Edge Davao 9 Issue 168

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MUSICIANS FOR PEACE. An elderly Maranao from Lanao plays his “Kulintang” together with fellow musicians during the opening of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) in partnership with Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) community-based trade fair and expo at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

PROSECUTOR SUMMONS 3 BOMBING SUSPECTS

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE City Prosecutor’s Office has issued subpoenas against the three suspects who are allegedly responsible for the Roxas night market blast last Sept. 2.

It can be recalled that the three suspects, identified as TJ Macabalang, Wendel Facturan, and Musali Mustapha, were arrested last October 4 at a mobile check point in Cotabato City.

According to City Prosecutor Jay Karel Sanchez, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) re-

Siargao series: Sailing to Paradise

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cently submitted additional supplemental affidavits and object evidences against the three suspects.

Sanchez explained the respondents had ten days to file their counter-affidavits after their arrest and the presentation of evidence against them.

He disclosed the prosecution panel will consider the evidence submitted by the CIDG, as well as the arguments made by the respondents in their defense.

Sanchez said the allegations against the alleged

perpetrators will also be assessed by the panel and will be included in its resolution.

The panel, he said, was already finalizing the resolution prior to the arrest of the suspects However, the panel found it prudent to wait for the next steps taken by the CIDG, Sanchez added.

The city prosecutor bared the court is just waiting for the respondents to submit their sworn statements and will proceed with the investigation if no affidavits will be submitted.

EDGEDAVAO Sports Yap on trade: I was shocked P15

DCWD warns contractors • Do not compromise public safety • Do not make rains your excuses

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AVAO City Water District Board Chairman Ed Bangayan directed the DCWD Management to warn all its contractors to implement and follow strictly all safety measures in all of the ongoing pipe-laying projects and repairs to prevent untoward accident to happen.

The directive came on the heels of mounting complaints on road diggings as both DCWD and the Department of Public Works and Highways have simultaneous massive drainage and water pipes laying projects all over the city.

DCWD with its partner Apo Agua Infrastructura have embarked on a P12-billion bulk water project to expand and sustain water supply way beyond the next generation.

The project will make use of the surface water of Tamugan River and will give the main aquifers of Davao City in Dumoy sufficient

time to recharge to prevent salt water intrusion in the future. Water from Tamugan will flow to various reservoir downtown by gravity and will save DCWD nearly P400-million in savings which in turn will be used by the water district for other projects among them Septage.

Chairman Bangayan also advised contractors not to leave residual jobs uncompleted or uncovered with steel pipes. He said all projects must have conspicuous signs which says “A project of DCWD” so as not to confuse it with DPWH. “I want to assure the public that we take full responsibility in addressing all problems arising from all our projects not only those being undertaken by our contractors but repairs or installations being done by DCWD administration. I urge everyone to bring to management attention specific areas where problems like absence or inadequate reflectorized warning signs, uncovered depressions and holes.

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

PRE-DEPARTURE. President R. Duterte delivers his pre-departure message before leaving for Brunei Darussalam at the Davao International Airport on Sunday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

NGO spearheads Rody: I will not surrender Bangsamoro fair

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), in partnership with Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE), conducted a community-based trade fair and expo yesterday, Oct. 17, at SM City Davao.

Julhaina Cadon, program coordinator of the trade fair, explained the event was designed and proposed by the BDA in line with the organiza-

tion’s commitment to lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

“The PLEDGE concept is basically focused on local economic development and Islamic values,” Cadon added.

The program, she said, is funded by World Bank through the Mindanao Trust Fund, while the International Labor Organization (ILO) provided technical assistance on various capacity building activities.

Cadon said 42 peoples

HE City Government of Davao has already started its preparations for the 2016 ‘Oplan Kaluluwa’.

The early preparation is to make sure that the observation of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is peaceful and orderly.

Lawyer Zuleika Lopez, Davao City Administrator, said coordination with various departments of the local government and the security groups has started.

Lopez said the preparations include a traffic plan, deployment of Central 911 emergency response units, safety and security protocols, among others.

The departments involve in the planning include the Public Safety and Security Command Center, Task Force Davao, Davao City Police Office, Central 911, City Transport and Traffic Management Office, City General Services Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Economic Enterprise Office, the agency in-charge of the city’s public cemeteries. Also included are the city barangay officials wherein public cemeteries are located.

The final plan for the Oplan Kaluluwa will be made public Monday next week. CIO

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PH sovereignty to China

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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RESIDENT Duterte is eyeing to strenghten the Philippines’ bilateral relationship with the People’s Republic of Chin through his state visit to the country this week.

The President said his state visit to China will mark a “key turning point” in the Philippines’ bilateral relations with its powerful Asian neighbor.

He also vowed to continue pursuing an independent foreign policy that will uphold the national interests of the country.

“I look forward to renewing the ties of friendship between the Philippines and China and to reaffirm the commit-

ment to work closely to achieve shared goals for our countries and people,” the President said.

President Duterte’s state visit to China is the first one to be held five years after the last trip made by a Philippine head of state.

It also comes on the heels of the arbitral tribunal in the Hague decision which ruled in favor of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute.

The President vowed his main agenda during his visit to China will be to discuss ways of improving bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing that he will never do anything to compromise the country’s territorial sovereign-

ty.

“I will be very careful not to bargain anything for after all I cannot give what is not mine,” President Duterte said.

“I am only going there to talk,” he added.

In the meantime, Associate Justice Antonio Carpio pointed out that President Duterte can be impeached if he will surrender the sovereign rights of the country to the Scarborough Shoal, which is among the contested areas in the maritime dispute.

The President has agreed with the opinion of the associate justice.

