Edge Davao 9 Issue 165 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

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DOWNPOUR. A pedestrian braves the heavy downpour along E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City yesterday afternoon. Davao Region is experiencing unusually strong tropical rains for the past days which caused flooding and landslides in some municipalities in the province. Lean Daval Jr.

CITY UNVEILS ROXAS MARKER By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

ORTY days after Roxas night market bombing that killed 15 people and scores of others, the City Government of Davao on Tuesday unveiled a marker to honor the memories of the victims and survivors of the tragic incident. The unveiling of the marker was led by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who personally designed it. In her remarks at the unveiling ceremony, the mayor explained the marker’s three layers symbolized heaven, man and earth. She said the city government wanted the marker’s design to be “labored” to celebrate the memories of those who have passed away.

“We want a marker that is labored so that we will never forget what happened, we put a living plant there because every day we will take good care of it, we will always remember what happened so that we will always be vigilant,” the mayor said. “The tree symbolizes those who died during the incident,” she noted. Mayor Duterte-Carpio said the marker will serve as reminder to the people of Davao not to be complacent so that such senseless attacks can be prevented. Meanwhile, the marker has also become a symbol of hope for the blast victims and their kin who have started to pick up the pieces of their

shattered lives. According to Angie Laura Grecia, the marker will encourage the city’s residents not to be cowed by the terror attack, and instead rise above the incident. “I hope that this marker won’t remind us of the pain, but how we stand up as one. Let us continue to pray for the souls of the victims and their family to help them move forward,” she said. On the other hand, Dennis Larrida, who wife Melanie Faith and 12-year-old Deniel Josh perished in the blast, said he continues to pray for those who lost their loved ones for the victims who are still recovering from their injuries.

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City prepares for Undas

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE City Transport and Traffic Management Group (CTTMO) is proposing a traffic rerouting scheme that aims to prevent gridlock during the city’s commemoration of Undas or All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Rhodelio Poliquit, CTTMO head, said in Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press briefing the re-routing scheme will be carried out in order to address the expected heavier flow of vehicles and pedestrians in the city’s cemeteries.

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DENDEN’S HK HUNT P16

Poliquit recalled that among the routes the CTTMO focused its operations on last year were Fr. Selga Street, Sarenas, and the Buhangin-Cabantian road, while the entry of vehicles along

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FLYIN’ AT EDEN P14

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

THE PRESIDENT AND THE ROCK. President Duterte looks at the painting of Ayumi Endo, featuring him and Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, in Malacañang’s President’s Hall on Tuesday evening. KING RODRIGUEZ/Presidential Photo

KMP told: “Stop T blaming the Army”

Matobato’s new lawyer files motion to reduce bail By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

NSTEAD of blaming the army for its alleged involvement in the killing of a farmer-leader, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division urged leaders of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) to stop the ‘blame game’ and instead cooperate in the ongoing investigations being conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP). To recall, Jimmy Saypan, secretary-general of the Compostela Farmers Association (CFA), died Tuesday afternoon in a hospital in Tagum City after being shot by unidentified gunmen on Monday , Oct. 10, in New Visayas, Montevista, Compostela Valley, In a statement released on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10th ID

Chief Information Officer Capt. Rhyan Batchar scored KMP Secretary General Antonio Flores for accusing the military of being responsible for Saypan’s killing. “The 10th ID strongly condemns the statement of KMP secretary general Antonio Flores on his unfounded allegation blaming the 10th ID on the death of Jimmy Saypan,” Batchar said in a statement to the media. In a statement sent to media on Tuesday, the KMP blamed the 10th ID for Saypan’s killing. According to Flores, Saypan led the evacuation of some 370 families in Barangay Ngan due to alleged militarization and human rights abuses per-

petrated by the elements of the 25th and 66th IBs. Another KMP leader in Davao region, Pedro Arnado joined the call for the government to castigate the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its auxiliary forces for the spate of peasant killings in the country. Batchar on the other hand, urged the KMP to provide information that could shed light on Saypan’s death and help the PNP in its investigations. He also assured the public the 10th ID fully supports the on-going police probe, and will facilitate the appearance of personnel who can help in the PNP probe. “We further call on all concerned to wait for the results

of the on-going police investigation on the matter before making any conclusion on the killing of Mr. Saipan,” Batchar said. The military spokesman also asked the KMP to “go beyond their usual propaganda [and] instead allow the proper investigation to take place to give justice to the death of Saypan.” Batchar also encouraged concerned individuals and groups to file appropriate charges against any of their personnel who commit any crime. “We do not tolerate any misbehavior of our troops and will be very grateful to those who will help us purge our ranks of misfits,” he added.

facilities. More than 60 senior TB coordinators and managers from the BJMP, the BuCor, and the Department of Health joined the workshop on “TB case-finding mechanisms in the penitentiary system” to see how best practices—such as entry screening, cough surveillance, and mass screen-

ing—could be systematically replicated across the country and eventually reduce number of people affected by the contagious disease. “Based on three years of TB control programs in our pilot sites—the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and Quezon City Jail (QCJ)—intensified TB detection methods such as mass

screenings helped capture the cases that had been missed. We hope the workshop will help consolidate the approach on improving TB case detection in detention places,” said Beatriz Karottki, health coordinator of the ICRC. The Philippines is one of the top 30 high-burden coun-

Intensify detection of TB in jails - ICRC H

EALTH representatives from key government agencies gathered today for a three-day workshop organized by the ICRC with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to discuss the most effective ways of detecting tuberculosis (TB) in detention

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HE newly-appointed legal counsel of self-confessed Davao Death Squad (DDS) member Edgardo Matobato has filed an urgent motion to reduce the bail of his client. Atty. Jude Sabio, who replaced Matobato’s former lawyer Gregorio Andolana, filed the motion yesterday at the Davao City Hall of Justice. The motion was made in light of the Municipal Trial Court for Cities (MTCC) Branch 3 decision to increase the Matobato’s bail bond from P2,000 to P60,000. According to Sabio, Matobato’s camp questioned the court’s ruling to raise his cli-

ent’s bail bond. “I think President [Rodrigo] Duterte may have influenced the court to increase his [Matobato’s] bail bond to complicate things for our side,” the lawyer said. The City Prosecutor’s Office, on the other hand, explained they made an oversight when they pegged Matobato’s bail at P2,000 instead of P60,000. Davao City Prosecutor Joy Bernales-Largo also denied allegations their office increased the bail due to vested interests, saying “we are not harassing Matobato” in the vernacular. MTCC Branch 3, on the

ONTRARY to former President Fidel V. Ramos’ observation, President Duterte has a long-term vision for the Philippines based on the national government’s “AmBisyon 2040.” ”The President does have a long-term vision. It hasn’t really been expounded on, it’s not public knowledge but he does have a vision for that,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing. ”In fact, even in his inaugural speech, the President described his vision for Filipinos as a comfortable life for all. It is basically a short common phase in order to be able to articulate what is already fully articulated in “AmBisyon

2040,” he added. Last Tuesday, President Ramos said Duterte has yet to lay down his long-term strategic vision for the country. Abella said President Duterte’s three-fold mission include: to reduce poverty from 26 to 17 percent; to establish an orderly society by reducing crime, corruption and illegal drugs; and, to seek lasting peace with communist and Moro rebels. ”In other words, to seek a peaceful nation, no internal wars, to have orderly communities, to have just and fair dealings, and prosperity which are opportunities for all,” Abella said.

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Palace answers FVR C

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

TOFARM Film Festival opens in Davao City T By RIA VALDEZ

HE highly-anticipated TOFARM Film Festival was officially launched yesterday at Cinema 4 of SM Davao Ecoland. The agriculture-themed festival, which featured six short films highlighting the plight of the country’s farmers, was attended by the members of the media, farmers, and students. In his remarks during the festival’s opening, festival director Maryo J. de los Reyes said the agriculture sector is close to his heart, as his parents gave him a farm before they passed away. “I’ve been making films for a long time but they were never about farmers,” de los Reyes said. The multi-awarded director emphasized the aim of the festival is to present the nation’s farmers as heroes. According the de los Reyes, the six films featured in the festival have received very good reviews from both viewers and critics. For instance, Zig Dulay’s “Paglipay,” a love story between an Aeta boy and a Manila boy was well received. Another fan favourite, he said, was Maricel Cariaga’s “Pitong Kabang Palay” a tear-jerker, family-oriented movie. In the meantime, De los Reyes said that festival organizers are also planning to

bring the films to barangays across the country. “We want to reach people in the barangays,” he said, explaining his group will organize caravans in barangays and screen the films in barangay halls. De los Reyes urged Dabawenyos to watch all the films featured at the festival, and give farmers a chance to view the movies wherein they are the real stars. Meanwhile, Don Lanzar, president of JCI Davao, a supporter and co-organizer of TOFARM, explained that TOFARM actually started as an award-giving organization that feted the country’s outstanding farmers. However, Universal Harvester Inc. (UHI), the main organizer of TOFARM, wanted to drum up support for the initiative, and thus thought of using film as a creative medium to present the struggles of Filipino farmers. The TOFARM Film Festival premiered in Manila last July and since then has been holding screenings in cinemas nationwide. The Davao leg of TOFARM will run from Oct.12-18. Festival organizers are offering a Buy 1, Treat 1 promo, wherein each ticket purchased by a viewer will entitle one to watch any of the festival’s six films. Tickets are priced at P160.

of Public Works on Highways (DPWH) in relation to flood control. Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, acknowledged the need for the LRTMRT Common Station for the convenience of the riding

More transport woes surface at‘emergency powers’hearing HE fourth Senate hearing on the proposed emergency powers on Wednesday tackled several transport woes that were not addressed in previous hearings, including the LRTMRT Common Station, NLEXSLEX Connector Road and input from the Department

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BLAST UPDATES. Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Chief Senior Supt. Valeriano de Leon gives updates on the three suspects of the Sept. 2 Roxas night market bombing exactly 40 days after the deadly blast killed 15 and

injured 68 others. De Leon was among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

Mayor Sara lauds authorities anew for arrest of market blast suspects D By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS AVAO City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio has once again lauded authorities for apprehending the primary suspects of Sept 2 Roxas night market blast that killed 15 people and injured 70 others. According to the mayor, the arrest of the suspected perpetrators is a welcome development for the people of Davao, in general, and for victims and their relatives, in

particular It can be recalled the three suspects in the Roxas bombing were arrested in Cotabato City by members of the Army’s Intelligence Security Group. Mayor Duterte-Carpio hopes the suspects’ capture will eventually lead to the suppression and dismantling of terrorist groups who want to sow chaos across the country. Meanwhile, Special Investigation Task Group (SITG)

Chief Valeriano de Leon bared the efficient coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) regional units led to the immediate arrest of the suspects. “We are waiting for the formal reports from the arresting officers in PRO-ARMM,” de Leon said, adding the PNP’s consolidated report on the arrest is now being prepared.

The CITG chief said the PNP will continue its investigation on the blast in order to find out if there are more people involved. He added the case will be forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila once all the evidence is gathered and verified. Despite the arrest of blast suspects, de Leon reminded the people of Davao to remain vigilant.

HE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will no longer be invited to the Senate inquiry into extrajudicial killings after some Senators took offense to a recent statement of one of CHR official.

Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon, chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, confirmed the CHR would no longer be invited unless Commissioner Roberto Eugenio Cadiz apologized for calling him a coward.

“It should be the CHR that should apologize and they should castigate (Roberto Eugenio) Cadiz,” Gordon said, referring to the CHR commissioner. To recall, Cadiz earlier slammed the Senate for sus-

pending the supposed threeday inquiry last Oct. 3 after a heated exchange among senators. Cadiz called Gordon a coward for suspending the hearing simply after witness

CHR not invited to Senate inquiry on EJKs T DOJ to submit illegal possession of arms raps vs Davao blast suspects

MANPOWER SHORTAGE. City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) Head Rhodelio Poliquit bares the agency has a shortage of personnel due to the establishment of satellite offices in Toril and Tibungco and due to the

ongoing road constructions around the city which have cause traffic congestion especially during rush hours. Poliquit made the disclosure in yesterday’s AFPPNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

F CHR, 10

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to submit for resolution the charges against three members of the Maute Terrorist Group who have been identified as the alleged perpetrators of the Davao City blast last Sept. 2. During the preliminary investigation held at the DOJ on Wednesday, the three suspects were presented and identified as TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, Wendel Apostol Facturan, and Musali Mustapha, who are facing raps for violation of Republic Act 9516 for illegal possession of explosives, firearms and ammunition filed by CIDG and AFP. Atty. Maria Elisa Jonalyn Barquez, lawyer of the three respondents, based on their counter-affidavits, denied the accusations against them.

