Edge Davao 9 Issue 166

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016 WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL. Miss Philippines-Earth 2016 Imelda Bautista Schweighart and other Miss Earth beauty pageant candidates wave to the crowd during their presentation to the media at the Waterfront Insular Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RODY SCORES 86% Pulse Asia survey yields high trust rating for PRRD

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

P

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ULSE Asia released on Wednesday its latest survey showing that President Duterte’s has maintained a very high trust rating during his first 100 days in office.

The President received an 86 percent approval and trust rating in the poll conducted

by Pulse Asia from the period Sept. 25 to October 1.

A total of 1,200 adults nationwide served as respondents to the survey.

The survey also showed

11 percent of the respondents were undecided on both approval and trust components, while the remaining 3 percent disapproved of the President.

Pulse Asia said the survey was conducted in the midst of “key developments” that dominated the headlines which include the appearance of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed hitman before the hearing on extra-judicial killings conducted by the Senate committee on Justice and Human Rights; the concerns raised by the United

Nations (UN) and other foreign leaders on the increasing number of drug-related deaths in the country; the time when President Duterte made parallelism on the government’s anti-drug campaign to the genocide of Jews committed by Adolf Hitler; and the on-going inquiry at the House of Representatives on the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison.

Pulse Asia added that other developments that oc-

cured during the conduct of the survey included the ouster of Senator Leila de Lima as chair of the Senate Committee on Justice; the apology issued

by President Duterte to Jewish communities around the world; and, in the economic front, the depreciation of the Philippine peso against the dollar.

In all areas surveyed, President Duterte got the highest performance approval rating from Mindanao with 93 per-

F RODY, 10

Miss Earth candidates impressed with Davao

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

T

HE more than 120 candidates of Miss Earth 2016 received a warm welcome from Dabawenyos, as they paid an official visit to the Davao City Hall on Thursday afternoon.

Arnold Alvarez, a staff of Carousel Productions, the main organizer of the pageants, said the event’s pro-

duction members and candidates were very impressed with Davao’s security, peace and order, and most of all, the preparedness of the local government.

“We also did not expect that Davaoeños are this welcoming,” he said.

Carousel Productions

F MISS, 10

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

EYE CAPTAIN. President Duterte is toured by members of the Philippine Coast Guard during the 115th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard at the Port Area in Manila on Thursday. ROBINSON NINAL/Presidential Photo

Gabriela solons supports Rody’s call to end joint patrols in West PH Sea

W

OMEN’S partylist group Gabriela has expressed support for President Duterte’s decision to stop the joint patrols being conducted by the navies of the Philippines and the United States at the West Philippine Sea. “Did joint US-PH patrols ever stop China from encroaching into Philippine waters? The President is right in pursuing a different tact in protecting and asserting Philippine jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea and upholding the United Nations’ Tribunal decision in favor of the Philippines,” Gabriela Rep. Emmi de Jesus said in a statement on Thursday.

The joint patrols began in April under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

(EDCA) signed by the Philippines and the US two years ago.

President Duterte earlier said there would be no more joint patrols, as he did not want the Philippines to be involved in a conflict between the US and China over dominance in the disputed waters.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has questioned the decision, arguing the President has the duty to protect the country’s territory.

Another Gabriela solon, Arlene Brosas, meanwhile, said that with President Duterte seeking to remove activities that may be deemed as a demonstration of hostility or provocation in the area, the

F GABRIELA, 10

Palace welcomes record low self-rated poverty rate

M

ALACANANG welcomed on Thursday a survey showing a near record low self-rated poverty rate, saying it is a sign that change is now being felt by the Filipino people.

According to the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey conducted from Sept. 24 to 27, families who rated themselves as “poor” dropped from 45 percent or 10.2 million families in June 2016 to 42 percent estimated at 9.4 million families. ”Change has indeed come and it is being felt by our people. We welcome the September 2016 Social Weather Station survey,” Presidential Communications Operations

(PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar said in a media briefing. ”This is the lowest self-rated poverty rate since March 1987,” he added.

For the past 100 days since President Duterte assumption, Andanar said the Duterte administration has been finding ways to make economic growth work for the poor with focus on the country’s 10 poorest provinces. ”The Duterte administration reaffirms the state policy to preserve prime agricultural lands to ensure food security,” Andanar said.

He said the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) has finally convened,

F PALACE, 10

City gov’t to tap schools, brgys in anti-drug drive

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

T

HE City Government of Davao is eyeing to seek the assistance of students and village officials as part of the city’s intensified campaign against the illegal drug trade.

This was announced by Mikey Aportadera, co-chairperson of the city’s Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC).

According to Aportadera, his office is now in the process of finalizing programs

designed for drug surrenderees who want to turn a new leaf.

He added the council has initiated meetings with representatives of schools and universities in the city requesting them to join the fight against the narcotics trade.

“We want to enlist the help of the students in the information campaign about the ills of prohibited drugs as well as smoking,” Aportade-

ra said in yeterday’s iSpeak press briefing.

He said the ADAC plans to distribute posters and leaflets in schools and barangays across the city to inform citizens on how they can help curb the illicit drug trade.

Aportadera stressed the city government’s anti-illegal drug campaign will not only focus on the academic sector, but more importantly, at the grassroots level as well.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) is also strengthening the preventive drug education component of Science and Health classes both at the grade school and high school levels.

DepEd Davao Spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said that alternative learning methods will be utilized among students, as these are seen as effective ways to combat the illegal drug menace.

Uy noted that 20 percent of infertility cases in the Philippines involve males who have a very low sperm count.

“This (infertility) could be caused by hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

On the other hand, Uy pointed out that 40 percent of infertility cases in the country involved females, particularly those with premature ovarian failure.

“Feritility decreases as a woman ages,” she said.

Uy said that other causes of infertility among women are myoma and polyps in the uterus.

To address infertility, the medical authority cited a form of treatment called ovulation induction which utilizes a va-

riety of fertility medications to stimulate the development of eggs in the uterus.

This is followed by an intrauterine insemination where the sperm is placed in the uterus, she added.

“But this is only applicable for women with normal fallopian tubes and normal sperm count,” said Uy. But for couples whose infertility is caused by factors affecting both the male and female, she recommended In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or assisted reproductive fertility procedure.

She explained this procedure involves the removal of eggs from the woman’s uterus and to be fertilized by sperm outside her body.

Uy said the fertilized embryos would then be planted to the woman’s cervix.

“This [procedure produces] test tube babies,” she said.

In the meantime, Ramonito Tampos, Merck president, said his company has closely collaborated with IVF Philippines in order to help break the stigma of infertility and find ways to address the health problem.

“There is hope for couples struggling with infertility,” Tampos said, noting that one out of 10 couples worldwide struggle with infertility.

He also called on members of the media to help spread the word that there are now effective medical solutions to infertility.

Fertility Awareness Month launched

By RIA VALDEZ

L

EADING pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck, in collaboration with IVF Philippines, spearheaded the launching of Fertility Awareness Month yesterday at the Marco Polo Davao with the theme: “Giving Life to Dreams.”

According to Dr. Irene Uy of the Brokenshire Hospital’s Brokenshire Women’s Center, infertility is a common health issue among women who are almost 35 years of age, adding that 9 percent of married couples in the Philippines are confronted with this problem.

Based on data from the Delaware Women’s Health Organization (DWHO), she said 80 million couples worldwide are facing infertility issues.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

In vitro fertilization gaining acceptance in Davao

NEWS 3

By RIA VALDEZ

E

MBRYO transfers are now gaining popularity in Davao as a means of addressing infertility issues afflicting Dabawenyo couples.

This was revealed by Dr. Irene Uy, OB-GYNE and Fertility Specialist from IVF Davao, who revealed that the vitro fertilization (IVF) facility at the Brokenshire Women’s Center in Brokenshire Hospital now has 61 patients, 46 of which have undergone or are scheduled to have embryo transfers.

“IVF Davao has a success rate of 42%” said Uy during the launch of Fertility Awareness Month yesterday at the Marco Polo Davao.

She noted that the IVF facility in Davao is at par with the clinics abroad who have a 40% success rate.

According to Uy, the pregnancy rate for women below 30 years old who have undergo the procedure at IVF Davao is 62 percent, while the rate for those above 35 years old is 38%.

The IVF Facility in Davao, the first one to be established in Mindanao, was inaugurated on Oct. 28, 2015.

The center received its first eight patients in December of last year, disclosed Dr. Ma. Lourdes Cabling.

Cabling said their facility charges P280,000 for patients who are below 30 years old,

P350,000 for women ages 3135 years old, and P385,000 for those ages 35 and up.

“The procedure is expensive because of the laboratory and medicinal costs,” explained Cabling.

She said their facility utilizes a wide variety of injectable medications to increase the chances of their patients to conceive.

Cabling said patients are required to pay only 60% of the package for the medicine and harvesting of the embryos.

She said patients are given the chance to save and pay for the remaining 40 percent of the medical fee when the embryos are transferred.

“We segment the treatment as well as the funds,” said Cabling.

Also attending the launch of Fertility Awareness Month were two patients of IVF Davao who were among the facility’s first batch of patients - Mydean Pagul (39) and Rodel Pingol (39).

Pagul is now pregnant and her child will be the first baby to be conceived via IVF in Mindanao.