“Yes, he is correct. I can be impeached if I revoked our sovereignty,” he said, adding, “I

said I can’t bargain what is not mine.”

In July of this year, the Hague-based arbitral court declared as illegal China’s ninedash line claim, which supposedly encompasses about 90 percent of the South China Sea including areas that are also being claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan and the Philippines.

In its ruling, the tribunal said that the Philippines has sovereign rights over the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, and Recto (Reed) Bank, areas off Palawan that are within China’s nine-dash line.

China, however, has refused to recognize the ruling.

sie pajama of a turtle to educate children on the situation of endangered species.

She also worked for Take 3 for the Sea, a campaign to recycle plastic bottles. This advocacy was timely, she said, since water pollution in Australia is a major environmental problem.

Grageda admitted she is frustrated that coal is being used as the main source of energy in Australia.

This is the reason, she said,

why her current environmental campaign is anchored on renewable energy.

“I am thankful to be part of Miss Earth because my advocacy reached a broader audience,” Grageda said.

For her part, Angelia Ong from the Philippines, conducted public school tours around the Philippines to teach children the 5Rs (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Rethink, Respect).

Ong said she has carried

out collaborative projects with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

She said her most recent environmental project was a tree-planting activity conducted in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) which had a soft launch last year.

“We encourage more agencies to donate seedlings,” said Ong. F MISS, 10

City gov’t prepares for Oplan Kaluluwa T Miss Earth beauties: Stewards of environment R

By RIA VALDEZ

EIGNING Miss Earth-Air Dayanna Grageda and Reigning Miss Earth Angelia Ong shared how far they had gone in terms of pushing for their respective environmental advocacies during their reign as beauty queens.

Grageda, an animal scientist from Austraila and a supporter of the World Wildlife Fund, advocated for wildlife conservation in public schools in Australia by wearing a one-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

City Hall taps inmates to help beautify city for Christmas

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

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HE Local Government of Davao has tapped inmates of the Davao City Jail, as well as women’s groups and various local cooperatives to help in crafting lanterns that will be displayed across the city during this year’s Christmas celebrations.

Museo Dabawenyo chief, Orly Escarilla said that Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio wants the city’s inmates and sectoral groups to play an important part in the yuletide celebrations, as well as earn extra income for their families.

Escarilla said his office has already asked the management of the Davao City Jail, heads of cooperatives and head of office of the City Social Services Development Office (CSSDO) to facilitate the pro-

duction of 300-350 lanterns.

“The inmates and other groups will be making our bamboo lanterns that will be hanged in the city streets and bridges,” he said.

Escarilla said the bamboo lanterns will be 4 feet tall and 60 centimeters wide in order to brighten up the streets an make them more attractive to revelers.

According to the Musea chief, the workers who will be commissioned for the undertaking will be paid directly for their services.

“We have asked the management to give the money directly to the workers, especially to the inmates to help their families,” Escarilla said.

The Davao City Govern-

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THE PRESIDENT’S MEN. The Eastern Mindanao Command Drum and Bugle Corps members are silhouetted by the light from the glass window as they fine-tuning their instruments while waiting for President Duterte who will

deliver his pre-departure message before leaving for Brunei Darussalam at the Davao International Airport on Sunday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr.

Study finds Davao flood-resilient, but.. V

Religious groups to hold national healing prayer

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

By RIA VALDEZ

I

S Davao City flood resilient?

The answer is a resounding yes.

This is according to Dr. Ruth Gamboa, UP-Mindanao professor and project leader of the UNESCO-funded Sustainability Science Project entitled Demonstration Site on “Enhancing Resilience to Disasters of Urban Water Systems in Mindanao.”

With the release of the results of the said UP-Mindanao disaster resiliency study, Gamboa said she confident Davao City will be able bounce back in case the “big flood” occurs in the city, as she gave the assurance that the city’s water supply will not be contaminated.

“This is because the water pipes are underground,” said Gamboa.

If ever the water pipes will be contaminated during the flood, she explained the DCWD has stop valves that will prevent the contaminated water from being distributed.

According to Gamboa, cases of pollution in the Davao River have been reported over the past years where an exceedingly high level of bacteria and pesticides have been detected.

To address these concerns, the DCWD has “traced” the activities of residents in nearby barangays to identify the source of these contaminants.

One of the project researchers Dr. Delia Grace Bacaltos from Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), said

URBAN WATER SYSTEMS. University of Immaculate Concepcion’s Ludivina Porticos (leftmost), accompanied by Mirasol Domingo (2nd from left) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 11, Dr. Dela Grace Bacaltos (2nd from right) of SPAMAST, Dr. Ruth Gamboa of University

that disaster risk management programs in barangays should be directed “at the people” and not solely at the management of Urban Water Supply Systems (UWWS).

Bacalton said that these were among the key results of focus group discussions UP Mindanao conducted with the different sectors in the barangay.

“We need to redirect plans to water systems,” said Bacaltos, adding that although risk management programs are useful, they do not address the hazards.

She said that the results of the project have been forwarded to LGUs and concerned government line agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“We are now drafting plans of action,” said Bacaltos.

Meawhile, Gamboa commended barangay Ma-a for its high resiliency against floods despite being one of the most vulnerable and populous baranagays in the city.

She said that this is due to the Ma-a’s efficient water supply systems and other vital infrastructures.

“They have learned from the past floods,” said Gamboa.

The barangay government unit of Ma-a provides frequent disaster management programs for community members, including safety management trainings in preparation for man-made and natural disasters such as floods.

of the Philippines in Mindanao, discusses the result on the P1.9 million sustainability science project funded by UNESCO which aimed to assess the state of urban water systems in Davao City during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

ARIOUS religious and community groups in Davao City will gather in prayer during the National Healing and Unity on Nov 20 at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) Davao.