Barquez said the three suspects denied they were arrested on board a motorcycle with no license plate in a mobile checkpoint by joint elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City. According to Barquez, only Macabalang and Mustapha were riding in the same motorcycle when they were arrested, contrary to the earlier reports that that three of them were riding in one motorcycle. Facturan was arrested in a separate police operation in Cotabato City. Confiscated from the suspects were various components for improvised explosive devices, a sub-machine gun, a .45 caliber pistol, their motorcycle, and various cellular phones. (PNA)

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

Kidapawan being eyed as center for abaca research T T

HE Department of Agriculture - Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (DA - PhilFIDA) plans to make this city the center for abaca production and research in the country, a PhilFIDA official said. Victor Probido, Phil FIDA executive director, said steps are underway to fully realize the establishment of a modern nursery for abaca production in the country. “We should revive the

glory of abaca because it has a huge market potential in the future,” Probido said Tuesday as guest speaker to the first- ever Forum on Abaca Farming and Production here. Probido noted that it was DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol who chose the city for the establishment of the Center for Abaca Research and Development, Production and Nursery Propagation. Once fully operational,

DEV’T TALK. DILG Secretary Mike Sueno talks to Cong. Ruel Pacquiao, Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, Vice Gov. Elmer de Peralta, Glan Mayor Victor James Yap, other mayors and board members during the 17th Lubi-Lubi Festival in

the center would oversee the proposed expansion of abaca nursery, pest and disease control; education and training for farmers; and moving farmers as entrepreneurs to fully-enjoy their investments. Under the program, the government would provide the seedlings and financial assistance to the abaca farmers. The program aims to boost the annual abaca production in Region 12 from

One-Stop-Shop for OFWS to open in Koronadal City

1,713 to 3,000 metric tons for the abaca-producing provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sarangani. Abaca is used for various industrial products such as fabrics, car dashboards, fiberglass; fashion and decorative accessories; furniture, garments, textile, and packaging materials. The city council here has passed a resolution urging Congress to declare abaca as the national plant. (PNA)

celebration of the 102nd Foundation Anniversary of the municipality of Glan on Oct. 8. Sec. Sueno discussed ways of improving economic and development activities in the province. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

HE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 will unveil next week the region’s OneStop Service Center (OSSC) for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Albert Gutib, DOLE Region 12 acting regional director, said Wednesday they established the facility at the fourth level of the city hall building of Koronadal City, the region’s administrative seat and center. He said the soft launching of the Region 12 OSSCO is slated on Oct. 17. “The OSSCO will make available and accessible all government frontline services for residents currently working and planning to work overseas,” he said. The official credited the assistance extended by the city government of Koronadal led by City Mayor Peter Miguel in the establishment of the OSSCO. He specifically cited the provision of the space at the Koronadal City hall building “to make it easier for OFWs to avail the services of the government.” It will mainly reduce the transportation expenses of their clients and shorten the processing time of documents, he said. Gutib said all concerned government agencies in the region have committed to offer their services at the facility starting Oct. 17. These includes the processing of passports and applications for validity extension for vacationing workers by the Department of Foreign Affairs;

processing of membership and renewal to the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration; and, processing of assistance for competency assessment, verification of certificates and special order, training assistance and scholarship program, and assistance for replacement of national certificates and certificates of competency with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Other agencies that will open their services at the OSSCO are the Professional Regulation Commission, Maritime Industry Authority, Home Development Mutual Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Social Security System, Philippine Statistics Authority, Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Higher Education and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III earlier pushed for the establishment of OSSCOs in all regions in the country in line with President Duterte’s directive to streamline various processes involving documentary requirements of OFWS and other workers. The opening of the OSSCO in Region 12 was supported by local government units and other stakeholders. Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (PNA)

grams, P500 marked bill used in the buy-bust, and a Nokia cellular phone, he said. Aspacio said the operation was an offshoot of reports they received from the community regarding the illegal activities of the suspect. “The suspect is known for his illegal drug activities in the area wherein his customers are mostly tricycle and habal-habal drivers,” he said. Aspacio said Rosal con-

ducts his illegal business transactions using a cellular phone. The suspect, who is temporarily detained at the PDEA-12 headquarters here, is currently undergoing interrogation, he said. Aspacio said Rosal will be charged for violation of Section 5 or selling of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)

RPOC-12 creates ‘Shabu’supplier nabbed in Koronadal seat for IP rep A T

HE Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of Region 12 has expanded its membership to facilitate the inclusion of a representative from the region’s indigenous people’s (IP) sector. South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes, RPOC-12 chair, said Wednesday an additional seat for the IPs was created to ensure proper representation for the sector in the council’s activities and initiatives. She said the move was made following a recent panel discussion by regular members of the council. “We need to open representation for our IPs so we can hear out their struggles and help address issues and concerns regarding their rights and welfare,” the governor said. Fuentes cited that the inclusion of an IP representative to RPOC is mandated by law. “We have a law that reminds us to take them in our forum as it will be an opportunity for them to express their concerns and also help us iron out problems that need their expertise,” she said.

Fuentes said the IP representative will take part as a member of the regional crisis management committee. The representative will be assigned to assist in resolving various issues, among them land grabbing, land-related conflicts and food security, she said. She cited, as example, the protest actions staged earlier this year in the cities of Kidapawan and Koronadal that involved a huge number of IPs. “Most of the peace and order concerns in the region actually involve them,” she said. The governor said they are set to create a system to facilitate the proper selection of the sector’s representative to the council. She noted there are concerns regarding the legitimacy of some IP leaders in the area. “That is a problem right now because everybody wants to sit as IP representative. But let me remind you that we want a legitimate representative to spare us from bigger problems later on,” Fuentes said. Not all provinces in the re-

F RPOC-12, 10

NTI-DRUG operatives arrested an alleged illegal drugs supplier of tricycle and habal-habal (single motorcycle) in Koronadal City in a drug buy-bust operation on Tuesday night. Lyndon Aspacio, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 director, identified the suspect as Chairon Garrido Rosal, 25, a resident of Block 2 of Saint Gabriel Subdivision, Barangay Zone 3

in Koronadal City. He said they nabbed suspect near his house at around 6:30 p.m. after selling a sachet of suspected metamphetamine hydrochloride shabu to a PDEA agent who posed as a buyer. Recovered from Rosal, who is known as a welder and tricycle driver, were a small rectangular-shaped transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing around 0.03

EDUCATION CHAMPION. Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon graces the 48th Foundation Anniversary of the James L. Chiongbian National Trade School (JLC-NTS) on Oct. 7. Gov. Solon congratulated JLC-NTS and called it “trail blazer” as it leads region in terms of academic accomplishments, has

the best K-12 implementation in the province, and bagged championship in numerous street dancing competitions. JLC-NTS, formerly Kling National High School, was named after the first Congressman of Sarangani, James L. Chiongbian. (Kim Tiblani/PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR’S OFFICE)

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

Rise in local interest rates modest - BSP A RANKING central bank official said a modest increase in domestic interest rates is expected, as the central bank mops up more excess liqudity from the system. Results of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Term Deposit Facility (TDF) auction on Wednesday showed that tenders for the seven-day facility remain high at P35.03 billion against the P10 billion offering. Bid coverage ratio stood at 3.5033, lower than the 3.52 during the auction last week. For the 28-day facility, the P100 billion offering received P196.91 billion bids resulting to a bid coverage ratio of 1.9691, which, on the other hand, is higher than last week’s 1.87 ratio. The auction committee made full award for both tenors. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Gunigundo said the decrease in the bid coverage ratio for the shorter term facility is due to the volume of excess liqudity that the central bank continues to mop up.

“As we migrate overnight funds into the seven-day and 28-day placements, we see the beginning of a modestly upward path of interest rates for longer maturities,” he said, referring to the 2.55 percent net average accepted yield for the longer term TDF. Gunigundo said the central bank’s key policy rate, which to date is at three percent, “continues to provide the guidance to market rates.” “Considering that inflation rate is moving closer to the target and talks about the impending US Fed (Federal Reserve) normalization remain live, the trajectory even for interbank rates is indeed moving towards the policy rate,” he said. “But overall, we should continue to see interest rates remaining broadly low and stable with modest upward drift, and inflation moving towards the midpoint of the target inflation range of two to four percent. Hence, one can see that indeed current monetary policy settings remain appropriate,” he added. (PNA)

UPGRADED. Royal Mandaya Hotel General Manager Benjamin Banzon (center), together with Sales Manager Elvie Buquiron (right) and Marketing Manager Megzyl Rose Jolejole, briefs members of the media on the facilities and features of the hotel’s newly-upgraded Lantawan Hall during its re-launching yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

CA confirms Dominguez By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

VP urges bizmen, farmers T to partner for rural dev’t

ICE President Maria Leonor Robredo has urged the business community to partner with small-scale farmers to spur growth in rural areas. During the 42nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City Wednesday, Robredo told businessmen to help smallholder farmers engage in high-value supply chains. “What is crucial in our agenda of rural development is nurturing a sense of entrepreneurship among our farmers,” Robredo said. “Too often, our small-scale farmers lose out to larger manufacturers and conglomerates. That’s usually because they have limited access to training

opportunities or the appropriate technology to grow their enterprises,” she, however, noted. The Vice President stressed the need for rural development, as communities in rural areas have suffered from poverty for generations. Robredo likewise cited that linking secondary education to fast-growing industries such as local tourism, manufacturing, agri-business, and fisheries development will push for innovation in these sectors and spur growth in rural areas. “By linking our youth to the right livelihood sectors— and by arming them with the proper skills—we can induce innovation in those industries, most of which are in the countryside,” said Robredo. (PNA)

ISK-OFF attitude resulted in the further weakening of the Philippine peso and the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) Wednesday. The local unit posted a new seven-year low of 48.54 from the previous session’s 48.52 close. A trader said the local currency saw directional trading, especially in the morning session due to risk aversion and rising US Treasury yields. “Foreign selling in the equities market also hurt the peso,” the trader said. The local currency’s weakness showed early on when it opened the day at 48.57 from Tuesday’s 48.50. It traded between 48.53 and 48.61, resulting in an average of 48.58.

Volume of trade reached USD713.5 million, lower than day-ago’s USD775 million. The trader said he expects the currency pair to trade between 48.50 and 48.70 Thursday. Similarly, the PSEi shed 1.21 percent or 91 points to end the day at 7,429.82 points. The All Shares index registered a higher drop of 1.34 percent or 60.19 points to 4,429.84 points. The sub-indices were led by Mining and Oil in terms of losses after declining by 2.11 percent. It was followed by the Financials, Property, Services, Industrial and Holding Firms with contraction of 1.72 percent, 1.62 percent, 1.48 percent, 1.22 percent, and 0.83 percent, respectively. (PNA)

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointment of Carlos Dominguez III as Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF). “As one of the most trusted members of the Duterte Cabinet, Secretary Dominguez seeks to build on the success of the previous administration and make the country’s economic growth more inclusive,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said in his sponsorship speech on Dominguez’s confirmation during the CA plenary session. Senator Pangilinan also cited Dominguez’s widely known and respected diligence and work ethic as among the basis of his en-

dorsement for the secretary’s confirmation. “In media interviews, he has affirmed his commitment to develop the rural areas and to generate more job opportunities in the countryside by modernizing agriculture, articulating what I also believe, that ‘Farming should no longer be the poverty trap it has been for generations,’ ” Pangilinan added. Pangilinan’s motion for the approval of Dominguez’s appointment was seconded by Senators Ralph Recto, Loren Legarda and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Last Wednesday’s CA plenary session was presided over by Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Zubiri, in seconding the

motion of Pangilinan, said he is banking on the integrity, dedication and love of country of Secretary Dominguez, while Legarda described the secretary as a “man of competence and integrity, a very hardworking Cabinet official who deserves our immediate confirmation.” Senator Pangilinan also noted that it will be the first time that the country will have a Secretary of Finance who was also a former secretary of agriculture. The senator now chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon also threw his support to the confirmation of Dominguez, while Senator Panfilo Lacson

cited the secretary’s “impressive credentials and reputation” as the basis of his support for his confirmation. Senator Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, also expressed full support to Dominguez, saying he has no doubt regarding the secretary’s capability to manage the country’s economy. Prior to his appointment, Dominguez also served as the Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources and Secretary of Agriculture during the post-Martial Law administrations. While in his private live, Dominguez is also a successful businessman engaged in several high-end hotels under his portfolio such as the Marco Polo in Davao.

customs monitoring and control of riskier importations. The CAO states that the de minimis value “shall be adjusted by the Secretary of Finance every three (3) years after the effectivity of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) to its present value using the Consumer Price Index, as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority.” The CAO is a product of public consultations conducted by the Department of Finance (DOF)-Bureau of Customs (BOC), and will be the first in a series of CAOs to be enacted to implement the CMTA. Tionko highlighted the use of ICT in the public consultations where inputs, comments and recommendations from the public were collated in a DOF microsite. For inquiries, comments and suggestions on the proposed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the

law, one can email the CMTA Project Management Office and Secretariat at cmta. i r r. p m o @ c u s t o m s . g o v. ph and cmta_irr@dof.gov.ph. Last August 17, the DOF and the BOC held the first of a series of public consultations on the CMTA’s IRR at the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, where some 100 stakeholders from the private sector attended the meeting. The easy-to-navigate microsite contains the drafting process, timelines, and guidelines on the crafting of the IRR, and also includes a list of priority concerns on the CMTA and the point persons assigned to each topic. These include concerns on de minimis importations, alert orders, and risk management in customs control, the customs bonded warehousing system, post clearance audit, advance ruling system, and conditional tax- and duty- exempt importations for balik-

bayans, overseas Filipino workers and returning residents, among others. The site aims to organize online queries and recommendations on the drafting of the IRR by encouraging stakeholders to submit position papers using the template that can be downloaded from the site. To further ensure transparency, the site also aims to track the development of CAOs through an “Elements Matrix” that can also be accessed online. The site also provides an overview of the law’s provisions and what stakeholders can expect from the new statute to aid them in understanding the CMTA. It additionally provides legal materials for interested stakeholders, such as the texts of the CMTA, the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, and the Kyoto Convention.