Pingol, on the other hand, underwent an operation June of this year to normalize his sperm count.

His wife is now pregnant with twins.

NEW DATA OFFICERS. Davao Tourism Association (DATA) officers led by newly-installed President Gatchi Gatchalian (leftmost) are formally introduced to the different tourism sectors from Davao Region during the

organization’s first general assembly at newly-upgraded Lantawan Hall of The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

Advocacy group hits SC’s decision on aerial spraying

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

A

DAVAO-BASED advocacy group has criticized the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision in August which ruled with finality that the Davao City ordinance banning aerial spraying as an agricultural practice is unconstitutional.

Dagohoy Magaway, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (MAAS) coordinator, bared his group is filing a motion for reconsideration

against the said SC ruling, which pointed out the Davao City government does not have the legal authority to regulate the practice of aerial spraying in the area.

According to Magaway, the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) disregarded the City Council’s ordinance on aerial spraying, as he pointed out the PBGEA appealed for a 25-year phase out of the agriculture

practice.

Magaway also questioned SC’s ruling on Bukidnon’s ordinance on aerial spraying, saying “How come the SC did not do anything on Bukidnon’s ordinance?”

In light of these developments, MAAS is hoping President Duterte would eventually issue an Executive Order regulating the use of aerial spraying.

To recall, the Supreme

Court ruled with finality that the Davao City ordinance banning aerial spraying as an agricultural practice is unconstitutional.

In an en banc decision on Aug. 16, the high court denied the city’s petition challenging the Court of Appeals’ ruling against the ordinance, which was approved by President Duterte himself when he was still the mayor of Davao in 2007. F ADVOCACY, 10

EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

Surigao del Norte keen T to boost value-adding

MICE program boosts tourism and econ opportunities in Davao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE provincial government of Surigao del Norte is eyeing to boost the area’s coconut, jackfruit and cassava production by enhancing the value-adding capability of the province’s farmers.

Governor Sol Matugas sent a team from the province’s agriculture sector to a three-day visit to the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay, Leyte.

The visit was an exposure and actual observation on technologies, existing program and projects that the VSU is carrying out to hone and advance the knowledge and skills of municipal agriculturists and agricultural extension workers.

“The governor wanted our agricultural workers to have direct immersion on the available tachnologies in VSU especially in the field of value adding to coconut, cassava and jackfruit productions,” said Rebecca Bagnol, provincial agriculturist of Surigao del Norte.

Fourteen delegates joined the study tour, which was

composed of the mayor of Socorro town, the vice-mayor of Sta. Monica town, a member of the provincial board, with the rest coming from the municipal agriculture offices in the towns of Surigao del Norte.

The focus of the study was on VSUs research on coconut, cassava and its technology on crispy-fried jackfruit, Bagnol added.

She added that most of the participants to the study came from the towns in Siargao Island.

“Almost 90 percent of agricultural lands in Siargao are planted with coconut,” Bagnol said.

She pointed out that Governor Matugas saw the need to diversify coconut production, as it is the main agricultural product of local farmers.

“The problem is that coconut farmers in Siargao, for a long period of time, only depended on copra as the end product of coconut production. It is time for them to venture into value adding especially in coconut products,” Bagnol stressed.

She said that coconuts in Siargao can be developed into various high-value only if coconut farmers are equipped with the right knowledge and technologies.

Bagnol said that a small group of coconut farmers have started to venture into value-adding, but they still need the appropriate technology to support to improve their production.

“Municipal agriculturists and extension workers who underwent the exposure program and received information and education from VSU can re-echo the knowledge they acquired to the coconut farmers in Siargao,” Bagnol emphasized.

She said the provincial leadership is ready to extend support to coconut farmers once they venture into value-adding with the products.

Jackfruits, on the other hand, are the most common backyard fruit trees among residents in Surigao del Norte, Bagnol said.

The technology on value adding for jackfruit will be of

great help to households, she added, as extension workers will be tasked to impart their knowledge down to villages in the province.

“One of the learning we had in VSU is the variety of products that can be produced out of jackfruit and these could mean additional income to households in the area. This is also one of the aims of Governor Matugas why she sent us in VSU. She wanted to trigger the interests of the farmers on the variety of value adding on farm products,” she said.

There is also a surplus in root crop production in Siargao Island, a fact the governor also wanted to impart to the farmers.

“Root crops such as cassava and camote can be processed into nutritious food products other than making use of these as ordinary table food,” Bagnol said.

VSU, she added, now has technologies on root crop value which extension workers in municipal agriculture offices can share to farmers.

F SURIGAO, 10

OURISM and economic opportunities in the Davao region have doubled over the past year with the aggressive implementation of the Department of Tourism’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) Program.

In a report delivered by MICE Execom Chair Kennedy V. Kapulong during the Regional Tourism Assembly at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao yesterday, he revealed that in 2016, Davao City hosts at least one convention per month, as compared to one convention every two months in 2015.

“We are hoping that with this tourism campaign the projection will even double, two events in a month in 2017”, Kapulong said in an interview.

Kapulong noted that President Duterte’s assumption into office has provided a major boost to the region’s tourism industry.

Other factors that have contributed to the tourism boom in the city include the Execom’s extensive promotional campaign across the country, particularly in the key cities of Manila, Cebu and Iloilo; attending major tourism events to promote Davao as a tourism destination; and the conduct of meetings with airline companies to convince them to partner with the agency’s tourism campaign.

On the other hand, DOT Mindanao OIC Eden L. David said that billboards promoting Davao region’s top destinations have also been set up in strategic areas in the country.

All of these efforts, Eden said, have helped promote the city as a viable eco-tourism and business destination.

For her part, Davao Metro Shuttle’s Ciara Uy, who presented the Go Mindanao Bus Program, emphasized the importance of tourism in boosting the economy of Davao region and its neighboring areas.

“Our family has seen how big (the) impact of tourism has,” she said, adding that Mindanao still has a lot of untapped potential that can be harnessed to lure in more local and foreign tourist.

Meanwhile, Kapulong reported that MICE has been instrumental in convincing private and public groups and associations to conduct their annual conventions in Davao City and other areas in the region.

For instance, he said, the Integrated Electronic Engineers National Convention brought in 1,000 delegates, while the Philippine Integrated Civil Engineers Mid-year Convention attracted 3,000 delegates.

Kapulong said that in 2015, MICE facilitated the conduct of national conventions not only in Davao City, but in

F MICE, 10

NCCC launches x-mas promo

By RIA VALDEZ

N

Photo shows the team that was sent by Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas to Visayas State University in Baybay, Leyte to study the various technologies in value adding especially on coconut, jackfruit and cassava products. (Provincial Info Photo)

‘DOT will not remain complacent’– Sec. Teo D

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ ESPITE the double-digit increase in tourist arrivals in the Philippines, highlighted by a overall 14.53 percent gain over the past year and a 10.59% rise in inbound tourism receipts, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has vowed “not to remain complacent.”

During the Regional Tourism Assembly at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao yesterday, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo said the industry is subject to “external shocks” such as terrorism, political instability, natural disasters and economic factors.

In view of these develop-

ments, the tourism secretary laid down her department’s key strategies to address these concerns: structural reforms; innovative product and destination development; and creative marketing and promotion.

Under its planned structural reforms, the department eyes to align market research and product development; review internal processes and procedures to strengthen internal controls and implement faster action to tourism concerns; re-evaluate the National Tourism Development Plan for 20162022; and re-calibrate the accreditation system.

In line with its innovative product and destination development efforts, the DOT plans to establish an inventory of destinations and sights; activate project teams to handle new niche markets; implement professional development initiatives, and encourage LGUs to actively coordinate with the agency.

In the meantime, Teo has confirmed the Philippines will be hosting the Miss Universe 2017, as part of the department’s creative marketing and promotion strategy alongside the country’s hosting of ASEAN’s 50th year, the establishment of the Philippine Tourism Showroom,

and the proposal for the DOT TO help in the development of the BIMP-EAGA. The tourism secretary stressed the agency is doing its best to enhance the implementation of its programs, as it asked tourism industry stakeholders and media partners to work hand in hand to promote the county’s tourism industry.

“Our tourism offerings need to go beyond just sights and combine excellent experience into the mix. We need to move from just being ‘more fun’ and take it to the next level by providing flesh and substance that will deliver the promise,” said Teo.

CCC is set to launch its Pamaskong Regalo, Linggo-linggo Raffle Promo.

According to NCCC Marketing Supervisor Desiree Maglanoc, the company-wide promo includes Hardwaremaxx, HB1 Pharmacy, NCCC Department store and Supermarket, Choice mart, Bread Factory, and Munchies.

The promo covers NCCC branches in Davao, Tagum and Palawan.

Marketing-Public Relations Head Janna Mutalib explained this year’s promo will be different, as the raffle draw will be held weekly instead of every two months.

“Each week would feature a different showcase,” said Mutalib.

Week one will feature a Gadget Showcase, week two a Kitchen Showcase, week three a Grocery Showcase, and weeks four and five a Furniture Showcase.

Mutalib revealed the promo’s grand prize is a brandnew Toyota Fortuner.

She explained one raffle ticket will be issued for every single receipt purchase at the supermarket, department store, Hardwaremaxx, as well as accumulated receipts from Bread Factory, Munchies, and the mall tenants.

