatre, the Japanese had already started building military hangars at Mintal in the guise of warehouses for use in stocking hemps. This development did not escape intelligence reports but there was little or no reason at all to believe the Japanese would destroy the city they helped built.

When the global conflict was delivered by the Japanese Zero bombers to local shores, this would result in the leveling of the city’s commercial districts, the destruction of residential areas, and the flattening of previously thriving abaca plantations. As fast as the Imperial Army had taken over the city, they did not waste time also in building new aerodromes to accommodate their bombers, or converting airfields intended for crop-dusting into military tarmacs.

Four airfields were regularly mentioned in war chronicles: Sasa, Matina, Licanan (or Lasang aerodrome) and Libby. Sasa Airport refers to the old Davao Airport, while Licanan Airfield, which was expanded by the Japanese into “an auxiliary and emergency airfield to disperse aircrafts” coming from Sasa and Matina, was situated near Lasang River, north of the city.

Matina Airfield, meanwhile, was located at Juna Subivision, while Libby Airfield, named after the lone American civilian casualty in the 1909 Philippine Constabulay (PC) mutiny in Davao, was at the Ulas junction, going south.

Between December 1941 and May 1945, Davao became the recipient of hundreds of blasts that literally leveled everything on their paths.

The aerial bombings—those that struck the city proper—incinerated landmark buildings and

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

The bombing of Davao City where people living in Davao THINK ON THESE! City were asked if they were safe. I clicked it immediately so that my sisters living in the United States and friends will know that we were alHenrylito D. Tacio right. henrytacio@gmail.com According to some reports, a bomb exploded at around 10:20 p.m. on corner Padre Gomez Street and Roxas Avenue.

More than 60 people were injured and left so far 16 people dead.

There are several speculations about who did the bombing. The two most likely culprits were the drug traffickers opposed to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s war on crime and the Islamic militants.

“I think it is a desperate attempt by the terrorists to divert the attention of President Duterte from the recent onslaught against their known lairs,” Atty. Israelito Torreon said. “They erroneously think that this cowardly act will cower Dabawensyos into utmost fear and submission to panic but they are dead wrong. This will instead galvanize further Dabawensyo support to their beloved President.”

Filmmaker Christopher Ad. Castillo posted in his Facebook account: “The Davao bombing is eerily reminiscent of Pablo Escobar’s tactics when he decided to fight back.”

Escobar, if you care to know, was a Colombian drug lord and trafficker. His cartel, at the

height of his career, supplied an estimated 80% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States and made 60 million dollars a day or 21.9 billion dollars a year in personal income.

The following day after the bombing incident, Duterte declared a State of Lawlessness across the country. He explained that the declaration was not a tantamount to Martial Law, although military movements are to be implemented.

Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution empowers the Commander-in-Chief (referring to the President) to call in the military to support the police “if there are violent acts and bombings.”

The only time a president used it was on April 2, 2003 when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared such after, curiously enough, the bombing of Sasa Wharf in Davao City.

Bombing, indeed, is nothing new in Davao City, the country’s biggest city (in terms of land area). The first bombing incident happened on Easter Sunday of April 1981 when two grenades were thrown into the congregation at the San Pedro Cathedral as the traditional Easter service was concluding.

Floren Baltazar, who practically lived more than his life around the Cathedral selling religious items at the church ground, told Davao Today on what happened that particular day. “I can’t say how many died, but I remember that it took five fire trucks to clean up the blood, in the aftermath of the incident,” he was quoted as saying.

According to Manila Standard Today, the blast killed 17 people and injured 150 others. There were several groups suspected of the bombing, among them were the New People’s Army (NPA).

Twelve years later, during a mass in December in 1993, another bombing incident happened

in the same Cathedral. This time, only seven people were killed but about 151 others were injured, of which 32 of them were wounded seriously.

Dory Flaviano, publisher of a Davao daily who witnessed the bombing, said there were three bombs that exploded. The first one blew up at the center aisle. The second bomb went off near the altar while the third one shattered the main entrance fronting San Pedro Street.

“I have no idea what the motives are but it is an inhuman act,” Rev. Fr. Bong Dublan, who was leading the worship, was quoted as saying by Manila Standard Today.

A few days later, two motorcycle-riding men threw a grenade at a mosque, a few blocks away from the San Pedro Cathedral.

Aside from the two bombings that happened in San Pedro Cathedral, two more bombings took place in the city: one at the Davao International Airport and another one at the Sasa wharf.

On March 4, 2003, a bomb which was planted inside a backpack blasted in the waiting shed outside the old airport terminal building. Some 21 people were reported killed and at least 148 others injured.

One of those who died was William P. Hyde, an American missionary from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He died “in surgery from head and leg injuries.”

According to reports, Hyde was there to fetch fellow American missionaries. “I just heard it explode to my side,” recalled American missionary Barbara Wallis Stevens, who was wounded slightly. “I was carrying my infant son so I grabbed my daughter and picked her up and ran away. I was afraid there could be more bombs.”

Almost a month later, another bomb exploded at the Sasa wharf. About 17 perished, including children. In addition, 56 others were injured.

killed hundreds FAST BACKWARD of civilians and soldiers.

On Dec. 20, 1941, the Japanese took over Francisco Bangoy Airport (Sasa airfield) and transformed it into one of its key aerodromes. Antonio V. Figueroa The headquarters of the 1st Kokutai, an aerial combat unit, for instance, was based there, but there were also other aircrafts dispersed in other airfields, including the Japanese A6M2 Zeros that was stationed with the 3rd Kokutai in Davao.