Value of tax-free small-value imports raised to P10K

F Foreign selling weakens PHP, PSEi R

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has approved a Customs Administrative Order (CAO) that raises the tax-exemption value of small importations from the current P10 to P10,000. Under the CAO, de minimis or small value importations shall be subject to non-intrusive examinations, such as x-rays or other equivalent devices on a purely random basis, according to Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko. It is the first amendment on the value of de minimis imports since the P10 limit was imposed under Republic Act 1937about 59 years ago. Among the touted benefits of this CAO are the increased efficiency in the processing of de minimis importations through a streamlined process that utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) and the deployment of freed up capacity to improve

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

More competitive SMEs needed – biz magnates

AGNATES have called for improving the competitiveness of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to take part of regional and global value chains. During the 42nd Philippine Business Conference in Pasay City, ASEAN Business Advisory Council and BDO Unibank Inc. Chair Teresita SyCoson and Ayala Corp. Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala stressed the need for SMEs to step up the game amid regional integration. “The Philippines has been winner in this more interconnected world where we have been encouraged to share not only our market but participated in the markets of others,” said Ayala. “We have been a net beneficiary of this interconnected, open market trading environment,” he stressed. For the part of Sy-Coson, she noted that both opportunities and challenges of ASEAN integration is inevitable. Sy-Coson mentioned that ASEAN integration would bring a free flow of goods and

services, as well as capital and investments into the country. “There will be more demands for businesses, for services, and also demands for more labor,” she stressed. “While this has the advantage of creating more demands, we have to adjust to it because it does bring about some competition,” she pointed out. Sy-Coson added that manufacturing sector should be further strengthened in order to compete with the manufactured goods from other ASEAN neighbors. “Manufacturing should be something to be emphasized on so that we can become part of the global value chain or part of the regional value chain,” she added. She noted that creating a business-friendly environment by simplifying processes for enterprises will help and encourage SMEs to participate in the global and regional value chain. SMEs comprise over 90 percent of business establishments in the country and contribute to two-thirds of gross domestic product. (PNA)

Foreign selling abates: DOF

OREIGN funds leaving the stocks listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) have slowed down since the first week of September as the economy remains fundamentally strong, the Department of Finance (DOF) said. Based on the latest weekly market reports from the PSE, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that foreign outflows at the Philippine equities market have steadily fallen from September to date. “Investors remain bullish because our country’s macroeconomic fundamentals are solid and there has been no change at all in economic policies or thrusts under the new government,” Dominguez said. According to PSE data, the year-to-date foreign portfolio investments in the country remained positive, with net foreign buying at P9.424 billion. Dominguez explained that

foreign investors have been selling more local stocks than usual in the past weeks owing in large part to the strengthening American dollar and expectations of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve. He noted that the market volatility was not an isolated case in the Philippines as equities in other emerging markets have also come under similar pressures in recent weeks as investors started speculating on the chances of higher US interest rates in the near future. PSE data showed that the market selloff posted a steady decline over the Sept. 5 – Oct. 4 period. From P7.545 billion last Aug. 29, the amount of foreign selling in the equities market fell to P7.46 billion on Sept. 5, P4.263 billion on Sept. 12, P1.914 billion on Sept. 19, P763 million on Sept. 26, and P655 million last Oct. 4.

DA lays down 10-pt program HEALTHY OPTION. A sales attendant arranges a pile of organic rice and other organic products at a shop in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

N response to President’s Duterte’s directive to “go elementary,” the Department of Agriculture has crafted a 10-point program that is designed to strengthen the foundations of the nation’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for High Value Crops Evelyn Lavina formally presented the program during the opening of the National Coffee Summit yesterday at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier. Laviña said that the DA’s 10-point program will prioritize the establishment of a national color-coded agriculture and fisheries map. “This may be grade one but it works,” she pointed out. In a separate interview,

the DA undersecretary bared that a major component of the program is the Soil Analysis for Crop Suitability whose implementation started in July 2016 and is expected to end this December. “This is a big project conducted in the whole Philippines,” said Laviña, noting the project’s objective is to determine the soil quality of the lands, which in turn could be used by the DA to improve the farmers’ quality of harvest. The Assistant Secretary added the agency will also monitor the operations of trading centers in the country, citing Benguet Trading Center as a fully-functional facility, but has unfortunately failed to fulfil its mandate. “Majority of the trading

centers are ‘white elephants,’” Laviña said. In the meantime, the DA official emphasized the importance greater synergy between the government’s various line agencies and the private sectors as a strategy to enhance the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. To achieve this goal, Laviña said the DA will be adopting the following strategies: a national food consumption quantification study; an institutional restructuring and paradigm resetting for the DA and its officials and employees; an intensive technology updating and sharing, modernization and mechanization program; an easy access financing program for farmers, fishermen and agriculture and fisheries

stakeholders; strategic and effective post-harvest, storage and processing facilities; a government-initiated and supported aggressive campaign especially for high-value crops in foreign market; a coordinated program with other agencies of government to ensure the protection and preservation of water sources, especially watershed; a relentless campaign for the enforcement of agricultural and fisheries laws, especially on land conversion and illegal fishing; and lastly, re-introduction of basic agriculture in the primary and elementary grades of the Philippine schools, system with emphasis on the value of land, water and seas, and the maximum but prudent utilization of these resources.

components in enhancing the ability of MSMEs to thrive in a globally-competitive business environment, according to the trade chief. Business sector groups were invited to extend additional support in mentoring and passing on the business know-how to Filipino MSMEs, alongside existing government efforts including establishing Negosyo Centers and conducting training and seminars across the country through SME Roving Academy. The Kapatid Mentor Me is a business advisory program with private sector partners like the Go Negosyo, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers

of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Franchise Association, the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. and other groups. Sec. Lopez also called on the business group to adopt an inclusive business model, where MSMEs are integrated in the value chain. “The Go Lokal! brand is part of DTI’s MSME push, improving market access by mainstreaming MSME products in major malls,” he said, adding that DTI already started partnering with some of the country’s mall owners. He expressed hoped that Ayala Group of Companies will also consider the Go Lokal! initiative. On the ease of doing busi-

ness, Sec. Lopez noted that DTI and other government agencies work together to streamline business permit processing and licensing from an average of more than a week to two days or less using a unified form and a maximum of two signatures only. He also added that the government recently partnered with the UK Embassy to help implement the Project Repeal, geared towards eliminating red tape by systematically removing redundant, antiquated and burdensome policies across the bureaucracy. “Success begins when you show concern for others,” said Sec. Lopez, adding that

7% growth for PH in Q3‘16 DTI chief to Ayala Group: Help us mentor MSMEs

OCIOECONOMIC Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia is optimistic on the sustained expansion of the Philippine economy in the third quarter of 2016 as government spending remains high. “We hope it’s gonna be at least seven percent,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the 42nd Philippines Business Conference & Expo at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City Wednesday. In the first half of the year, the economy grew, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), by 6.9 percent, with the second quarter output alone rising by seven percent. On both periods, the domestic economy’s output is

among the highest in Asia, which shows resiliency amid the global economic uncertainties. Domestic growth in the first half this year is already at the upper end of the government’s six to seven percent target for the year. It remains driven by remittances, the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector and government spending. Continued strong inflows from overseas Filipinos and employment gains from the BPO sector has boosted consumption as well as investment, with the latter also getting support from positive investor sentiments. (PNA)

EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez encouraged executives of the Ayala Group of Companies to help the government in elevating the competencies of Filipino micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) during the Ayala Sustainability Summit on 11 October 2016 in Makati. In the dialogue session between the trade chief and the Ayala business group, Sec. Lopez emphasized the need for continuous innovation and entrepreneurial skills and mindset for MSMEs to prosper. The sharing of leadership skills and best practices from the private sector are critical

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7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

Davao City to host PICE National Convention N

Smart backs DICT in promoting online jobs

HE National Board of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE), under the leadership of its National President - Dr. Ernesto S. de Castro, will host the PICE National Convention set on from Nov. 17-19, 2016 at the SMX Davao Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City. Engr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero, PICE national convention and events operation head and 2012 PICE Davao City President, said the pronouncement came after the final presentation and evaluation of Davao City’s bid to host the event. The decision to have Davao host the national convention was made after a long and thorough deliberation by the National Board. Davao City was chosen

mainly because of the availability of convention facilities and other infrastructure, as well as the all-out support provided by local and national government agencies and private sectors in the city, Suero said. Engr. Angel T. Torrejon, PICE coordinator of Region XI and chair of the Local Convention Board, said the 42nd PICE National Convention with the theme “Civil Engineering Innovations Towards a Better Philippines,” will be the fourth time for Davao City Chapter to host the event. It is a great honor to host the PICE major event. This activity is considered one of the largest gatherings of civil engineers in the country with 5,000 participants from various chapters in the country,

Engr. Anacleto V. Calamba, Jr., PICE Davao City chapter president noted. Onsite registration begins on Nov. 16 (Wednesday) which will be held simultaneous with the convention’s sports tournament. The formal opening ceremony is on Nov. 17 (Thursday), with the opening of PICE exhibits. Other activities include the President’s Report, the Conferment of Specialties Certificates, Special Lectures, 35th National Civil Engineering Student’s Quiz and the Fellowship Night. On Nov. 18 (Friday), the National Board meets with the past national presidents, the college of fellows, regional coordinators, chapter presidents, and presidents of affiliate societies. Technical Sessions, as well as competitions

for student members and the election of 2017 National Officers and Directors will follow. On Nov. 19 (Saturday), the National Civil Engineering Students’ Conference and Technical Sessions will be held. The convention will culminate with the community extension program. The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) is the lone professional organization of civil engineers in the country accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission composed of more than 80,000 registered civil engineers in 97 local, 8 international chapters and some 46,646 civil engineering student- members in 179 student chapters throughout the country. (Engr. Sharon Angelica Gilla-Bonguyan)

PICE NAT’L CONVENTION. The PICE National Board and Davao City Chapter officers and directors, together with other VIP guests during the actual pronouncement of Davao City to host the PICE National Convention on November 2016.

