Edge Davao 9 Issue 160 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016 FISH AS SUSTENANCE. A young girl, accompanied by her siblings, dries “tamban” (herring) given to them by fishermen at the Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City yesterday. After drying, they will bring the dried fish back home for lunch. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RODY’S FIRST 100 DAYS By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

OR House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez, the first 100-days of the administration of President Duterte feels like one year. “I feel as if a year has already passed with so many developments under the leadership of President Duterte,” Alvarez told reporters on Tuesday. The House speaker particularly highlighted the decrease in the number of crimes, which has gone down by 50 percent as reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP)

He also took note of the foreign policy thrust that is being pursued by the Duterte administration that has given more weight on the sovereignty of the Philippines, and for the nation to be free from the influence of Western powers. On the area of economic growth, the House speaker pointed out there is no reason to be too hasty to fix the country’s economy. The only issue which Alvarez says has not been addressed adequately by the government in its first 100 days relates to the traffic woes in Metro Manila and

the poor services of metropolis’ railway system. He noted that easing the traffic in Metro Manila is not the sole responsibility of the national government, but also of the local government units (LGUs). “Sad to say, I still don’t sense any improvement as far as traffic is concerned in Metro Manila and maybe Metro Cebu. But this is not solely the responsibility of the national government, but more on the local government--the addressing of the traffic problem,” Alvarez said.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

SERVANT LEADER. President Duterte bows before the audience at the 3rd Sulong Pilipinas 2016 Convention held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Tuesday evening. ACE MORANDANTE/Presidential Photo

22 centenarians apply for P100,000 cash incentive By RIA VALDEZ

WENTY-TWO centenarians from Davao City have already submitted their requirements to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in order to avail of the P100,000 cash incentive provided by the national government under the Centenarians Act of 2016. This was bared by Luis Moran, Office of Senior Citizen Associations (OSCA) representative, who said he was pleased with the implementation of the law, noting that almost 7,000 people nationwide could avail of these benefits.

To recall, DSWD Sec. Judy Taguiwalo signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 10868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016 on Sept. 26, 2016. According to Moran, the OSCA had already set Oct. 4 to 6 as the deadline for the submission of requirements, but the DSWD is expected to issue a new deadline. “Just submit the names [of the applicants] and requirements,” he said. Moran said the require-

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PCSO to wage war against illegal gambling, extortion By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has vowed to go after police officers who are allegedly extorting money from the charity’s lotto outlets and are acting as protectors of illegal gambling operators, a high ranking PCSO official said. PCSO General Manager, Ret. Gen. Alexander F. Balutan said his office plans to launch its war against illegal gambling by the end of this year or early next year. According to Bulutan, the PCSO’s Implementing Rules and Regulations has been revised to reflect the charity’s stand that its lotto outlets will

not shell out money to such erring police officers and local government officials. “We will be starting our war against illegal gambling, and this is also written on our IRR that they are not allowed to give money to the police, government officials otherwise, they will be included in the list,” Balutan said. The PCSO chief bared the charity has also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with police and security agencies across the country which have been tasked under the MOA to apprehend all illegal gamblers.

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DavNor electric coop OIC GM gunned down By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ, TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE General Manager of the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO) Maximo S. Roxas Jr. was gunned down by still unidentified gunmen on Tuesday evening, Oct. 4 in front of a restaurant in Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley province. Roxas headed a faction of the electric cooperative in Davao del Norte, the DANECO – National Electrification Administration (NEA). The other faction is DANECO – Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). DANECO is serving the provinces of Davao del Norte

and Compostela Valley. “We are shocked to know of the brutal killing of our DANECO OIC-GM, Engr Maximo S Roxas. We condemn this brutality and we cry out to the heavens for justice,” DANECO-NEA said in a statement. The statement added: “To our DANECO management and employees who now grieve because of this expected turn of events, we will pass through this storm. We entrust our toils and labors to God, our defender and fortress.” The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Compostela Valley province is still investigating the killing, as their

initial investigation revealed the victim was attacked by an undetermined number of assailants while he was leaving from a restaurant in Nabunturan town. According to authorities, a short chase ensued between the assailants and police, as a patrol car was parked near the establishment where the victim was shot. Authorities are still looking at different angles to determine the motive behind the killing of Roxas. In a separate press briefing, Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) Spokesperson PCI Andrea dela Cerna revealed

that Roxas was standing in front of a restaurant using his mobile phone, while his wife and son where waiting for their food to be served when the attack happened. “While he [the victim] was talking, two unidentified people arrived and shot the victim several times,” dela Cerna said. According to the PNP spokesperson, the unidentified gunmen fled towards Purok 19 of Poblacion, Nabunturan. Unfortunately, the responding police officers lost track of the suspects. Five cartridge cases of a Caliber .45 pistol and one fired

AVAO del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DANECO) officials and employees were shocked and outraged over the killing of DANECO OIC General Manager Maximo Roxas Jr. at around 7:30 Tuesday evening by suspects riding in tandem. Engineer Roxas and his family had just taken dinner at Mandarin restaurant in poblacion Nabunturan, Compostela Valley and were about to ride their vehicle when the

suspects approached and shot Roxas killing him. The suspects immediately left the vicinity, eluding arrest by police officers who gave a brief pursuit. A police patrol happened to be near the area when shots rang out. Nabunturan and provincial police are still probing on the case at press time. Daneco, Inc. in its official FB page posted a statement, condemning the “brutality” and they are “cry(ing) out to

heaven for justice.” It has been a while that the conflict between Daneco, Inc (also called as Daneco-NEA) and Daneco-CDA has been silent. This, after Daneco-NEA won in court in all of the cases involving the issue who is the legitimate and rightful management juridical person to manage Daneco as a power coop. A few cases though were appealed by Daneco-CDA, the latest of which involves

the issue on Daneco-CDA’s operation without business permit in which Roxas by virtue of his appointment as OIC GM two years ago had to take up the cudgels of leading as a complainant-representative of Daneco, Inc. Still Daneco-CDA keeps on trying to sustain its juridical personality by reason of its CDA registration although it has been described already as a “spent force” given its

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

ADHD now prevalent among adults - experts By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

“W

OVERCROWDED. Davao City Jail warden Superintendent Grace Taculin says during AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at TF Davao Headquarters yesterday the city jail currently has 2,905 inmates and 73 percent or 2,133 of them are there due to drug-related cases. Lean Daval Jr.

E may not know we already have Adult ADHD.” This was a warning issued by Dr. Mervin Flavier, a neurodevelopmental specialist of the Davao Doctors Hospital. According to Flavier, ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will be one of the main issues to be tackled during a national medical convention dubbed “Unravelling the Mysteries of Generation Z” slated from Oct. 28 to 29, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere, Davao City. Flavier revealed that 80 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD would carry the disorder through their adolescence, while half of them would develop adult ADHD. “Across their lifespan, they may be hyperactive, but as they grow up they are no longer running, and climbing and jumping but they are very restless,” explained Flavier. “Sino sa inyo ang tumatayo, ‘di mapakali, labas ng

labas sa meeting room, who likes to be always busy, overactive ang mind? (Who among you keeps on standing, uneasy, keeps on going out of the meeting room, who likes to be always busy, with overactive mind?),” asked Dr. Flavier. He pointed out that adults diagnosed with ADHD also frequently commit traffic violations, miss the red light, and fail to turn right simply because they are distracted by their wife or husband. “ADHD is prevalent among adults only that they are undiagnosed,” noted Dr. Mike Manalaysay of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). A study conducted by a psychiatry researcher Stephen Faraone of SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, revealed that newly diagnosed adults might have had undetected ADHD when they were children. Meanwhile, data from the

HE President of the Association of Barangay Captains in Davao City has tested negative for illegal drugs. In a document forwarded to the City Information Office, Councilor January Duterte, who is also the wife of Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, was proven negative for using shabu (methampethamine) and marijuana. A chemistry report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency dated September 9 noted that the “screening test conducted on specimen gave negative result for the presence of methamphetamine and tetrahydrocannabinol metabolite.” Councilor Duterte was one of the three members of

the City Council who were not able to submit themselves to drug testing on Sept. 5. Vice Mayor Duterte headed the mandatory drug testing on the said day. None of the 24 councilors tested positive for drug use. PDEA XI Director Adzhar Albani said that only Councilor Elias Lopez and Councilor Mabel Acosta have yet to undergo drug test as of October 5. Vice Mayor Duterte said the remaining councilors must submit themselves to the same procedure that the other councilors went through. “They must submit themselves to drug testing as we all did,” he said. “All of us must show that we are supportive of the anti-drugs campaign of President Digong.” CIO

Warden: City Jail is overcrowded T

Councilor January Duterte tested negative for drugs

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Davao City Jail’s warden has expressed concern over the congested state of the penitentiary. In a press forum yesterday, Supt. Grace Taculin revealed the Davao City Jail is 664 percent congested and is now home to 2,905 inmates. “We are doing our best to ease at least a little of their

sufferings inside the prison by conducting more religious and livelihood activities,” Taculin said. She noted that 2,133 of the inmates, or 80 percent of the jail’s population, are currently detained due to drug-related cases. Taculin disclosed the city jail has high-profile inmates

and detainees – including drug lords, leaders of syndicates, local government officials, employees, vice mayors, barangay and municipal councilors, police, and army members. The jail warden, however, said she was disheartened that several women, who are mothers, have been detained due to their alleged involve-

ment in the illegal drug trade. “What we do to improve their lives while still detained is that we are providing welfare programs such as bag and craft making,” Taculin said. She also bared that there are cases which have not progressed mainly because the local courts can only handle

ed by around 225 participants coming from the city’s different barangays. According to newly-installed TFD Commander Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, the forum

aimed to raise the awareness of barangay leaders on the threat of terrorism, and their key role in preventing such terror attacks from happening.

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TFD intensifies awareness campaign on terrorism By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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N line with the local government’s efforts to strengthen peace and security measures in the city, barangay officials and leaders from Davao recently partici-

pated in a one-day anti-terrorism training. The forum, spearheaded by the Task Force Davao (TFD) in collaboration with City Government of Davao, was attend-

RESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Wednesday said the legal team of President Duterte is now reviewing the Philippines-United States’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). ”Regarding the EDCA needing a President’s signature, I just like to say that the President’s legal team is currently addressing the matter,” Abella said in a press briefing. During last Sunday’s 37th Maskara Festival in Bacolod City, President Duterte said the EDCA was just an executive agreement since it was not signed by former President Benigno Aquino III. President Duterte has said EDCA was signed in 2014 only

by former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. Last Monday, President Duterte said he might, under his presidency, break up ties with America and would rather establish alliances with Russia and China. ”He said that he might, okay? Let’s base in on that. He might. It is not a definite yes, it’s not a definite no. He said he might. Okay?,” Abella clarified when asked for comment. Abella also explained that President Duterte is not leaning towards Russia and China. ”It (is) just that he has expanded his options. He is simply broadening his options in

EDCA up for review by lawyers -- Abella P

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WARRANT FOR MATOBATO. Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Spokesperson Senior Insp. Catherine dela Rey (left) and Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 Spokesperson Chief Insp. Andrea Dela Cerna say authorities have been ordered to immediately implement a warrant of arrest against Edgar Matobato in

connection with his illegal possession of firearms case once the order is issued by the court. Dela Rey and Dela Cerna graced yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at TF Davao Headquarters. Lean Daval Jr.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