Two days later, on Dec. 22, 1941, nine 19th BG B-17s from Bachelor Field, near Darwin, Northern Australia, bombed shipping at Davao’s harbor, using the Del Monte airfield in Bukidnon as fuel depot. Two weeks later, on Jan. 5, 1942, B-17s based in Java flew over Borneo before doing nocturnal aerial bombings at the gulf of Davao. More B-17s dropped bombs at the bay four days later. After a three-month lull, American pilots again flew, on April 13, 1942, this time planting more aerial bombs in Japanese encampments throughout the city.

The fall of Bataan and Corregidor nearly spelled doom for the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). As the Imperial army took hold of the archipelago, the Allied Forces

were compelled to reassess their capability to exact revenge, and it meant building new resources capable of meeting head-on the determined enemies.

The first signs that Allied Forces were about to liberate Davao occurred on Sept. 18, 1944 when B-24 bomber planes showed up and destroyed strategic enemy locations in the city. The following month, the planes hit oil installations, barracks, vehicles and coastline targets in Ilang (Tibungko) and other areas in the north. Unrelenting in the mission to cripple the enemy, more bombing runs were flown in November 1944, targeting an airfield near Davao. B-25 planes were also dispatched to conduct aerial raids in other known Japanese encampments.

From Nov. 22 to 30, the aerial attacks became more intensified when US B-24 squadrons made multiple sorties, including the destruction of an anti-aircraft position on the Matina airfield.

It’s difficult to account how many bombs were dropped and how many lives were lost in the searing raids that eventually became near-daily rituals.

December, the Yuletide season, was not spared from ruin. On Dec. 2, Matina was again bombed by American aviators, followed by three other destructive shellings. On Dec. 20, a large tunnel at the Sasa-Pampanga sector was directly hit, with the enemy ground casualty estimated at 100. Two days later, an underground plane hideout in the same vicinity was strafed from the air, destroying six Zero fighters.

On Christmas Day, fierce fighting erupted again along the national highway, still in the north sector, resulting in the incineration of a large oil

tank and camps, and the killing over 500 enemy troopers. The next day, an oil tanker was set on fire, also at Sasa, and two enemy planes were shot down. From there, the war started to turn precariously against the Japanese just as the American bombing sorties intensified. Aside from targets fed from intelligence sources, the Allied planes also dropped bombs that crippled enemy ships anchored at Trading and Bucana.

The most intense aerial bombings that hit the city and the enemy airfields took place between April 8, 1945 and May 8, 1945. Target of these aerial runs were personnel barracks, aerodromes, and suspected enemy encampments.

Although the city’s primary wharf, Santa Ana, was secured along with the airfields at Matina and Libby on May 9, the heavy resistance met by combatants just three kilometers northwest of the city signaled the start of another intense fighting. At Mintal, the 24th Division was precariously tested when Japanese combatants, holed out in bunkers waiting in ambush, assaulted the American troops from three directions. Although the enemy was numerically superior, the psyched-up Allied troops were more determined to finish the engagement.

When war ended, what was left of the airfields were the pockmarks and the rubbles.The hangars that survived stood up disheveled like torched skeletons that reminded war victims of the morbidity that comes with any global conflict.

Except for Sasa airfield which now hosts an international airport, the remnants of the war-time aerodromes have yielded to the speed of development that has swallowed and overwhelmed Davao City.

Hangars and airfields

10

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

WOMEN

EDGEDAVAO

MAKING ITS WAY TO MINDANAO FOR THE THIRD TIME, Expo Mom was in full swing at the Abreeza Mall last Aug. 27, to the delight of Davao City’s mommies.

Considered to be the country’s premiere fair that gathers the latest mom-, baby-, and child-oriented products in the market, the stop in Davao is actually just one of a handful of destinations in the Expo Mom nationwide roadshow. It has gone from locations in Manila like Quezon City and Alabang to provinces like Negros and Cebu. Founder Janice Villanueva enthused that she is looking to add new destinations for the fair to be held in the coming years.

Local “mompreneurs,” a term coined to describe mommies who handle their own businesses as well while taking care of their family’s needs, join different and exciting stops of Expo Mom. Among the Davao mommies and family-oriented exhibitors that joined the event included Kai Artisan Chocolates, Backyard Farms, La Bodeguita, Paleo Palate, Amelie’s Crafts, Flazo, Chloe’s Cheesecakes, Choo Choo Baby, Oak & Acorn, Florence Home and Stockbridge International School. They were also joined by co-presentors Belo Baby and Caltrate

TOP: Expo Mom Davao organizer Gel Ferrer with the event’s founder, Janice Villanueva.

Plus, and supported by Sun Life Financial.

Though it was just a one-day activity this year, there were many heartwarming discussions, entertaining games and educational workshops that interested shoppers and passersby.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Mommy Mundo is always inclusive for the little ones. Seen here is a play area set up by exhibitor Stockbridge International School. Backyard Farms’ proprietor Tisha Dominguez with her staff infront of their display championing pasture-raised hormone- & antibiotic-free chicken and other organic products.Yvonne Garcia with daughter Carolina and Vanessa Ong are mixing their passions with pleasure at their joint booth selling Spanish goods and paleo-friendly sweet treats.

Only bugs and mosquitoes are kept away from Expo Mom with products like this range of locally extracted organic citronella oils & sprays.

This included talks with mommies from LATCH Davao and Chari Gavino, school directress of Center of Brighter Beginnings on different issues at various stages of the motherhood journey.

Belo Baby led the floor with a number of games,

while the bento-crazed and physically-active moms joined the Bento Mommas workshop. On the other hand, yoga instructor Jolla AmparoSoriaga conducted her special movement session for parents and kids. Urban Diet owner Francie

Calderon also gave tips on how busy moms can create more than passable healthy meals for their kids. Each talk and demonstration aimed to address valid concerns that occupy mom’s days, all in the interest of providing well-rounded lives

for their families.