Mutalib said the raffle tickets to be issued to customers would depend on the amount

of total purchases and not based on participating products.

She added this is the first time NCCC would accept accumulated receipts, meaning purchases don’t have to be made in one day, but spread over several days as long as the good were purchased within the promo period.

Mutalib said the mall will have a redemption booth wherein all the accumulated receipts would be deposited.

“For the weekly promos, the cut-off dates are Nov. 28, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, and Dec. 21,” said Maglanoc.

Customers who did not qualify for the weekly draw would still have a chance to participate in the grand draw, she added.

All winners will be texted through NCCC’s official mobile number.

“The 38th anniversary of NCCC marks our celebration as a developing company,” Maglanoc said.

Meanwhile, NCCC will be holding a concert for its loyal customers on Dec. 1 and will be giving away Noche Buena packages to barangays who have the most number of attendees.

The promo period of NCCC’s Pamaskong Regalo, Linggo-linggo Raffle Promo will run from Oct. 15, 2016 to Jan 10, 2017.

The Grand Draw will be on Jan. 13, 2017.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

ECONOMY 5

World Food Day to focus on climate justice

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

A

NATIONWIDE organization composed of farmer-scientists says this year’s World Food Day (WFD) celebration will focus on the people’s call for climate justice.

Leo Fuentes, Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para Sa Pag-Unlad ng Agrikultura Inc. (MASIPAG) regional coordinator, believes it is inappropriate for people to celebrate WFD, while people across the globe are suffering from poverty and hunger.

“While our communities are vulnerable to climate disasters due to reckless and greedy chemical companies, MASIPAG along with other advocacy groups will be celebrating WFD by calling for climate justice,” Fuentes said.

He also revealed their group is supporting the worldwide movement against Monsanto, a multi-national agro-chemical company based in the United States.

According to Fuentes, Monsanto is responsible for

producing genetically-modified crops, as well as an allegedly harmful pesticide called Roundup.

He revealed that various advocacy groups in the country are in fact set to launch a “People’s Tribunal” against Monsanto from Oct. 14 to 16 in the Netherlands for the supposed crimes the company has committed against people and the environment.

Fuentes said there are more than 20,000 hectares of land in the Davao region planted with genetically modified corn crops, “sige-sige,” and produce treated with Roundup.

These crops, he added, are mono-cropped in plantations.

Fuentes said that Mindanao’s recent experience with El Niño should serve as a lesson for everyone.

He explained the earth’s increasing temperature, coupled with the practice of mono-cropping has multiplied the woes of farmers.

Targeted subsidies for indigent seniors to help plug P10-B VAT leakages

W

ORLD Bank estimates show that leakages from the value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for seniors could reach close to P10 billion this year, which is why the Department of Finance (DOF) is proposing expanding the VAT base instead and channeling the revenues collected from them to directly target indigent elderly citizens who need financial aid the most.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua, the DOF’s chief economist, said the Department’s plan is to transform some of the VAT exemptions into a system that would provide social protection to those who deserve them, which are indigent seniors and other vulnerable sectors.

The proposed lifting of the VAT exemptions excludes raw food and other essentials, such as education and health care.

“We are proposing to really target the benefits only to the poor and the vulnerable, so that we avoid the leakages which is very rampant in our estimate. The World Bank estimated [close to] P10 billion in leakage in the senior citizen [VAT] discounts,” said Chua during a recent technical working group meeting in the Senate on the DOF’s proposed tax reform plan.

Using data from the 2012 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), the World Bank estimates the leakage from the VAT exemptions granted to senior citizens at P4.9 billion to P7.1 billion in 2012.

“This includes non-seniors who benefit from the seniors’ VAT exemption,” Chua said.

“The estimated nominal growth of consumption is around 35 percent between 2012 and 2016, thus the 2016

estimated leakage is around P6.6 billion to P9.6 billion,” added Chua, who was a former senior economist of the World Bank for the Philippines. ‘”So, what we are proposing is to just transform it into a system where the target [subsidies] only go to those who really deserve to be protected,” he said.

A significant portion of the revenues to be collected under Package One of the DOF tax reform program will go to subsidies and other forms of social protection for vulnerable sectors.

“To mitigate the impact of the tax increases on the poor and low income households, earmarking for highly targeted subsidies is proposed to fully protect the poorest 50% of households and partially protect the working class,” according to the DOF-proposed tax bill submitted to the Congress last month.

For instance, a quarter of the incremental revenues to be generated from the excise tax increase on petroleum products will be used to fund highly targeted subsidies for vulnerable sectors, while the remaining 75 percent will go to other social and infrastructure expenditures.

Earlier, DOF spokesperson Paola Alvarez stressed that the 20 percent discount enjoyed by all senior citizens would remain and that some of the VAT exemptions would be replaced instead by better alternatives to shield poor and low-income seniors from the impact of the tax reform plan.

These better alternatives are in the form of social protection programs that include expanded pensions and conditional cash transfers (CCT), she said.

“A much better option

F TARGETED, 10

DOT PROGRAMS. Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo presents to Davao Region tourism stakeholders the agency’s upcoming programs during the Davao Tourism Association’s (DATA) first general assembly at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

6 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

S

Legal absurdities

ENATOR Leila De Lima has introduced a bill defining extra-judicial killing (EJK) and prescribing penalties thereof.

De Lima’s proposed measure also prescribes for the manner in which arrests are made by law enforcers.

Under the proposed bill, the PNP shall use alternative non-lethal incapacitating weapons as their primary tool to effect arrest when there is resistance from the suspects.

The measures prohibits state actors to resort to EJKs in implementation of the campaign for public order or in the enforcement of laws.

She suggested the use of a megaphone for the police to announce an arrest before serving a warrant or barging into a house where a suspect or suspects are found committing a crime.

Whatever prompted De Lima’s mind to propose such a measure (using a megaphone and announcing an arrest) ran smack into what is taught of law enforcers when they were in Criminology or training schools.

Sure, the primordial consideration is to arrest the suspect and bring him to the courts of justice for prosecution and for the suspect to defend himself under the doctrine of due process. But law enforcers are also taught to defend themselves and to restrain the suspect

EDGEDAVAO

Providing solutions to a seamless global village.

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

when the latter posts a fight and puts to danger the life of the arresting officer and of other individuals.

We’ve seen the use of megaphones in movies and could not agree more to its propriety in effecting legal arrests. However, it is not an assurance of a peaceful surrender. In fact, it gives the suspect or suspects an opportunity to escape, or arm himself/themselves or resort to other violent means to evade arrest.

A criminal mind is always set at self-preservation and not of surrender. That is the presumption. Using a megaphone contributes to chances of self-preservation.

We do not want to place ourselves in a mockery of those who break the law because above all, the fact remains that the law must be respected at all times and superior over anyone else at all times.

Where compromised, the law should be upheld and defended even at the expense of those who break or attempt to break it.

While the bill may be timely, De Lima’s proposal to effectuate arrest must be left to those with experience and background in law enforcement like Senator Ping Lacson.

The megaphone solution, for one, should be thrown away for some logical and practical means.

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

PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

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

the national association of newspapers

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

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY OFFICE CAGAYAN DE ORO MARKETING MARKETING OFFICE

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

MANILA MARKETING OFFICE

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

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

7

Academe Industry Linkages- a question of summits, a promise of change

“I

SKOLARS ng Bayan” or scholars of the people are what graduates of State Colleges and universities in the Philippines are often called. Students attend classes subsidized by the peoples money and graduate into professionals working in industry.

Often many of us lament that many of them end up working in other industries or working abroad, in companies in the middle east, Korea and elsewhere. Unfortunately, a non-industriailzed country with highly literate skilled talent pools like the Philippines become the labor and skilled personnel provider for these countries. The OFW phenomenon attests to this. The lack of local industries to abrob these skilled talents forces them to seek foreign employment.

Speaking at the National Coffee Summit in Davao City, Dr. Alex Brillantes of the

A

LTHOUGH Davao City is not in the list, the “Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts” – published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – has included the city as one of the cities in danger.

“Davao City is likely to face the impacts of sea level rise, increases in sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification, and inter-annual variability of rainfall,” the report said. “It is also likely that Davao will become the refuge of many migrants –a trend, which has already begun.”

In a seminar on climate change almost a decade ago, it was reported that Agdao district, Panacan, Sta. Ana wharf, part of the Lanang, Bajada and Matina areas, the whole of downtown area, including the city hall, will be completely submerged once the sea level rises. These areas will virtually be part of the Davao Gulf, the report said.

As a result, 40 percent of the city’s total population will be forced to evacuate to higher areas like the districts of Buhangin, Catalunan Grande, Calinan, Mintal, and Paquibato. Since the downtown area is already inundated, businesses have also to be relocated to higher areas.

“Not only will great numbers of our people be displaced, entire communities including their source of livelihood, their cultures and traditions will likewise be changed and dislocated forever,” deplored Heherson T. Alvarez, the convening chairman of the Asia-Pacific Leaders’ Conference on Climate Change held in Manila in 1995.

It was Dr. James E. Hansen, of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), who first raised the problem of global warming. In 1988, he told an American Senate hearing that “the greenhouse

Commission MY TWO CENTS’ on Higher Education is pushing for more and better linkages. “Making the schools relevant to the needs of industry and to make sure John Tria that industry ecisouth@gmail.com benefits from the research,” he said.