The Catchfire prayer rally is an annual gathering of Catholic communities spearheaded by the Couples for Christ (CFC), Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), Holy Trinity Community (HTC), and Familia Ministries.

According to Noel Dacalos, Southern Mindanao Regional Coordinator of CFC, the theme for this year’s event will be “All for the

King.”

“It is to recognize Christ’s supremacy over all our divisions, hurts, and pains,” Dacalos explained.

He said the event will include a sharing of experiences, music, worship, and a Holy Mass.

Decalos said these activities aim to create a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit, and bring people together in peace and unity.

“A unique feature of the event will be the healing sessions where members of the community will seek spiritual healing for attendees with physical ailments among others,” he said.

Barangays most vulnerable to big flood named in study

U

P Mindanao Professor Dr. Ruth Gamboa, one of the project leaders in the UNESCO funded Sustainability Science Project entitled Demonstration Site on “Enhancing Resilience to Disasters of Urban Water Systems in Mindanao” named the top 3 barangays most vulnerable to the “big flood” are Mandug, Lubogan, and Tigatto.

Vulnerability, explained

by Gamboa, is the increased exposure and sensitivity of the water supply system’s (WSS) infrastructure and communities surrounding it. Therefore, the results above are limited to barangay’s whose water supply would be affected by the big flood.

Also mentioned are the top 3 barangays with the biggest flood-prone area: Brgy.

1-A (Davao River Basin) with 91% chance of flood; Calinan (Talomo Watershed) with 79%; and Brgy. 8-A (Davao River Basin) with 67%. A total of 67 barangays are in flood prone-areas within the 4 river systems of Davao.

“Mandug has two water supply reservoirs,” explained Project Leader Ludivina Porticos from the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC). She said that having 2 water supply systems would mean a low adaptive capacity to adjust to climate change, hence being more vulnerable to flooding.

“The study is about Davao’s resiliency in urban water systems,” said Mirasol Domingo of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). She explained further that the 4 river systems of Davao namely the Davao River Basin, the Lasang Watershed, Lipadas Watershed, and Talomo watershed in the event of the 100-year return flood or the “big flood.” The “big flood”, according to Dr. Gamboa is the biggest one out of 100 floods, if it occurs in the city, measuring at least 1.5 meters above the flooded banks.

According to Gamboa, even if the Philippines only experiences at least 22 floods

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EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

Valley to 18th Serbisyo Caravan brings Compostela promote ABCs in 1st iCon hope for continued dev’t K

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S it pushed its way more than 350 kilometers from Davao City last Friday, the 18th ARENA Serbisyo Caravan brought a ray of hope to residents in former rebel-infested areas.

Local government officials expressed hope for recipient barangays to become more progressive and to cooperate in sustaining peace in their communities.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang revealed in an interview that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is starting to construct a national highway from Baganga Poblacion, passing through Barangay Binondo to New Bataan in the province of Davao Oriental.

The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) 11 brought along an array of government services from 36 national line agencies to Brgy Binondo located nine

kilometres away from Poblacion Baganga which lies 130 kilometers from City of Mati.

Dayanghirang admitted not having often gone to this barangay before due to its unstable peace and order situation, but said he was glad of the presence of the regional heads of national agencies during the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan.

He noted the presence of the military particularly the 67th Inf. Battalion under the 701st Inf. Brigade, that helped restored peace in the area. “If there is peace, there is development. This place can become progressive,” he said.

Aside from residents of Brgy Binondo, people from barangays Mahan-ob and Batawan also came to Binondo to avail of the services offered by the national line agencies delivered through the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan.

Lt. Col. Michele Anayron revealed that these barangays

used to be hotbeds of the New People’s Army (NPA) and that some of the Serbisyo Caravan beneficiaries used to be among the masses of the rebel group.

But with the relative peace now being experienced in these areas, the military is now pre-occupied with helping the local and the national government deliver government services, thereby addressing the needs of communities.

“If we try to look at it, the insurgency is political in nature. It needs political will to deliver the services that people most needed,” Anayron said as he gave credit to the immediate past provincial administration of former governor Corazon Malanyaon who he said willingly worked with the military in identifying and meeting community needs.

Meanwhile, aside from opening up more access roads to far-flung communities in the east-coast areas of Davao

Oriental, and connecting them with the nearby province of Compostela Valley, Governor Dayanghirang asked constituents to help the government achieve peace.

“Ipadayon nato ang kalinaw aron mapadayon ang kalambuan sa inyong lungsod ug sa inyong barangay. “ (Let’s go on with peace to continue the development in your town and in your barangay.) he told Dabawenyos of Baganga during the Serbisyo Caravan.

On the other hand, Baganga Municipal Mayor Arturo Monday called on his constituents “to support only the government”.

“Ipadayon nato ang panag-uyon ug panaghiusa aron mapadayon ang pag-usbaw ug ang kalinaw. (Let’s unite to continue the development and peace.),” he said in his address during the Serbisyo Caravan. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

NOWN as the gold capital of Davao Region, Compostela Valley is strengthening the promotion of its agriculture sector as it holds the 1st Compostela Valley Investment Conference set on October 20-21 at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol Bldg., in Cabidianan in the Municipality of Nabunturan.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director, Atty. Siegfreid Balleque said during the recent Tagum Biz media forum at the Big 8 that the conference themed “Promoting Viable Industries for Inclusive Growth” will promote the region’s Aquaculture, Banana, Coconut, Coffee and Cacao sectors, thus the acronym “ABC.” By ringing in industry organizations, the conference aims to showcase the potential investment areas in Compostela Valley and come up with strategies for the development of local industries such as aquaculture and agri-based products.