It was a real treat to listen and watch the featured Davao personalities, as they are highly-respected moms who do things at the highest level, while inspiring other mothers to carry out the multi-faceted task of childrearing. Expo Mom is the banner event of Mommy Mundo, a community dedicated to educating, inspiring and empowering moms with useful, relevant and upto-date information.

Entrance to Expo Mom events are free but donations of any amount are accepted for the Mommy Mundo MomShare fund which will benefit different projects that pro-

Style Scribe A4

A2 INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 201

EVENT

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

THE 31ST KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL RAISED THE BAR A NOTCH HIGHER AS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS CELEBRATIONS IN TERMS OF GRANDEUR. This is because Davao has once again taken center stage, being the hometown of President Duterte. But more than that, Davao has long been a top tourist destination of the Philippines due to its iconic symbols such as Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak; Durian, the King of Fruits; and Mangosteen, considered a potent medicinal fruit; and the Philippine Eagle, the national bird.

The weeklong Kadayawan Festival is celebrated by the people of Davao every third week of August. The weeklong event traces its roots to the indigenous people’s celebration of a bountiful harvest. But it has since evolved, and now showcases the merging of the past and present: Kadayawan is both a celebration of Davao’s rich culture and heritage, and showcases the city’s transformation into the bustling commercial and industrial hub that we know today.

But beyond the celebration of

a good harvest and thanksgiving, Kadayawan 2016 showcased Davao’s finest produce and artistry. The streets were abuzz with activities. Food strips, expos and bazaars lined the city’s major thoroughfares. The Indak Indak sa Dalan, a dancing competition, was a parade of colors, as it featured contestants from Davao and nearby provinces.

Each group depicted the various Davao Tribes. The sound of the gongs and the drums reverberated across the city. Flowers and fruits decked the floral parade floats. Tourists and locals alike were out on the streets, as they celebrated an event which highlighted the best of Davao.

In line with Kadayawan 2016

celebration, MX3 participated in simultaneous activities held in various parts of the city. MX3 sponsored ABS-CBN and GMA shows, and gave free shirts to all who came to attend. Gift packs were handed out during parlor games. Among the crowd drawers was Sakit Mo I Arte Mo, a group game wherein contestants acted out common diseases that plague people these days.

MX3, now considered a leading food supplement not only in the country, but around the world, contains Alpha Beta and Gamma Mangosteen which can help in the promotion of wellness and improve varied health conditions so that celebrations like the Kadayawan Festival can

be truly enjoyed MX3 also h led by the MX was a hit amon young at heart its full suppor t for the c e le br ations being a homegrown brand with a h u g e nu mber of loyal users in Davao.

From its

16

EDGEDAVAO

d. held a motorcade X3 Bigfoot, which ng the young and t. MX3 expressed

INdulge! A3

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

humble beginnings, MX3 has now become a household name in the health supplement industry and already has gained international recognition.

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

WOMEN ENTERTAINMENT

Mom talk with Davao super mommies Alex Hao, Lyn Tan and Karen Musni-Lamonera.

Style Scribe A1 mote literacy. Villanueva shared that she loves coming to Davao because the community here is very active when it comes to her advocacies such as breastfeeding. Moreover, the mommies are always ready to lend support to these kind of events.

Apart from the throngs of parents with their kids in tow, many lingered to listen to the discussions and actively participated in the various events. Being part of such a gathering that celebrates motherhood certainly makes one feel a hands-on - and cool parent. They say it takes a village to rear a child, and Mommy Mundo through events such as the Expo Mom proves that they aim to empower with a mindset and resources to fill and nurture your entire parenting world.

September 3 – 4, 2016 only

DON'T BREATHE Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:00 | 2:00 | 4:00 | 6:00 | 8:00 | 10:00 LFS

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS / *CAMP SAWI Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G/*PG

Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Ellie Kemper/ Andi Eigenmann, Bela Padilla, Yassi Pressman, Arci Munoz 1:10 | 3:10 | 5:10 LFS / * 7:10 | 9:30 LFS

MECHANIC: RESURRECTION Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:15 | 2:35 | 4:55 | 7:15 | 9:35 LFS

TRAIN TO BUSAN Gong Yoo, Kim Su-an Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

11

12 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

ANFLOCOR completes DICT expansion T

HE Antonio Floirendo Group of Companies has completed it’s P5-Billion expanded Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. (DICT) to support the anticipated economic growth and development of Mindanao, specially within the Davao Region.

Strategically located in Panabo City, the DICT is the anchor project of an agricultural and industrial complex being developed by the Anflo Management and Investment Corp. (ANFLOCOR) to provide for the logistical requirements of various businesses seen to grow in Mindanao.

The Philippine economy is expected to grow between 6.5% and 7.5% this year. This rate of growth is likely to continue into the medium term.

The new Duterte administration offers a 10-point socio-economic program intending to sustain both economic expansion and distribute wealth more evenly.

A major component of the economic program is increased spending on infrastructure. The completion of the DICT project is seen to help improve the logistics backbone of Mindanao’s economy as well as create jobs in areas less progressive.

The government’s policy of dispersing of economic activities to the countryside is

very consistent with the DICT’s purposes. One of the economic managers of Duterte says “Mindanao will be the main beneficiary of economic reforms. It is only an added factor that the President is from this island as well as the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate. The more important and substantial reason is that the island has the most headroom for growth.”

The private sector anticipates the forthcoming growth.