All industrialized countries have this bond, where the results of research are applied to production and marketing, making the business more competitive by powering costs and applying technology, helping industry level up and scale up. Academic

and research institutions are best equipped to develop this knowledge.

He explained that certain economic sectors have already built this relationship. “this is a major thrust and we have seen it in computers. We would like to do the same for agriculture. This is not empty talk since we have good examples in Cavite State University and Benguet State university in the case of Coffee.”

We agree that it is time for greater agreement. It is time we Explore areas for cooperation. Notable examples are Kalinga State university, Cavite State university national coffee Research and Development center to research for quality standards. They work with farmer producers to strengthen their products with the latest knowledge developed with due regard to their specific soils, climates and production patterns. Benguet State University (BSU), for one, was able to

perfect the Arabica and Benguet Pine intercrop.

It is time we use the knowledge gained in these schools, utilize the skills and knowledge of the faculty, and as partners, train new young experts in the different enterprises that use this knowledge. Like the BSU, example, certain area-specific technologies and methods are perfected.

Expanding manufacturing will require this knowledge to develop.

Let us support these summits and push agreement between industry clusters organized by the Department of trade and Industry, industry and business associations and farm cooperatives. Specific knowledge gained from actual field experience trumps the textbooks we buy from abroad. This is especially vital in the age of shifting climates, trade patterns and integrated global economies.

effect is changing our climate THINK ON THESE! now.”

In a “Reader’s Digest” article, author Robert James Bidinotto, explains greenhouse effect in these words: Henrylito D. Tacio “When sunlight henrytacio@gmail.com warms the earth, certain gases in the lower atmosphere, acting like the glass in a greenhouse, trap some of the heart as it radiates back into space. These greenhouse gases, primarily water vapor and including carbon dioxide, methane and man-made chlorofluorocarbons, warm our planet, making life possible.”

“The global warming is very simple,” said Dr. Robert Watson, one of the world’s experts on climate change. “We are increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and thus their concentrations in the atmosphere are going up. As these concentrations increase, the temperature of the earth rises.”

“While human activities during the past century have damaged a long list of nature systems, most of these problems are local or regional in scope and can be revered in years to decades if sufficient effort is exerted,” Christopher Flavin wrote in his book, “Slowing Global Warming: A Worldwide Strategy.” “Changes to the earth’s atmosphere on the other hand are global and irreversible not only in our lifetimes but in our children’s and grandchildren’s as well.”

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projections indicate

that, if emissions continue to rise at their current pace and are allowed to double from their pre-industrial level, the world will face an average temperature rise of around 3 degrees Centigrade this century.

Every year, about 20 typhoons hit the Philippines. The country is ranked the third most vulnerable to climate change in a United Nations survey. “Weather patterns could become unpredictable, as would extreme weather events, hurricanes could become much stronger and more frequent,” wrote Lulu Bucay in a brochure published by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Climate change science does predict more extreme weather events, and the disaster trend in Mindanao is worrisome,” said Joe Curry, country representative for aid agency Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

“Mindanao is not normally in the path of typhoons.”

History records show that between 1945 and 2010, only 35 typhoons made landfall in Mindanao. That’s about one every two years. The two recent typhoons that hit Mindanao were Sendong (which devastated the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro) and Pablo (which left some parts of Davao region completely ruined).

Aside from submerging upland areas, sea level rise also endangers the drinking water quality and agricultural productivity, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. This is due to possible salt intrusion in coastal soils and fresh water aquifers.

People are not the only ones that will likely be most affected. “Important ecosystems such as mangrove forests could also

be lost,” warned Dr. Rodel Lasco, the country’s coordinator for the World Agroforestry Center in Bogor, Indonesia.

Coral reefs, touted to be the “tropical rainforests of the sea,” are also at risk. Dr. Josefino Comiso, a senior research scientist at the NASA’s Cryospheric Sciences branch at the Goddard Space Flight Center, pointed out that slight change in ocean temperature will definitely affect the country’s coral reefs.

Climate change will push many wildlife species to extinction. “If climate zones shift, existing national parks or protected areas would no longer preserve the habitat for plants, fish, and wildlife for which they were established,” Bucay noted. Some of the species facing doom are Philippine Eagle, tamaraw, calamian deer, Philippine tarsier, and Cebu black shama.

Meanwhile, in the WFF study, Davao City has been observed to be “the least vulnerable city” among the cities identified. “It has the opportunity to do things the right way,” the study said. “It has a good hold of sustainable development in water, power, food security driven by agriculture, climate smart zoning, mass transit, land use and infrastructure as well as efficient land and sea access to centers of development nationwide.”

The WWF study suggested: “The trick is to maintain this sustainability over the decades ahead when climate change impacts is expected to worsen in other cities.”

Katherine Richardson, a climate scientist at the University of Copenhagen, urged: “We have to act and we have to act now. We need to realize what a risk it is they are taking on behalf of their own constituents, the world’s societies and, even more importantly, future generations.”

Forewarned is forearmed

8

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

9

10 NEWS RODY... FROM 1

cent of the respondents saying they approved of the President’s work.

The President obtained an 88 percent approval rating in the Visayas; 84 percent from the Balance Luzon; and 80 percent from the National Capital Region (NCR).

The survey also noted the President received a high approval rating from the Class E segment with 88 percent.

He also got an approval rating of 86 percent from Class D, and 82 percent from Class ABC. President Duterte received

an overall trust rating of 86 percent from all the respondents, the Pulse Asia survey pointed out.

The President got the highest trust rating from Mindanao with 96 percent; in the Visayas with 86 percent; in Balance Luzon with 82 percent; and 81 percent in the NCR. Last week, the Social Weather Station (SWS) also released the result of the survey they conducted between Sept.

24 to 27 that showed the President gaining a +64 percent or “very good” net satisfaction rating.

Executive Vice-President and founder of Miss Earth Lorraine Shuck shared that it was a busy yet meaningful visit for the candidates as they toured several tourist spots in Davao City.

“Aside from leisure activities, the visit gave us a chance to meet the locals and learn what this city [Davao] can do and how it is protected,” she said.

Miss Venezuela Candidate Stephanie de Zorzi shared in a chance interview that she fell in love with Davao City because it is very peaceful and the locals are very accommodating.

De Zorzi also lauded the local government and its people for having such a vibrant and progressive city, as she promised to visit Davao if she will be given another chance.

In the meantime, Regina Rose Tecson, Davao City Tourisms Office chief, stressed that Davao City officials made sure the candidates experienced the tourism industry’s “life is here” t during their visit.

Tecson said that major events such as the Miss Earth beauty pageant create an avenue for Davao to promote itself as a key tourism and investment destination.

For his part, Police Regional Office 11 (PRO-11) spokesperson Andrea dela Cerna said the police will always make sure the city is safe from all possible threats.

“The city will remain on full alert status because we have to assure that they [candidates, working committee, and locals] are safe and secure,” she added.

President should also bat for Filipino fisherfolks’ return to the fishing grounds without threat.

“China should see the withdrawal of US Navy patrols in the area as an act of goodwill from the Philippines that

will pave the way for more productive bilateral dialogues.

Putting an end to joint US-PH patrols in the West Philippine Sea is by itself an assertion of Philippine sovereign right over territorial waters,” said Brosas. (PNA)

Miss... FROM 1

Gabriela... FROM 2

Surigao... FROM 4

Information and data on packaging to make the end products competitive in market centers are also part of the skills the provincial delegation learned during the exposure.

To market the value added products, Bagnol said the provincial government is keen to link up with market outlets inside and outside the region.

Baybay City in Leyte, she said, is still looking for addi-

tional producers of crispy-fried jackfruit as demand from their buyers continue to increase.

“We can link up with the city government of Baybay for the marketing of our processed jackfruits”, she pointed out.

Bagnol added that Siargao has an existing Agri-Pinoy Trading Center that can also help the farmers market their value added products.

that would effectively provide aid to our indigent seniors are targeted cash transfers, expanded pensions, free rice and other subsidies that the government has been giving them under the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps,” Alvarez said.

She said the VAT exemptions that the DOF is planning to lift are those granted to seniors when dining in restaurants because such discounts are usually enjoyed by affluent senior citizens who can well afford anyway to do away with this privilege.

“To illustrate, a senior cit-

izen who can afford to eat at a fancy restaurant that charges him with a bill of 1,000 pesos, the exemption from VAT he will get is 120 pesos,” she said. “Now, this amount of 120 pesos is something he doesn’t really need because he can afford to spend 1,000 pesos for a meal.”

“Now if we compare this to a senior citizen who has to make ends meet for him to be able to afford his maintenance medicine, the 120 pesos saved for VAT would go a long way.

This is how we want to distribute a little wealth through taxation,” she stressed.

Targeted... FROM 5

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

NEWBIES. First time councilors listen to the lectures and presentations during the Philippine Councilors League conference at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Palace... FROM 2 while the Department of Agriculture (DA) has gone back to its basic mandate that is to produce food for the country. ”We release billions of former idle farm equipment within two months nationwide and awarded millions worth of credit policy and agri-fishery projects to farmers and fishermen and scholarship to their children. We have made a strong start and we expect to continue making headway,” Andanar told the media.

Meanwhile, Andanar thanked the Filipino people for their continuing show of approval and trust to the President and his administration.