Colangco family survives ambush

HE Colangco family, believed to relatives of the high profile drug convict Peter Colangco in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), survived an attempted massacre in Ozamis City early Monday morning. Ozamis City Police Chief Daryl Aranton identified the

victims as Joel Colangco, his wife Janice, and their child Leandre. Initial police investigation revealed that four unidentified armed men barged into the house of the Colangco couple about 1:00 a.m. Monday and fired indiscriminately seriously wounding the couple and

their 3-year-old daughter. Aranton said the house helper recounted that, once inside the house, the unidentified men indiscriminately fired at the locked room of the couple hitting the victims on the lower portion of their bodies. He said the investigators were still identifying the kind

HE proposed establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Cotabato City is underway. In a meeting with key department heads Tuesday, City Administrator Danda Juanday said they are eyeing a distinctive economic zone, as it will not concentrate only on a specific area of development but would be the venue of various activities. The proposed Eco zone is envisioned to become a free trade zone, an industrial hub, and a tourism-friendly facility

as well. A 25-hectare donated land at Barangay Tamontaka Mother would be the site of the special economic zone. Secretary to the Mayor Aniceto Rasalan said the initiative is one of President Duterte’s priority programs to make Cotabato City the center for trading in South Central Mindanao. Currently, the city government is working on completing necessary documents in order to present a full project proposal to concerned national government agencies. (PNA)

HE Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Northern Mindanao has suspended its law enforcement operations in the region, an LTO official said Tuesday. LTO Regional Director Nelson Manaloto explained the stoppage was only temporary and aims to erase the public notion that LTO agents on the road accept bribes in exchange for letting erring motorists go scot-free. “Starting from now, we will only conduct mobile checkpoints if there are police offi-

cers with us. This is to emphasize a check-and-balance system and to ensure that kotong (bribes) do not exist,” he said. Manaloto said the suspension of law enforcement operations on the road would not affect their performance. He however said the suspension will not cover Bukidnon province and Tubod in Lanao del Norte province. “We would continue our drive against colorum vehicles. It is only the mobile checkpoints that have to

AMPUNG Ulirang Nakatatanda (SUN) Awardees 2016 (From right): • Marcial T. Angkok, 74, Caloocan City, Metro Manila; • Alejandro L. Baluyut, 60, Los Banos, Laguna; • Agatona Cachero, 97, Vigan, Ilocos Sur; • Estrella M. Castuciano, 78, GMA, Cavite; • Lolita De La Cruz, 67, Rodriguez, Rizal; • Susan Evangelista, 74, Puerto Princesa, Palawan; • Nieves Gutierrez, 67, Hermosa, Bataan; • Crisanta Layos, 66, Medellin, Cebu; • Bilo Delos Reyes, 61, Caloocan City, Metro Manila; and, • Angelita Villaflor, 65, Hagonoy, Bulacan

of firearms used through the three kinds of empty shells found in the house. “The house helper could not provide hints of the identities of the armed men because it was totally dark,” Aranton said. He said the police investigators were discounting the

possibility the attempted massacre was connected with the high profile drug NBP inmate Peter Colangco. Aranton said that Joel Colangco has several businesses in Ozamis City and that the shooting might have something to do with the victim’s dealings.

“The investigators were trying to look into personal grudge and other possibilities that may have led to the shooting,” Aranton said. He said that the couple and their child, who were undergoing treatment in a local hospital, were now in stable condition. (PNA)

ma B. Cabrera recognizes the outstanding contribution of older persons to Philippine society saying, “Ang mga nakatatanda ay magandang ehemplo sa kanilang pamilya

at komunidad.” The Coalition of Services for the Elderly (COSE), a partner non-government organization of DSWD in implementing programs and services for

older persons, spearheads the annual awards to pay tribute to outstanding Filipino older persons who have made exemplary contributions to society.

of business and franchising opportunities in the region. It also featured talks from experts on trends in the field of franchising. Records from the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) showed investments in the region have been going up since 2011 when Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman assumed office. Norma Arcega-Oro, DTIARMM senior trade-industry development specialist, discussed ways and techniques on how to start a business. A team from Metrobank, meanwhile, shared inputs on how to fund a business venture and manage capital. Jed Arboleda, Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) consultant, said the potential for the growth of franchising in the ARMM is

high. “Franchising is one of the best ways to increase the number of stores because you use other people’s money,” he said. He also discussed ways on how to invest in the right franchise educating the participants in making wise decisions before investing. Officials and employees of the different line agencies, academe, and local businessmen attended the activity. Malang invited the general public to join a business matching event at the ARMM Compound in Cotabato City. The activity, a joint effort of the DTI-ARMM and PFA, aims to let local and regional business people to expand their businesses in order to provide employment not only in ARMM, but also in other regions. (PNA)

Special ecozone Outstanding elders given tribute through in Cotabato eyed Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda Awards T S LTO halts operations in Northern Mindanao T F LTO, 12

This year’s SUN awardees were recognized for their outstanding contribution in the fields of health, education, cultural preservation, helping persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and fellow older persons, and disaster response work. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Vil-

ARMM holds 1st Franchising Expo

The latest information about Typhoon Julian relief ops preparations based from the DROMIC Report, October 4, 2026, 6PM. DSWD

CONOMIC indicators in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (ARMM) have continued their upward trend, the region’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-ARMM) today said. Speaking during the region’s 1st Franchising Expo here, Sec. Anwar Malang, said the region’s economy is on the rise, as he noted that the franchising expo provides an opportunity for those who are planning to expand their existing businesses to gain valuable knowledge, insight, and guidance. “It provides the participants knowledge on entrepreneurship and business development,” Malang, a lawyer, said. The activity featured four speakers who discussed the various aspects

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Davao seen to benefit from China-Asean Mayors Forum

HE recently concluded gathering of city mayors from Asean member countries in China, which was participated in by Davao City, is seen as a big boost to the economic agenda of the city, an official said Wednesday. Davao City administrator and lawyer Zulieka T. Lopez noted that based on what have they discussed during the trip to China’s Nanning City, the connectivity established between Asean cities following the forum is seen as beneficial for the city as it opens up to foreign investors and tourists. Asean stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Member countries are the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam. The China-Asean Mayors Forum 2016 highlighted the ‘21st Century Maritime Silk Road’ and ‘China-Asean Urban Community Building’, focussing on the cooperation between China and Asean cities

such as Davao. The forum resulted in the signing of a number of cooperation projects between China and cities from Asean countries. Lopez was joined by Davao City Investment and Promotion Center chief Lemuel Ortonio and City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson in representing the city government to forum. “The forum was all about the One Belt, One Road,” she said. “They are hoping that the Asean countries, which the Philippines is a part of, will unite together in terms of the objective of connectivity not just on digital but also in infrastructure.” Lopez also said the Asian Infrastructure Bank has offered loan funding on the infrastructure projects of Asean cities to attain the objectives. The goal of the Asean, she said, would benefit a city in terms of the economy. “It good for us because investments are coming in,” she said. CIO

ComVal welcomes more economic opportunities By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is helping unleash the economic potential of Compostela Valley after the province was declared as a Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready Area (CMDRA) in August of this year. In an interview, DTI-Compostela Valley Provincial Director Lucky Siegfred Balleque said the main thoroughfares in the province are now being expanded to four lanes in order to make the area more attractive and accessible to potential investors. “From Tagum until Compostela Valley, particularly in the capital town, you can really see the development of Com-

postela Valley,” Balleque said. To sustain the province’s growth potential, the provincial director said the DTI, in collaboration with the provincial government of Compostella Valley, will be holding the Compostela Valley Investment Conference (Comval-Icon) 2016 from Oct. 20 to 21at the Capitol Building, in Cabidianan, Nabunturan. According to Balleque, the conference aims to boost the economic potential of the province by highlighting its five priority industries which include aquaculture, banana, cacao, coconut and coffee. Aside from the investment conference, Balleque said DTI-ComVal will also hold

advanced jewelry-making seminars for around 50 participants this month. “We all know that jewelry is a subsector of the gold industry wherein ComVal is the top producer,” said Balleque. Balleque also revealed the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) has chosen the province to be part of its campaign to improve the quality of the country’s coffee products and make them at par with their global competitors. Aside from its efforts to strengthen its priority industries, DTI-ComVal, in partnership with Philippine Army, has also been implementing the EntrePeace (Entrepreneurship for Peace and De-

velopment) Program which provides livelihood trainings in conflict-affected areas in the province. “Conflict in ComVal has been there for many years and we in DTI, we don’t feel like it’s a problem. We even go to communities considered as conflict areas to offer livelihood opportunities to the residents as well as the former rebels,” Balleque pointed out. The 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army declared Compostela Valley as Conflict-Manageable and Development-Ready Area (CMDRA) last Aug 23, 2016 during ceremonies at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School (NNCHS) gymnasium.

Dignitaries, experts confident on PH economy – NEDA Chief

OCIOECONOMIC Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said dignitaries and finance and economic experts remain confident on the Philippines and are not worried about negative news reports on the country. Pernia, who is concurrent director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said he recently met with executives of Moody’s Investors Service and Goldman Sachs, who he said expressed surprise at the difference between the actual situation in the Philippines and what comes out in some news reports. He said some foreign chambers in the Philippines have expressed concern over the current situation in the country, but pointed out that “even the embassies are not that concerned because they keep coming here”. “One thing to talk about is possible investments,” he said, citing that French officials have

indicated interest in investing in the country’s transportation sector, including railways and airports. Pernia said Belgian and South Korean officials have likewise expressed their intention to invest in the Philippines. He disclosed that in his recent trip to the US, where he represented the country during the week-long United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York City from Sept. 18-23, he had meetings with representatives of several credit rating agencies to discuss realities on the ground. He said representatives of debt watchers have been assured that domestic fundamentals remain strong, growth is still robust, and the government is firm on reducing inequality and poverty. Pernia said he emphasized during these meetings that the country’s peace and order program aims to lure more investments and improve the investment climate. (PNA)

N executive of Maybank Philippines is confident of the bank’s 2016 growth amid the impact of global economic uncertainties to the Philippines vis-à-vis the country’s rising middle class. Maybank Philippines President and CEO Herminio Famatigan Jr. said the local economy is doing well and this translates to the same results for the domestic banking industry. He said bankers continue to have a “still very positive, favorable outlook.”

“Because the economy is growing, the middle class is also growing. And there’s enough business to go around,” he told the Philippines News Agency in an interview. Maybank Philippines is strong on consumer lending, he said, citing the bank’s over 30 percent consumer loans growth in 2015, boosted by auto loans, among others. Famatigan said they calibrated their target for this year to above 20 percent, which he said, “is still a very healthy growth for us.” (PNA)

Maybank PH looking at rising middle class A

TOURISM BOOM. A tourist from Xiamen, China is welcomed upon his arrival at the Davao International Airport during Xiamen Air’s maiden flight last week. An increase of 81 percent in the region’s tourist arrivals was recorded during the 1st quarter of the year and expected to grow further by the end of the year. Lean Daval Jr.