The DICT is complemented by a 70-hectare export processing zone and an 88-hectare mixeduse township in Panabo, which is a component city in the province of Davao del Norte.

The city is also part of the Davao Metropolitan Area, the biggest metropolis, in terms of land area in the Philippines.

INAUGURATION President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inaugurated the DICT last Friday, September 2, 2016.

DICT, a modern container port, is a joint venture between ANFLOCOR and Dole-Stanfilco, the leading producers and exporters of fresh Cavendish bananas in the Philippines.

The expansion of the DICT increases its handling capacity from the current 300,000 twenty-foot equivalent units to 800,000 TEUs. Alex Valoria, president and CEO of the Antonio Floiren-

do Group of Companies said, “from two quay cranes, we now have four quay cranes, eight RTG (Rubber Tired Gantry) cranes and other various container handling equipment.”

The container port has an area of 11 hectares, backed up by a15-hectare container yard. It is adjacent to a 70-hectare export-processing zone, whose locators will enjoy the benefits of duty-free importation of equipment and raw materials and income tax holiday.

There are nine shipping lines calling on the DICT, they are the American President Lines (APL), Maersk MCC, CMA CGM, Wan Hai Shipping Lines, Advance Container Lines (ACL), Regional Container Lines (RCL), Pacific International Lines (PIL), Mariana Express Lines and Cosco Ship-

ping Lines.

Negotiations are ongoing for additional shipping lines, which are due to call on the DICT soon.

Formerly known as San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc. (SVT), DICT has a long history in port operations, servicing the stevedoring and arrastre requirements of break bulk shipments of fresh produce like bananas and pineapples at the Tadeco wharf.

As more and more cargoes are being shipped via refrigerated containers, DICT transformed to become the industry leader in port logistics in Mindanao. Offering world-class container terminal facilities and services in this heavily agricultural island region in the Philippines, the DICT helps ensure the global competitiveness of Mindanao’s export-grade

products.

GLOBAL LEADER Tadeco or Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. is the largest contiguous banana plantation in the world. It is the flagship company of ANFLOCOR and is considered as the global leader in the banana industry in terms of yield per hectare.

The Floirendos turned Panabo into an agro-industrial city and is now known as the “Banana Capital of the Philippines” due to numerous banana plantations scattered throughout the city.

Tadeco, which covers around 7,500 hectares of banana plantations in Panabo, annually produces and exports millions of boxes of Cavendish bananas, which is the main economic driver of the city.

PAL inaugurates new C ticketing office in Davao

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

P

HILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) inaugurated its newly-renovated Davao ticketing office last Sept 2, coinciding with the flag carrier’s 75th year in business.

“Tonight’s event marks another new chapter in the story of Philippine Airlines,” said PAL President and COO Jaime B. Bautista during the inauguration ceremony held at the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU).

Bautista noted that Davao’s main ticketing office is one of the first ticketing offices to be renovated in Mindanao, as he hoped that “the airline company and its staff will be able to extend full service to its clients.”

“Tonight we are unveiling this newly renovated ticketing of-

fice. We want our clients to experience it for themselves in the coming days. Hopefully our excitement will rub off to them and to the rest of our members,” he added.

Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Wanda Teo commended the flag carrier for establishing itself as one of the most trusted names in the aviation industry, which is mainly known for its generous and outstanding ser-

vice.

Teo thanked PAL for giving “the wholehearted service, as the airline company has become an important part of the Filipino’s life worldwide” and for playing an important role in the tourism sector in the country.

“This is part of the airline’s initiatives to enhance product and service offerings for our frequent flyers, making this truly innovative and custom-

er-centric,” added PAL Vice President for Sales Ryan Uy. These enhancements, aside from the airline’s loyalty program, new aircrafts, and expanded route, are part of PAL’s efforts to further improve the delivery of its services to its customers.

The airline company aims to become a 5-star airline within the next five years, and join the global league of major airlines.

Valoria said, “we are the world’s most efficient banana producer as we are number 1 in the world in terms of export yield per hectare. We continue to expand aggressively in banana operations.”

Tadeco is still growing as it ventures into other areas outside of Panabo. “To date, our banana expansion program is nearing a commitment worth PhP1.5 billion while the first phase of our new pineapple project will cost PhP1.2-billion, an investment in a very depressed and impoverished area in Mindanao. This gives us additional excitement in this project as we will be able to significantly uplift the condition of the people in these impoverished communities, as we have been able to do so in our other recent projects,” Valoria said.

DOF expects slightly higher August inflation ONSUMER prices may have slightly inched up last month, mainly on higher alcoholic drinks and tobacco prices as well as transport costs, latest estimates by the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed.

This “benign” inflation outlook will give macroeconomic policy makers “room for maneuver” in responding to possible external shocks and in supporting robust growth for the rest of the year, according to Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran.

Based on this latest DOF economic bulletin, Beltran said inflation might settle at 2.0 percent in August, slightly higher than 1.9 percent in the previous month and well above the 0.6 percent registered a year ago.

But despite the increase, Beltran said the August inflation forecast was at the lower end of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s target range of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent for the year.

“The benign inflation outlook for the rest of the year will give macroeconomic policy makers room for maneuver in responding to external shocks and enable them to support robust growth for the rest of the year,” said Beltran in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. In August, prices of alco-

holic beverages and tobacco may have risen from July’s 5.8 percent to 6.4 percent; transport could reverse from negative 0.1 percent to a faster 0.3 percent; and housing, utilities and fuels could increase from negative 0.2 percent to 0.1 percent.