He made this comment after the Pulse Asia released its own Ulat ng Bayan survey showing eight of 10 or 86 percent Filipinos trust President Duterte, while 11 percent were undecided and three percent disapproved of the President’s performance.

”This shall be a source of strength and inspiration for the President and us who are part of this entire team to roll up our sleeves and channel all our energies to rid society of drugs, crime, terrorism and corruption,” Andanar said.

The Pulse Asia poll shows 93 percent of the Filipinos in Mindanao approved of the performance of the President, while 88 percent in Visayas and 84 in Luzon.

Recently, the SWS came out with its own survey showing 83 percent of the Filipinos gave an “excellent” net trust rating.

Andanar has said the overall score of the President “will further motivate the Duterte administration to continue what he started in his first 100 days -- fighting illegal drugs and crime, combating terrorism, curbing corruption, and sustaining the momentum of economic growth.” (PNA)

The Supreme Court found Davao City Ordinance No. 3097 (An ordinance banning aerial spraying as an agricultural practice in all agricultural activities in Davao City) to have violated the Constitution’s equal protection clause.

The ordinance was challenged by the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association Incorporated (PBGEA) after the law took effect on Mar. 23, 2007 – more than a month after it was approved by then Mayor Duterte.

The High Court said the ordinance also violated the right to due process of the ba-

nana growers.

In its ruling, the High Tribunal pointed out the city ordinance deprived growers of an efficient means to combat plant diseases in their farms, noting that three months was not enough for them to shift from aerial to trunk-mounted boom spraying.

The Supreme Court added in its decision the Davao City government had no authority to regulate and control the use of pesticides and agricultural chemicals, because this responsibility is lodged with the Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority (FPA).

dents face in school, offers creative ways of overcoming them.

The discussions were led by breakthrough artists who shared their own experiences during their school days.

Spoken word artist Mai Mai Cantillano, music extraordinaire DJ Nina, and singing sensation TJ Monterde showcased their talents, while sharing their personal adventures as well.

Learning the basics of motorcycle riding and safety is a

must. This is where the Yamaha Safe Riding Science program comes in. It is an opportunity for students to be taught in an environment that is supervised

by Certified Yamaha Instructors.

Yamaha is set to bring its Mio Campus Tour in the following schools: Mindanao State University – General Santos City, Laguna State Polytechnic University, De La Salle University - Dasmarinas, and Angeles University.

Advocacy... FROM 3

Yamaha... FROM 11

MICE... FROM 4

the other parts of the region as well.

These events, he said, included the Palarong Pambansa in Tagum, as well as the Knights of Columbus National Convention at the SMX Convention Center, and Philippine Councilors League also in Davao.

In 2016, Kapulong said Davao City played host to local and national sectoral conventions such as Cocolink 2016 with 500 delegates, and the National Coffee Summit with 500 participants, with both events held at the SMX Convention Center.

The city was also chosen to host major international conventions such as Kakao Konek: Asia-Pacific Cacao Conference, which brought in 800 delegates and the BIMP-EAGA International Halal Congress, he added.

Kapulong said that 2017 will be another busy year for the region’s tourism sector as the Knights of Rizal Convention and PAL Interclub Golf

Tournament will be held in February, the International Ballroom Event Asia-tour in March, the President’s Cup (Football Tournament) in April, and the Asian Raptor’s Conservation Conference on October.

Aside from its various tourism packages, the MICE chair revealed that the tourism program will also offer more incentives to tourists such as spa and wellness, entertainment, as well as videography and photography services.

“We have also additional tourist attractions for the Duterte Tour,” said Kapulong.

MICE is one of the top priority programs of Department of Tourism with the objective of marketing the Philippines as a major convention destination in Asia, taking charge of attracting, promoting, facilitating, and servicing large-scale events, international fairs and conventions, congresses, sports competitions, expositions and the like. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

organization project called SPARK: The Movement to promote healthy lifestyle and to spread hope among the country’s youth.

“Globe is a long-time partner of NGF in providing the information and communications technology infrastructure for HOPELINE. Being an ICT company, Globe also believes that it is its duty to protect and educate the people on the impact of technology. Through the video, we hope that we can also prevent young people from taking their lives due to cyber bullying which causes a lot of pressure and stress,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship. Globe currently runs the Digital Thumbprint Program workshops for students to guide them on responsible online behaviour and has also forged a partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines and the Ateneo Human Rights Center for the protection of children against online exploitation.

Companion (https://you-

tu.be/Csdutnv_38I ) not only bagged the grand prize but was also the recipient of the People’s Choice Award. Its closest competitors are Catch of Hope (https://youtu.be/ fuKRm9B1bWE) created by Chih-Chiang “Jason” Wei and Heartless (https://youtu.be/ hkFkUxUs0Dw) of Noel Manao.

Catch of Hope talks about the loss of what a young man believed to be everything to him, prompting him to jump from a bridge. Seconds before his death, he gets caught by the unexpected. On the other hand, Heartless is about the potential of a person to be emotionally whole again despite having been trapped in a dark corner of his mind.

It aims to encourage the path to self-discovery and recovery with the help of HOPELINE. The entries were chosen based on the following criteria: Originality - 15%, Storyline/Concept - 20%, Relevance to the Theme – 15%; Technical Skills – 15%; Creativity – 15%, Visual Impact – 20%. (Globe)

Companion... FROM 11

INdulge!

Street “Cherry Beer” Drinkers Brussels, Belgium

SANTOS LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (SLDC), one of the city’s leading real estate developers, sent their top sales producers to Eastern Europe in August this year as part of the company’s 2015 Annual Travel Incentive.

The travel incentives were awarded after the conduct of SLDC’s 2015 Sales and Marketing Annual Recognition last Feb. 5 at the Davao Convention and Trade Center.

Awardees during the 4th Quarter of 2015 were also recognized during the occasion. They were led by Top Sales Director Alma C. Apolonio, Top Sales Manager Carolyn O. Medel and Top Sales Executive Arriane Rona Angelli Manimbo.

Carolyn O. Medel was also recognized as last year’s Elite Eagle awardee, a criteria of which one must deliver a sale of at least 10% higher than the annual quota.

The European tour last August was led by Estela B. Aguilos, the company’s sales and marketing manager.

Other top-performing sales producers who joined the Euro trip were Aimee P. Maturan, Fernan Maturan, Carolyn Medel, Alma Apolonio and Merilyn Luy. Santos Land sets targets for its producers, and once achieved, entitle them to receive generous international travel incentives.

These include hitting an annual quota of P45-million booked sales as quota for sales director; P38-million booked sales for sales managers; and P35-million booked sales for sales executives.

“We enjoyed our Eastern Europe Tour as we had visited 8 countries in just 20 days,” said annual awardee Aimee P. Maturan.

She added she was inspired by the trip, as she was able to travel to countries on the other side of globe and learn about their different cultures.

“There were beautiful God-made sceneries in the places we visited and I particularly loved the Garden of Schunbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria because of the beautiful flowers,” she noted.

Sales Director Alma C. Apolonio also had fond memories of the travel, saying: “We’ve been to many historical places and amazing sceneries in Eastern Europe that up to now I can’t believe or imagine to have visited.

She was grateful to God for the gift of travel, and to Santos Land Development for giving them the opportunity to realize their dream of visiting countries in Europe.

“I love Salzburg. I had the opportunity to see the location where the film The Sound of Music was shot. It was my favourite movie during our high school days. And I am so happy and very lucky because of this travel incentive and the chance to see the place personally,” shared Carolyn Ocampo.

Merilyn Uy, on the other hand, was still brimming with excitement after the travel, saying, “I loved the beautiful sceneries and that was an awesome experience to me.”

She also loved the people and the culture of the countries they visited, adding the travel was an unforgettable experience.

Fernan Maturan was excited to see London because of its bridges, palaces, the Big Ben and the Stonehenge.

“I was really amazed with all the architectures there as most of these mirror the past. They already had their engineering and architectures years back,” he said.

He was particularly impressed with Stonehenge due to its unique structure which continues to be an unsolved mystery until now.

“Another thing was the Astronomical Clock in Prague. Through all those stuffs out there you will see not only art and the wonders of engineering, but also a great leadership that is essential for every society, community and even for every industry, including the real estate industry in our country,” Maturan added.

Among the places visited by SLDC’s top sales performers were London, Brussels, Tier, Frankfurt, Salzburg, Vienna, Hungary, Bratislava, Prague, Dresden, Berlin and Istanbul inTurkey.

To the awardees, congratulations and may you continue to be an inspiration to all of us.

To Santos Land, celebrations are made to be remembered, not just by one, but by everyone. Beautiful memories are always kept by the heart.

As you celebrate 45 fruitful and progressive years in the business, may you continue to help the people of Davao achieve their goal of owning their dream house. Cheers!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

EDGEDAVAO TRAVEL

Rhine River Cruise, Germany

Davao’s leading land developer sends top earners to an extravagant Euro trip

By Bai Fauziah Fatima Sinsuat Ambolodto

Brussels, Belgium

Dinner at Vienna Woods Salzburg, Austria

London Airport

Vienna, Austria

A2 INdulge!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

UP AND ABOUT

Jewelry discounts and more at INDULGE IN LOADS OF SHOPPING FUN AND EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS at SM Lanang Premier’s Pre-Holiday Sale from October 21 to 30, 2016.