World Bank: Stable Growth outlook for East Asia, Pacific in 2016 - 2018 G

ROWTH in developing East Asia and Pacific is expected to remain resilient over the next three years, according to a new World Bank report. However, the region still faces significant risks to growth, and countries need to take measures to reduce financial and fiscal vulnerabilities. Over the longer term, the report recommends that countries address constraints to sustained and inclusive growth, including by filling infrastructure gaps, reducing malnutrition and promoting financial inclusion. The newly released East Asia and Pacific Economic Update expects China to continue its gradual transition to slower, but more sustainable, growth, from 6.7 percent this year to 6.5 percent in 2017 and 6.3 percent in 2018. In the rest of

the region, growth is projected to remain stable at 4.8 percent this year, and rise to 5 percent in 2017 and 5.1 percent in 2018. Overall, developing East Asia is expected to grow at 5.8 percent in 2016 and 5.7 percent in 2017-2018 “The outlook for developing East Asia and Pacific remains positive, with weakness in global growth and external demand offset by robust domestic consumption and investment,” said Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific. “The long-term challenge is to sustain growth and make it more inclusive, including by shrinking gaps in income and access to public services, especially in China; improving infrastructure across the rest of the region; reducing persistent child malnutrition; and harnessing the potential of technology to

stimulate financial inclusion. The report offers a comprehensive analysis of the outlook for East Asia and Pacific against a challenging global backdrop, including sluggish growth in advanced economies, subdued prospects in most developing economies and stagnant global trade. The report expects domestic demand to remain robust across much of the region. Continued low commodity prices will benefit commodity importers and keep inflation low across most of the region. In China, growth will moderate as the economy continues to rebalance toward consumption, services and higher-value-added activities, and as excess industrial capacity is reduced. Nevertheless, tighter labor markets will support continued growth in incomes and private consumption.

Among other large economies, prospects are strongest in the Philippines, where growth is expected to accelerate to 6.4 percent this year, and Vietnam, where growth this year will be dented by the severe drought, but will recover to 6.3 percent in 2017. In Indonesia, growth will increase steadily, from 4.8 percent in 2015 to 5.5 percent in 2018, the report says, contingent on a pickup in public investment and the success of efforts to improve the investment climate and increase revenues. In Malaysia, however, growth will fall, to 4.2 percent in 2016 from 5 percent last year, because of weak global demand for oil and manufactured exports. Among the smaller economies, the growth outlook has deteriorated markedly in some commodity exporters.

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BIMP trade mission to visit Davao City A BUSINESS delegation from member countries of Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) composed of seven MSMEs will be visiting Davao City on October 12-14 to explore investment and trade opportunities in the city. The mission is composed of representatives of seven MSMEs (micro small and medium Enterprises), according to engineer Edwin O. Banquerigo, assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Region 11, in a letter to Bonifacio T.

Tan, president of the Davao City of Commerce and Industry., Inc. (DCCCII) “The business mission will focus on health foods, organic products, processed fruits and food, and ICT,” Banquerigo said, adding that “initially, we already matched the delegates with our local SMEs for possible export of products to BIMP-EAGA areas and Southeast Asia.” He said the delegation will pay a courtesy call on DCCCII office to be briefed on business opportunities in Davao City together with the Board of Trustees on Thursday, October 13, 2016, 1:30 in the afternoon.

7th Enterprise Forum set on October 18 in Manila

HE 7th Enterprise Innovation Forum (EIF), a gathering of the Philippines’ top business and enterprise leaders to discuss trends and technologies, is set on October 18 in Manila. Organized by Globe Business, the information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, the 7th EIF will be a day of learning, discussion, and sharing of best practices on how innovation and disrup-

tion can help sustain a corporation’s competitiveness and relevance in the digital age. Globe Business holds the annual EIF for leaders and corporations to help them maximize innovation to stay ahead of the competition and become role models in their respective industries. Local and international thought leaders and speakers will help businesses realize their purpose.

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SECURITY CHECK. A Philippine Navy officer inspects the belongings of a passenger bound for the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) at the passenger vessel docking area of Sta. Ana wharf in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DOE Promotes EC program in schools By RIA VALDEZ

HE Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) is ramping up its energy efficiency and conservation (EC) cam-

paign in Mindanao. Last Oct. 4, the DOE conducted an EC seminar at the Davao City National High School, which featured various energy conservation tips and reminders. The energy department is also scheduled to conduct a similar seminar at the Daniel R Aguinaldo National High School. According to Marlon Domingo, DOE Sr. Science research specialist, the agency was unfortunately not able to partner with private schools due to time constraints. Domingo noted that gov-

ernment agencies, including public schools, are required to practice energy conservation in accordance with Administrative Order (AO) 110 that was issued in 2004. “We wanted to reduce energy consumption by 10 percent in ten years,” he said, adding that goal was achieved. However, 10 years after the AO was released, Domingo said the DOE wants to revise its energy conservation targets as part of its strategy to further bring down energy costs and reduce power consumption. In the meantime, Domingo said the DOE still doesn’t have

the budget to purchase generator sets for publics schools that have been affected by the Mindanao-wide power outages. “But we are still planning [on how to go about] it,” he said. Domingo disclosed the DOE also plans to utilize renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar panels and oil-powered devices in public schools. He also called on the various sectors of the community to support DOE’s advocacies, saying these efforts would help address the power situation in Mindanao.

HE Public Employment Services Office (PESO) has transferred to its new and bigger office at the Ground Floor of the Sports Development Division Office beside Almendras Gym last Friday, Sept. 30. According to PESO Manager Philip Nidea, the change in location of their office will be beneficial for job applicants because of the convenience it provides. The old PESO was former-

ly located at the fourth floor of the Davao City Hall. Nidea, however, observed the office has received fewer applicants since the office’s transfer. “They don’t [seem] know where our office is,” he said, as he asked the help of media in informing the public about the PESO’s new location. Nidea explained that job applicants first need to attend the Pre-Employment Seminar for Local Applicants

(PESLA) seminar before the PESO schedules them for an interview and issues referral forms. “It is a 4-hour seminar,” he said, explaining the applicants would be taught the basics of resume writing, as well as trained on how to respond during job interviews. In the meantime, Nidea noted that employment conditions in the city have improved this year.

ecutive director Ferdinand Pecson told reporters on the sidelines of a conference organized by Latham & Watkins. Pecson said bonds play a key role in financing massive infrastructure projects in the country. He also underscored the need for a reliable bond rating mechanism that would give investors more confidence in infrastructure development.

Pecson said they are keen on having the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) or the insurance companies to invest in infrastructure projects. “That is why, the guarantees are quite important… Investors would not invest in bonds when they don’t see support from the government in terms of guarantees, the risks they are seeing,” he added. (PNA)

PESO transfers to new location T F PESO, 13

PH pushing for project bonds to finance infra dev’t

HE Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are working together to craft rules that would allow the use of bonds to finance massive infrastructure projects in the country. “For the long-term health of infrastructure in general, we need multiple sources of financing available,” PPP Center of the Philippines ex-

7 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

Irradiated food:

to eat or not to eat Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“There is a common misconception that irradiated food is radioactive. The radiation used to process foods is very different from the radioactive fallout that occurs after, for example, a nuclear accident.” -- Better Health Channel of Australia

ONTRARY to what most people may think, irradiated foods are safe to eat! This assurance came from Luvimina G. Lanuza, head of the Irradiation Services Section of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), a line agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “Irradiated foods are not radioactive and are therefore safe to eat,” said Lanuza adding that food items are subjected to gamma irradiation technology, whose energies used in irradiation don’t make the foods radioactive. “Irradiated food has been exposed to radioactivity but does not become radioactive itself,” pointed out the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of the United Kingdom. Irradiating food is similar to that of pasteurization, cooking or other forms of heat treatment. The most common techniques of food irradiation, aside from gamma rays, are X-rays and electron beams. Gamma radiation is used routinely to sterilize medical, dental and household products. In addition, it is used for the radiation treatment of cancer. X-rays, produced by reflecting a high-energy stream of electrons off a target substance into food, are also widely used in medicine and industry to produce images of internal structures. Gamma rays and X-rays share some characteristics with microwaves, but with much higher energy and penetration. Electron beam, which is similar to X-rays, is a stream of high-energy electrons propelled from an electron accelerator into food. “Food absorbs energy wen it is exposed to ionizing radiation,” the FSA said. “The amount of energy absorbed is called ‘absorbed dose,’ which is measured in units called grays (Gy) or kilograys (kGy), where 1kGy is equal to 1,000Gy. The energy absorbed by the food causes the formation of short-lived molecules known as free radicals, which kill bacteria that cause food poisoning.” A join expert committee

***

on food irradiation concluded that “the irradiation of food up to an average close to 10 kGy causes no health hazards and guarantees no nutritional or microbial problems.” Food poisoning is one of the main reasons why astronauts and cosmonauts generally bring irradiated foods when traveling to outer space. With so many things to worry about, the space travelers try to eliminate fear of possible food poisoning from their list of problems. Several studies show irradiation can effectively eliminate organisms that cause foodborne illness, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and Escherichia coli. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved irradiation of meat (beef, pork and lamb) and poultry (chicken) and allows its use for a variety of other foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables and spices. Some foods, such as dairy foods and eggs, cannot be irradiated because it causes changes in flavor or texture. While irradiation cannot make food radioactive, it does reduce the nutritional and change the flavor, just like cooking. “Irradiation causes a multitude of chemical changes,” notes Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. “A few of these products are unique but not considered dangerous. Cooking, smoking, salting and other less novel techniques cause the food to be altered so drastically that its original nature is almost unrecognizable.” But irradiated foods are still nutritious. “All known methods of food processing -- even storing food -- can lower the content of some nutrients, such as vitamins,” says a brochure, Preserving Food and Agricultural Products by Radiation, published by DOST-PNRI. “At low doses of radiation, nutrient losses are not significant. Even at higher doses, irradiation does not adversely affect the nutritional quality of food.” However, irradiation cannot be used to make spoiled food good or to clean up “dirty foods.” The brochure pointed this out: “Neither irradiation

nor any other food treatment can reverse the spoilage process and make bad food good. If food already looks, taste or smells bad (signs of spoilage), it cannot be ‘saved.’” The first definite work with radiation preservation was carried out on hamburger at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1943. It showed that hamburger could be sterilized by high doses of X-rays. Considerable scientific research over the past five decades indicates that food irradiation is a safe and effective

form of processing. In fact, it has been approved in 50 countries including Australia, the United States, Japan, China, France and Holland. At least three internationally recognized bodies support food irradiation: the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Dietetic Association and the Scientific Committee of the European Union. But despite this, food irradiation has not gain popularity among food consumers. Until now, people are extremely reluctant to accept

the irradiation process for the preservation of foods. “The reluctance of consumers in some countries to accept irradiated food arises from the fact that anything associated with nuclear energy is considered by many people to involve danger and radioactivity,” said an article which appeared in World Health, a WHO publication. The article said most consumer resistance to the irradiation process has been based more on emotional rather than technical factors. “The general public should come to terms with irradiation and accept it as another important method of food preservation,” it pinpointed. Aside from food preservation, irradiation can also control pests. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, about 25% of all food production around the world is lost after harvesting to insects, bacteria and spoilage. “Food irradiation can help reduce losses and can also reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, some of which are extremely harmful to the environment,” said a brochure prepared by the Food Irradiation Education Group of the University of Wisconsin (UW). Irradiation can also be used to sterilize foods, “which can then be stored for years without refrigeration.” Sterilized foods are useful in hospitals for patients with severely

impaired immune systems, such as patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or undergoing chemotherapy. In Australia and New Zealand, only herbs and spices, herbal infusions and some tropical fruits are approved for irradiation. In Europe, no foods other than dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings are permitted for the application of irradiation. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Food and Drugs has issued conditional clearance for the irradiation of onions, garlic (for sprout inhibition) and spices (for microbial decontamination). “Food irradiation is still in the pilot stage in this country, but fruit irradiation for quarantine processing to export to the US is expected to take place in the near future,” said a news report. Again, here’s Lanuza: “The irradiation of food is justified when it fulfils technological requirements and if it is beneficial for the protection of consumer health.” Just a reminder: “Irradiation is not a replacement for proper food-handling. Irradiated foods need to be stored, handled and cooked in the same way as non-irradiated foods, because they could still become contaminated with disease-causing organisms after irradiation if the rules of basic food safety are not followed.”