It is also set to attract new investments on processing and value-adding; provide an avenue for stakeholders to discuss concerns and to exchange information about their respective industries; and to develop and strengthen supplier-buyer relationship.

Among the key components of the Conference are plenary sessions discussing various topics on trade, enterprise and investments; breakout sessions to tackle market

opportunities; and market/investment matching for buyers and suppliers to come up with viable business agreements.

The conference will also feature a trade fair and exhibit of products and services, and industry and familiarization tours for participants who will visit model farms and projects featuring the five key ABCs agri-aqua industries.

Compostela Valley Provincial Tourism and Investment Promotion Officer Christine T. Dompor said the province envisions to become an investment destination though it is located more than 110 kilometers from Davao City--the entry point of Davao Region.

She said there had been previous efforts to harness the investment potential of the province. Along with national line agencies, the Provincial Tourism and Investment Office met with poultry and hog raisers in August , to establish a wider market for them.

The province also held an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Summit in September that opened up business process outsourcing (BPO) opportunities for English proficient graduate-residents in Compostela Valley.

“This gives opportunity for our youths to earn,” she said during the Tagum Biz Talk at Big 8. “The Investment Conference also opens up opportunities for our farmers to become competitive,” she added. (PIA 11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

GenSan police seek public’s help in unmasking‘ninja cops’ Residents in three far-flung villages in Baganga town in the Province of Davao Oriental have received free goods and services from the government through The 18th Serbisyo Caravan organized by the Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA)

Panabo bags nat’l best PESO award R

EPRESENTING the Davao region, the City of Panabo bagged the country’s best Public Employment Service Office (PESO), component city category.

Conferred during the National PESO Congress in Cebu City on October 14, the award was received by City Administrator Atty. Jamail Lunar Macla and PESO Manager Cherelle Espinosa.

Espinosa revealed that this year’s national best PESO award is its second since 2008.

She stressed the cooperation of the non-government organizations and private businesses, along with the energy of the PESO staff and support of the officials and residents of the city, attributed to obtaining the award.

“This was also boosted by the barangay caravan program

of Mayor James Gamao known as WHAPEE caravan, which stands for Wealth, Health Agriculture, Peace and Order, Education, and Employment,” she said.

Espinosa also emphasized that Panaboans can expect more efficient and effective services to be given by her team as they continue their goal to enable the residents to be productive and self-sustaining.

For 2016, Espinosa was

also hailed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on August as the best provincial Community Training and Employment Coordinator (CTEC), while Panabo City garnered the provincial TESDA Kabalikat award.

She bared that they already received a letter from TESDA indicating that they have won the Kabalikat award in the regional level. (PIA11, Michael Uy)

HE National Food Authority (NFA) has beefed up its buffer rice stocks here and in neighboring areas with some 144,000 bags of imported rice from Thailand.

Engr. Cheldon Dalipe, quality assurance officer of the NFA Sarangani-General Santos provincial office, said Monday the

additional rice supplies arrived over the weekend at the Makar Port here.

He said the unloading and transfer of the imported rice stocks to their warehouses in the area in currently ongoing.

“These will serve as standby emergency stocks for areas within Regions 12 and 11,” he

said in an interview over Brigada News TV. He said the imported rice supplies will be distributed to the markets during lean periods and as assistance to localities that would be affected by calamities.

Although part of Region 12 or Soccsksargen, this city and

Sarangani Province are under the jurisdiction of NFA Region 11.

Dionisio Hectin Jr., NFA provincial manager, said they were mandated by their central office to set aside buffer stocks for emergency situations.

144,000 bags of imported rice arrive in GenSan T

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OLICE authorities urged residents here Monday to help them unmask possible “ninja cops” within their ranks.

City Police director, Sr. Supt. Maximo Layugan, appealed to the public to report any police personnel possibly engaged in the recycling and selling of illegal drugs seized from operations.

He warned the city police will not tolerate any officer or personnel found to be doubling as a “ninja cop”.

“I need the help of anyone, if there is any, who is aware of these activities. (He/she) can inform me (directly),” he told reporters.

Layugan said he will personally investigate commissioned and non-commissioned police officers linked to such illegal activity.

He said that if these rogue cops are proven guilty, he would push for their immediate dismissal as “there is no reason for them to stay longer in service”.

The activities of “ninja cops” recently came out in the testimony of one of the witnesses in the inquiry conduct-

ed by the House of Representatives on the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison.

These erring police personnel supposedly sell recovered illegal drugs and even plant them on suspects during drug operations. Some of them are suspected of direct involvement in the illegal drug trade or of protecting drug syndicates.

President Duterte has offered a P2 million reward for the arrest of each “ninja cop”.

Layugan however said he is not personally aware of any of their personnel who is into such illegal activities.

“That is not the practice here in GenSan, as far as my (personal) belief is concerned.

But I can’t assure that 100 percent,” the police official said.

It may recalled that a non-commissioned police officer previously assigned in the city was included in the list of personalities involved in illegal drugs that was announced in August by the President.

Police Officer 1 Glenn Alicarte was earlier ordered to report to the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame for investigation. (PNA)

5 ECONOMY Retirement benefits Creating economic opportunities of treasurer forfeited for conflict-affected communities F EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has ordered the forfeiture of the retirement benefits of the municipal treasurer of Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte after the Office of the Ombudsman found the latter administratively guilty of “grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”

Dominguez directed the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) to implement the Ombudsman’s ruling against municipal treasurer Cipriano Plazos, who was held liable for his failure to safeguard public funds under his accountability.

The Ombudsman has slapped administrative charges against Plazos along with Katipunan Mayor Crisostomo Eguia Jr. and municipal accountant Urdaneta Madridondo.