Crazy about jewelry? Avail of 10% to 50% off on diamonds and gold at JRose Fine Jewelry, The Gallery, Oro China and Diamond Palace. Want a new arm candy?

Grab special markdowns on selected watches at Prestige, Swiss Gear, Technomarine, and Tissot/Tempus.

Treat yourself to a little retail therapy as participating stores offer up to 70% off on selected fashion apparel, shoes and accessories. Revamp your wardrobe with marked down items from American Eagle, Aeropostale, Aldo, Arrow, Bench, Call it Spring, Charles and Keith, Clarks, Cotton On, Espada, Forever21, For Me, Great Kids, Guess, Kipling, Mags, Marks and Spencer, Merrell, Osh Kosh B’Gosh, Oxygen, Penshoppe, Promod, Regatta, Sperry, Supreme Tactical,

Terranova, Timberland, and Von Dutch.

Head to Juego Sports and Sportshouse for reductions on athletic wear and sports accessories and L’ Optique for discounted Chloe and Michael Kors frames.

The SM Store also lets you enjoy up to 50% off on fab selections while Prestige card holders can get special 10% off on all items. Get a chance as well to win P100,000 shopping money when you use your MasterCard to spend P3,000 at The SM Store.

For all things Filipino, shop at Kultura and get 60% markdown on selected items and grab an additional 10% off for every P1,000 worth of purchase.

Great deals on appliances and machines await shoppers as well. At SM Market, if you buy 3 of the same featured ap-

- 15, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

t SM Lanang’s Pre-Holiday Sale

pliances, you’ll get another one for free. Kyocera at the 3rd Level offers P1,500 to P2,000 less on prices of premium multifunctional printers.

Special dining deals are up for grabs at Dayaw Coffee and Tea at the 2nd Level of The Fountain Court. Enjoy P20 off on Keso de Bola frappe and 16 oz. hot Avocado Caramel for the price of 12 oz.

The Pre-Holiday Sale is on at all SM Supermalls across the country from October 21 to 30, 2016.

For sale alerts, follow SM Lanang Premier’s official accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGE DAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

A4 INdulge!

ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

Pearl Farm Beach Resort to host Miss Earth Swimsuit Competition THE MISS EARTH SWIMSUIT COMPETITION will officially start within a few days and the hype and vibe across the islands are mounting.

Many fans have reiterated how lucky the set of delegates are in the Miss Earth 2016 as their initial swimsuit parade will be held in Pearl Farm Beach Resort, a world-renowned 5-star secluded haven known for its world classl ambiance and personalized customer-service.

Miss Lorraine Schuck, the handler of the event, has been eager to bring Miss Earth to Davao City, her own homeland. This she stated last September 30 in a press conference in Marco Polo Davao.

With her was the former Miss Earth Angelia Ong who happens to be from the Philippines as well. Miss Angelia said that the theme for the

16th edition of this competition is ‘Empowered to make a change’ as they implore the girls to give their best in orienting people how important it is to take care of Mother Nature.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is glad to support this cause as they also prepared a mangrove planting activity for the delegates to

take part on the day of the delegates’ arrival.

All 90 delegates are said to be coming to Pearl Farm Beach Resort, with 30 of them competing on October 14. Afterwards, a dinner party will commence giving the guests a chance to mingle with the candidates and get to know them better.

A crowd favorite is Miss

Venezuela named Jessica Duarte who is the ‘woman to beat’ according to pageant fans. Followers are betting on this woman to have a back to back victory, winning not only the Miss Earth Crown but also other awards.

Next in line is Miss Kristyna Kubickova from Czech Republic, the ‘girl of the hour’, according to the number of followers on Instagram. Most of her fans are hopeful that their support will carry her all the way to the crown.

Of course Miss Imelda Schweigart from the Philippines is also making a buzz in the pageant world after bagging the ‘darling of the press’ award just recently in Manila Hotel.

Everybody is also very excited to meet Miss Sweden Cloie Syquia, the halfsister of actress KC Concepcion and the daughter of Jenny Syquia from celebrity idol Gabby Concepcion.

SM STORE HOLDS RIDER’S SALE. Get ready for an awesome ride as SM Accessories Riders Fair will be having a motorcycle and bicycle accessories sale on October 1-16! Check out items under AXCS and get 20% off when you purchase a minimum worth of P500. You will also enjoy special freebies on Spyder, Dickies, and Kinetix. Get them now, while the engine is still hot.

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

10-minute power interruptions on October 16 and 17

D

AVAO Light and Power Co. will conduct 10-minute power interruptions on October 16, Sunday at 12:01 AM to 12:10 AM and October 17, Monday at 4:30 AM to 4:40 AM. Customers from Ateneo Matina going to Bangkal up to crossing Ulas which includes Ecoland Subd., Juna Subd., Maa Proper, Shrine Hills, Matina Aplaya and Catalunan Grande will be affected by the said interruptions.

These service disruptions will be necessary to facilitate relocation of three-

69kV lines along Catalunan Pequeno.

Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances.

Please contact our emergency service at 229-3572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given indicated schedule.

PLDT, Smart partner with San Miguel to boost Wifi service in Boracay Airport

P

LDT and Smart Communications (Smart) have partnered with Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., a unit of San Miguel Corp., for the installation of carrier-grade Smart Wifi at the Boracay Airport.

With the deployment in Boracay Airport, formerly Caticlan Airport, travelers to and from Boracay and the entire province of Aklan will now be able to enjoy super-speed internet for a seamless digital experience whether surfing the net for their favorite sites, or keeping connected to their homes or offices while traveling.

This installation is part of the first phase of the nationwide rollout of Smart Wifi.

An initial investment of close to P1 billion has been earmarked for this year, as the PLDT Group addresses the demand for more Wifi hotspots amid the increasing usage of smartphones and digital devices, as well as data services in the country.

As part of the rollout, carrier-grade Smart Wifi will also be deployed in other major transport hubs to include airports, seaports, and mass transport systems MRT and LRT in Metro Manila.

“The internet has become an integral part of people’s lives. Almost everything we do on a daily basis is linked to the internet. With a backhaul of up to 1 gigabit per second, one can easily post those beautiful Boracay photos, and plan for that next getaway while waiting at the airport. With Smart Wifi, we give you a worldclass digital experience,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, FVP and Wireless Consumer Operations Head at Smart.

“This three-way partner-

ship with Trans Aire and the government to install Smart Wifi in the Boracay Airport is a great example of how companies and government can work together to benefit the public. With this latest installation, we are on track with our commitment to government to make available carrier-grade Wifi services in major transport hubs all over the country,” said Eric R. Alberto, EVP for PLDT/Smart, and president and CEO, ePLDT. The service is already available in all four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City; Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City; Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental; Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Silay City; Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo City; Roxas Airport in Roxas City; Zamboanga Airport in Zamboanga City; Clark International Airport in the Clark Special Economic Zone in Mabalacat, Pampanga; Laoag International Airport; Dumaguete Airport, General Santos Airport, and Kalibo International Airport, as well as the ports of Batangas, and Calapan in Mindoro.

Soon, Smart Wifi will also be upgraded in other airports, including that of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Dipolog, and Cebu. More high traffic areas such as city halls, schools, hospitals, and malls, among others, will be covered by the service over time.

The deployment is backed by the group’s robust and resilient wireless and fixed-line network infrastructure. It forms part of Smart’s threeyear massive network modernization program in anticipation of growth in data traffic.

AMAHA Motor Philippines, Inc. has been revving through campuses in the Philippines and visiting rival alma maters such as the University of St. LaSalle Bacolod and Ateneo De Zamboanga University.

Setting aside the historical rivalry between these two schools, the Mio Ride your Story campaign introduced the Mio Sporty, Mio i 125, Mio Soul

i 125, and Mio 125 Mxi to students.

More than just modes of transportation, each motorcycle represents the passion that allows individuals to overcome any obstacle and emerge a winner.

One of the featured activities of the tour is the Yamaha Talk - a segment that tackles the different challenges stu-

Yamaha launches Mio Campus Tour

Y

F YAMAHA, 10

Elementary students appreciate animated version of children’s story on Bt corn

M

ONSANTO Philippines recently held a showing of the animated version of the only Filipino children’s book on biotech corn titled Lina’s Town Rises Again at the Department of Education (DepEd) Library Hub located near Davao City Hall.

Division Librarion II and Dep Ed Hub Coordinator Rosalie Antipuesto said the animation had a very good impact on the attending kids because they were getting good information while being entertained. “You can also see that they are starting to get interested in agriculture because of their engagement and the questions they ask.”

Lina’s Town Rises Again was written for elementary school children to develop a basic understanding of the impact of biotech corn in social, economic and environmental terms. It touched on the themes of sustainability, collaboration and safety by narrating the true and inspiring story of how biotech seeds positively transformed a woman farmer’s life, and enabled her farming community to recover economically in the aftermath of a devastating typhoon.

The inspiration of the said story was Consolacion Reyes, a lady farmer whose life turned upside down when Typhoon

Pablo not only destroyed her house and crops but also her entire community. She and her neighbors were forced to take shelter at an evacuation center when the entire municipality of Lambayong went under water. Upon returning to the village, they saw that the super typhoon had destroyed everything.