Ensuring your loved one’s health through medication

OR most Filipinos, family comes first. This is the reason why it is normal for Pinoy households to accomodate members of their extended families such as in-laws, or care for elderly relatives at home instead of packing them off to a hospice for the aged. But more importantly, family members care about their loved ones’ health as much as they care of their own. Filipinos show concern for the people they love most, especially the elderly, by taking care of them when they are sick. Health concerns are usually discussed with trusted members of the family to motivate them to get well soon. Oftentimes, family members come together in nursing a sickly member back to health or when paying for a loved one’s medical bills. Other than ensuring that their loved ones’ health are monitored, family members see to it that medical regimens are maintained so that they get well, expenses do not get aggravated, or hospi-

talizations are minimized or avoided altogether. In order to help Filipinos better take care of their loved ones, Pharex HealthCorp—the most prescribed unibranded generic medicines—has long advocated the importance of adhering to prescribed medication. This is why the Pharex 15-day Compliance Pouch or Pharex CP15 was launched. This innovative product aims to assist patients to better adhere to their treatment regimen. “We see how individuals put importance to family and their health. And with this, we want people to know that Pharex is one with them in the care for their elder family members,” said Tomas Marcelo Agana III, President and CEO of Pharex. The company has been in the service of Filipinos for more than 25 years, showing sincere concern for their families by providing anti-infective and chronic care drugs, as well as, vitamins. “In line with our support to disseminate the essence of

F ENSURING, 10

OW on its third year, DICT in partnership with local freelancing service platforms, aims to build awareness on alternative jobs and livelihood opportunities found online. The initiative is in support of the Philippine Development Plan’s pursuit of inclusive growth and specifically focuses on highly populated areas where employment opportunities are limited. As part of the two-day initiative, Smart conducted a Rural Impact Sourcing workshop to advocate digital opportuni-

ties and to encourage young Dagupeǹos to become online professionals. Monchito Ibrahim, consultant of DICT’s e-Innovation group, lauded Smart as one of the key partners for the Juan Konek! digital empowerment program, which provides free wi-fi internet access in public places. “Vast opportunities have become available because of the Internet. It has definitely opened doors to more knowledge for both economic and career opportunities,” Ibrahim

F SMART, 10

DCWD Advisory:Water service interruption in Sasa, Oct 14

HE Davao City Water District has announced a water service interruption on Oct. 14, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and will affect certain areas in Sasa served by the Panacan Water Supply System, which include: San Antonio Village, Mahayahay Settlers, Airview Heights, Suha Village, Mercedes Village, San Lorenzo Village, Cabayugan 1, 2, and 3, BAT Compound, Neliaville 1 and 2, Landmark 2 Subd., Doña Socorro Subd., and De Guzman Village and portions of Doña Salud Subd. The scheduled water service interruption is due to the tapping of the 200mm diameter Black Iron Cross Over Pipe at Km. 11 in Sasa for preventive maintenance purposes. The DCWD management has asked for the understanding and cooperation of

would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption as 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, concerns, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II).

president for Corporate Affairs Group, Walk for Life aims to uphold the value of respect and empowerment for the elderly in society consistent with the year’s theme “Pagmamahal at respeto ng nakababata, nagpapaligaya sa nakatatanda.” The activity is a collaborative effort with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the City Government of Davao through the City Health Office (CHO), and the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). For its part, DSWD discussed the salient features of the recently passed Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarians

Act of 2016. According to Raquel Nuñez, DSWD XI Protective Services unit head, the law provides a cash grant of P100,000 as a gift for all Filipinos who reach the age of 100 years old. Meanwhile, the CHO, together with volunteer nurses and doctors from the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) also aided DOH in providing free consultations to the elderly. Capping the Walk for Life was a talent showcase, cultural presentations and vocal solos from no less than the elderly themselves. (Kleah Gayle Dublin/PhilHealth 11)

PhilHealth-DOH celebrates‘Walk for Life’ A

ROUND 700 senior citizens from different parts of the city took part in the Walk for Life 2016, a nationwide simultaneous activity spearheaded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Department of Health (DOH) on October 1. Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 470 s. 1994, which declares the first week of October as the Elderly Filipino Week or Linggo ng Katandaang Filipino, the Walk for Life celebrated the yearly tradition of PhilHealth and DOH in giving back to the elder members of society.

The activity kicked off with an energizing Zumba dance session and a short parade within SM City Davao premises. A short program and provision of services followed inside the mall’s premises. Recognizing the need to prioritize the elderly in the government’s social and health protection programs, the event offered free medical and dental services, as well as various activities that aim to raise awareness on the government’s national health insurance program. According to Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, PhilHealth spokesperson and OIC-vice

ALL SMILES. Elderly Davaoeños join the ‘Walk for Life’ parade held last Oct. 1 at the SM City Davao.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

EDITORIAL

Piercing the veil of presidential immunity

N embattled Senator Leila De Lima will test the constitutional presidential immunity in court. It’s another first in Philippine political history that a lawmaker whose mandate is to craft laws instead is attempting to break a constitutional provision. The question of whether or not the president is immune from suit while in office will be tested by the neophyte senator via what she calls a test case. Senator De Lima contends that the immunity from suit was not contemplated by the framers of the Constitution where a president commits grave abuse of power. Those four words—grave abuse of power--were De Lima’s very foundation in her test case. The immunity from suit of the president stems from the nature and scope of his powers and responsibilities. Textually, Section 1 Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution provides that executive power of government is vested only in the president. The business of government is primarily on his shoulders. This is manifested in Section 16 Article 7 of the Constitution commanding that the “President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution. He shall also appoint all other officers of the Government whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments, agencies, commissions, or boards.” The President is the one tasked with coming up with the budget for the whole government machinery. That is not an easy task. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, the premier foreign-affairs policy-maker, and the one in charge of peace-and-order. He

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

exercises general supervisionover all local governments. He reports to Congress every year in his State of the Nation address. He represents the Philippines in guaranteeing foreign loans. It is even his job to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction by final judgment of a criminal. There is no other position quite like the presidency. The President runs the affairs of the government and if cases are filed against him, the exercise of his sovereign functions will be impeded, detrimental to the State. In Nixon vs. Fitzgerald (457 US 731), the US Supreme Court explains the rationale for presidential immunity: “Because of the singular importance of the President’s duties, diversion of his energies by concern with private lawsuits would raise unique risks to the effective functioning of government. As is the case with prosecutors and judges - for whom absolute immunity now is established - a President must concern himself with matters likely to ‘arouse the most intense feelings.’...Yet, as our decisions have recognized, it is in precisely such cases that there exists the greatest public interest in providing an official ‘the maximum ability to deal fearlessly and impartially with” the duties of his office... This concern is compelling where the officeholder must make the most sensitive and far-reaching decisions entrusted to any official under our constitutional system. Nor can the sheer prominence of the President’s office be ignored. In view of the visibility of his office and the effect of his actions on countless people, the President would be an easily identifiable target for suits for civil damages. Cognizance of this personal vulnerability frequently could distract a President from his public duties, to the detriment of not only the President and his office but also the Nation that the Presidency was designed to serve.” The constitution has laid down the pillars of the provision on presidential immunity and in this bizarre case of a lawmaker trying to break down the law instead of making one, is indeed not only unprecedented but also illogical.

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EDGEDAVAO

ERE’S a bad news for smokers! You may no longer be able to smoke anywhere anymore. That is, when President Rodrigo R. Duterte will sign the executive order (EO) that will impose a smoking ban throughout the country. “The president will already sign that EO. Probably within October,” Health Secretary Pauline Jean Ubial was quoted as saying by the “Manila Bulletin.” Once signed, all public places will be 100% smoke-free. “There will be nobody smoking in public places anymore, whether indoor or outdoor. Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles. All these are considered public places,” the health secretary said. According to Dr. Ubial, the EO they drafted essentially replicates the existing ordinance in Davao City implemented since the time of Duterte as a mayor. “What is being done in Davao is set to be done nationwide,” she pointed out. Yes, no one is allowed to smoke cigarettes in Davao City. You won’t see people puffing cigarettes while striding along the sidewalks. You won’t see children selling cigarettes in heavily traffic streets. Even inside the public utilities, cinemas, malls, restaurants, and bars. People are also strictly prohibited to smoke in public gatherings like concerts, rallies, and parades. The cemetery, markets, terminals and public places are not excluded. Damn, smokers may say. But wait, there are few places in Davao City where you can smoke

F you ask the local folks in Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, who found the Diwata gold-rush mountain, or Mt. Diwalwal as it is popularly known today, chances are they will say it’s Camilo Banad, a Mandaya swidden farmer, and its discovery took place sometime in 1983. Commercial interest in the Diwata (Diuata) cordillera predates the Commonwealth period. As early as 1934, there were already localized activities in the area, mostly in lower regions facing the Pacific Ocean or along the Agusan River. In today’s geography, these places are now part of the provinces of Surigao, Agusan, and Davao. More than a decade earlier, the Twentieth Annual Report of the Bureau of Science recorded that a geologic renaissance, as part of the census of fauna and flora of the archipelago, was conducted from Aug. 26 to Nov. 2, 1921 in Mt. Diwata. Around this period, mining operations were making inroads in areas situated in the northerly sector of the Diuata cordillera. Later, in 1937, American Earle W. Bedford, a Manila-based mining and metallurgical engineer, prepared a position paper entitled ‘Practical Exploration of All Eastern Mindanao Promising’. It discussed at length the potentials of Mt. Diwata which had already been explored individually or by group and most of the activities observed were found along the coastal fringe of northeastern Mindanao, and were moving favorably toward commercial exploration. In his trips to the vastly unexplored terrains of the Diwata mountains, Bedford took note of his observations: “[During] my reconnaissance

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

No smoking to your heart’s THINK ON THESE! content. These are in your own residence or in someone’s, in private vehicles, and designated outdoor smoking areas. Now, it will be observed throughout the Henrylito D. Tacio country. “My henrytacio@gmail.com take on the EO banning smoking in public places nationwide?” Joel Pablo Salud, my “Philippines Graphic” editor, asked. “First know that I make this statement as a twopack-a-day smoker. Yes, I am all for it. For health reasons, why not? I’m sure it will help me and others cut down, maybe even quit for good. But as a policy, Salud doesn’t agree with legislating lifestyle. “I have seen with my own eyes how laws like that can be abused,” he explained. “More than anything, I don’t want to be treated like a kid by a government that thinks and acts for the most part like an effing two-year-old.” Generally, people who smoke are advised to quit smoking. While most of them fail, there are few who were able to do so. Emmanuel Piñol, the current secretary of the Department of Agriculture, is one of the chosen few. He used to consume three packs of cigarettes a day. “Not a

single stick of cigarette has ever touched my lips for the last 18 years,” he said. It all started on September 20, 1998 when his daughter asked her what she wanted for her birthday. “I want you to stop smoking,” she told him. It was a birthday request he couldn’t refuse. So, he quit smoking. Today, he doesn’t smoke anymore although he could still imagine the smell of tobacco. “But I could easily control myself,” he said. When it comes to smoking, it is usually those who quit who emerge winners. Dr. Willie T. Ong, author of several health books and active consultant in cardiology at the Manila Doctors Hospital and Makati Medical Center, said a person who quits smoking will immediately get his rewards instantly. Citing a study done by the American Lung Association, Dr. Ong said the health benefits of quitting will “begin just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Your blood pressure and heart rate will decrease, and the oxygen content of your body will increase.” After the first day of quitting, a previous smoker’s risk of suffering a heart attack will be reduced. On the second day, his nerve endings will start to heal and his ability to smell and taste will improve. Between 2 weeks and 3 months after quitting, his blood circulation will improve. His cough will be lessened and walking will become easier. Soon, his lung function will improve dramatically. “By the time you reach 15 years of never

touching a cigarette, your risk of dying will be the same as a non-smoker,” Dr. Ong pointed out. “This just goes to show that the ill effects of smoking are serious and deadly. Quit early and quit now. Quit while you are still young to obtain the full health benefits from quitting.” In 2002, the Philippines was listed as the 15th largest consumer of cigarettes in the world. Among Asian countries, the country has one of the highest smoking rates in the region. Small wonder, the World Health Organization estimates that 10 Filipinos die every hour due to cancer, stroke, lung and heart diseases brought on by cigarette smoking. Because of these reasons, health advocates are urging Filipinos to quit smoking. “Some people can quit smoking just like that and suffer no side effects,” Dr. Ong noted. “However, for others, it can be a difficult process.” Dr. Ong cited three factors responsible for the difficulty in quitting. “Knowing these factors will help you prepare yourself for the quitting process,” he said. The factors were: (1) the number of cigarettes being smoked each day, (2) the people who smoke around the person who want to quit, and (3) the real reason on why the person smokes. “It could be due to peer pressure or for weight control,” Dr. Ong said of the latter. “If you really want to quit smoking, you must identify the situations that trigger you to smoke, and do your best to avoid them,” Dr. Ong suggested.

expeditions FAST BACKWARD along numerous streams tributary to the upper Agusan river [in the town of Monkayo] it is notable that gold, in varying tenor, may be panned from Antonio V. Figueroa the channels. This feature is also true of gravels common to the extensive drainage system emptying in the Pacific from the east-facing slow of these mountains.” The observation got confirmation half a century later when rivers and streams emanating from the mountain side within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of Monkayo became the center of excited panning that eventually led to the exploration, exploitation and development of the entire length of Mt. Diwata. The metallurgist described the Diwata mountains as “a north-south trending system separating Surigao and Agusan provinces with the range along the rest of the range northerly; whilst to the south, in Davao province, the cordillera is located east of the Agusan’s sources and may be followed south along the peninsula forming the east land barrier of Davao gulf. The cordillera is a prominent feature of this headland ending at Cape St. Agustin [Davao Oriental].” Topographically, the gold-rush mountain,