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

EDITORIAL

Understanding job descriptions

HE 17th Congress, the Senate in particular, has thus far brought to us legislators of varying backgrounds, and characters. And we are not even speaking of political colors yet. It’s a very colorful bunch of legislators and by far, we have seen a glimpse of the depth if this legislative body from where we expect to come the needed legislations that will push this country forward. The current 24 Senators is a mixture of old and new and judging by the early goings of the upper chamber of Congress, it has been a helter skelter of a ride. Last Monday, we saw the worst of this supposed honorable august body. Neophyte Senator Leila De Lima, who has already displayed a defiant character, lambasted the sitting chairman and insulted the Senate itself by walking out of a committee hearing. Senator Antonio Trillanes, in the second half of his six-year term in the Senate, clandestinely snatched a witness and brought him home when he was supposed to come face ot face with those he had accused. The resulting scenes were like one culled out from a market melee and not one involving some of the highest officials of the land. Senator De Lima’s defiance and Senator Trillanes apparent disregard for authority constitute unparliamentary behavior that merits

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appropriate sanction whether it be censure, suspension, or worse, removal from office. The Senate is supposedly a body composed of wise men who deliberate and investigate upon matters of legislative probity and not men whose manners are despicable and drowned with disrespect. We have seen the worse in De Lima and Trillanes. We have also seen the surprising soberness of Sen. Manny Pacquiao, the calmness of Sen. Ping Lacson, and yes, the wisdom of Sen. Sonny Angara whose privilege speech must have awaken everyone and brought them back to their proper perspective. The Senate is a body of men who takes a look at current issues and proposes appropriate legislative measures. The hearing on extra judicial killings is one whose outcome could lead us to the failure and success of the law enforcement and the judiciary as the real issues in the EJK probe. The probe deals not on personalities as there will be proper forum and appropriate platforms for that. This is an investigation to see whether or not the justice mechanism works or is it delaying so much the investigation process or if the law enforcement side is the problem. For once, let us right the wrong.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

Bagobo-Moro ‘alliance’

N the 1848 conquest of Davao, local historians point out that part of the defeat of Datu Bago, the Moro chief of the gulf, was attributed to the supposed collaboration of the natives of Samal and the Bagobos of mainland Davao with foreign invaders. Viewed from another lens, the victory of Spain over inferiorly equipped Moro sovereign troops was made easier by the joining of two native factions which, contextually, had axes to grind against the Moros for the abuses committed against them. In nearly all accounts, the reason for Spain’s attack on Datu Bago’s turf was largely a vendetta. If the natives had linked with the invaders, it was at the initiative of the foreigners who knew little about the Moro enclave. The colonial experiences in the skirmishes against the Moros of Sulu gave lessons to the raiders not to underestimate the feisty and ferocious Moros. The Samals and the Bagobos knew that by acting as guide, supporter, and provider, the conquest of Datu Bago could be executed faster. With the Spaniards carrying more superior firepower, there was little fear the Moros could be overpowered by the avenging aliens. This assessment, though, was only partly true. In the early chapter of the invasion, the Spaniards, with around 70 men under their employ, foresaw a difficult struggle given their ignorance of the terrain of the Moro territory. By using native intelligence collected from years of trading in the gulf, they linked with the disgruntled Samals for tactical alli-

ance. FAST BACKWARD T r u e enough, the early skirmishes with the Moros was an uphill battle. Many of the conscripts and natives were killed Antonio V. Figueroa or seriously wounded in the first weeks of the invasion. With the Moro warriors using old, reliable bronze cannons, the lantakas, casualties were recorded on the raiders’ side. It was only with the timely arrival of the steamship El Cano, a powerful gunship acquired from England that the tide of war turned in favor of the invaders. Another factor that hastened the collapse of Datu Bago’s defenses was the support of the Bagobos from the western plank who secured the regions that served as escape route. This partially explains why the datu’s contingent had to take flight to Tagum City via Lapanday and Lasang instead of linking up with the Maguindanao reinforcements from the south. The fall of the Moro fiefdom, however, eventually turned into opportunity amid occasional harassments committed by some coastal Moros against upland Bagobos. With the entry of roads during American rule and with rise of hemp plantations in Davao’s suburbia, a new chapter in Moro-Bagobo trading

opened. As a result, the enmity that consumed the two factions resulting from the Davao conquest had started to thaw, and the animosity between tribesmen took a peaceful option that led to collaboration, intermarriage, and harmonious co-existence. Walter Robb, in The Moros and Their Future, an article that appeared in the February 1926 issue of The American Chamber of Commerce Journal, wrote glowingly that due to understanding, the Moros had to ditch its dreaded kris, a Malay dagger with a wavy blade, and with the opening of roads that led to the hinterlands, the adopted the use of pony carts and lizzies, ‘a small and relatively inexpensive automobile’, instead of hiking on foot to reach market centers. Like other cerebral authors, Robb puts credit on the Bagobos as part of the peace achieved forged with the Moros. For some reason, the ubiquitous Chinese merchants played a key role in the evolving relationship as “mediators.” “The [Bagobos] grew coconuts, made copra, stripped wild hemp and got out forest resins and gums. They gathered wild honey and lumbang nuts. The Chinese general store men were their market, but they could not deal directly with the Chinese. The Moros attended to that. They compelled the Bagobos to barter with them, and in turn they bartered with the Chinese. Then the planters came into the country and opened their own stores.” To underscore the relevance of the Moros in the trade alliance, the planters encouraged

them to pursue themselves by dealing directly with the Bagobos, many of whom were employed in plantations or cultivating small holdings. By adopting this arrangement, “they made the Bagobo a settler and they settled the Moro problem in Davao. In that province the question is settled forever. The Moro of good will is adjusting himself.” Two decades earlier, in his Third Annual Report, Leonard Wood, governor of the Moro Province, had a more pained view of this natives-Moro alliance. With obvious colonial bias, the tribesmen’s preference to embrace their traditional ways instead of cooperating in the cultivation of hemp plantations, mostly owned by Americans and Japanese, was regarded as a threat to growth. “The people of some of the wild tribes have taken to hemp planting and are doing a good deal of it, thus greatly increasing the probability that they will become a settled population. This is particularly true of the Bagobos, Guiangas, and Moros; the Mandayas and Tagacaolos do not take to this work very kindly, preferring to live their own wild, free life. This present disinclination to steady labor on the part of the natives seriously interferes with their progress and with the material development of the district.” Misguided impressions such as this contributed to the bigotry some American officials harbored towards pre-war Filipinos, especially those classified by tribal identity. At the time, whether in the US mainland or in the Philippines, the tenor of discrimination was the same.

of looking the MY TWO CENTS’ other way while the same evil permeates even their hierarchies and communities. What we are in is that we have a national government is in a sad state John Tria of capture by the elites and ecisouth@gmail.com the criminals among them. The result: a fourth of the 100 million persistently hungry (generational poverty), while the corrupt among them consuming a third of governments coffers yearly. Culturally, generations among our people have grown up knowing and accepting government as hopelessly corrupt, in the same way many are also resigned to a drug crazed

society. Hence, the cynicism of some that the war on drugs and corruption as going the way of PNOY- nowhere. Many of them were frustrated that the second half of the Aquino administration saw him remaining marginally popular amid the DAP scandal, the Mamasapano and Zamboanga massacres, and of course, the missing Yolanda funds. Whatever diamonds of good governance are small islands in a clear sea of rough. Nonetheless, there are those who express careful hope and wisdom at the current maelstrom, calling it a necessary process of engendering real change. IN an interview, novelist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee F. Sionil Jose calls the Duterte ascendance a “revolution” against the oligarchs and elites that have long colonized after the foreign rulers. Truly, having no backers among them, he has free reign to challenge them. Thus, any attempt to initiatie change in a well entrenched will need tobe massive, the process, necessarily bloody. After all, the en-

trenched and rooted evils will not flee without a fight. To those seeking change Nicolo Machiavelli offers the following counsel: “It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this lukewarmness arising partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the laws in their favour; and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had the actual experience of it.” Written centuries ago, the thoughts contained therein ring true for today’s Philippines. We seek its resolution quickly, and thus, effort needs to be massive, almost single minded and thorough. Only that will end the evil corruption that has captured and will nearly devour us all.

If you are serious about change, it needs to be massive and quick, for the evil is thick

HUS far, a few quarters among Manila’s elite have been reacting to president Duterte’s statements. His detractors, no doubt rejoice at interpeting every supposed statement to their desire to inflict damage on him. But the political reality is that the manila government he now takes over is a cesspool of contradictions, a hotbed of corruption and a locus for self-serving at the expense of the forgotten majority at the peripheries. How entrenched is it? You have criminal elements profiting from the lethargy, reinforced by the pay-outs perpetrated by criminals themselves. That the bilibid prison itself has become a trading floor is disgusting enough. The place where they should enjoy less rights, the previous government has facilitated their enjoyment. Elsewhere within the bureaucracy, Government has become a money machine for the corrupted. You have a mainstream media standing accused of helping protect this entrenched evil, and Churches also accused

10 NEWS Rody’s... FROM 1 Economic reforms At the onset of President Duterte’s office in Malacañang, his economic managers and members of the business sector converged in Davao City sometime in June and came up with a 10-point socioeconomic agenda. The agenda was aimed to combat poverty, sustain high growth and sharpen the country’s competitiveness to encourage more investors to pour in their money in the Philippines. Secretary Carlos Dominguez III of the Department of Finance (DOF) told reporters on Tuesday that the Duterte administration, for the past three months, has already jumpstarted a vast array of initiatives to improve the ease of doing business in the country. Bold steps were already undertaken to reverse the sharp decline of the country’s ranking in the competitive list of World Economic Forum (WEF). The decline, Dominguez said, took place during the last year of the administration of former President Benigno S. Aquino III. “Alongside reducing the poverty incidence by 9 percentage points over the next six years, the new government has given top priority to sharpening the Philippines’ global competitiveness, precisely to improve the ease of doing business here and turn our country into a magnet for investments on the Duterte watch,” the finance chief noted. He added the Duterte administration, in the past three months, has started to address the root causes of the country’s decline in WEF competitive list : inefficient bureaucracy, inadequate supply of infrastructure, corruption, tax rates and tax regulations. Dominguez pointed out the current administration is keen on relaxing deficit spending from 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) adopted by the past administration to 3 percent of GDP. The move, he added, will help the government accelerate spending on its three pro-poor and growth-friendly priorities which include public infrastructure, human capital development, and social protection for the most vulnerable sectors of society. On concerns over tax rates and tax regulations, Dominguez said the agency is now finalizing a Tax Reform Roadmap for Acceleration and Inclusion. He said the first package of tax reforms were already submitted to Congress last September 26 to be enacted into law. The first package of tax reforms include cuts in personal income taxes (PITs) through the adoption of a modified gross system that will exempt and benefit low-income Filipinos. The proposal submitted to Congress also includes measures to broaden the Value Added Tax (VAT) base; adjust excise taxes on petroleum products; and the restructur-

ing the of taxes on automobiles with the exception of trucks and other vehicles. The next move in tax reform, Dominguez added, will include the proposed reductions in the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) that will address the concerns of businesses. In the meantime, confidence in the country’s business climate under the leadership of President Duterte remains strong, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) said. Secretary Ernesto Pernia told reporters he recently met with executives of Moody’s Investors Service and Goldman Sachs who expressed confidence in the Philippines sound economic fundamentals. The recent negative reports about the Philippines did not affect the confidence of finance and economic experts, including foreign chambers of commerce in the country, Pernia said. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also lauded the results of the government’s war against drugs, criminalities and corruption. PCCI President George Barcelon, in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, said winning the war against criminality will further boost the confidence of the business sector, including investors. Peace and order, he added is one of the main considerations that investors will look at in a country where they wanted to do business.