Dominguez has been swiftly acting on the Ombudsman’s orders penalizing erring officials under his supervision to send a strong message that irregularities would never be tolerated at the Department of Finance (DOF) on his watch.

Besides having his retirement benefits forfeited, Plazos was also penalized with the cancellation of his eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and

taking civil service examinations.

Plazos was also ordered dismissed by the Ombudsman, but the directive was no longer enforceable because he was already separated from the service when the anti-graft body issued its ruling on his case.

The Ombudsman, instead, ordered Plazos to pay a fine equivalent to his salary for one year.

Dominguez directed BLGF acting Executive Director Nino Raymond Alvina to submit a compliance report [to his Office] within five days from receiving the directive and to furnish a copy to the Office of the Ombudsman-Mindanao.

Plazos was the municipal treasurer of Katipunan at the time that Eguia was found to have consistently failed to account for unliquidated cash advances amounting to P2 million from 1998 to 2011.

The Ombudsman has also filed several criminal charges against Eguia.

According to the Ombudsman, “it is a declared public policy that all resources of the government should be managed, expended or utilized in accordance with the law and safeguarded against loss or wastage.”

Earlier, Dominguez ordered the Bureau of Customs

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By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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N expo and trade fair dubbed “PLEDGE Fair 2016” opened yesterday as an avenue for conflict-affected communities to showcase their products to a broader market and attract potential investors.

The two day fair was participated in by community-based enterprises of 42 people’s organizations from

six areas in Mindanao that are beneficiaries of the Bangsamoro Development Agency’s (BDA) Program for Local Economic Development through Enlightened Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) namely, Central Mindanao, Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Southern Mindanao, Zamboanga-Basilan and Ranaw Region.

SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES. Fishermen from a community near Magsaysay Park in Davao City sail to the Davao Gulf. Davao City Agriculture Office’s Fishery Resource Management Services Division plans to give fisherfolk

With the theme, “Promoting Unity through Inclusive Growth Initiative,” the program was not exclusive to Muslim members of the community, but to other ethnicities as well.

Aside from the product exhibit, the two-day fair includes market-matching, testimonials by people’s organization and inter-agency meeting between

BDA partner agencies namely Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), TESDA, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR),

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in the city a series of training sessions to promote awareness on marine environmental protection among the members of the fisheries sector. Lean Daval Jr.

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

COUNTRY’S MOST OUTSTANDING CHAMBER. President Rodrigo R. Duterte hands over two plaques to Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) President Bonifacio T. Tan for DCCCII’s winning the Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce in Mindanao awards. The plaques were given during the culmination of the 42nd Philippine Business Conference & Expo last Wednesday

Piñol asked to freeze land conversion in PH

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

S

adlopez0920@gmail.com

AYING that land conversion has contributed much to the problems of hunger and malnutrition in the country, a peasant group in Monday urged Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary Emmanuel Piñol to support the land conversion freeze that is being pushed by the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC).

“We are hoping that farmers would find a reliable ally in Secretary Pinol. The DA is the main government agency mandated to ensure the country’s food security and self-sufficiency. Decades of conversion of agricultural lands have contributed to the current state of hunger and food insecurity experienced by Filipinos,” said Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) secretary general Antonio Flores in a statement to the media.

Flores added that thousands of hectares of rice and corn lands were converted to non-agricultural uses to give

way to the so-called development projects that include real estate, commercial establishments, eco-tourism, plantations of export crops and even government projects.

At the expense of said developments, Flores said, is the food security of the population in the Philippines.

Earlier, KMP also hit Vice Presiden Leni Robredo and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for contesting the earlier move of PARC to stop the conversion of agricultural lands in the country.

“Food security remains a problem for majority of Filipino households. Food availability and access are a concern for the lower income population, particularly among the poorest,” Flores added.

Referring to government statistics, Flores said more than 65.9 percent of all Filipino households experience hunger, 75 percent of rural households are food insecure,

and a staggering 80.1 percent of households whose head of the family are agricultural workers have none or very little food to eat.

The group also cited a recent SWS survey that said of 3.1 million families experienced hunger early this year, higher than the 2.6 million families recorded in the same period last year.

The same survey, KMP said also revealed that 11.6 percent experienced moderate hunger while 2.1 percent suffered severe hunger.

“These only shows that farmers and sectors involved in agriculture and fishing suffer severe hunger and are the most food insecure,” Flores emphasized.

He added that the country had already experienced the “double” burden on malnutrition and under nutrition with prevalent child under nutrition as data revealed that among the children aged zero to five, 21 percent are underweight,

33 percent are underheight or have stunted growth.

“Rice is the staple food of 85 percent of Filipinos. But issues in the rice industry reflect our ability to be food secure.

All year-round, rice farmers face difficulties in production -- high cost of production and inputs, damaging effects of calamities and typhoons, militarization in farmlands and the overall lack of support from the government,” Flores said.

The group believed that in achieving long-term and sustainable food security, first, there should be genuine land reform and the right of farmers and agricultural producers to produce own food on own terms should be respected.

“Farmers should also have the right to determine the policies and strategies in the use our agricultural lands, fishing grounds, forests and mineral grounds. But land conversion got in the way of ensuring the country’s food security,” the KMP leader said.

HE proposed P3.35 trillion national budget for 2017 of the Duterte administration will increase the number of indigent senior citizens receiving social pensions of P500 each to 2.8 million following a government move to lower the age of those covered by the benefits from 77 to 60 years old.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said that under next year’s proposed General Appropriations Act (GAA), the social pensions would be given to poor seniors aged 60 years old and above in cash.