Seeing her difficulty, a good samaritan lent her money which she used to buy biotech corn. Her harvest was abundant; so after some time, she was able to get back on her feet. A few harvests later and

she started to earn consistently higher income. Now, she is among the more prosperous farmers in her town.

The story is authored by Chat Ocampo, Corporate Engagement Lead – Philippines, who has previously authored two children’s books. The book was written in an informative writing style to keep the interest of young readers while conveying some highly technical information on seeds and deliver messages of sustainability and safety.

By writing this book, Ocampo feels she is able to do her

share in “keeping the younger generations interested in matters related to agriculture while reaching out to equally important societal audiences such as young parents and teachers.”

Meanwhile, Antipuesto said “I hope Monsanto is able to do more of these activities which not only encourages interest in agriculture but also love for science. It is also good to see students and teachers getting clear and straightforward answers on some information that they receive about biotech crops.”

“Companion”gives hope in 40 seconds I

N just 40 seconds, 21-year old digital artist Vince Serrano aims to provide encouragement to emotionally-burdened people through the help of his animated digital video “Companion”, a story of a lonely boy who almost succumbed to the lure of death but received a second chance at life from a beacon of hope.

The young animator‘s short video bested 20 other entries in the “Hope in 40 Seconds” video competition launched in June by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing depression to light. The award-

ing ceremony was held on Oct. 6 in observance of the National Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Although I heard a lot of suicide cases when I was still in college, I didn’t put much thought on them until I decided to take on the challenge of doing an animation for NGF. I had to research about mental health and that was when I realized that it is actually a hidden epidemic, a real issue which needs our attention.

This further inspired me to do my best so that in my own little way, I would be able to help other people,” Serrano said.

The competition encouraged those suffering from de-

pression as well as their loved ones to seek guidance from HOPELINE, NGF’s free 24/7 suicide hotline which can be reached via the following numbers: 804-HOPE(4673), 0917-558HOPE(4673), and 2919 (toll free for TM and Globe).

“We received a number of exceptional submissions but Companion stood out among them with its very clear message of desperation and hope.

Through this video which will be distributed via social media and select Ayala Cinemas, we are confident that we can reach out to more people and provide proper intervention to those who need assistance,”

said Jean Goulbourn, President of NGF. At present, a life is lost to suicide every 40 seconds, making it the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally, according to the World Health Organization. To add, depression is the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19.

The campaign is being supported by leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom, the Department of Health, and the UP JMA, a university-wide student organization which adopted the campaign as an

F COMPANION, 10

12

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS13

PH-U.S. service members strengthen partnerships T

HROUGH mud and rain, repairing schools, firing artillery, conducting flight operations and disaster preparedness trainings, Philippine and U.S. service members are now better prepared to respond to natural disasters and security threats in the region.

This is the result of Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX), completed as scheduled on Oct. 11.

During PHIBLEX, Philippine and U.S. service members built upon a long and productive history of joint military exercises that enhance inter-operability, strengthen partnerships, and improve disaster response.

The inter-operability of Philippine and U.S. troops guarantees a more rapid response to natural disasters such as Super Typhoon Haiyan and the

an, Looc, Lubang, Magsaysay, Mamburao, Paluan, Rizal, Sablayan, San Jose, and Sta. Cruz.

In her message during the event, DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo expressed her support to deliver efficient service to the public.

“Inaasahan natin na ang SPSI ay tutulong sa ating mga social workers at development workers na mapabilis at magawang efficient ang proseso, at maihatid ang mga agarang solusyon kasama rito ang pag-refer sa mga tamang ahensya at serbisyo sa mamamayan upang agad na malaman ang mga interventions na kanilang pangangailangan (We expect that the SPSI will help our social workers and development workers to hasten and efficiently improve the process of providing immediate interventions to the public, including referral of cases to proper agencies and prompt delivery of services),” she said.

She also underscored that the proper implementation of the project is vital to help reduce the repetitive collection of data and information from client-beneficiaries.

Lastly, she acknowledged the partnership of local government units and national government agencies to bring the programs and services of the current administration closer to the public.

“Ang pagtutulungan ng bawat ahensya, kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, ay kasama sa direksyong tinatahak ng bagong administrasyon upang lubos na maihatid ang tiyak at aktwal na pangangailangan ng bawat isa sa ating mga mahirap na mamamayan (The direction of the new administration is to improve the collaboration of all agencies, including local governments, to deliver the exact and actual needs of our poor citizens).

DSWD... FROM 14

Bohol earthquake, saving lives and reducing suffering.

Philippine and U.S. Marines also practiced an amphibious landing at Subic Bay, using assault amphibious vehicles to move troops ashore from the USS Germantown, a U.S. Navy amphibious ship.

When Philippine and U.S. forces practice an amphibious landing together, our nations are better prepared to bring

water, medical supplies, and other relief to the people of the Philippines during a natural disaster.

In addition to the amphibious landing exercise, Philippine and U.S. service members conducted a live-fire combined-arms exercise and training on a wide range of skills, including marksmanship, parachute operations, map reading, and first aid response.

ROTARY CLUB of SOUTH DAVAO SPEAKER. Rotarian Emmanuel ‘Noel‘ Villa-Abrille, manager of Cesareo Properties Management Corp. and building administrator of Cesareo Villa-Abrille Development Corp, following his classification talk on proprietary management at the 14th Club Meeting

In the month preceding the exercise, Philippine and U.S. service members in Cagayan Valley spent more than 17,000 hours renovating four elementary school classrooms and two outdoor auditoriums. They repaired roofs and installed 500 feet of steel gutters and 2000 feet of drainage systems to make the schools more resilient to heavy rainfall.

U.S. military medical teams

also taught students and teachers basic lifesaving skills, disease prevention, and physical and dental hygiene – all critical during times of crisis.

To help prepare for a natural disaster hitting the region, U.S. troops coordinated with local municipal leadership to identify locations capable of supporting relief operations and helped develop crisis response plans. (PNA)

of RC South Davao receives a club banner and a souvenir item from Pres.

Jackie Louie Solivio (left) and club secretary Hendrik Loonstra, respectively.

At the background is public relations officer Norma Iñigo Monfort, interim chair of the Philippine Bat for Peace Foundation. (Photo by Bert Niñal Sr.)

14 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

DSWD, DOH, PhilHealth renew partnership for social protection

T

HE improvement of social protection programs is one of the major thrusts of the current Philippine government in order to provide genuine change and development to all Filipino citizens, most especially to the poor and the vulnerable sector.

In line with this agenda, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the

Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) renewed their partnership to harmonize delivery of social services and to enhance the efficiency of social protection programs for poor Filipino households through the Social Protection Support Initiative (SPSI) – Convergence Project memorandum of agreement

(MOA) signing yesterday in Manila.

SPSI is an umbrella collaboration of three social protection projects: Sustaining Interventions in Poverty Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) implemented by the DSWD to enhance the capacity of local social welfare and development offices (LSWDOs) to manage cases through the usage of the

DCNH BATCH ‘72 REUNION. Davao City National High School’s (DCNH) Batch ’72 recently organized a fellowship dinner hosted by balikbayans Cynthia de Dios and Ma. Luz Alderite. The “mini reunion,” which was held at the residence of Lucresio “Dodong” Arizola, provided the former batch mates the opportunity to reminisce old times, feast on local Davao favorites, and keep each other up to speed on personal happenings. According to Olivia Velasco, Edge Davao general manager, the gathering was a memorable occasion for members of DCNH class ’72, as it gave them the chance to link up with old classmates and friends whom they haven’t seen for the last 40 years.

Velasco shared the reunion was also a “celebration of life,” as members of the ’72 class have been blessed with

electronic social case management system (e-SCMS); Watching Over Mothers and Babies (WOMB) implemented by the DOH which facilitates access to and utilization of the agency’s maternal, neonatal, and child health and nutrition (MNCHN) services at the local level; and, the PHIC’s Sigurado at Garantisadong Insurance Pangkalusugan (SAGIP) which

proactively registers all Filipinos in the health care system and remind their members to regularly pay their contributions to continuously avail of their health care benefits.

The convergence pilot project aims to create an interoperable or integrated e-referral system across SIPAG, WOMB and SAGIP to institutionalize cross agency data

sharing and standards which will enable more improved means of ensuring that basic social protection services are received by poor and marginalized client-beneficiaries.

Under this agreement, the pilot-testing of the SPSI shall be expanded to 11 municipalities in Occidental Mindoro, namely: Abra de Ilog, Calinta-

F DSWD, 13

wonderful families, and are now leading highly-successful professional careers here in the Philippines and abroad.

The fellowship dinner was attended by Anacleto Catibud, Dante Flojo, Alfredo Jr, Tancontian Raza, Joe Well, Joel Digal, Joefral Villanueva, Ramon Tam Lucrecio, Dodong Arizola, Nonoy Matu, Angelito Armas, Marilou Guiani, Maria Arlene Aranda-Yahya, Edita del Castillo-Mumar, Nelly Pedida, Dolores Villalon, Charito Pascual, Magdat Dagatan Jojo Tayanes, Fructosa Gallardo, Wowie Cawad, Olivia Velasco, Cynthia De Dios-Arcenas, Maria Luz Alderite, Mario Yap, Lorna Velasco and Phoebe Belocura.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

CHINA CRISIS Nadal booted out in China, Kyrgios booed

UPSET. Rafael Nadal headed for the exit early in China.