Regularization of workers In the meantime, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said more than 10,000 workers hired by private entities in the country were already appointed to regular positions. DOLE secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said the department is on track in its objective to reduce illegitimate contractualization practices and ‘endo’ (end of contract) by 50 percent by the end of this year and abolishing it by 2017. In the first three months of the Duterte administration, around 195 business establishments have already complied with the department’s directive by voluntarily regularizing their workers. DOLE also issued ceaseand-desist orders and suspended at least six contractors that have been reported to have violated labor laws The six contractors are operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in Region IV-A, Bello said. The contractors will be required to present themselves during the mandatory hearings to resolve the issue, and, if proven to be non-compliant, will lead to preventive suspensions and will be ordered to stop hiring additional employees, he added. Consultations on the elimination of illegitimate contractualization are also being facilitated by DOLE nationwide, the secretary said. The DOLE’s “Hotline 1349” was also established

EDGEDAVAO to provide workers and employers with round-the-clock services on all labor and employment-related inquiries and concerns. Since the establishment of the hotline, Bello said the department has already received 4,302 calls from workers and employers.

War vs. drugs, criminalities The national headquarters of the PNP in Manila reported that more than 700,000 suspected drug users and pushers in the country have already surrendered to police authorities since the intensified campaign versus illegal drugs was launched by the new administration of President Duterte. A total of 22,503 people were also arrested in line with the ‘Oplan Tokhang’ and ‘Project Double Barrel’ programs of the PNP that are aimed to wipe out illegal drugs and criminality in the country. As of Tuesday morning, October 4, the PNP has already knocked on 1,634,111 houses of suspected drug personalities that resulted to the surrender of 732,698 drug suspects, the report said. Of the total number, around 679,830 were considered self-confessed drug users while 52,868 were identified as drug pushers. A total of 22,503 drug suspects were already arrested while 1,377 drug personalities were also killed during police operations, the PNP added. The PNP also bared the average monthly crime rate in the country hit 49 percent or down by 11.51 percent from 55.54 percent compared to last year. The decrease in the coun-

try’s crime rate was attributed to the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal drugs and criminalities, the PNP report added.

Support to security, law enforcement Within the first three months into his term, President Duterte also increased the combat duty and incentive pay of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the PNP by signing Executive Order No. 3 (EO 3). The increase is from P1,500 to a fixed P3,000 for the officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP and the PNP. AFP personnel are currently receiving P500 in combat duty pay and P150 in combat incentives that must not exceed P1,500 based on the Operations Order (OPORD) or Fragmentary order (FRAG-O), while PNP personnel only receive a maximum of P340 combat duty pay every month. EO 3 also provides that soldiers and policemen who figure directly in actual combat operations against various insurgent, terrorist and lawless elements shall be entitled to additional combat incentive pay of P300 per day, but subject to the following conditions: operations must be for a specific combat mission that is duly covered by an OPORD or FRAG-O for the AFP or a Mission Order for the PNP; the personnel involved in combat must be in the published task organization of the AFP OPORD/FRAG-O or the PNP Mission Order; and the total additional combat incentive pay for each individual shall not exceed P3,000 per month.

ANTI-TERROR FORUM. Task Force Davao Commander Col. Erwin Bernard Neri discusses the recently-concluded anti-terrorism forum initiated by Task Force Davao (TFD) in collaboration with City Government of Davao attended by around

PCSO... FROM 2

Balutan said the public has long been informed about the dangers of illegal gambling and repeatedly warned never to be involved in such illicit activities. This is the reason, he explained, why the PCSO is no longer conducting its barangay-to-barangay information drive. “They (people) already know that it is illegal. Eve our great grandfathers know about it,” Balutan said.

He revealed the PCSO targets to earn at least P50 billion in revenues by the end of the year, adding this will only be possible if illegal gambling in the country is eradicated. Balutan said the charity office has in fact lost around P15 billion due to illegal gambling activities. He noted that such an amount could have been used by the government to provide better health services and fund

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

DANECO... FROM 2

defeat on the court cases and the forcible closure of its collection offices more than two years ago including having an unclear board of directors and organizational structure. A number of killings believed to be related to the controversy between the two factions has occurred oer the years. On August 18 last year, mediaman Gregorio Ybanez, who became Daneco BOD member, was shot and killed by still unknown assailants riding on a Honda Fit small automobile near his home. Ybanez’s killing followed the murder of broadcaster Rogelio “Tata” Butalid on Dec. 11, 2014 by an a still unidentified assassin after he was through with his radio program. Butalid was under the employ of Daneco-NEA and his

daily one-hour radio program “Ang Kamatuoran” was sponsored by Daneco-NEA. Justice has yet to be given to both of the slain mediamen Ybanez and Butalid who were connected to Daneco-NEA at the time of their death. The Daneco, Inc.’s statement posted on their FB Page: “We are shocked to know of the brutal killing of our DANECO OIC-GM, Engr Maximo S Roxas. We condemn this brutality and we cry out to heaven for justice. To our DANECO management and employees who now grieve because of this expected turn of events, we will pass through this storm. We entrust our toils and labors to God, our defender and fortress. May Sir Max rest in God’s peace. Amen.” Cha Monforte, Correspondent

bullet were recovered at the crime scene. Dela Cerna said Roxas was rushed to the Cabrera Memorial Hospital in Nabunturan but was pronounced dead on

arrival. In August last year, Gregorio Ybanez, a member of the board of DANECO-NEA was also gunned down in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

three drug cases a day. “Some do not have lawyers to help them in the litigation,” Taculin noted. Making matters worse, the jail warden explained, is that some of the detainees do not have families who can raise the money required for their temporary freedom, hence they languish in jail until such time their cases are resolved.

In the meantime, Taculin said the national government has already allocated funds for the construction of a new prison facility. “The government also provided P256 million for constructing another facility,” she said, adding the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is now still looking for a site where the penitentiary will be built.

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225 participants coming from the city’s different barangays which aimed to raise the awareness on the threat of terrorism. Neri was among the guests AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at TF Davao Headquarters yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. other charity-related work. Balutan said his office is currently gathering information on the PNP personnel and local officials who are extorting money from PCSO’s lotto outlets. “We have intelligence information coming from the ground, from the management of the PCSO and other sources through that we can easily identify if there was an increase or decrease of revenue,” he said. Meanwhile, Balutan bared that a big time gambling lord

has expressed his intention to give up his illegal gambling activities so that he will be stricken off the PCSO’s list. The PCSO head said that since he assumed the charity’s top, there has been a significant decrease in the number of illegal gambling operators, and consequently, leading to the dramatic increase in charity’s revenues. In Cagayan de Oro City, for instance, PCSO’s revenues rose from 4 percent to 12 percent this year, he said.

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EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Ribs and wine at Seda Abreeza “

I LOVE WINE. IN FACT, WINE TASTING IS ONE INDULGENCE I REALLY LOOK FORWARD to especially when the weekend is approaching. A bottle of wine shared with friends is nice, but there are times when I wish I could try out a variety of wines in an evening not only to pamper myself, but to experience the different and layered flavors of their countries of origin. Recognising Dabawenyos’ new found passion in wine, Seda Abreeza reintroduces its updated wine-all-you-can buffet. Called Misto Bar’s Wine Marathon, the wine buffet spoils guests with as much as twenty wine varieties they can drink – and savor - within two hours. I was able to try the wine marathon and I can attest that the wine selection of the buffet are varied, and cater to people who are just starting to appreciate wine, as well as those who have moved to the more premium segment. Misto’s Wine Marathon features select classic and premium new world and old worlds wines which costs only P1,080 net per person. “We want our guests to experience the full range of wines we have here at Seda,” said Seda Abreeza General Manager Kennedy Kapu-

long, “The wine buffet is priced so that it is affordable even when compared to buying individual bottles of wine.” Some of my favourites at the wine marathon include the fresh citrusy, slightly salty Apaltaqua Gran Verano Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine from Chile, and the Bicecleta Cabernet Sauvignon, a red wine also from Chile. Of course, the diverse choices offered by the wine buffet means that one can taste the different wines and pick their favourite - or favourites for that matter.

And what is good wine without great food in which Seda’s Misto is known for? Weekend diners can still enjoy Seda’s Friday Buffet which features an extensive collection of Misto’s famous dishes all masterfully prepared by Executive Sous Chef Giovanna ‘Bang’ Flores. If buffets are not your thing but you still crave for good food, then I suggest ordering a half-rack or a full rack of Misto’s Baby Back Ribs. Each set comes with fall-off-the-

bone, smoky rich, Baby Back Ribs, sides of onion rings, corn-on-the-cob, mixed vegetables, and chilled juices. All of Seda Abreeza’s new offerings are available now until the end of November. For further inquiries and reservations, please contact 0822443000 or 082-3228888 or send an email to dvo@ sedahotels.com. Share your foodie finds and experiences with me on Twitter or on Instagram at @kennethkingong.

Recognising Dabawenyos’ new found passion in wine, Seda Abreeza reintroduces its updated wine-all-you-can buffet.

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PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

FOOD

A bottle of charity a

AT THIS DAY AND AGE, FAST FOOD NEED NOT ONLY MEAN FRIED-UP-FOODS-IN-A-SNAP. Nowadays, it could also refer to the many delicious bottled dishes that’s giving the whole fast food concept a new facelift. Be it sweet or savory, hot or cold, there will always be one for you. Admittedly, I love salsa – not the dance but the dip. A good bottled salsa, for me, needs a balance of everything. Typically referred to as a sauce, this international favourite of Mexican reference is often made with lots and lots of tomatoes, onions, chillies, sometimes with beans and corns and of course, spices to elevate every ingredient’s on the repertoire. Salsa is not just a dip. It can also be a base for a pasta sauce, topping over crackers and toasts or an invigorating casserole dish ingredient for that added texture. Try serving it as a side to meats, fish or chicken, you’d surely thank me later. If not on the adventurous side, then you can always whip yourself a hefty serving of nachos and dig in. In Davao, where everything is better fresh, bottled up dishes are a staple. Contradicting,

right? Well, bottled dishes using fresh local ingredients are the best way to put it. Majority of which are SMEs, they make use of the abundance of the city and share the same to those who love food and love to eat --- everyone, that is. La Parranda Salsa (The Big Party) is a new Davao favourite. Sold since the early 2000s, it has seen favourable popularity growth amongst locals and foreigners in the city. A labour of love begun by Evelyn MacIntosh, her vision is to distribute these delicious jarred faves all throughout the country. Working with her husband, Tom MacIntosh, most of the profit from each bottle sold goes to the charitable works of PGC Foundation, which serves rural poor areas in Mindanao (www.pgcfoundation.org). They aid in the lives of children and families.

Their jarred tomato salsa has no artificial or flavours and has ze servatives. Shelf life is and is available in M and Hot variants. Giving us a sneak p their liciou the g rac invit into canlunc over salsa mad

016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

yoghurt and Jalapeno Green Hot Sauce – both of which are Evelyn’s masterpieces. They prepared a couple of appetising dishes with their salsa, yoghurt (the mango and Greek yoghurt parfait was sumptuously addicting) and green sauce. Also, they taught us to create our own taco and wrap it like a pro. True, the salsa is one of the most versatile ingredients there is. All you need is your imagination and you’ll be amazed on the many dishes

THE ROYAL CHEF A4

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGE DAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

EDGEDAVAO

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THE ROYAL CHEF A2

you can create. Go ahead, give it a try and remember, with every La Parranda Salsa you buy, you are not only satisfying a craving, but more so, helping others live the life that they have always wanted. Now, that’s really something. Indeed, a little goes a long way. La Parranda Salsa is available online and at the Park and Shop at the Victoria Plaza Mall, Kawaii Café at Ponciano Street, and at Peppers IbericaResto at Mabini Street, Davao City. For orders and inquiries, you may call Ms.Evelyn at 0919 401 3493 or 0925 726 6485 Happiest Birthday to my every beautiful Mama, Bai Rowena FS Ambolodto. ILoveyou mucho. And to my in-law, Al-Rashid Zainal – still waiting for your libre haha! Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats. wordpress.com or on Instagram at @iamleebai.