“For the elderly seniors, we are increasing the subsidies to them by reducing the qualifying age for receiving subsidies, from 77-years-old to 60-years-old,” said Dominguez at a recent Commission on Appointments hearing. “That’s why the budget for subsidies for elderly seniors has increased.”

The allocation for indigent

senior citizens has doubled under the proposed 2017 GAA to P17.94 billion from this year’s P8.71 billion because of “transparent and targeted” subsidies that the government would be providing them.

This budget hike plan, once approved by the Congress, will increase the number of elderly-beneficiaries from the current 1.4 million to next year’s 2.8 million.

In one of the consultations held by the Department of Finance (DOF) among civil society groups, the Coalition of Services for the Elderly Inc. (COSE) shared Dominguez’s earlier assessment that assistance for indigent seniors would be better served through targeted subsidies, such as social pensions, rather than providing them with exemptions via the Value Added Tax (VAT) when dining out, which mostly only rich seniors enjoy.

COSE was at the forefront of pushing for social pensions for

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

evening at the Marriott Manila Hotel/ Looking on is Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III. In photo at right are some DCCCII officers attending the PBC. From left: President Boni Tan, trustee Antonio M. Ajero, trustee Jocelyn Romero, vice president for professional services Belinda L. Torres, trustee Annie E. Veloso and vice president for agribusiness Teresita Pascual. Not in photo is board chairman John Gaisano Jr. Photos by Jo Romero

Motorcycle sales up in Mindanao: report T HE current drive of the administration to improve the state of the country’s agriculture has not only brought in positive gains to farmers and other stakeholders in agriculture sector, but also to other businesses and players in Mindanao such as those in the motorcycle industry.

This was the opinion shared by Ross Eric Veloso, account manager of Kawasaki Motors in Mindanao region during an interview with the EDGE Davao on Monday.

Motorcycle sales in Mindanao had increased to 15% to 20% in the first 2 quarters of the year, according to Veloso.

Of the total increase in sales, Kawasaki gained around 4% to 5% increase in sales in the area in the same period, he added.

The pouring in of resources of the government to increase agricultural productivity are welcome developments for Kawasaki Motors as most of its customers belong to the class C and D of the society.

“Most of Kawasaki buyers are those in the business industry and they utilize our motorcycles for business pur-

poses,” Veloso pointed out.

He said that their best sellers are the series CT 100, CT 150 and the Barako 175 that have proven to be efficient and durable as passenger and delivery vehicles.

The expansion of dealerships and the opening of additional branches and outlets also contributed to the increase of motorcycle sales in Mindanao, particularly by Kawasaki motors.

At present, Kawasaki has 18 Mindanao-based dealers and 10 other dealers that have main branches either in Luzon or Visayas.

Of the total sales per month, around 30 percent have been paid in cash, while the remaining 70 percent are through instalment basis.

Veloso also pointed out Kawasaki’s advantages compared to other brands, the reasons why the company has significantly increased its sales during half of this year.

Among the main advantages of Kawasaki motorcycles are its fuel efficiency, low cost, durability, presence of service centers in key areas, and the availability of spare parts.

indigent seniors during congressional deliberations on expanding benefits for elderly citizens under the Senior Citizens Act. “Our group is pushing for a universal social pension because the targeted ones were indigents, receiving many problems in terms of targeting talaga. Nonetheless, if we look at it, more than 50 percent of the population don’t have any pension at all so the need is there. The need for a pension is there. But these needs cannot be covered by the parent measure which is the VAT exemptions and discounts,” said Aura Sevilla, project coordinator of COSE. “That’s why the pension will increase their purchasing capacity and they can buy things that they think they need rather than just putting exemptions to items that are not really availed by everyone, especially the poor ones,” she added.

Sevilla has called on the DOF to explore areas of VAT exemp-

tions that should be retained for seniors, such as medicines, so that poor elderly citizens can still benefit from them.

The DOF tax plan submitted to the Congress limits VAT exemptions to only raw food and other necessities such as health, which covers medicines, and education.

Dominguez said earlier the government is not removing benefits for senior citizens under its proposed comprehensive tax reform plan, but is only changing their form and ensuring that these subsidies go to the truly vulnerable ones who need such financial aid the most.

The tax plan’s Package One, which covers cuts in personal income tax (PIT) payments under a simplified, modified gross income system, plus revenue measures to offset losses from such PIT reductions, was submitted to both chambers of the Congress last Sept. 26.

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MinDA focuses on Indigent senior pensioners’budget up in 2017 development corridor T

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has identified the Mindanao Development Corridor as among the top priorities of the agency under the Duterte Administration.

According to Engr. Maria Vilma Belches, acting MinDA division chief, the approach facilitates integrated development, links value chains and encourage trade, stimulates investments, enhances competitiveness, and increases the production capacities of Mindanao.

“The corridor approach will result to inclusive, balanced and sustainable development for Mindanao,” she

noted during the Regional Tourism Assembly on Oct. 14, 2016 at Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

MinDA has strategically divided the island region into three parts, namely: South Central Mindanao Development Corridor, Western Mindanao Development Corridor and Northern Mindanao Development Corridor.

Among the projects MinDA presented under the corridor development approach are the Mindanao Railway Project, Agro-industrial Economic Zone, Marine Merchant Naval Academy and School of Oceanology, Tawi-Tawi and Picong

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F INDIGENT, 10

7 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

In search for miss earth Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“A

THING of beauty is a joy forever.”

This line, penned by John Keats, came to mind when the Pearl Farm Beach Resort management, asked this author if there was time for me to cover the swimsuit competition of Miss Earth 2016.

The last time I did cover such event was in 2011 yet.

And yes, it was still in the same venue when a dozen beauties came to Island Garden City of Samal.