Likewise, prices of clothing and footwear may increase from 2.5 percent in July to 2.7 percent; health could jump from 2.4 percent to 2.6 percent; furnishings, households equipment may rise from 2.0 percent to 2.1 percent while restaurants and misc. services could inch up from 2.3 percent to 2.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the general price increase for food and non-alcoholic drinks (2.7 percent), recreation and culture (1.8 percent) as well as education (1.8 percent) are expected to remain steady in August.

In contrast, prices of communication may slow to zero percent in the month from 0.1 percent in July.

In the first four weeks of August, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s rate per kilowatt hour (kwh) for an average of 300 kilowatts-per-month consumption dipped to Php8.82 from Php8.93 in July and Php9.44 a year ago.

Meralco’s generation rate per kwh also fell to Php3.86 during the month from

F DOF, 14

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Rody to ASEAN:

ECONOMY 13

‘We’re ready to establish good order among nations’ E

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

STABLISHMENT of good order and relationship was the main message of President Duterte as he is about to go for state visits starting Sunday, September 4.

The President will be visiting Brunei from September 4 to 5 and then Laos from September 6 to 8 for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

After the summit, he is also scheduled to fly to Indonesia and stay there from September 8 to 9.

“We are ready to cooperate and establish good order

among nations,” the President told reporters on Friday in Panabo City during a press briefing.

He added that the Philippines is also prepared to do its part and comply with international obligations and contracts previously entered into.

“We are ready to talk about terrorism and human trafficking and illegal drugs,” the President said, adding that he would also tackle issues concerning the transhipment of illegal drugs to the country from other parts of the world including China.

Filipinos here and abroad are also excited to see the expected meeting of the President with US President Barrack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the ASEAN Summit in Laos.

He clarified though that he has not prepared any talking points when he will meet the said leaders of the two powerful nations in the world.

“There’s nothing. I simply do not. We can talk about anything and everything,” President Duterte said.

Both Obama and Putin

might have their own agenda, he added, but he reiterated that it is not his system to prepare speeches nor have notes.

“I’ll just go along where the talks will be going to.”

The President also expressed hope China would come into realization on the importance of following the arbitrary process in dealing with the problem on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“I hope China would realize that we went out our way we walk the extra mile to be conscious about this thing that we are not suppose to ignite. Ang problem is, every

time that they would reply they would always say that they not willing to obey the arbitrary. They could have stated it otherwise,” he said.

The President added that he would also like to know if there are additional constructions going on especially in the area of Masinloc.

“Because if it gets bigger and bigger, much as I would like to avoid trouble now, the other countries might just decide to invoke the maritime safety and begin to question using us, since we have the arbitral judgement in our hands,” he emphasized.

He also paid credit to the administration of former President Benigno S. Aquino III for initiating the filing of the case in the international court.

“It has placed us in the right bearing,” the President said.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) on Saturday said the state visits of President Duterte to Brunei, Laos and Indonesia will push through after the deadly blast that killed 14 people and injured 65 others in Davao City on Friday evening, September 2.

Energy secretary conducts technical visit of BNPP E

NERGY Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, together with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov, conducted an ocular inspection of the mothballed 620-megawatt (MW) Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) last Thursday, Sept. 1, in line with the Philippines’ hosting of the International Conference on the Prospects for Nuclear Power in the Asia Pacific Region.

The visit is a milestone as Secretary Cusi is the first

Department of Energy (DOE) secretary in a long line of DOE chiefs to inspect the integrity of the BNPP after it was set to preservation mode in 1986, or after 30 years. Records from the National Power Corporation (NPC) showed that Energy Minister Geronimo Velasco was the only head of the agency to set foot in the BNPP as it was constructed during his term.

Joining Secretary Cusi and Director Chudakov during the technical tour were NPC President Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, who

NUCLEAR POWER GENERATOR. Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, together with the Official of IAEA and Officials and Staff of NPC, led the inspection of the 620-MW generator (in orange) of the BNPP provided

by Westinghouse. The facility was completed in 1984 at a cost of US$ 2 billion but never produced a single watt of electricity as it was mothballed. The DOE is now exploring the possibility of reviving the plant to augment the country’s power supply.

SHOULD WE GO NUCLEAR? Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (3rd from right) led an ocular inspection of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant on September 1 to find out whether it can still be made operational. With him were (L-R) Program Director from Argonne National Laboratory of Illinois, USA Dr. Daniel Fraser, NPC Vice-President for Administrative and Finance Lorna Dy, Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos, IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov, NPC President Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, NPC Resource Management Services Manager Atty. Manuel Luis B. Plofino, Sr. and NPC Asset Preservation Manager Engr. Mauro Marcelo Jr. The facility was completed in 1984 at a cost of US$2 billion, but never produced a single watt of electricity as it was mothballed. The DOE is now exploring the possibility of reviving the plant to augment the country’s power supply.

INSIDE THE NUCLEAR REACTOR. Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi discusses with IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov and NPC Asset Preservation Manager Engr. Mauro Marcelo Jr. how the BNPP nuclear reactor works. The facility was completed in 1984 at a cost of US$ 2 billion, but never produced a single watt of electricity as it was mothballed. The DOE is now exploring the possibility of reviving the plant to augment the country’s power supply.

ARRAY OF CONTROL BUTTONS. Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi checks the control buttons of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant that are still neatly sealed and labeled. Discussing the sections in the control room are IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov and NPC Asset Preservation Manager Engr. Mauro Marcelo Jr., who also compared the upgrades made

by BNPP engineers from older nuclear plants to avoid accidents and prevent any adverse effects when disaster strikes. The facility was completed in 1984 at a cost of US$ 2 billion, but never produced a single watt of electricity as it was mothballed. The DOE is now exploring the possibility of reviving the plant to augment the country’s power supply.

hosted the event; NPC Vice-President for Administrative and Finance Lorna Dy; NPC Resource Management Services Manager Atty. Manuel Luis B. Plofino, Sr.; Program Director from Argonne National Laboratory of Illinois, USA Dr. Daniel Fraser; and Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

The technical tour was led

by NPC Asset Preservation Manager Engr. Mauro Marcelo Jr. together with other NPC-BNPP staff.