October 5 – 11, 2016

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

AboitizPower seeks to acquire stake in Bataan power plants D

Water service interruption in some parts of Calinan October 8-9, 2016

BOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through its subsidiary Therma Power, Inc. (TPI), announced its proposed acquisition of indirect partnership interests held by funds managed by Blackstone (NYSE: BX) in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co. (GMCP) and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD). TPI will hold an indirect effective interest of 66.1 percent in GMCP and 40 percent in GNPD. The proposed acquisition consideration is approxi-

mately USD 1.2 billion (subject to certain adjustments at closing) and will be funded by a combination of internally generated cash and financing from foreign banks. The completion of the deal is subject to the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission and the Board of Investments. GMCP is a 604-MW subcritical coal-fired power plant, which started operations in 2014, while GNPD is a new project consisting of 2 x 668-

MW supercritical coal-fired power plant, located in Bataan. The first of the GNPD units is currently under construction and is targeting commercial operations in 2019. “The proposed acquisition of the indirect effective interests in GMCP and GNPD is in line with our target to increase our attributable net sellable capacity to 4,000 MW by 2020. We consider this acquisition very strategic as it gives us immediate earnings from the operating asset and incremental

capacity in the coming years from the plant under construction and its expansion. We are likewise looking forward to the completion of our pipeline projects, which include more baseload capacity as well as renewables,” AboitizPower CEO Erramon I. Aboitiz said. AboitizPower has investments in various thermal and renewable power generating facilities, and maintains a balanced mix of energy sources to provide ample and reliable power at competitive rates

AVAO City Water District advises of a water service interruption from 9:00 PM of October 8 to 2:00 AM of October 9 affecting some parts of Calinan, particularly, portion of Davao-Bukidnon Road (from Angel Funeral Homes to corner of Sampaguita Street) and entire Lanzona Village, Francisca Village, San Roque Village, Manga Compound, and immediate environs. This water service interruption is needed for the tapping of the newly installed 4-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at Purok 21, Manga Compound, Calinan. Once completed, said project will allow for accommodation of additional service connections. The DCWD management

asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 0925-5113293 and 09084410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II)

Synectics expands growing Asia Pacific profile in Manila

DAVAO LIGHT SUPPORTS RED CROSS. Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. formally turned over a P100,000 cheque to the Philippine Red Cross-Davao City Chapter last Oct. 4 at the Davao Light Ponciano Office. The donation is in support of the Red Cross’ Blood Samaritan and Disaster Management Training for Kids Projects. Shown in photo is Davao Light’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Arturo Milan(3rd from left)handing over the cheque to PRC Chairman of the Board

of Directors, Eduardo Pabillo (4th from right). Also in photo are (L-R): Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Specialist Joyce Dyan Fulgencio, Davao Light Reputation Enhancement Manager Fermin Edillon, Red Cross-Davao City Chapter Administrator Engr. Rogelio Aca, Red Cross Disaster Management Services Edwin Patalagsa, and Red Cross Blood Donor Recruitment Officer Rizh Abellano.

4 out of 5 taxpayers to benefit from DOF tax plan

LOSE to 4.7 million taxpayers who earn P250,000 or less per year will no longer have to pay personal income taxes by 2018 under Package One of the comprehensive tax reform program that the Department of Finance (DOF) has submitted to the Congress for its approval. Another half-million plus taxpayers earning between P250,000 and P400,000 will pay taxes equivalent to only 20% of their incomes in excess of P250,000, under the same DOF-proposed tax plan. These beneficiaries of the DOF tax plan represent fourfifths—or four out of every five taxpayers—of the total tax base for individual taxpayers, according to BIR data as of 2013. The tax plan’s Package One covers cuts in personal income tax (PIT) payments under a simplified, modified gross income system, plus revenue measures to offset losses from such PIT reductions. The DOF submitted to the Congress its proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act last month in keeping with the Duterte ad-

ministration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda. Finance Secrerary Carlos Dominguez III said the DOF tax bill was completed after the Department consulted with members of the Cabinet, legislators, former Secretaries of Finance, prominent economists, stakeholder and business groups, and with various foreign embassies, global financial institutions and joint foreign chambers signifying their support for the tax reform proposal. “Without reforming our tax system so that it becomes fairer, simpler and more efficient, government cannot undertake the volume of spending required in achieving our goals” of reducing poverty from 26 percent to 17 percent in six years and elevating the Philippines to the status of a high-income country in one generation,” Dominguez said. Reducing the personal income tax rate from 32 percent to 25 percent would be done over a two-year period benefiting most taxpayers except the “ultra-rich,” who are defined as individuals earning P5 million or more annually, Dominguez said.

Dominguez said the general rule behind the Duterte administration’s income tax reform plan is that the rich will have to pay more while poor and low-income Filipinos will pay less or none at all. Data from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) show that almost 40 percent of the 4,659,173 taxpayers who will benefit from income tax exemptions beginning 2018 are minimum wage earners. Of the total tax base for individuals totaling 5.6 million, minimum wage workers comprise a little more than a third of the taxpayers. The reformed personal income tax system of the DOF proposes six brackets in which those earning zero to P250,000 would pay zero tax beginning 2018, the planned first year of its implementation. Of the total tax base for individuals numbering 5,612,777 taxpayers, 1,752,009 or 31.2 percent of them are minimum wage earners, BIR data show. In the second bracket of the DOF-proposed income tax system are another half-million taxpayers earning P250,000 to P400,000 per year, who will

pay only 20 percent of their annual gross income in excess of P250,000. They comprise 10 percent of the total tax base for individual taxpayers. From 2019 and onwards, those in the second bracket would have to pay a personal income tax of only 15 percent. A total of 539,465 individual taxpayers would benefit from this lower tax rate under the second bracket. The third bracket covers those earning P400,000 to 800,000 who will pay P30,000 in tax plus 25 percent of their annual gross income in excess of P400,000. This bracket consists of 232,232 taxpayers representing 4 percent of the total tax base for individuals. The tax would be adjusted in 2019 and onwards so that those belonging to this bracket would pay a lower rate of P22,500 plus 20 percent in excess of P400,000. Those earning P800,000 to P2 million per year would pay a tax of P130,000 plus 30 percent in excess of P800,000. These taxpayers belong to the fourth bracket comprising 148,215 individuals or 3 percent of the tax base.

LOBAL surveillance business Synectics has been selected to supply an integrated surveillance solution for one of the world’s newest and largest gaming projects located just outside of Manila in the Philippines . The new casino resort will be home to the biggest gaming floor in the Philippines with around 500 gaming tables, 3,000 slot machines and several exclusive VIP and High Limit areas. As part of a multi-million pound contract, Synectics will supply an integrated enterprise-class surveillance solution for the luxury gaming and resort development. Designed around Synectics’ Synergy 3 command and control platform, the solution will monitor and record high-definition video from over 6,000 cameras, including 5,000 of Synectics latest HD IP domes and PTZs. The Synectics solution will also integrate live and recorded video with alarm and transactional data from slot machines, point-of-sale registers, baccarat tables, access control points and other third party systems for multi-layered, property-wide security. The system, developed with integration partner Empire Automation, is scheduled to be installed on the fourth quarter of 2016, ahead of the first phase opening of the resort by the end of this year. John Katnic , vice president of Global Gaming at Synectics, said: “This is an exciting and, in many ways, pioneering project for Synectics in the Asia Pacific gaming market. The resort owner’s ambitious goal was to achieve seamless integration between surveillance, security, gaming

and hospitality systems and to implement automated data-driven workflows based on property-wide situational awareness. This is the ideal project to showcase the full capabilities of our technology as well as demonstrate ROI through improved customer service, security and liability management. “For projects of this scale and complexity, the need for timely, relevant, and correlated data analysis is essential. It can offer operational insights into everything from stock management to training, marketing strategy to fraud detection, and dealer efficiency to cash cage security. With Synergy 3 as the backbone of their surveillance solution, this is achievable through a single unified platform,” Katnic said. The surveillance system will also utilize Synectics’ intelligent resiliency and failover capabilities, including edgebased IP camera recording and backfilling technology, to eliminate video data loss even in the event of a network outage. “This is another significant contract win for Synectics which underlines the strength of our credentials in Asia , and highlights our position as the preferred choice among premier gaming operators around the world,” Paul Webb, Synectics chief executive said. Synectics has provided solutions for several premier casino operators globally including Las Vegas , Macau Cotai, Singapore , Korea and the Philippines . The business’ end-to-end integrated surveillance technology monitors and manages more than 100,000 channels in over 100 of the largest, busiest and most tightly-regulated casinos in Asia, North America and Europe .

12 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

DCCCII picked finalist in tilt for top Asia-Pacific chamber

HE Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), the country’s winningest local chamber of commerce, is again one of the finalists for an overseas awards. This was learned in a letter dated October 5, 2016 received by DCCCII president Bonifacio T. Tan from Victor C. Y. Tseng, director general of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCCI) based in Taipei, Taiwan. Tseng told Tan the DCCCII is finalist for the Big Chamber Category of the

Seventh CACCI Local Chamber Awards. Tan or his designated representative is invited to come to Taipei, Taiwan for the final selection process. Tseng said the final judging is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN on November 23 at the Marriott Hotel, Taipei (Prosperity Room, 5F), in conjunction with the 30th CACCI Conference. “Members of the Board of Judges will interview you or your designated representative, along with the other finalists, to obtain additional information or seek clarification on your achievements,” Tseng wrote.

He said “prior to the interview, each of the finalists will be given at most 15 minutes to make a summary presentation of their achievements in each of the agreed criteria, namely: (a) Outstanding Services to Own Members; (b) Outstanding Services to Community; and (c) Participation in CACCI Activities and Projects.” The final winner will be determined on the basis of the results of the summary presentation and interview. The announcement of the winner will be made during the Gala Dinner on November 24. CACCI will provide the

finalists with US$ 500 each to subsidize their trip to Taipei, he said, adding that the eventual winner will receive a trophy and US$ 2,000. During the 30th CACCI conference on November 23-25 at the Marriot Hotel in Taipei, the winners of the 6th Asia-Pacific Young Entrepreneur Award and the 1st Asia-Pacific Women Entrepreneur Award will also be selected. A total of some 40 speakers and presenters are invited to the three-day gathering to tackle various aspects of the theme “The Rise of Asia: Taking a Bigger Role in the Global Economy.”