Bedford explained, “generally parallels the east, or Pacific coast of Mindanao. The crest of the range rises to elevations averaging approximately 700 meters above sea level. However, along the range in Central Davao extending south into the St. Agustin peninsula, elevations exceeding 1,500 meters are quite common, while outstanding peaks are noted to exceed 2,250 meters.” He also explained lengthily that Diwalwal’s terrain “of forest mantled crests and undulating slopes” was entirely different from it was millions of years ago, which “was a great steaming rock mass, devoid of all vegetation or other forms of higher life, and stood above the sea as a great elongated island. The place now known as the Agusan valley was a shallow inland sea.” “Great delta deposits… of poorly consolidated gravel made up of an aggregate of peridotite, diorite, serpentine, andesite and quartz,” he stressed, “were deposited marginal to the sea then occupying the present Agusan-Davao basins. It is apparent that during all this time the Diuata underwent various changes due to relatively uninterrupted dynamic disturbances such as a series of regional subsidences [gradual caving in or sinking of land] and re-elevations, normal adjustments of stress, fissuring with minor secondary intrusions prevalent along the flanks, metamorphosis, and contributary ore mineralization in many locales favorable to such deposits.” Sounding optimistic, Bedford came out with a prediction that Mt. Diwata would become a

gold-rush area and the implications of developing its rich resources would result in “boom proportions”, a forecast that, sadly, benefitted a few. He added that the occurrence of gold in more ancient terrace gravels were definite indicators of “vein enrichment” that dates back to ancient times, adding this explains “the enrichment is deep seated [as] evidenced by the general distribution of gold in modern stream gravels.” In concluding his paper, he wrote: “It is confidently anticipated that the results of penetration of the Diuata area will be the means of materially altering the Philippines mining situation to a general movement of capital interest to this now remote area. I have pointed out that the geologic conditions are most favorable, and it would appear as if little remained except to initiate the necessary explorations, and carry on with the development of all features contributing to the mineral development of their vast area. I should not be surprised by the ultimate aspect of a migration of mining activity to this area of boom proportions.” The prophetic highlights in Bedford’s article, however, have rough edges. The gold rush did not redound well the state coffers but benefitted only few enterprising individuals and groups. Even the huge returns expected from the huge gold deposits of the cordillera have not helped in the development of adjacent poor communities. If one talks of Mt. Diwata today, it is difficult to divorce the gold-rush area from the thousands of lives lost due to cave-ins. Worse, there were also many deaths attributed to tunnel rivalry, insurgency, vendetta, and other crimes.

Prewar Mt. Diwata

10 NEWS City... FROM 1

“To the families of the victims and those who are still in the hospital, I pray that we all move on and don’t get affected

or loss with terrorism. Let’s move on through God’s grace He will never leave us,” Larrida said.

MacArthur Highway leading to the Davao Memorial Park was regulated. The CTTMO, he said, will also be deploying hundreds of personnel in the city seaports, terminals and churches during the said holidays. Meanwhile, Poliquit acknowledged that some ongoing road projects in the city will contribute to the expected traffic build-up during All Souls and All Saints Day. “The road rehabilitation along Quirino Avenue [has] create[d] a bottleneck,” he said, citing the downtown to Matina route where some portions of the road have been reduced to a single lane.

The CCTMO assured the public his office is continuously developing strategies to effectively address the city’s traffic situation. He revealed a satellite station was established in Toril last year to monitor and apprehend errant motorists. “There is currently a re-planning for the staff,” he said, adding the CTTMO is looking to add more personnel in the Toril due to the district’s large area of coverage. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will also be helping in managing the traffic flow at several cemeteries in the northern and southern parts of the city.

other hand, did not oppose Matobato’s motion, as the court reduced his bond to P30,000 which he can pay at any court in the Philippines. Atty. Sabio also asked the MTCC Branch 3 to transfer Matobato’s trial from Davao to Manila so as not to endanger his client’s life. “He [Matobato] is still un-

der the Philippine National Police’s (PNP’s) custody,” Sabio said, revealing that the blood pressure of the self-confessed hitman has been unstable lately. The lawyer also disclosed that Senator Antonio Trillanes has continued to look after his client after the Senate inquiry on extra judicial killings ended.

public. Bayan Secretary Renato Reyes pointed out public infrastructure should “not be held hostage by private interest,” to which the senators agreed. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Rail Noel Kintanar informed the Senate that the agency last month ended the impasse over the sevenyear-old railway project, with the signing of an agreement setting the Common Station between SM North EDSA and Trinoma malls. A vehicular underpass designed to decongest the North Ave.-EDSA intersection will be built to seamlessly integrate with the Common Station. The Common Station project began in 2009 but has since been put on hold. The LRT Authority initially inked a deal with SMPHI to build the station near SM North EDSA. Five years later, the transportation department decided to build the station near Ayala’s Trinoma, citing “to cut costs” as its reason. The Supreme Court later intervened and issued a Temporary Restraining Order in favor of SMPHI to stop the construction of the Common Station. Also discussed during the hearing was the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, which Poe said requires the resolution of Informal Settler concerns. Poe meanwhile welcomed the input from the DPWH about specific provisions of the DOTr’s version of the emergency powers and ideas on how to fast-track existing construction projects

and flood control projects. She said the committee will soon conduct another meeting with the technical working group to go through a line-by-line reading of the bills to amend, reword, add, or remove certain provisions. “It is clearer now… what they (DPWH) will add to flood control projects. Even if we have good roads if they flood, it’s useless,” Poe told media in an interview. The senator earlier said she expects the law being crafted to grant emergency powers passed before Christmas but admitted that the Senate “lacked time.” She said that with or without emergency powers, she would make it a point to prod the DOTr to address transport woes. Poe earlier noted that road clearing and strict implementation of traffic rules could be implemented sans emergency powers. “I have not spoken to a senator who is against this but there might be debates on some provisions. We will see if the debates in the plenary debate will begin,” Poe said. The senator also assured the Oversight Committee would make it a point to place safeguards on emergency powers to prevent them from being abused. “I want to include in Oversight provision that if we have a compelling reason that the categories would not be complied with — if it’s not FOI (Freedom of Information) compliant, we can ask implementation to be stopped,” she added. (PNA)

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ON TRACK. Capt. Roberto Rubia, chief of staff of Philippine Navy (GSC)’s Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), reports during this week’s edition of AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at The Royal Mandaya Hotel that efforts are being undertaken by the agency to make sure the fight against illegal drugs will succeed. Lean Daval Jr.

Palace... FROM 2

In pursuit of his vision, President Duterte has exercised political will and acted on several issues, according to the Palace spokesman. ”One area which has been taking a lot of attention has been his campaign against illegal drugs where his threats against those engaged in the trade and deaths related to the campaign seemed to have outweighed the actual result,” Abella said. ”So the President is engaged, not just in a matter of state-building but also of nation-building which is basically addressing the Filipino mind and character and love for country,” he added. In the same media briefing, Performance and Project Management Office of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Executive Director Jonas George Soriano said the Duterte administration has consulted nearly 7,000 indi-

viduals since the President took his oath last June 30. ”All of them, being part of a process of understanding what this administration wants and more importantly listening to what they want,” Soriano said. Soriano said the consultations with different organizations and stakeholders are part of preparing the “AmBisyon 2040” which soon to be printed out. ”We must communicate to our stakeholders in the Philippines and in the world, this is what the Philippines will be doing in the next six years, and in the next 30 years in bringing about development in the Philippines,” Soriano said. ”And also bringing about the welfare and security of our people. The platform that we’re working on is combining both the development needs and the security needs of our people,” he added. (PNA)

and self-confessed Davao Death Squad Edgar Matobato left the Senate premises due to security reasons. The Commissioner was upset the hearing was suspended noting there were more than 10 witnesses yet to be presented. Gordon said that although CHR Chairman Chito Gascon has already apologized to him, he preferred it would Cadiz who would apologize personally. “He (Cadiz) was making comments. He slammed us and said that committee members are afraid of Matobato. They are making it a stage for their position whereas they

can file their own cases,” Gordon said. “The apology should come from Cadiz and the Chairman (Gascon) should totally dissociate themselves from the statements,” the senator added. He meanwhile challenged the CHR to file their own case with Matobato as witness. There will be many other witnesses called to testify, he further said. Before Gordon announced his decision to waive the invitation of the CHR, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri also expressed disappointment at the CHR for their recent pronouncements. (PNA)

the MSME development agenda is a priority of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte as part of its poverty reduction strategies. For its part, Ayala Corporation President and COO Fernando Zobel de Ayala emphasized the need to forge a partnership that “stretches beyond the economic realm to other challenges that perpetuate poverty and inequity.”

“I believe that there is a pressing need for an implicit social contract that capitalism has to create with the rest of society, to help address many of the developmental challenges we all face as companies, as people, as nation,” Ayala said. This year’s Sustainability Summit carries the theme Innovating Business with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

CHR... FROM 3

DTI... FROM 6

Intensify... FROM 2 tries in the world plagued with TB. In 2015, it was estimated that every hour, about 30 Filipinos are identified with active TB. Each day, 63 Filipinos die from this preventable and curable disease. In detention facilities, based on 2015 worldwide estimates by the World Health Organization, four or five inmates for every 100 will fall ill with TB. Overcrowding in jails and prisons contributes to the rapid spread of the disease among detainees. In 2015, the NBP and QCJ reported 540 and 285 TB cases, respectively—with incidence rate of 8 to 13 times higher compared with TB incidence outside detention places. The high numbers of TB cases in both sites were captured largely through mass screening activities. “The number of jail health personnel may be limited, but with sufficient and correct information from this workshop on how to properly con-

duct TB case-finding in jails, our health staff will be more competent and confident to identify and manage TB cases in jail facilities effectively,” said J/Sr. Insp. John Paul Borlongan M.D., BJMP’s national TB coordinator. Since 2007, the ICRC has been working closely with Philippine authorities to address the causes and consequences of extreme overcrowding in jails, focusing particularly on TB, living conditions, and delays in the judicial system. The ICRC also works with the authorities to strengthen the overall health system in detention facilities. “With the support of partners and stakeholders, in particular the ICRC, the NBP TB Treatment Unit staff will continue to exhaust all efforts to diagnose and treat all TB cases to the point of cure. We ultimately hope to put an end to this menace,” said Dr. Cecilia Villanueva, BuCor TB medical coordinator. (ICRC)

gion have IP representatives in the provincial board, she said. Fuentes urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure that local government units in the area properly adhere to the mandatory inclusion of IP representatives in legislative

bodies. Also known as Soccsksargen, Region 12 covers the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. (PNA)

said. “If you have a computer, Internet access, and the necessary skills, you can work online and earn additional income in the comforts of your home or an internet cafe,” he added. During his speech, Ibrahim cited a success story in Kapatagan town in the province of Lanao del Norte where a farmer by day became a BPO (business process outsourc-

ing) manager by night and helped his fellow farmers to earn from P8, 000 to P50, 000 a month through an online job. He added that DICT would like the youth to realize that instead of going to big cities like Manila and Clark to get a job, they can actually find work from home even in the rural areas through technology. “Start young and dream big,” Ibrahim concluded.

compliance, we make sure that our medicines are affordable and accessible without compromising on quality. This is our mission: to promote strict compliance to medication for

recovery and a better quality of life,” Agana added. Pharex CP15 are all available in any leading drugstores. For more details, kindly contact 433-8088 (local 820).

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FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

A feast for the eyes and palate IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT RESTAURANTS WITH A SPECTACULAR VIEW OFTEN FALL SHORT OF THEIR PROMISE TO GIVE YOU GOOD FOOD. But my experience at the Marco Polo Hong Kong’s signature Italian restaurant, Cucina, proved this cliche wrong. Located at the sixth level of the Marco Polo HongKong Hotel, Cucina gives a stunning 180 degree view of the territory’s iconic Victoria Harbour. Whether it be for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or drinks, the ringside view of one of Asia’s most beautiful cities never grows old. I visited Cucina for lunch and joining me was Marco Polo HongKong’s director of communications Samantha Poon who arranged a tasting menu of Cucina’s most popular dishes all prepared by Chef de Cuisine Andrea Oreste Delzanno. For starters, we had the Creamy Burrata cheese with fresh tomatoes, basil salad and 24-month Parma ham. The creaminess of the chesse and bright acidity of the tomatoes complimented the savoury umami of the ham. The tangy sweetness agedbalsamic vinegar tied all the flavours together, making my palate ready for more food. Hong Kong is known for

its seafood, and the Linguine with red prawn and fresh cherry tomatoes that followed hig h lig hted the beauty of the red prawn, as well as the chef’s expertise in preparing beautiful –and mouth-watering pasta. The prawn was sweet and succulent with tomatoes brightening the dish. The piece de resistance, though, had to be the super tender slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheek with Barolo red wine sauce on mashed pumpkin. The collagen-rich beef cheeks were soft, sticky, and tender with its richness cut by the Barolo red wine sauce. The accompanying mashed pumpkin added a nutty compliment to the dish. Oenophiles will also fall in love with Cucina’s extensive wine list which includes hundreds of Old and New World wines. With the Victoria Harbour skyline as backdrop, having lunch at Cucina was definitely an unforgettable dining experience.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Cucina’s Chef de Cuisine Andrea Oreste Delzanno. Creamy Burrata cheese with fresh tomatoes, basil salad and 24-month Parma Ham. Slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheek with Barolo red wine sauce.