But this time around, 85 candidates from all over the world came (5 more didn’t make it due to some problems, including visa). The parade of some of the globe’s beautiful ladies was made possible through the initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“We want to show to the world that Davao is safe,” says Eden Josephine L. David, an official with the regional tourism office.

Indeed, Davao City is!

The hosting happened a few weeks after the bombing incident which snatched the lives of 15 people (including a pregnant woman) and wounded some 64 individuals.

Even though the competition was held in Samal, the

85 candidates had fun supporting the breast awareness month when a party was held for them at the Waterfront Hotel the night before.

In terms of the number of national-level competitions to participate in the world finals, Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world. The other two are Miss Universe and Miss World.

Miss Earth is an annual international environmental-themed beauty pageant promoting environmental awareness. Although the slogan, “Beauties for a Cause” was adopted in October 2001, it was in 2003 yet when the first “beauty for a cause” prize was awarded.

A year after it was launched, the Miss Earth Foundation was created to further the pageant’s causes and “to work with local and international groups and non-governmental organizations that are actively involved in conservation and improvement of the environment.” The Miss Earth Foundation campaign focuses in educating the youth in environmental awareness. Its major project “I Love Planet Earth School Tour,” teaches and distributes educational aides for school children.

Because of the involvement of the winners and candidates on the protection of the planet and other environmental concerns and issues, the beauty pageant was hailed by various groups and organizations around the world. In an article which appeared in Malaysia’s “The Star,” writer Anthony Law called the pageant’s contestants as “beauties who promote green cause.”

It wasn’t until in 2011 that the pageant introduced the Miss Earth Declaration.

It is a manifesto pledging the support of all the candidates for a common environmental mission to be implemented in their respective countries.

It said: “We, the Miss Earth candidates, serve as the environmental ambassadors of our respective countries.

Of the many environmental

initiatives being pursued by different organizations and governments, we as a group believe education should be given top priority and urge our leaders to require schools to include environmental courses in their curriculum. It should be everybody’s agenda to make the Earth smile again.”

Since it was launched

by Carousel Productions in 2001, the beauty contest has been held every year in Philippines. But in 2010, it was held outside of the country for the first time – in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Chosen Miss Earth that year was Nicole Faria who was from India.

Last year, the competition was held in in Europe at Marx Halle in Vienna, Austria.

Luckily, the country’s representative, Angelia Ong, won the coveted crown. It was a

back-to-back win for the Philippines since the previous winner, Jamie Herrell, was also a Filipina.

The other Filipina who won the crown was Karla Henry who won it in 2008.

The Philippines has won three Miss Universe crowns: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973) and Pia Wurtzbach (2015).

In 2011, the pageant was scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. But due to flood situation, the Carousel Productions decided to move back to the country. The winner was Olga Alava from Ecuador.

In 2012, Indonesia was supposed to host the beauty pageant in Bali but the organizers didn’t meet the minimum requirements on time,

so it was returned to the Philippines again. Teresa Fajksova, from Czech Republic, was declared winner.

This year, Pearl Farm Beach Resort is happy to convene the Swimsuit Competition, with the tourism secretary herself, Wanda Corazon Tuflo-Teo, as the chairman of the board of judges.

According to Josu Mikel Villaverde, the resort’s general manager, the management was happy to host the competition. He said that the cause of the beauty pageant cause is the same cause the resort (which has been declared as a five-star resort, the only in Mindanao) is doing.

All the 85 candidates were presented in two batches. Joey Concepcion, a celebrated television host who is from Davao but now settling in General Santos City, was the master of ceremony of the almost two-hour show.

Miss Ecuador (Katherine Elizabeth Espin Gomez) was given a special recognition.

She was also given the gold medal in resort wear among her group. The silver and bronze medals went to Miss Uruguay (Valeria Barrios Ustra) and Miss Venezuela (Stephanie Ysabel de Zorzi Landaeta).

In the other group, the winners were Miss Lebanon (Cafrole Al Kahwagi), gold; Miss Nepal (Roshani Khatri), silver; and Miss Russia (Aleksandra Cherepanova), bronze.

Although only the winner is named Miss Earth, the runners-up are also given titles named after other natural elements of the planet.

The first runner-up is given the Miss Air. The second runner-up is entitled to Miss Water, while the third runner-up is bestowed the title Miss Fire.

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

EDITORIAL

N

LGU’s response to anti-smoking plan

OW that the nationwide smoking ban is about to be passed, it is high time for local government units to start preparing as the EO leaves it to local governments to impose appropriate penalties.

The measure is already being finalized and is expected to be signed by President Duterte soon.

The nationwide smoking ban, an election promise made by Duterte, was disclosed by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, whose department submitted the draft EO to the president.

The EO provisions is presumed to be similar to the total smoking ban that Duterte started in Davao City and is still being enforced today.

The Davao blueprint can be made as a model for all LGUs and capability training may be conducted by the Davao City enforcement agencies.

Moreover, improvements may still be made on the existing anti-smoking enforcement procedures of Davao City.

It can be noted that it was the President himself who encouraged the Health Chief to copy the content of the smoking ban policy implemented in Davao in order to be successfully replicated na-

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tionwide.

When signed, the EO will effectively ban smoking in all public spaces, including parks, bus stations, inside vehicles, and even in designated indoor smoking areas such as in airport lounges and restaurants.

Smokers are only allowed to puff outside of buildings in public places away from people.

There are more than 80 million Filipinos who are not smokers but are exposed to tobacco smoke either in homes or in public places.

There are an estimated 17.3 million adult Filipinos who consume tobacco at an average of 11 sticks per day – a vice that is responsible for diseases such as stroke, heart disease and respiratory ailments. It is also estimated that 10 Filipinos die from a smoking-related disease every hour.