“It is one of our initiatives in upgrading our security campaign against terrorism following the Sept. 2 bomb attack,” Neri explained in a press briefing Wednesday morning. According to the TFD chief, the one-day lecture was attended by seasoned security who explained the dangers of terrorism and how this threat

can be effectively addressed. Neri pointed out that the involvement of the all members of the community will be crucial in securing the city from future terror attacks. “We can also raise the level of the vigilance of the civilians by conducting this kind of forum,” he said. He added that Task Force

Davao will continue to conduct anti-terrorism forums among different sectors in Davao City. “We will be also meeting with the security officers in schools and malls,” Neri said, noting that everyone should be responsible in helping to develop a culture of awareness, preparedness, and responsiveness among the pop-

ulace. To recall, a powerful blast ripped through the Roxas night market on Sept. 2, 2016, killing 14 people and injuring scores of others. The city was put on lockdown, as President Duterte declared a state of lawless violence soon after the bombing incident.

relationship,” he said. ”So you can tell that the tenor is not so much what economic benefits he can get from the country but that he is getting respect. And that’s exactly what the President apparently is wanting. He wants the Philippines to be on equal footing with others whether they’re big or not,” he added. President Duterte’s threat to break ties with the United States has emanated from the US’ criticism of the Philippine

government’s intensified war against illegal drugs. “The way he expresses himself, it is still that he wants an independent foreign policy. In other words, the breaking may not necessarily be a breaking up of alliances in that way,” Abella said. “Going back to the statement that he has made, it is basically expressing an independent policy. That it is not exclusive, that it is inclusive, that we are not be held down

by any just one treaty, for example,” he added. Last July, the Supreme Court has declared with finality that EDCA is constitutional agreement which provides for an increased rotational presence of US troops and use of Philippine military facilities by US forces. The Philippines and the US have a Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 and a Visiting Forces Agreement inked in 1998. (PNA)

In Mongolia, the economy is projected to grow only 0.1 percent, down from 2.3 percent in 2015, on weakening mineral exports and efforts to control debt. Papua New Guinea will see its economic growth at 2.4 percent in 2016, down from 6.8 percent in 2015, because of declining prices and output for copper and liquefied natural gas. By contrast, growth will remain buoyant in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. “Despite the favorable prospects, the region’s growth is subject to significant risks. A sharp global financial tightening, a further slowdown in world growth or a faster-than-anticipated slowdown in China would test East Asia’s resilience,” said Sudhir Shetty, Chief Economist of the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Region. “These uncertainties make it critical for policymakers to reduce financial and fiscal imbalances that have built up in recent years.” Immediate priorities in-

clude advancing reforms in its corporate sector and bringing credit growth under control in China; reducing the buildup of domestic and external financial risks in the other large economies; maintaining fiscal buffers and broadening revenue sources across the region, particularly for commodity producers; and addressing risks to fiscal sustainability in Mongolia and Timor-Leste. Over the longer term, the report highlights four areas where policy measures can promote inclusive growth. First, it recommends that China build on its past success in reducing poverty by improving access to basic public services for the rural population, and for the still growing number of migrants to the cities. Second, other countries in the region need to fill infrastructure gaps by rebalancing public expenditure, increasing public-private cooperation and improving the efficiency of public investment manage-

ment. Third, the report urges policymakers to address widespread malnutrition. High levels of childhood undernutrition persist in many countries, even relatively affluent ones, and lead to health and cognitive deficits that are difficult to reverse. The report recommends coordinated measures across a range of areas, including early childhood development programs and micronutrient interventions. Finally, the report recommends that countries harness the potential of technology in transforming financial services and increasing financial inclusion. The region is technologically advanced, with a high level of mobile phone penetration, but lags in access to financial services. To reap the gains from financial innovation, countries will need to strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks and enhance consumer protection. (World Bank)

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Centenarians... FROM 2 ments include the applicant’s birth/baptismal certificate, birth certificate of eldest child, OSCA ID, any valid Government ID and barangay certificate. He said senior citizens can directly proceed to the DSWD to submit their requirements instead of coursing them through OSCA. With almost 80,000 senior citizens in Davao City, Moran said their office is looking for ways to improve the delivery of services to its clients, which include a P5,000 burial assis-

tance and the P1,500 social pension which is released every quarter. With regards to the city’s celebration of Senior Citizen Week from October 1-7, the OSCA representative said various senior citizen associations in the city have decided to hold their celebrations at the district-level and no longer citywide as what they have done in the past. Activities lined up for the celebrations include pageants and various programs for the senior citizens, Moran said.

ADHD Society of the Philippines show that 80 percent of adolescents and 60 percent of adults show symptoms of ADHD. On the other hand, 40 to 50 percent of children with ADHD exhibit learning disabilities; 30 to 50 percent engage in disorderly conduct and show signs of anti-social behaviour; 35 percent do not finish high school; 25 percent oftentimes fight with other kids; and 20 to 25 percent experience hyperactivity. ADHD may seem like an alarming mental condition and should be a serious cause

of concern among those who are afflicted with the illness, or have relatives who have the disorder. However, history has shown that a number of adults were not only able to overcome their condition, but eventually became highly-productive and successful individuals. These include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Thomas Alva Edison, Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Bill Cosby, Donald Trump, Jack Nicholson, Robin Williams, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps and Jamie Oliver.

stop,” Manaloto said, adding he would comply with the request of Bukidnon and Lanao

del Norte, which are under the LTO’s jurisdiction in Northern Mindanao. (PNA)

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He attributed the increase in local jobs to the influx of investments in Davao and the rise of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. With regards to PESO’s efforts to boost overseas employment, Nidea said his office continues to conduct overseas recruitment seminars for applicants. Responding to President Duterte’s desire for Filipinos to work in the Philippines in-

stead of finding employment overseas, Nidea said, “We cannot prevent them from going out [of the country].” Meanwhile, Nidea said the PESO would also facilitate the annual Kabuhayan Job Fair organized by the office of Rep. Karlo Nograles from Oct. 7 to 8 at the NCCC Mall. Pre-registration for the fair was scheduled from Oct. 4 to5, but walk-in applicants will still be accepted. RIA VALDEZ

“At the EIF, brilliant minds will add acute business sense to creating deeper bonds between business and customers,” Globe Business said. Heath Slawner, a renowned strategic communication and leadership expert, will be the keynote speaker. Leadership experts such as Jay Jaboneta, Matec Villanueva, Jonathan Yabut and Francis Kong will be featured speakers at the event.

Previous EIFs were headlined by globally-renowned speakers which include MIT Leadership Center Executive Director Hal Gregersen, former Apple chief evangelist and best-selling author Guy Kawasaki, globally-recognized expert on innovation leadership Prof. Luke Williams, and a distinguished authority on customer-focused relationship management strategy Martha Rogers. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

Promoting better health outcomes with new and innovative researches T

HIRTY five researches were presented during the 6th Health Research and Development Expo last September 2223 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel. With the theme “Research and Innovations for Better Health Outcomes”, the expo provides opportunities to the researchers to showcase their health research results and a venue for educating the public on the completed health researches.

Prominent individuals in the field of medicine and research were present to share their insights and expertise during the plenary sessions. Dr. Isidro C. Sia, Director General of the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alterative Health Care (PITAHC), discussed Herbal Drug Development, while Dr. Cristina Torres, Professor at National Institute of Health- University of the Philippines and Thammasat Universi-

ty-Thailand, talked about Research Ethics. Dr. Warlito C. Vicente, Regional Health Research and Development Consortium XI (RHRDC XI) Chairman, thanked the audience for doing and accepting the challenge to provide health-related researches. “Kaya sa national level, talagang hindi tayo nabibitin. Palaging merong Region 11,” Dr. Vicente added. In the end, the University of the Immaculate

Conception dominated the competition and bagged seven awards. The Davao Medical School Foundation garnered three awards, while the University of the Philippines Mindanao got two. The winners will then represent Davao Region in the 11th Philippine National Health Research System Week celebration slated in 2017. To view the complete list of winners, visit region11.dost.gov.ph

NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT: PH NAME CFP NO. CONTRACT NO. 1.RUPERTO ROFEROS JR.

2.MELODINA POCONG

11184694 1005508 10293279

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 10/6,13,20

Ms. Gayle B. Lagmay from the University of the Philippines Mindanao presented her research entitled “Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Studies of Polyhydroxybutyrateco-hydroxyhexanoate ((PHB-HH)/TiO2 Nanocomposite Film”. She topped the Oral Presentation-Undergraduate Category.

Mr. Ian Gabrielle Cuyno from the University of Immaculate Conception ranked first in the Poster presentation- Undergraduate Category. His research was entitled “Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii among Urban Residents in Davao City, Philippines”.

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

Southwoods-Masters pulls away D

EFENDING champion Manila Southwoods-Masters nearly matched its opening day output Wednesday to build a commanding 23-point lead over Cebu Country Club (CCC) halfway through the 11th Philippines Ladies Interclub golf team championships at the Camp John Hay course. Top gun Pauline del Rosario led the charge with 56 points while Mikhaela Fortuna and Serafina Kim added 53 and 43, respectively as SW-Masters tallied 152 points for a two-day total of 305. The 17-year-old Del Rosario, who is set to turn pro next year, made eight consecutive pars before scoring her first birdie on the ninth hole. She was CLOSING IN. Andy Murray of Great Britain in practice.

other divisions was closer. Alabang Country Club slowed down with 131 points, but hung on to a nine-point lead over Valley Golf South. Scoring for ACC were Diane Jang 48, Ana Luisa Mendoza 45 and Joan Dayrit-Morales 38. Valley Golf South collected 125 points from Marielle Isabela Tee (50), Ma. Consuelo Fregil 38 and Evangeline Apuhin 37. Tied for third spot with 245 points were Tagaytay Highlands (118) and Rancho Palos Verdes (120). In the Sportswriters class, Eagle Ridge, led by Eden Hernandez’s 50 points, opened an eight-point lead over Camp Aguinaldo Team A. Eagle Ridge has a two-

round total of 246. Other scorers for Eagle Ridge were Jung Soon Hak (40) and Cathy Neish (35). Apo Golf was in far third with 227 after posting 112 points in the second round. Alabang Ladies Golf Chapter seized the lead in the Friendship bracket after drawing 105 points from Luarlyn Barclay (40), Videlyn Toralba (38) and Shirley Plaza (27). Alabang now has 200 points, 13 points ahead of first-day leader Wack Wack with Victorias taking the third spot with 177 points. Major sponsors of the 72-hole event include Solar Entertainment Corp., Airbus, Business Mirror, Mareco Broadcasting Network, People Asia and Manila Broadcasting

S e r b w h o has been ranked number one since July 2014. While on the face of it the gap still looks huge, Djokovic

is defending far more points than Murray until the end of the season and he will not be able to defend his China title after withdrawing due to an elbow injury. Djokovic, 29, finished last season in unstoppable form, winning in China, Shanghai and Paris before claiming the ATP Tour Finals. He has 3,800 points to defend for the rest of the season to Murray’s 1,160, meaning there is the possibility of a large swing in Murray’s direction. Should Murray win in China and take the 500 ranking points on offer he would move 1,000 points closer to Djokovic ahead of Shanghai where he lost to Djokovic in the semis a year ago. Murray has spoken of his desire to become the first British player to reach number one since computer rankings were introduced and with Djokovic apparently suffering injury

niggles he has a realistic shot. “I’ve never been there and it’s something I would like to do for the first time, which is maybe more of a motivation for me than some of the guys that have been there before,” he said. “But I want to just try and finish this year strong from a personal point of view. It’s been my best season to date, and I want to try to finish it as best as I can.” However, Murray has also had a gruelling year and needed to rest a thigh injury ahead of Beijing - a legacy of his Davis Cup exertions when he lost a five-set cliff-hanger to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro last month. “I needed a break anyway and I haven’t been able to practise as much as usual coming into an event like this,” he said. “But I feel healthy, my leg feels good. I think this week I need to be realistic with maybe how I’m going to play.