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PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

FOOD

Gastro finds in Da

FOOD AND I? WE ARE BUT P ERS. Admittedly, I am an explo that is. Who isn’t, by the way? As stick to a well-thought-of-interne just can’t forego the fact that the enticing dining places everywhere tion the inviting photos on our fa tagram walls. Who can say ‘no’ to The cityscape is but an inevitable menu of flavours. From local faves to international cuisines and infused dishes, there’s always a reason to eat. Go ahead, eat with gusto and have an adventure. Here are some of my recent and old faves. Some of which I’ve loved since my transfer to this great city, while others are a new addition to my personal gastro map of Davao. Have you been to these places? What’s your fave? Davao New Famous Restaurant Ramon Magsaysay, Davao City A certified gastronomic insti-

soup. I soup i spicy, with ent in Famou fied co you’d

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PERFECT STRANGorer... a food explorer, s much as we want to et-researched-diet, we e city is bursting with e you go. Not to menacebook feeds and inso that?

tution in itself, this humble restaurant has been feeding locals and visitors of the city. Their specialty? Everything on their menu. But, many, including me, favor their bowl of hot Gulame on any given day. Gulame is basically a beef noodle It’s rich beef broth gives this it’s distinct taste. Tangy and this noodle soup is packed textures from the differngredients used. At Davao us, every bowl is a certiomfort food favorite. Try it, surely thank me later.

Antonio’s Bar & Grill SM Ecoland; Abreeza Ayala Mall A favorite by my Dad, he loves Antonio’s (at SM Ecoland) because of their hito. On the other hand, Mama and I love to indulge our palates with their Crispy Fried Bangus with Gata. Personally, I love that it’s boneless and crispy but not dry on the inside. The decadent gata and crispy kangkong makes it more interesting – giving off a distinct Pinoy flare that’s gastronomically intriguing. One other fave is their Ube Lumpia. I just have to have this every time we dine. It’s a very simple dish, but one that never fails to make me smile at the end of every meal. With or without ice cream, I’d munch on these babies in a snap. Street Grub Unit D, Paseo Uno Bldg, Ruby St., Marfori Heights Davao City One of Davao’s newest gastro places to be, Street Grub is a tour-aroundthe-world kind of resto that you’ll definitely love. Its interior is artistically

loud and makes for a great conversation piece every single time. Aside from the obvious, I love that their menu is downright inviting – prompting you to take a seat, place an order, and enjoy your meal. Of their menu, I am a fan of their French Dip Sandwich. It’s not your typical sandwich. Why? It’s a break-thesandwich-and-dunk-onto-the-sauce kind of experience. The beef is to die for – well marinated, succulent and juicy. The dip is rich and thus complements the beef strips all together. Bistro Ah-Lyoh 121 Talisay street Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City A quaint resto tucked in a residential strip, Bistro Ah-Lyoh can be considered a newbie in the resto scene. However, they have some secret weapons on their menu that’ll have you coming back for more. Experience the richness of tomatoes and the sea with their Seafood Marinara pasta, which is packed, savory and textured. A bit creamy, their bowl can be shared for everyone to enjoy. Oh, and have I mentioned, it’s packed with seafood nibbles? Also, try their Chicken Alfredo Pizza. Follow my messy food affair at theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com or on Instagram at @iamleebai.

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October events at Marquella MUSIC REMAINS TO BE GOOD FOOD FOR THE SOUL AND THIS OCTOBER, Marquella celebrates Octoberfest with that in mind. Sounds and tunes will fill this side of the city every Saturday this month with October Musicfest at Marquella.

The festival and contest started last October 8 with reggae bands coming together and playing songs of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and more. The ongoing contest invites rock bands to play and compete on October 15. Pop music bands will also have their own showdown on October 22. At the end of the month (October 29), all winning bands will come together for one night of revelry and fun. “Through this monthlong music festival, we hope to bring music lovers together and to celebrate Octoberfest in Marquella,” said Chelo Lahora, Marquella assistant marketing manager. The contest also recognizes grow-

ing talents in the city. Kids will also have their share of fun on Halloween. Let your costume be the answer this October 28 as Marquella throws a Halloween Party. Children aged four to 12 are invited to put on their horror or fantasy-inspired costumes. Great prizes await kids wearing best costumes. The party will feature games, clowns, and acrobat shows. Registration is only P120 per head. Call the rest of the barkada to strike a pose in Marquella’s Groufie Photo Contest. To participate, members of the group should like and follow the Marquella Facebook Page (Fac e b o ok .c om / M a rquellaCountryPark). Then

the group can take a group selfie (groufie) in any of the picture perfect, bars, parks and playground in Marquella. The group can then post the photo in Marquella’s Facebook Page and use the hashtag #ILOVEMARQUELLA and tag their friends. A groufie will be chosen as a winner every week. Special prizes await all members of the group. Marquella is a part of the township of Ciudades and is envisioned to be the transport hub and market area for the area. aLocated along TigattoMandug Road, Marquella is the only commercial space of its kind in Tigatto. For inquiries, call 2264748/ 0942-7637- 701 and look for Chelo Lahora.

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11 COMMUNITY SENSE

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Tagum Coop holds Blood-letting activity B

LOOD donors flock in Tagum Coop’s fourth installment of the Mass Blood Donation Program, a blood-letting activity, on October 1 at its Main Office Gymnasium. Welcoming Coop Month in October for a cause, Tagum Coop continued to pursue its health and wellness advocacy which aims to collate blood to help others in need. In cooperation with the City Health Office (CHO) of Tagum, the blood-letting drew more than 100 donors including TC officers, employees, members, and other entities such as seminarians from the Queen of Apostles College Seminary. Tagum Coop Chairperson Monica L. Salido, Vice-chairperson Fe J. Adlawan, Dir. Eduard C. Amoguis, and General Manager Juris D. Perez came to the activity and expressed their heartfelt message to everyone. Chairperson Salido said that the Mass Blood Donation is a manifestation that “Tagum Coop is more than just a financial institution” as it gives back to the community. GM Perez thanked the donors for their kind donation emphasizing its ben-

efits to them and that “the more you donate, the healthier you become”. She added that Tagum Coop is grateful to be part of the solutions to the emergency needs of its members especially in looking for available blood in store when they or their relatives are sick. Meanwhile, Mr. Vitaliano, a blood donor, expressed his contentment for the 34th time that he donated and wished to help more people through his blood. Dir. Amoguis also never missed the chance to partake his blood in the Blood-letting as he considered it a way to give importance on the value of a person’s life. Dubbed as “Donating blood means a few minutes to you but a lifetime for somebody else”, the Mass Blood Donation Program was the fourth conducted this year, the first was in Nabunturan, second in Tagum City, and third in Davao City. In the activity, CHO also awarded the 2015 Blood gallooners namely: Edimar Alconera, John Paul Guboc, Decer Ambos, and Alfredo Tamparong. (Tagum Cooperative)

More than a hundred of blood donors join in Tagum Coop’s Mass Blood Donation The Tagum City Health Office personnel led the actual taking of blood in Program Tagum Coop’s Mass Blood Donation Program

“We clarified that we are merely stating that referral letters will be accepted but the DSWD social workers will still decide on the assistance to be providedbased on their assessments.” Sec. Taguiwalo further cited the issue raised by one reporter regarding the clamor for ESA of some families affected by the Zamboanga siege. Apparently, there are families still in transitional shelters three years after the disaster. The Secretary said, “Hindi dapat ganun na three years na after, naghihintay pa din sila. Ang ganitong pangangailangan ay immediate, kaya yan ang pagtuonan natin ng pansin na hindi na mangyari ulit (That should not be the case. The need of disaster victims, especially for shelter is immediate, thus, the DSWD will work on ensuring that such will not happen again).” Given the numerous public clamor, the Department sent teams to assess and validat e the programs and services provided during the Typhoon ‘Yolanda‘ disaster operations, particularly in Regions VIII and VI. The Secretary also said that the Department is in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust of ensuring that the poor and the needy will not have difficulty in ac-

cessing the services and programs due them. Asked if she thinks Pres. Duterte’s pronouncement of independent foreign policy will affect the donations of international donors especially on disaster operations, Sec. Taguiwalo responded, “Ang message ni Pres. Duterte on Indpendent Foreign Policy is very clear. We do not want to deal with countries that treat us as mendicants, treat us as 2nd class citizens, or treat us like little brown brothers, but we are open to building a relationship based on mutual benefit and non-interference in our internal affairs. Dapat yan ang palakpakan natin. Matagal na yan natin hinihintay yang Independent foreign policy (This is what we need to recognize. This has been a long overdue independent foreign policy that we have been waiting for).” The Secretary added, “I think we should also note that the President was the one who immediately gave the instruction for the concerned agencies to form a humanitarian mission and look into the plight of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia. He showed true public service and compassion for the OFWs who had been stranded and abused in the Middle East

Tagum Coop Director Eduard Amoguis is one of the blood donors who participate in TC’s Mass Blood Donation Program

DSWD vows to ensure fast, equal delivery of services to needy; affirms support to Pres. Duterte’s people-oriented gov’t

EPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo vowed to the public that the Department will continue improving its programs to ensure that the needy sectors have equal opportunity to avail of its services. In a press briefing yesterday to report on the first 100-day accomplishments of DSWD, the Secretary emphasized that programs must also be immediately provided, especially in cases of dire and urgent need like the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program for disaster-affected families. Under her leadership, Sec. Taguiwalo emphasized that the DSWD is geared towards providing compassionate and genuine service to the needy, with no hint of corruption and inequality. She said that DSWD wants all those who are in need to have equal access to the Department’s programs. This is why DSWD issued Memorandum Circular No. 9 which became an issue with some members of the House of Representatives as the policy noted that referral letters can be accepted but are not part of the integral process. The Secretary explained,

for over a year already.” The other notable 100 day accomplishments of DSWD under Sec. Taguiwalo’s leadershipinclude: the immediate assistance to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of the humanitarian mission of Government; the efficient disaster response to the victims of ‘Habagat‘ and Typhoon Ferdie; simplification of the accreditation process of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); in-depth monitoring of the ‘ Yolanda‘ disaster operations; and the review and improvement of the core programs of DSWD. Sec. Taguiwalo also highlighted the assistance provided by the DSWD to the Lumads, as they go back to their ancestral homes. She added that DSWD will hold a dialogue with the Lumads and other Indigenous Peoples in the coming days as “dapat natin tulungan ang mga IPs dahil sila ang unang nagtaguyod at lumaban sa pananakop ng ating bayan. Ang mga IPs din ang pangunahing nag-aalaga ng ating kalikasan kung kaya’t dapat natin silang alalayan (we must help the IPs as they were the first ones who fought for our land. Also, they are the primary caretakers of our natural resources so we should support them).”

ACELT 2016 National Conference in Davao City

HE Ateneo Center for English Language Teaching (ACELT) will be holding its 52nd Conference in Davao City with the theme “Teaching English in Multilingual Classrooms” on October 20-22, 2016. This national conference will be at the Finster Hall of Ateneo de Davao University. This conference workshop aims to provide teachers with pedagogical frameworks for the teaching of English in multilingual classrooms.

It will also guide the teachers in designing lessons within the OBE framework that will suit the language needs of 21st century learners. At the end of the conference, participants are expected to gain a more enlightened approach in the teaching of English to today’s diverse learners. For more information, please call us at 4266001 ext. 5315 or 4264322, 09369866003 or visit us at http:// www.ateneo.edu/ls/soh/ acelt/52nd-acelt- conference.