Ginebra locals fell short: Brownlee

B

ARANGAY Ginebra import Justin Brownlee had his most productive game for his team, exploding for 42 points in Game 3 of the Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup finals on Wednesday.

Unfortunately for him, that output was not enough for his team on this night as the Kings fell short against the Meralco Bolts, who now lead the series, 2-1.

Despite his big game, Brownlee accepted some of the responsibility for the defeat.

“Maybe I need to get the guys more involved in some parts of the game,” Brownlee told sportswriters. “Maybe I overshot a little bit.”

Brownlee took 38 attempts in Game 3, making 18 of his shots.

Most of his other teammates – like backcourt stars LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson and forward Ja-

peth Aguilar – didn’t play quite up to par.

Tenorio, who scored 36 points in Game 1, finished with 14 points but shot 7-for18 (38-percent) from the field.

Thompson had 10 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists but wasn’t very effective as well, shooting 4-for-11 (36-percent). The two combined for only four points in the fourth quarter.

Aguilar scored six points in the last two minutes of the game but he only finished with 12 markers as he struggled to make an impact over the first three periods.

Brownlee believes that spreading the offense could be key for them in the coming games.

“We definitely have to get those guys more involved.

They’re incredible players. If those guys have big games, we definitely don’t lose,” added Brownlee.

LACK OF SUPPORT. Justin Brownlee of Ginebra is defended by Meralco import Allen Durham.

Gasol sparks Spurs’win

P

AU Gasol showed the way as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Magic, 95-89, in an NBA preseason game on Wednesday in Orlando (Thursday, Manila time).

Gasol came up with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists as the Spurs scored their third win in

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

four games.

LaMarcus Aldridge and Bryn Forbes had 12 each for a San Antonio squad that was without Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard.

The Magic remained winless even as Evan Fournier scored 20 points and Jeff Green added 18.

N

I C K KYRGIOS looked completely disengaged at the Shanghai Masters, like he couldn’t get off the court fast enough. Rafael Nadal fought as hard as he could to prolong his stay in China but came up short.

Both players lost in the second round on Wednesday, though the effort they put forth couldn’t have been more different.

Kyrgios was booed by the crowd and admonished by the chair umpire for his lack of professionalism during a 6-3, 6-1 loss to German qualifier Mischa Zverev. The Australian floated in 67 mph (108 kph) first serves, went for aces on his second serves, and argued with a fan.

Afterward, he defended

F

his behavior by saying he didn’t owe the spectators anything and fans could “just leave” if they didn’t like his attitude.

Nadal’s late-season struggles continued as he fell to Viktor Troicki, 6-3, 7-6 (3). The result prompted the Spaniard to contemplate shutting his season down early.

Also, Andy Murray reached the third round by beating Steve Johnson, 6-3, 6-2. US Open champion Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic also advanced in straight sets.

Kyrgios, seeded 12th, arrived in Shanghai as one of the most in-form players in the draw after winning his third title of the season at last week’s Japan Open. But all the matches seemed to catch up to him against Zverev, a player ranked 110th in the world who had only won seven ATP Tour matches all season.

At one point in the first set, Kyrgios tapped a soft serve over the net and started walking toward his chair before Zverev had even returned the ball, drawing a rebuke from the chair umpire during the changeover.

“This is a professional tournament,” Ali Nili said. “You have to act like a professional.”

Toward the end of the 48-minute match, the crowd started booing and jeering.

One man yelled, “Respect the game,” prompting a furious Kyrgios to shout: “You want to come here and play?”

Asked afterward if he thought he owed the spectators a better effort, he turned defiant again.

“What does that even mean? I’m good at hitting a tennis ball at the net. Big deal.

I don’t owe them anything,” he said. “If you don’t like it, I didn’t ask you to come watch. Just leave.”

Kyrgios added that he is so tired from the lengthy season, he wasn’t interested in chasing one of the last spots for the ATP finals next month, either.

“I couldn’t care less, to be completely honest with you,” he said.

He later sounded apologetic on Twitter, saying, “Not good enough today on many levels, I’m better than that. I can go on about excuses but there are none. Sorry.”

Murray said after his match that he understands how Kyrgios might have been feeling, but he still should have given his best effort.

“If he didn’t do that, then

he will be disappointed with himself tonight,” he said. “But we’re not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes.”

Nadal also has a chance to clinch a spot in the ATP finals — he currently sits in seventh position for the eight-man field - but he was unsure at this point if he wanted to prolong his season.

“I cannot say now what I’m going (to) do during the next month,” he said. “Sometimes (to) keep competing is not the solution. Sometimes the solution is practice ... and have a process of training. And maybe that’s an opportunity to do it.”

The fourth-seeded Nadal struggled to create depth and pace with his forehand, a problem he attributed to the wrist injury that sidelined him for part of the season.

His goal now is to be back in peak condition for the Australian Open at the start of the new year.

“I have two months and a half to put myself at the level that I need to be,” Nadal said, “and I have the confidence that I’m going to do it.”

Other winners included 11th-seeded David Goffin, 13th-seeded Lucas Pouille, Jack Sock and Vasek Pospisil. Seventh-seeded Tomas Berdych lost to Marcel Granollers.

Rain or Shine.

Calls made by SPIN.ph to Rain or Shine and Globalport were not returned yet as of posting time, although an insider said top management of both teams were the ones involved in the one-on-one trade.

“Si Atty. Mert (Mondragon) na daw ang magpapadala ng papers sa PBA,” said the source.

Like Quinahan, Belga has yet to come to terms with the Elasto Painters on a new contract, with another meeting set on Monday in what is deemed as a make-or-break negotiations between the two parties.

The departure of Quinahan at Rain or Shine comes just a week after mentor Yeng Guiao left the team to accept the coaching job at NLEX af-

ter likewise failing to come to terms with the team on a new deal.

Washington’s arrival at Rain or Shine is sort of a reunion with the franchise with which he played for during his amateur days.

Playing under the banner of Welcoat, Washington steered the team to its last title in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) before bringing its act to the pro league in 2006.

This developed as Rain or Shine man-

agement made a new threeyear contract offer with star player Paul Lee. The finals MVP of the last Commissioner’s Cup is one of four ‘max’ players of the Elasto Painters along with Belga, Gabe Norwood, and Jeff Chan.

L e e though is still awaiting the arrival from the US of his agent L aw re n c e Chongson on whether to accept the offer o r not.

seed in Group B. The naturalized Filipino also converted all of his seven two-point field goals although he missed his four triple attempts for a 63.6 percent clip.

He did that in just 21 minutes of a wire-to-wire game where China Kashgar demolished the ASEAN Basketball champions right after the first quarter, 39-5.

Darius Adams top-scored

anew for China Kashgar with 30 points.

China Kashgar will next take on Al Rayyan of Qatar in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Quinahan dealt to Globalport

AILING to come to terms, Rain or Shine and JR Quinahan parted ways Thursday after the team traded the burly big man to Globalport in exchange for Jay Washington.

Contract negotiations between Quinahan and the Elasto Painters reached a standoff Wednesday when team management refused to accede to the 32-year-old forward’s demand to have a new two-year, max deal with the franchise.

Team manager and board of governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon only offered Quinahan a one-year contract.

The trade formally break apart the dreaded ‘Extra Rice Inc.’ frontcourt partnership which Quinahan shared with fellow big man Beau Belga at

Blatche posts double-double in China’s 4th win

A

NDRAY Blatche put on yet another all-around performance as China Kashgar hammered the Malaysia Dragons, 124-60, ahead of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup knockout stages on Wednesday night in Chenzhou.

Blatche, who sat out last game, scored 21 points, 14 rebounds and three assists to help the hosts go unbeaten in four games and seize the No.1

DOUBLE DOUBLE. Andray Blatche fired 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against Malaysia.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 166 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2016

UNDERMANNED

PH 3X3 team bows to Spain

A

N undermanned Philippine team put up a fight but it just wasn’t enough against tough Spain, 2116, in Day 2 of the 2016 FIBA 3×3 World Championships on Wednesday in Guangzhou, China.

Down one man with Russell Escoto out with an injury, the three-man team of Mac Belo, Glenn Khobuntin and Karl Dehesa gave it their all but could not come away with a win in their second assignment in Pool C of the competition.

Belo led the way with seven points while Khobuntin scored five and Dehesa added four in a difficult game for the Filipinos.

Just like in their first game, the Philippines fell behind early in the game.

Spain jumped out to a 9-3 advantage as the Europeans used their ceiling and heft to good use.

Dehesa, too, fell the brunt off the physicality as he went down at one

point after getting hit in the face.

But the Filipinos would not be held down as they mounted a comeback in this one, too. Belo and Khobuntin went to work getting points inside while Belo, the former FEU Tamaraw, also knocked down shots from long range.

Khobuntin was able to draw a crucial foul on an and-one basket, earning himself two free throws that finally completed the comeback and even gave the Philippines the lead, 13-12.

But Spain had an answer for it as they knocked down two-pointer after two-pointer to again put some distance between the teams.

They hit two free throws in the final minute to reach the 21-point mark to end the game.

The Filipinos still have two more games in Pool C, which they will play on Friday for a shot at the knockout rounds.

FIBA 3X3. Team Philippines lost to Spain after playing with ony three men.