The 3-day International Nuclear Conference, which is the biggest of its kind in the ASEAN Region, concluded September 1

at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. There were about 200 participating energy experts and stakeholders from various industries, including the three branches of the government (i.e., executive, legislative and judiciary), the academe and scientific community, energy sector participants, professional organizations and non-governmental organizations.

The DOE remains committed to ensure reliable, stable, sustainable, secure and reasonably priced energy by exploring the right energy mix and resources for the country.

14 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

Award-winning... FROM 4 “Now, they would ask what social issue would you discuss in your movie?” said Mendoza, a question which he found heart-warming.

In the meantime, Sec. Martin Andanar, head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), said he would ask Mendoza to help improve the quality of PSAs being produced by the

government.

These ads, Andanar said, will focus on the nation’s transport woes, peace process, and campaign against firecrackers, among others.

“We will recommend the budget for these PSAs to the President,” he added, saying he will also ask other directors to help in the production of these ads. RIA VALDEZ

Galgo said the city police is strictly observing the ban on the carrying of backpacks at the festival venues.

At the city’s entry and exit points, he said, joint police and Army personnel under the Joint Task Force GenSan have been conducting thorough inspections on all passing vehicles.

For passenger buses and other public utility vehicles, he said passengers have been required to disembark to ensure proper inspection.

In line with the nationwide “state of lawlessness” declared

by President Duterte, Galgo said they have stepped up their security and intelligence operations against local terror groups.

He said they have linked up with their military counterparts for the monitoring of possible movement of members of terror groups in the area.

“We would like to assure the public that we are on top of the situation and exerting all the necessary efforts to ensure that the entire region will be safe and secure at all times,” he added. (PNA)

PNP-12... FROM 4

Rody... FROM 5

impeach me, kill me. I’m 71 years old. I have to protect the next generation of Filipinos,” he stressed.

The President was also firm he is not affected by the growing criticisms, both from the country and abroad.

“No, not at all,” was the prompt response of the President. “Not a bit,” he added, “because I said there is a crisis.”

Drug addiction must be defeated as the number of Filipinos hooked into it has ballooned to 3.7 million, he added.

And the fight is also equipped with a very limited budget, stating that Philippines is a small country with limited resources and his administration is working on a budget that was prepared last year prior to his assumption into office.

“I am operating on a budget prepared by the previous year. We do not have the money. Nobody would have known that when I become a president that there will be 3.7 million (drug addicts). I was worried about Davao. I thought it was also serious but I never thought that it would reach in that dimension when I become president, because it has reached millions already,” he said.

The President emphasized that he will solve the present crisis on illegal drugs “with my limited resources and the way I want it.”

He pointed out he is not worried about the international community as he is not the president of the other countries but the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

“I must solve decisively this problem or else the 3.7 million addicts will compromise the next generation of Filipinos,” he said.

The President also invoked sovereignty saying other countries should not interfere with the affairs of the country as the Philippines never interfered in anybody’s business.

He also stressed that the killings should not be attributed to the police.

The spate of killings that involved those who are into illegal drugs are the results of intrigues – “they kill each other now,” he added.

He also said of “extrajudicial killing of people getting rid of the criminals by their own hands” and added that there are about 104 million Filipinos now and he could no longer control those who live with their criminal minds.

“You must remember that along the way the drug crisis hurt so many people, including parents who raised their children from childhood to college, spending money and time with their family taking care, and then realize at the end of the day that son or daughter is hooked and destroyed for life,” the President said.

Php4.06 in July and Php4.55 in the previous year.

Also, the average price of diesel in Metro Manila among the “big three” oil companies slid to Php26.12 per liter from Php27.55 in the previous month, although higher than Php24.95 registered in the same month last year.Average price of gasoline in the

first four weeks of August also declined to Php39.07 per liter from Php39.88 in July and Php42.94 a year before.

Beltran said the projected manageable uptick in the growth of consumer prices will continue to boost domestic demand as well as counterbalance weaker global-growth outlook. (PNA)

DOF... FROM 12

AFTERMATH. Lifeless bodies lie on the ground, as police investigators inspect an area in the Roxas Night Market where a deadly explosion claimed the lives of 14 people and injured 67 others n Davao City Friday night. Lean Daval Jr.

DSWD... FROM 6

ment Office (CSSDO) will cover all funeral and medical expenses of the victims.

Per DSWD report, 69 persons were injured and presently admitted at various hospitals in downtown Davao while 13 persons were killed following the incident which occurred around 10 in the evening of September 2.

Reported casualties were: Daniel Larida, Melanie Faith Larida, Jay Adremesin, Rogelio Caganta, Mercy Basilisco, Maria Luz Arellano, Cristelie Decolongon, Ruth Merisido, Reynaldo Salvador, Eufemia Biscocho, Christian Denver Reyes, Evelyn Sobrecary and Pipalawan Macacua.

Roxas Avenue here has

Strait encompasses smaller but better known protected areas including the popular diving sites in Moalboal, Malapascua, Bantayan Island, Pescador Island, Mantalip Reef and more,” Rappler said.

But “despite being the country’s biggest marine protected area, it has been threatened by decades of overfishing, pollution, and burgeoning human population,” according to Yana in a statement released to the press.