America, Asia has been the driving force behind the inclusion of the high-speed game in major multi-sports events. The sport has already been featured at the Asian Beach Games, Asian Indoor Games and Asian Youth Games and will be on show at the next Asian Games in 2018. It was also included at last year’s inaugural European Games in Azerbaijan and, significantly, was played at the first two Youth Olympics, which were both held in Asia. The IOC has introduced new rules giving Olympic hosts more power and flexibility in choosing their own sports and disciplines, and a decision on the final programme for Tokyo is expected in June 2017 with three-on-three hoops among

the list of candidates. “There’s a lot of discussions going on,” Nicolas Widmer, a three-on-three development assistant for FIBA, said. “It won’t replace five-on-five, it would be an addition. It’s a new discipline so it doesn’t mean adding a new sport, it’s a new discipline from the sport of basketball and that’s how we are bidding.” Widmer was among a FIBA delegation that travelled to central Vietnam to monitor the three-on-three tournament at the Asian Beach Games. Played outdoors in a temporary venue next to Danang’s main tourist beach, Widmar said the tournament was a great advertisement for the sport’s popularity and increasing diversity, with the stands packed at every ses-

sion.

gap separating them. T h e Briton has enjoyed one of the best years of his career, winning Wimbledon and the Olympics, and could still finish the season by toppling the

3X3 pushed for Olympics

SIA’S growing fascination with threeon-three basketball, the game’s half-court version which is already hugely popular in streets and backyards the world over, has given the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) fresh hope that it can get the sport into the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. FIBA’s previous attempts to win Olympic status for the abbreviated format have failed, but the governing body is more optimistic than ever before because of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) stated desire to include more sports that appeal to younger generations. Although three-on-three basketball fits that criteria and has its own roots in urban

Corp. Other backers are Philippine Daily Inquirer, Fonterra, Mega Fiber, Mastercard, Tanduay Distillers and Zalora.

The results: Championship: Manila Southwoods Masters 305 (153, 152) Cebu Country Club 279 (149, 130) Founders: Alabang Country Club 276 (145, 131) Valley Golf South 265 (140, 125) Tagaytay Highlands Ladies Chapter 245 (127, 118) Rancho Palosverdes 245 (125, 120) The Orchard Team 1 226 (131, 95) Manila Southwoods Legend 223 (110, 113) Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club 221 (120, 101) Del Monte 214 (111, 103) Sportswriters: Eagle Ridge 246 (121, 125) Camp

Aguinaldo Team A 238 (119, 119) Apo Golf 227 (115, 112) Camp John Hay Golf Club 222 (106, 116) Davao City Golf Club 220 (109, 111) Manila Golf & Country Club Inc. 211 (108, 103) Anvaya Cove Golf & Sports Club 209 (105, 104) Valley North 206 (102, 104) Pueblo de Oro Golf Team 197 (101, 96) Iloilo Golf 196 (90, 106) Lady Eagles Australia/ New Zealand Golfers 195 (98, 97) Bacolod Golf & Country Club 191 (94, 97) Friendship: Alabang Ladies Golf Chapter 200 (95, 105) Wack Wack Golf 187 (99, 88) Victorias Team 177 (97, 80) Baguio Country Club 172 (92, 80) Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club Team B 171 (89, 82) The Orchard Team 2 166 (80, 86) Port Moresby 150 (76, 74)

CHASING NO. 1 Smart Bro backs UFC Murray closes in on Djokovic

NDY Murray begins his l ate-season assault on Novak Djokovic’s world number one ranking at the China Open this week hoping to take a chunk out of the 4,695-point

one-under through 15 holes before finishing with back-toback birdies and a bogey. Fortuna, on the other hand, had two birdies against four bogeys. “It’s too early to celebrate. There are still two days left. CCC can still play better,” said SW-Masters captain Marie Claire Wong who did not count for the team with 42 points. After a respectable 149 points Tuesday, CCC struggled with 130 points. Mary Kim Hong was CCC’s top scorer with 49 points followed by Jyra Mae Wong (44). The third scorer was either Catrina Martinez or Riko Nagai who each had 37. Competition in the

Universal discipline Qatar won the men’s gold medal, beating Mongolia in the final, while Iraq won the bronze in thrilling fashion, with their Texan-based centre Abdullah Hassan Ali draining a buzzer-beater from outside the arc to seal his team’s onepoint win. China, which has already started a national programme to develop specialist three-onthree players, won the women’s gold, beating Thailand in the final, while Taiwan collected the bronze. “It’s a new opportunity for new countries, and we’ve seen some really good examples at the Asian Beach Games,” Widmer said.

Fight Night Manila

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thousands of fans are expected to celebrate their love for the sport. UFC Fans and subscribers can also monitor and curate their awesome UFC moments by using the #SmartBroUFC. “Smart Bro is thrilled to bring the world’s fastest-growing sport to more Filipinos, and be part of UFC FIGHT NIGHT® Manila: LAMAS vs. PENN, exciting fans and subscribers with unparalleled offers and experiences in this epic event,” said Gary Dujali, vice president and consumer broadband marketing head. Fans can get a chance to have exclusive UFC experiences by signing up for Smart Bro’s best offers, such as the iPad Mini 2 at only P599 a month.

UFC Fly-off, exclusive Max Holloway meet-and-greet Under its partnership with UFC, Smart Bro has given subscribers the ultimate UFC experiences, including sending lucky subscribers to watch the recent UFC 200 live at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and hosting an exclusive meet and greet with featherweight title contender Max “Blessed” Holloway at the Smart Flagship Store. Smart Bro has also hosted UFC live viewing parties with special perks for Smart Bro subscribers. Powered by Smart Bro’s fast and reliable connection, subscribers can also enjoy the UFC Fight Pass, a digital platform providing fans with exclusive UFC content and access to the world’s largest library of fight content. To find out more about the upcoming UFC consumer promotions for Smart Bro subscribers, visitwww.smart.com. ph/UFC and follow Smart’s accounts on Facebook (www. facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

LA SALLE’S NEW GEM Jed Diamante shines in rookie season

SPORTS 15

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

HE greatest challenge athletes face in college is trying to keep their slot in the varsity team and at the same time making the grades in class. It does not help either if you are in a University that keep high standards of excellence in both academics and sports. Make Jed Diamante an exception. The football phenom from Davao is making waves not just as a rookie member of the De La Salle University football team, but also as a sophomore Civil Engineering student. Playing central midfielder for coach Hans Peter Smit, the 18-year old Jed is one of the reliable players of the Green booters during the Season 78 of the UAAP. As a freshman, the former Junior Azkals standout knocked in two goals for the Green booters joining his brothers Gelo and Gio at the

forefront of La Salle’s offensive sock. Right in his debut game in the UAAP, Diamante introduced himself to the league in style with a goal against the University of the Philippines. “The first round game vs UP was the most unforgettable for me. It was when I scored my first ever UAAP goal,” he told Edge Davao in an interview. Off the pitch, Diamante is aso scoring high marks in class making it to the tough Dean’s List from the first term. He had an astounding 3.807 GPA despite the tough schedule and the pressures as an athlete. In a recent interview with ABS-CBN, Diamante shared his secret in succeeding in both school and sports. “I grew up being taught that it’s possible to strive for excellence in everything I do. It was football that taught me how to manage my time.” Not only that, he did it in

a course that’s not usually

AKE no mistake about it, Ginebra San Miguel is as thrilled as anone can be to be back in the Finals. The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings completely outplayed their counterparts from sister team San Miguel as they cruised to a 117-92 victory to book a long awaited return to PBA Finals on Tuesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. Ginebra clinched the bestof-five series, 3-2, as they advanced to the Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup finals opposite Meralco. It will be their first finals appearance since the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup. Import Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 26 points while rookie Scottie Thompson had a huge night with a career-high 24 points and 15 rebounds. Sol Mercado added 22 markers, including five triples while LA Tenorio had a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists in the win. The Kings also harassed SMB’s two-time reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo into a difficult night as ‘The Kraken’ failed to make a single field

goal in the entire game, finishing with only seven points. He was shown sitting on the bench in the dying minutes with a towel draped over his head. Barangay Ginebra pitched a perfect game in the first quarter, where they jumped out to their first huge margin. Thompson fired up the team with some aggressive play early and Mercado came to life as he tossed up three-pointer after three-pointer for the Kings, who rattled off 19 unan-

swered points to close the period leading, 33-12. That run continued in the second quarter as Ginebra made back-to-back baskets to make it a whopping 25-point lead, 37-12, with 11 minutes left in the second. Alex Cabagnot finally broke San Miguel’s scoreless spell that lasted over six minutes with an and-one finish. That sparked the Beermen, who came back with a furious run of their own. With Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos blasting away

what athletes take in order to ensure playing qualification. “It’s true when people say that civil engineering is a tough course. But, I look at it as a challenge,” he said in that interview. “Because I knew I had less time for studying and doing what the people my age are doing, I had to learn how to set my priorities to be as efficient and effective as possible in my endeavors. And also, I really love the sport. It’s one of the things that I look forward to whenever I wake up.” As to playing as the third Diamante to suit up for DLSU, the promising young booter said: “I really enjoyed playing with Kuya Gelo in the same team

GEM OF A PLAYER. Jed Diamante is De La Salle’s finest gem in the UAAP football tournament.

because we were able to bring the passion we shared while growing up to the field. There was an instant chemistry between us because more or less, we were nurtured by the same coaches. Though we have different playing styles, we know how the other thinks.” Asked to assess his first year stint with DLSU in the UAAP, Diamante said it was a great year because he got the chance to learn

from his seniors and he was able to do his best to contribute to the team. “All I can say is that I still have so much to learn and experience to be able to help the team win the next championships,” he said. And what would that key to win the championship be? “To win next season, we have to play better quality football and to be hungrier for the title.” Jed couldn’t say it even better. He brings all that to the table.

Ginebra thrilled to be back in the Finals Cone downplays M Ginebra chances from beyond the arc and Cabagnot providing scoring and playmaking, SMB responded with a 24-0 run of their own. Santos finished on a fastbreak layup at the 3:15 mark of the game to come back to within a single point, 37-36. Brownlee then finally ended an eight-minute drought for Ginebra, hitting a three from the right corner while Tenorio would add another triple a few minutes later to gain back some breathing room.

NOT BITING. Scottie Thompson of Ginebra did not bite to the head fake of Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer.

HE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings are back in the PBA Finals for the first time since 2013 and there’s only one hurdle left between them and the Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup crown – first-time finalists Meralco. But Ginebra coach Tim Cone warned not to buy the idea that these Bolts are any less experienced just because they’ve only now made it to the title series. “They’re not first timers. You have Norman (Black) out there who was a veteran coach. I remember when I entered the PBA in 1989, Baby Dalupan was on his way to retirement and Norman was the benchmark,” Cone told sportswriters after the game. “I spent years chasing Norman in terms of number of championships. It’s the leadership out there, which is more important. I don’t think they’re newbies.” Cone has since been able to overtake not only Black but also Dalupan to become the league’s winningest coach with 18 championships as compared to Black – who is

seeking his 12th title in these finals. Aside from Black, the Ginebra coach also pointed to the championship pedigree of other members of the team, including long-time TNT and Gilas Pilipinas point guard Jimmy Alapag. “You have Jimmy Alapag out there playing for the team and he’s such a great leader and you have Luigi Trillo, who has become a thorn on my side when we went up against Alaska that we were such having a difficult time because he knows what the things I’m doing,” Cone said. “Meralco dominated Talk ‘N Text and beat them for three straight games. I think they’re the more experienced team, not us.” According to PBA head of stats Fidel Mangonon III, Cone will be coaching in the finals for the 30thtime and looking to win his 19th title. His Kings will be looking to win their first title since the 2008 Fiesta Conference. The Bolts are in the finals for the very first time since entering the league back in 2011.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 160 â&#x20AC;¢ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016