Government unions hold forum; encourage people to participate in peaceful,meaningful social change

S the Duterte administration marks its first 100 days, the Department of Social Welfare and Development. employees’ union, Social Welfare Employees Association of the Philippines (SWEAP) and the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) will hold a forum today to discuss relevant national issues and unite forum participants to commit in people’s advocacy efforts towards peaceful and meaningful social change. Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said that, “Nahalal si Pangulong Duterte sapagka’t nais ng mga Pilipino ang tunay

na pagbabago na nakaankla sa kanyang plataporma na tapang at tunay na malasakit (President Duterte was elected into office because the Filipinos want real change anchored on his platform courage and real compassion.)” “However, people should realize that meaningful social change cannot happen by the works of one man alone. Change happens through the collective action of people struggling to achieve it,” Sec. Taguiwalo expounded. Hence, the Movement for Change Forum seeks to contribute towards the development of a sustainable pro-people movement for change and a better Philippines.

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AirAsia gifts free flights to Asean Paralympic medallists A

IRASIA on Tuesday gave away free flights to Asean Paralympic medallists at a gala event held at the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence (AACE) in Malaysia. Gold medal winners received a lifetime of free flights, while silver and bronze medal winners received five and three years’ worth of free flights respectively. Medallists were given a special AirAsia BIG card in gold, silver and bronze that allows them to fly to any of the more than 120 destinations within AirAsia and AirAsia X’s extensive network in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Africa. In attendance were AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, AirAsia X Group CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, AirAsia Berhad CEO Aireen

Omar and AirAsia Singapore CEO Logan Velaitham as well as government and sports officials from Asean. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “Once again, Asean athletes have made the region proud by showing we can be a serious contender on the world stage, and it is my great pleasure to present these fine sportsmen and sportswomen with free flights in recognition of their amazing achievements. “These para-athletes prove that there is no limit to the human spirit, no obstacle to achieving our dreams that we cannot overcome with focus, determination and hard work. They are an inspiration to the region and to the world.” AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “I am tremendously proud of paddler Josephine

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

Asean Paralympic Medallists from the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam with AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and officials. Medina for ending the Philippines’ 16-year medal drought at the Paralympics, equalling Hidilyn Diaz’s achievement just a month earlier. This has been a good Games for the Philippines, and I believe this is just the beginning of greater successes to come.” AirAsia is Asia’s leading and largest low-cost carrier by passengers carried and jet fleet size, with an extensive network of more than 120 destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa. It is also the only airline to fly direct to all 10 Asean countries, including some 60 unique routes in the region. AirAsia was named World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the eighth year in a row

Rio Paralympic 2016 Bronze Medallist from the Philippines, Josephine Medina with (L) her coach Mark Eballa and Dennis Esta, executive director of Philspada NPC Philippines. and AirAsia X won the World’s Best Low-Cost Premium Cabin and Premium Seat for the fourth straight year at 2016

Skytrax World Airline Awards in Farnborough, UK. Keep up-to-date with AirAsia’s latest promotions

and activities via Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsia).

EDGEDAVAO

13 HEALTH

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

Discovering the mystery of cancer By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T starts as a single cell and grows into a merciless disease that claims millions of lives year after year. Cancer, as the disease is called, is one of the leading killers around the world. It accounts for six million or 12% of deaths globally, according to the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO). Fifty-eight percent of those who succumbed to cancer come from developing countries. In the Philippines, for instance, cancer is the fifth leading cause of death. This is due to the fact that more than half of all cancer cases in the country “are diagnosed at an advanced stage when it is already too late to save the patient.” For every 1,000 Filipinos, one gets cancer. And the incidence is higher among females than males, according to the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc. (PCSI). Ninety-one percent occur between the ages of 35 and above. Three-fourths of all cancer cases in the country occur between the ages 50 and above. Health experts say there are more than 100 types, but all have in common: an uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells. Many people mistakenly believe a diagnosis is a death sentence. Cancer, which comes from the Greek word karkinos which means “crab,” is a group of cells that has lost its normal control mechanisms and thus has unregulated growth. “Cancerous (malignant) cells can develop from any tissue within any organ,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “As cancerous cells grow and multiply, they form a mass of cancerous tissue -- called a tumor -- that invades and destroys normal adjacent tissues.” The term “tumor” refers to an abnormal growth or mass; it can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Cancerous cells from the primary (initial) site can spread (metastasize) throughout the body. How cancer develops Science tells us that each time a human cell divides, it must replicate its DNA, a biochemical manuscript some 3 billion characters long. In the course of transcribing such a lengthy document, even a skilled typist could be expected to make mistakes, and cells, like typist, occasional err. The mistakes they make are minor and quickly repaired by proteins that serve as miniature mechanics. More often than not, cells with defects in their DNA will

continue to divide, eventually forming small growths. “The more cell-division cycles an organism undergoes, the more likely it is to accumulate colonies of abnormal cells, each of the offspring of a single progenitor,” writes Time science writer J. Madeleine Nash. “By the time humans reach middle adulthood, then their bodies contain millions of cells that have taken at least one step toward cancer.” The Merck manual, however, gives specific details on how cancer develops. “Cancerous cells develop from healthy cells in a complex process called

t ra n s formation,” it explains. “The first step in the process is initiation, in which a change in the cell’s genetic material (in the DNA and sometimes in the chromosome structure) primes the cell to become cancerous. The change in the cell’s genetic material may occur spontaneously or be brought by an agent that causes cancer (carcinogen).” Carcinogens include many chemicals (arsenic, asbestos, benzene, and nickel, to name a few), tobacco, viruses, radiation, and sunlight. A person exposed to a carcinogen (by breathing, eating or touching it for long periods) does not necessarily mean he will certainly be afflicted with cancer, the PCSI said. “It only increases the possibility,” it added. “However, not all cells are equally susceptible to carcinogens,” the Merck manual notes. “A genetic flaw in a cell may make it more susceptible. Even chronic physical irritation may make a cell more susceptible to carcinogens.” Promotion is the second and final step in the development of cancer. “Agents that cause promotion are called promoters,” the Merck manual says. “Promoters may be substances in the environment or even some drugs (such as barbiturates). Unlike carcinogens, promoters do not cause cancer by themselves. Instead, promoters allow a cell that has undergone initiation to be-

come cancerous. Promotion has no effect on non-initiated cells. Thus, several factors, often the combination of a susceptible cell and a carcinogen, are needed to cause cancer.” “What makes cancer very dangerous is that if not detected early and treated promptly, cancer cells have the capability of spreading not only by direct infiltration of the immediate surrounding area, but also transfer and grow in distant areas by passing through the blood stream and the lymphatic system,” one of the country’s noted oncologists once pointed out. The most important factor that affects the chances for the cure of cancer is the stage at which it is detected. Two out of six cancer cases in the Philippines are cured, medical experts claimed. “But three out of six could have been cured, if only diagnosed earlier,” they maintained. Among men, prostate cancer tops while breast cancer is the number one among women. “This disease is a traitor,” said an oncologist of breast cancer, which killed film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Hollywood actress Ingrid Bergman. But he added that “when detected early, it can be cured.” By cured, the oncologist meant that there has been no activity for five years. “But even after 20 years, nagigising iyan,” the doctor said. “So I advise my patients to go for regular check-ups even with the family doctors. Early detection is still the key -- breast or any other kind of cancer.” The PCSI, a private social welfare organization, said there is no such thing as cancer for the rich and cancer for

the poor. “People in the urban areas, however, have higher risk of getting cancer,” it said in a statement. “Whether or not there are less cases in the rural areas is hard to tell. Generally, cancer cases in remote barrios are not reported.”

Signs and symptoms Because cancer is more likely to be cured if treated early, it is critical that cancer be discovered early. “Some symptoms may give early warning of cancer and should, therefore, trigger a person to seek medical care,” the Merck manual says. “Fortunately, most of these symptoms are usually caused by far less serious conditions. Nonetheless, the development of any of the warning signs should not be ignored.” Some of the warming signs are general; that is, they are vague changes that do not help pinpoint any particular cancer. Still, their presence can help direct doctors to perform the physical examinations and laboratory tests necessary to exclude or confirm a diagnosis. Other symptoms are much more specific and steer doctors to a particular kind of cancer or location. Some warning signs of cancer are, according to the Merck manual, are weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, new and persistent pain, recurrent nausea or vomiting, blood in urine, blood in stool (either visible or detectable by special tests), and sudden depression. Other common signs and symptoms of cancer are recurrent fever, chronic cough, a recent change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea), changes in the size or color of a mole or changes in a skin ulcer that does not heal, and enlarge lymph nodes. “Cancer may be present in very many ways: as a lump, some change in body function,

bleeding, anemia or weight loss,” says The New American Desk Encyclopedia. “Less often tumors produce substances mimicking the action of hormones or producing remote effects such as neuritis.” (Neuritis is any disorder of the peripheral nervous system, which interferes with sensation, the nerve control of muscle, or both.) “Cancer is a complex disease but other viral diseases have been nearly wiped out through vaccination,” commented the Professional Health Media Services. “Perhaps such a vaccine (or vaccines) will be developed to prevent cancer. But until such vaccines are developed, there is much that a person can do about cancer.” Medical scientists claim cancer is neither infectious nor contagious. In fact, it is not hereditary, assured most oncologists. “The fact that cancer has occurred in a family is no cause for anxiety,” they stressed. “But people whose close relatives have cancer should have more regular checkups because of familiar tendency.” Prevention While not all cancers are preventable, there are some that can be prevented. These cancers can only be averted by observing some measures. For instance, smoking cigarettes must be avoided. In the strongest evidence yet, two studies involving more than 150,000 people in the United States show that cigarette smoking can lead to colon cancer in both men and women. The parallel studies also found that early smoking apparently fixes for life the risk of colon-rectal cancer, even if the smoking habit is dropped. Alcoholic beverages must be taken moderately. Drinking excessively is hazardous to one’s health as “high intake of alcoholic drinks is related to

cancers of the liver and esophagus.” If possible, chewing lime and betel nut must be avoided. Personal hygiene and cleanliness, when practiced by women, has been found to reduce the incidence of cancer of the cervix. For their part, men who wash and keep their penis clean have a lower chance of developing cancer of the penis. Incidentally, it has been shown that women whose husbands are circumcised have a lower incidence of cervical cancer. Filipinos must also avoid exposing their skin to the noonday sunlight. From 10 am to 12 pm, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are most merciless and may cause skin cancer. Warts and moles, which are in the areas that are constantly being irritated or under pressure, must be removed “especially if they start to enlarge, change in color and bleed.” In addition, men and women after 40 years of age are advised to undergo yearly stool examination and rectal examination for early detection of cancer of the colon and rectum. At present, there is no direct cause-and-effect relationship between nutrition and cancer. However, statistics show that certain foods may decrease or increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Filipinos are also advised to avoid frequently eating very salty, very hot, very spicy and heavily smoked foods as they contain large amounts of salitre, which are linked to stomach cancer, health experts claim. Moldy foods should not be eaten as swallowing them may lead to liver cancer, he said. A diet with high fat content must also be avoided. Obese individuals, it has been found, have an increased risk of developing cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, uterus, ovary, and gallbladder. (Photos from the net)

14 SPORTS

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FLYIN’ AT EDEN

FLYING WHEELS. A rider and his bike soars at the finish line.