The five-year project aims “to strengthen the marine protected areas in the country to conserve critical marine animals and habitat by improving the management of marine protected areas (MPAs), provide link to financial sustainability, and create a harmonious policy both at the local and national levels.”

Aside from Tañon Strait, other sites that will undergo such kind of project are Verde Island Passage, Southern Palawan, Lanuza Bay, and Davao Gulf.

Davao Gulf, with an area of 308,000 hectares, cuts into the island of Mindanao from Philippine Sea. The World Wildlife Fund considers Davao Gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world.

Diverse coral reefs, different mangrove species, cetaceans and a host of invertebrates contribute to the natural diversity of the gulf.

Davao Gulf is Southern Mindanao’s fishing ground. In fact, it is the 10th major fishing ground in the country. Whoever is implementing the project here, the author still doesn’t know.

Rare Philippines, the project’s implementation partner for Tañon Strait, also launched the Fish Forever Flex (F3), an alternative model of de-

livering Rare’s Fish Forever global strategy on sustainable fisheries management. F3’s rollout in Tañon Strait is also supported by New York-based Bloomberg Philanthropies through its Vibrant Oceans Initiative (VOI).

Through F3, the 17 local government units are provided with technical assistance and capacity building to achieve effective and sustainable protected area and fisheries management.

“Our conservation work with our partners in Tañon Strait is even more meaningful as it is the only site under the MKBA project that is a National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) area,” pointed out Rocky Sanchez Tirona, Rare’s Vice President for the Philippines.

“Through this project, we aim to create a community of responsible fishers, protected area managers and enforcers, communities, civil society, and local and national government officials,” Tirona added.

Why is there so much ado about the Tañon Strait? For one, there are 14 species of dolphins and whales in the strait, according to the Rappler.

“That’s almost half of the 27 species of dolphins and whales in the entire Philippines. It is home to spinner dolphins, dwarf sperm whales, pygmy killer whales and spotted dolphins,” it reported.

More information: The rare chambered nautilus, giant diamond-backed squid and critically-endangered dugong can also be found in its waters.

Also, you can find 70 species of fish, 20 species of crustaceans, 26 species of mangroves, and 18,830 hectares of coral reef at the Tañon Strait.

(Photos courtesy of Rizza Sacra/MKBA)

ENVIRONMENT... FROM 16

been made famous with its night market which opens daily from 5 in the afternoon until two in the morning.

The place has become a convergence point of people from all walks of life, rich or poor. For some residents, it is a vibrant and safe meeting place for families, friends, students and business partners, where

almost everything can be had –from food, massage, gadgets, and the most sought after ukay ukay wares of clothes, shoes, linens, pants, bags, etc.

One of the places to go when in Davao, the Roxas Avenue night market is very near Marco Polo Hotel, Aldevinco Shopping Center and Ateneo De Davao University. (DSWD)

on understudied and marginalized populations such as young children, youths-at-risk, and migrants.

Meanwhile, UP College of Mass Communication Graduate Studies Department professor, Dr. Clarissa C. David, who conducted a study on the use of social media in government will share her insights, as well as Dr. Chalisa Magpanthong, an Assistant Professor at the Bangkok University in Thailand who is a noted scholar in the field of cross-border migra-

tion and terrorism.

Interested local and foreign participants can register at the conference website: http://www.cric.ph/registration-form.html. Participants may also visit the website, download, and accomplish the registration form, and email it to secretariat@cric.ph.

For inquiries about the conference, please contact the conference secretariat at (632) 920-6866 and look for Miss Sheila Ruth Magdaraog or send an email at secretariat@cric.ph

UP... FROM 15

3rd floor, DL Vergara Jr. Bldg. Bonifacio (Dover Lanes) Cor. Padre Gomez Sts., Davao City

P 2,500 to P 3,500 / head / month near universities (UIC, UM, ADDU) • new rooms • all rooms with private toilet and bath • aircon / non-aircon

AMENITIES: CCTV, SECURITY GUARD, WI-Fl, TELEPHONE

Contact: 09197217316 or 221-4575 Lulu

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

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

15 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

Franchise Expo opens on Sept. 9 T

HE franchising business has grown by leaps and bounds in the Philippines.

Davao City has been at the forefront of this growth trend, as more companies and business-minded people are joining the fray either as franchisor or franchisee.

In line with this development, the Filipino International Franchise Association is spearheading the Mindanao Franchise Expo from Sept. 9 to

11, at the Abreeza Mall, Davao City.

The three-day Expo will showcase 250 franchise opportunities from Manila, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Singapore. The event is being organized by RK Franchise Consultancy, a local expert in the franchise development business, and supported by PT&T, White Aura, 7-Eleven, Promate, 2Go Express with SunStar, Mindanao Times, EdgeDavao and Franchis-

ingPH Magazine as Media Partner.

Among the exhibitors at the Expo are 7Eleven, Aquastar, Bigby’s, Bon Appetea, Botoy’s Litson Manok, CMA, Contours, Eastern Petroleum, Foss Coffee, H2O Lifesource, House of Frappe, Metrodog, Mia maison, Motormate, Mr. Softy Ice Cream, Murang Generics Pharmacy, OZ Racing, Premium Graphics, PTT Philippines, Shawarma House, Tropical C Fresh, U3Ca-

fe and White Aura.

The Expo is free and open to the public at the Activity Center of Abreeza Mall during regular mall hours.

In the meantime, a franchise seminar by senior franchise consultant Rudolf Kotik, who has been responsible for the success of 570 Filipino franchise companies, will be held on Sept. 12 at the Grand Regal Hotel’s Mei King Function Room.

Kotic’s presentations will

cover the following topics: What is Franchising; History of Franchising; Defining Franchising; Franchising 101; What Does a Franchise Provide; Benefits of Buying a Franchise; How to Select a Franchise; Advantages and Demands of Franchising; Mistakes by Franchise Buyers; Buying a Franchise; Franchising Your Business; and Legal Franchise Requirements.

Kotic will also be presenting the features of a fran-

chise operations manual. On the other hand, trademark specialist Sokrie Malaco will explain the importance of acquiring a trademark for one’s business, and how to get one.

Interested participants can book their seminar seat at the Expo, or to avail of the early bird rate, you may contact 0926.231.8080 or call (02) 912.2946 and 912.2973 or visit www.mindanaofranchise. com and facebook.com/mindanaofranchise

THE BETTER COMPONENTS FAMILY. (L-R) Dr. Jake Valeroso, Benjie Martinez, Chad Borja, Lei Gagula, Vic Secuya, Joey Dichoso

Better Components Inc. opens 6th store

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

B

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 performed 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.”

op a regional platform for open discussion and information sharing.

Dr. Elena E. Pernia, UP CMC dean and conference head, said CRIC also aims to address the gaps in knowledge and competencies of the ASEAN integration with respect to media, communication, and its allied fields; conceptualize ASEAN integration discourses using communication and media as a lens and advance scholarship in the field; and discuss theoretical and practical issues and concerns on the ASEAN integration and its effects on communication and media education and practice.

The conference also aims to establish the CRIC as a global network of scholars and professionals in various fields of communication and media, Pernia said.

In 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was formed to harmonize the economies of its member-states to bring about the “free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and freer flow of capital”.

The two-day conference aims to bring together ideas that would not only transform the economic landscape of Southeast Asia, but will also tackle the significant social, cultural, and political implications of the AEC. Expected to be presented during the conference are 36 papers dealing with the issues of communication and migration, communication in social and development Issues (gender, health, religion, etc.), disaster and risk communication, climate change and renewable energy, and peace and conflict

communication, among others.

Among the conference speakers are noted experts in communication and media such as Dr. Richard Seyler Ling, a Shaw Foundation Professor in Media Technology of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Dr. Ling is the most-widely cited scholar in the field of mobile communication studies.

Also invited to speak is Dr. Sun Sun Lim, an Associate Professor and the Assistant Dean of Research of the Communication and New Media Program at the National University of Singapore. Dr. Lim studies the social implications of technology domestication by young people and families and her recent work focused

UP to host int’l forum on communications and media

T

HE Department of Communication Research of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (CMC) will host the First Communication Research International Conference (CRIC) on Sept. 22 to 23 at the UP Film Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

Vice President Leni Robredo will give a keynote address at the two-day conference with the theme “VOICES AND NOISES: Communication and Integration within and across ASEAN Communities.”

The two-day conference aims to discuss and exchange ideas on information issues and set directions to promote understanding of the ASEAN integration, create greater public awareness of the objectives, benefits, and challenges of the ASEAN integration and devel-

F UP, 14

16 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 137 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - 5, 2016

Saving Tañon Strait

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

A

TTY. Ingemar Macarine is the only Filipino who is consistently swimming in open waters and in areas not yet swam. He is also a pioneer in solo channel swimming in the country. It’s no wonder why media called him “Pinoy Aquaman,” the Filipino counterpart of the fictional superhero appearing in American comic books.

“I have successfully swum

the Tañon Strait twice,” the lawyer from Surigao told me.

The first time was from Bantayan Island to San Remigio in Cebu. For his second stint, he crossed the strait from Santander in Cebu to Sibulan in Negros Oriental.

Why I am writing this? It’s because I received an electronic mail from my friend, Arvin Yana, inviting me to attend a press conference that “would

tackle current issues and the future of the Tañon Strait.”

Yana used to be a resident of Davao City. But after graduating from one of the best universities in Australia, he moved to Manila, where he works now. Just recently, he joins Rare, where he serves as manager of communications and events.

Rare is a global conservation organization that specializes in behavior change and helps communities reduce threats to natural resources through its Pride Campaigns.

It has worked with 37 coastal municipalities in the country since 2010.

Leaders from 17 coastal cities and municipalities from three provinces along the Tañon Strait Protected Seascape reportedly signed the Memoranda of Agreement

(MOA) with Rare as part of the Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBA) Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), respectively.

Those who signed the MOAs with Rare were the towns of Alegria, Aloguinsan, Badian, Bantayan, Ginatilan, Moalboal, Samboan, Santa Fe, San Remigio, and Santander in Cebu; Amlan, Bais City, Guihulngan City, La Libertad, and San Jose in Negros Oriental; and Calatrava and Toboso in Negros Occidental.

My source said that Tañon strait separates the islands of Cebu (east) and Negros (west).

It extends from the Visayan

Sea on the north to the Bohol Sea on the south. Its width varies from 3 to 17 miles (5 to 27 km), with the narrowest point in the south. In the north the strait is closed off by the Don Islands, the largest of which is Bantayan. The cities of Bais (Negros) and Toledo (Cebu) have deepwater port facilities.

In 1998, during the time of the presidency of Fidel V. Ramos, the Tañon Strait was declared a protected seascape under Proclamation No. 1234 of 1998. It was declared as

such because of its extraordinary abundance and diverse assemblage of dolphins, whales and other marine species.

According to a feature published by Rappler, the Tañon Strait is the country’s biggest marine protected area covering 521,018 hectares. It is 5 times larger than the more famous Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which is only 97,030 hectares.

“Because of its size, Tañon

F ENVIRONMENT, 14