Favorites ruleTaokas Cup Asia bikefest By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ATIONAL team rider Eleazar Barba Jr. Of Teeam Taokas led the winners in the Taokas Cup Asia 2016 at the scenic mountain trails in Eden, Toril over the weekend. The top-ranked Barba capitalized on the penalty lapped on rival Jerich Farr of Team Prima Specialized to rule the premier Enduro Elite Men’s division with a combined time of 10 minutes 21.77 seconds in the two-stage race. Farr came in second after he was slapped with a two-minute penalty for a combined 11:50.98 clocking. Another Taokas rider Wendell Baba made it a 1-3 finish with a 11:55.59 clocking for third place. Jonathan Verga of V12 Radgear topped the Legends division in 13:02.83 while Lea Denise Belgira emerged winner in the women’s race with a time of 16:39.97. In the Cross Country Olympic (XCO) race, Reimon and Cezar Lapaza finished 1-2 in the men’s elite division. Reimon clocked 38 minutes, 40.14 seconds while Cezar crossed the finish 2 minutes and 32.24 seconds behind. Veteran Eusebio Quinonez finished third 2 minutes 47.26 behind. Glen Yap topped the men’s masters XCO race in 39:06.49 besting Daniel Tapao (41:40.80) and Joel Barba (42:42.91). In the men’s 20-29 years of XCO, Michael Cosep of Octavio Sardines topped the race in 32:26.56, Gritel Patadilla of Rambo CCC won the men’s 30-39 title in 35:06.00, while Mohd Faizkry Jumah of Taokas-Sabah Malaysia won the men’s 19 years old and below in

22:23.38. In the women’s side, Yu Chen of Taokas Taiwan topped the race in 36:16.04. The event, the biggest ever mountainbiking race in Davao City, attracted foreign participants from China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. Teams which took part in the two-day event are CATBA, Cottabato Off Road Enthusiasts, Sikad Davao, South Davao Mountain Riders, Taokas Taiwan, Team BKS, Patrol Muntain FJC, Team Taokas PH, AKS, Bikelab, Dirtbros, Team BER Bislig Enduro Riders, Bikelab/ Pi Racing Gear, 1.10, Tio Baoti XTC Team, V12 Radgear, Team Rangers, GBC, Green Bikers Club Mountain Province, pmtb-taiwan, SDMR Toril Hardtails, Ladybug Enterprise/ biBu, Batanta Cycling Club Indonesia, Sabah Cycling/88 Bikers, Sabah Team Taokas, Sabah Cycling/Mile One, 8a Team Alkoholik, Padyak Cool, Siquijor MTBour/CTB, SF Trail Riders, Team Taokas Batangas/ Padyakcool, Vtargo, Safety First, AKS/Sikad/SC Racing, Ultimate Trail Organization Gen. Sants City, Hanz Singapore, Team De Ads, B.E.E.R., AMBA, PLDT, Endless Foes Racing, Alfonso Bikers Club, Team Katsuri, Podium Multisports, Taokas Lasortech, Slambikes, Team Hagunuy, Team Rangerts, Hagunuy Zamboanga, SPARS, insik insde wakaboys, Attack Bike Shop-Groundzero Cycleline-EXO, Outbreak Adrenaline Wear, One Trail Enthusiasts, Privateer, Sto. Tomas Bikers, ESR Eat Speed Ride, TRF Tagum Free, Taokas Japan, Hard Chargers, Dirtbros/MFR/TCB, IMB/ICE?SBI, Lambayong Nataraki Bikers, Rakrakan Tabaco, and Team Kabado XIII. Sponsoring the event are Taokas bikes, Fusion Performance Suspension, Fifty-Fifty, SDG Components, Quai, Maxxis Tyres, HT Components, Monster Energy Drink, Patrol and Petron in partnership with South Davao Mountain Riders, and BONE.

NEVER EASY. A lady rider gets stuck into a tight and deep trail.

NOT FOR MEN ONLY. A pretty rider poses before the race.

FLYING HIGH. The final jump gives riders the chance to wind up with a picture perfect finish.

HOT PURSUIT. Two riders engage each other in a wild chase to the finish.

Blazers edge Lakers in OT

AMIAN Lillard started hot, sat out the fourth and watched the Portland Trail Blazers reserves edge the Lakers in overtime, 109-106, on Tuesday in Los Angeles (Wednesday, Manila time). Lillard scored 30 points, making 6 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc as the Blazers remained unbeaten in three NBA preseason games.

Mason Plumlee had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds for Portland. Jordan Clarkson was again among the Lakers leading scorers after coming off the bench, registering 16 this time although he made only 6 of 14 field goal attempts. Nick Young had 14 points on 5 of 12 shooting, while Julius Randle scored 13, making four of six field goals.

Mavs beatThunder 114-109

WIGHT Powell and JJ Barea led the way as the Mavericks beat the OKC Thunder, 114-109, on Tuesday in Dallas (Wednesday, Manila time).

Powell had 16 points to lead five Mavericks in double-digit scores as Dallas evened its preseason rrcord, 2-2. Barea added 15 points, Keith Hornsby scored 12, while Nicolas Brussino and Deron Williams had 11 apiece. Ersan Iyasova had 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Enes Kanter had 11 and 13 for Oklahoma City. The Thunder are 0-1 after splitting its tuneup matches against Spain. TIGHT DEFENSE. Dwight Powell tries to force his way to the basket against Ersan Ilyasova. AP

Pacquiao-Marquez 5? F

ORMER four division world champion Juan Manuel Marquez cites a boxing comeback after almost three years of inactivity having suffered a knee injury. Now 43 years old, the man who fought Manny Pacquiao four times will judge on how his body responds to his workout before rendering the final decision. Marquez’s last fight was in July of 2014 defeating Mike Alvarado by a 12 round unanimous decision at the Forum, Inglewood, California. A bad knee injury sidelined him for the last two and a half years. Marquez said to ESPN: “I will not make a decision to return until my body tells me how I feel. If the body responds well, we are going to make a comeback. I have the desire to do a retirement fight. Let’s see how my body responds when I go to the gym.”

Marquez has a pro record of 56-7-1, 40 KOs now trains with his famous yet controversial strength and conditioning coach Memo Heredia and said he feels physically good so far. His training will go on until December and if his physical condition warrants then he will decide for a retirement fight next year 2017. “We’ve been working out in the gym with Memo, more fitness than anything else. The body is responding well, but I will not make the decision to return until I’ve been training on a consistent basis and I’ll see what my body tells me,” Marquez said on Golpe a Golpe TV program over ESPN. Marquez wanted to fight another former four division world champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico. But negotiations went down as both could not agree on a catch-weight

and other terms of the fight. Marquez’s trainer Nacho Beristain believed his boxer would go on full time retirement. But the “itch” of climbing back the ring to fight again keeps contaminating his body and mind. Marquez (56-7-1, 40KOs), 43-years-old, has been inactive since a May 2014 decision victory over Mike Alvarado at the Forum in Los Angeles, California. Several returns dates have been discussed, but they never came together. The veteran had been dealing with a bad knee for over a year. Marquez went through his first week of training with strength and conditioning coach Memo Heredia and he feels physically good. He plans to train until December and once the physical work is constant, he will decide what to do in terms of a 2017 fight.

Marquez must find a well-known opponent in his retirement fight to drum up interest in the farewell match. Marquez always told the boxing world that he won the first three close fights with Pacquiao. In their fourth fight in 2012, Marquez floored Pacquiao in the 6th round with a thundering right hand to the head finally winning in a very convincing KO fashion. Still millions of boxing fans would love to see Marquez and Pacquiao clashing for the fifth time. The matchup was far better than the Mayweather-Pacquiao flop. Both boxers still have the burning passion for the sweet science even at the twilight of their colorful careers. The boxing world would greatly accept another chapter in one of the fiercest rivalry in boxing history.

NDRAY Blatche sat out but his absence didn’t prevent China Kashgar from walloping Barsy Atyrau of Kazakhstan, 97-68, in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup on Monday

in Chenzhou. Blatche, who had a near triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists last outing, was the only player who didn’t suit up for the unbeaten China Kashgar.

But the hosts got a boost from Darius Adams who finished with 21 points and Houston Rockets draft pick Zhou Qi who stepped up by tallying 15 points, six rebounds and three assists.

China Kashgar took a break on Tuesday and will next take on ASEAN Basketball League champions Malaysia Dragons on Wednesday to wrap up its group stage assignments.

the champion, while Team B comprising of Atty. / Engr. Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta, Engr/s: Arnold Sarabia, Edgar L. Villalba, Julius A. Libre, Jr., Jansen Ivan M. Aban, Edbert Gio R. Suan, Ryan G. Pichon, Dennis M. Hersano and Janber G. Sagrado, was the 1st Runner Up. Top ten leading scorers were as follows: Engr/s. Gomez (25pts), Cabrera(17pts), Libre(16pts), Estopa(15 pts), Aban(15pts), Sagrado(15pts), Palban (14pts), Corda(12pts), Sarabia(11pts),Pichon (10pts). Included in the highlights

was the awarding of cash incentives to outstanding friendship players, to wit: Best three point shooter- Engr/s. Rodel B. Pingol & Mark Bryan L. Estopa, best blind fold shooter- Janber G. Sagrado and best free throw shooter- Arnel J. Abao. Salo-salo dinner together with members and distribution of raffle prizes culminated the said activity. Tournament chairman, Engr. Jimwell L. Bonguyan said, the 3rd Tournament Conference which started August 9 this year is expected to be finished on January 2017. (Engr. Sharon Angelica Gilla-Bonguyan)

Blatche sits out but China still wins A

PDBC celebrates 1st Anniversary T

HE Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers in cooperation with Davies Paints Philippines, Incorporated celebrated the 1st PICE Davies Basketball Club (PDBC) Anniversary at the Brokenshire Recreational Center, Madapo Hills, Davao City on October 4, 2016. It is remembered that the said partnership created a series of basketball tournaments which aimed to promote physical fitness, wellness and establish continuous collaboration with fellow professionals and other basketball enthusiasts from the different sectors

of the society. And for the span of one year, eight teams were formed and that two basketball league’s were produced making Team Palban and Team Felizarta champions in the two consecutive events. Highlight of the 1st PDBC Anniversary, was a “Friendship – Exhibition Game” which was participated by Civil Engineers in which Team A comprising of Engr/s: Leonard S. Palban, Jimwell L. Bonguyan, Glicerio G. Gomez, Mark Bryan L. Estopa, Felinee D. Cabrera, Zosimo R. Hermina III, Dindo C. Corda, Emerson T. Andres, Rogel C. Alonzo, emerged as

SPORTS 15

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

INJURED. Rachel Anne Daquis gets ice treatment on the injury inside the RC Cola Army dugout. SPIN.ph

Daquis leaves game with injury R

Some highlighted activities during the 1st PICE Davies Basketball Club Anniversary showing (clockwise) the winners of the exhibition game, parlor games winners, during the actual oath of sportsmanship and inspirational message from Atty. Joseph Dominic S. Felizarta, CE (tournament adviser/ Team Manager) at Brokenshire Recreational Center, Madapo Hills, Davao City.

C Cola Army outside hitter Rachel Anne Daquis suffered a left ankle sprain after an awkward landing during their game against Generika in the Philippine Super Liga on Tuesday night at The Arena in San Juan. Daquis, who is set to see action in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship on October 18-23, stepped on the foot of teammate Lutgarda Malaluan after a block on Ria Meneses in the third set, 15-9, in favor of the Lady Troopers.

The 28-year old spiker from Taytay, Rizal failed to finish the game, but later assured there’s nothing to worry about. “Beh, okay lang ako, nailalakad ko pa nga eh, wala lang ito,” she told SPIN.ph while the team physical therapist was putting ice on the injured ankle inside the dugout. RC Cola Armt PT Paula Tomas said they will see have the foot examined by Dr. Isagani Leal on Wednesday morning. Army went on to win the game in four sets.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 165 • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

DENDEN’S HK HUNT Davao’s De Castro leads PH golfers to HK Open By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

AVAO’S Den Den de Castro of Rancho Palos Verdes will spearhead the Sta. Lucia-Philippine contingent to the Hong Kong Open on Oct. 18-21. De Castro, a mainstay of RPV in the Sta. Lucia circuit will see action in the Mid-Am tournament to be held at the Clearwater Bay Golf Club in the former crown colony. Teammate Tom Kim, meantime, will play in the main HK Amateur

Open men’s division. The Sta. Lucia-Philippine contingent, headed by tour chairman Vince Santos, paid a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday in Malacanang. De Castro and Kim earned the right to represent the country after emerging victorious in the Sta. Lucia Amateur Golf Tour and the Tournament of Champions (TOC) at Beverly Place in Pampanga.

WITH THE PRESIDENT. De Castro (next to President Duterte) wll lead the Philippine contingent to the Hong Kong Open on Oct. 18-21.

De Castro first won the Davao leg then annexed the Class A division title in the TOC after besting TJ Benitez of Orchard. Kim likewise ruled the Open class in the TOC. De Castro was ahead by 6 at the turn but a determined Benitez rallied and came close to a shot down. In the last hole, the Dabawenyo parbuster sank an 8-foot putt for par then watched Benitez succumb to pressure and dropped a bogey to clinch the win. The Open Division and Class A champs in the TOC are sent to Hong Kong to compete in the HK Amateur and Mid-Amateur Open, one of the most prestigious amateur events in HK. Last year, Brian Kim, representing Eagle Ridge topped the Mid-Amateur Category and placed fifth overall in the HK Am Open. Amateur golf benefitted from staunch supporter Sta. Lucia Land Inc.’s decision to tweak its Sta. Lucia Amateur Golf Tour program to boost the country’s talent search and development of amateur golf. The redesigned Sta. Lucia tour, with Vincent Santos and Jason Robles as tournament co-chairmen, featured an

open division for the top and upcoming amateurs. The new format paved the way for the likes of Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario, Rupert Zaragosa, and Jobim Carlos, among others to take part in the fiveleg tour which is organized in partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP). T h e revamped tour had four elimination legs in various Sta. Lucia courses. Winners there qualified for the Tournament of Champions (TOC) at Beverly Place in Pampanga.

CHAMP. Den Den De Castro, shown here in file photo, watches his putt roll through the cup.