Once enforced, the measure is expected to contribute greatly to limiting the risks of smoking-related diseases.

It is also believed that smoking is the gateway to illegal drugs and banning the same could also help deter the use of illegal drugs especially among the youth.

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EDGEDAVAO

T

WO years ago, I attended a golden wedding anniversary. I was not really interested to witness the occasion but my friend, who is the grandson of the couple, cajoled me join him. He is a person who doesn’t invite people if it is not really that important.

Since I had nothing to do at that time, I decided to go with him. I sat down at the church and met some of my friend’s families, relatives, and friends. When the ceremony started, everyone was silent. Some family members were in tears.

In the middle of the ceremony, one grandson stood up, went to the podium, and sang the haunting Kenny Rogers song. “I can’t remember when you weren’t there, when I didn’t care for anyone but you. I swear, we’ve been through everything there is. Can’t imagine anything we’ve missed, can’t imagine anything the two of us can’t do.”

Then, he belted out: “Through the years, you’ve never let me down. You turned my life around, the sweetest days I’ve found, I’ve found with you. Through the years, I’ve never been afraid. I’ve loved the life we’ve made.

And I’m so glad I’ve stayed, right here with you through the years.”

This particular scenario came flashing into my mind as I read the story forwarded to me by a friend. Read it and ponder: During the renovation of a house in Japan, someone breaks open the walls. (For the

I

N the war to end the drug menace the poor were the first to fall. In the greedy schemes of corruption that have wasted the wealth of a nation the poor were used and suffered the most. In economic recession, the poor were the first to lose their jobs or sources of income. In armed conflicts or uprisings, the poor were the ones commonly displaced, dislocated and killed. In weather disturbances arising from climate change the poor bore the brunt of suffering. Indeed, in the equation of disasters the poor are always the bulk of the victims.

It is evil to be poor. Some men rose from non-entity and became hugely famous from their attempts or pretentions to change the poor, that is, to make them no longer poor but equal to the rest of mankind. In modern history, Hitler tried and invented the Holocaust, eliminating the wealthy and thriving Jews so that the poor Aryans will rise.

In the communist movement, we had Stalin, Lenin, Mao and Pol Pot who waged devastating purges of society to allow the poor workers, peasants and other bottom dwellers of the earth, to rise and be equal among men and nations. They all failed; the poor have remained poor and inequality continues to prevail. It seems the poor shall forever remain poor or that there shall always be poor in every human community. When Jesus Christ was criticized by his disciples for lavishing himself with an expensive perfume, which his followers commented could have

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

9

Through the years information of THINK ON THESE! the uninformed, Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the wooden walls.)

Upon tearing down the walls, he found a lizard stuck Henrylito D. Tacio there because a henrytacio@gmail.com nail from outside was hammered into one of its feet! He sees this, feels pity, and at the same time curious, because it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built!

The lizard has survived in such position in a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving! Indeed, it is impossible and mind-boggling! He keeps wondering how this lizard survived for 10 years without moving a single step, since its foot was nailed!

He stopped his work momentarily and observed the lizard, what it has been doing, and what and how it has been eating! Later, out from nowhere appears another lizard, with food in its mouth, suddenly feeding the stuck lizard.

He was deeply touched and stunned at such a scene! Imagine? The other lizard has

been doing that untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope! Pause for a moment and think: Will you do that to your partner?

If lizards can do it, why can’t human beings do? Being married to the person you love is the best thing that ever happen to you. You belong to that person and that person belongs to you.

Marriage should be forever. Find the right partner for you. Women should not marry a guy because he is handsome, or rich, or because your parents tell you to marry him. The same is true with men. He should search for the right woman for him. Marry the person who you will love even when you wake up in the morning and find him or her not good looking enough. “Happy marriages,” said Tom Mullen, “begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry.”

Once you’re married to the person whom you thought is the right one for you, accept him or her, including the bad traits and habits. Josh McDowell reminds, “What you are as a single person, you will be as a married person, only to a greater degree. Any negative character trait will be intensified in a marriage relationship, because you will feel free to let your guard down – that person has committed himself (herself) to you and you no longer have to worry about scaring him (her) off.”

Marriage is not always a bed of roses.

Two people from different backgrounds usually clash but that’s alright. Opposite attracts each other, right? “Men marry women with the hope they will never change,” commented Albert Einstein. “Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed.”

Ogden Nash tells: “Marriage is the alliance of two people, one of whom never remembers birthdays and the other who never forgets.”

However, he offers some advice: “To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the loving cup, whenever you’re wrong admit it; whenever you’re right shut up.”

Yes, there are marriages made in heaven — because from the beginning, God is in the midst of the union. Marriage, someone once said, is always a triangle: man, woman, and God. With that, marriage is bound to be forever.

And husband and wife will live happily ever after. The Kenny Rogers song said it well: “I can’t remember what I used to do. Who I trusted whom, I listened to before. I swear you’ve taught me everything I know. Can’t imagine needing someone so but through the years it seems to me I need you more and more.”

Do you want to stay married to your partner forever? Learn wisdom from the words of Bon Jovi’s spouse: “My wife tells me that if I ever decide to leave, she is coming with me.”

I succeeded; we are no longer that dirt poor as before. I’m not rich either – I am simply comfortable. That is change enough.

How explain the transformation? It appears that deep in me was embedded the gift of getting out of poverty - the ability to set direction and the perseverance and endurance to reach goals. In short, I was not, from the very beginning, destined to be a bottom dweller in the social strata.

The poor may remain poor but the quality of their lives may yet somehow be improved. That’s the philosophy behind the external intervention programs of governments, civil society organizations and of foreign aids from donor (rich) to poor countries.

On government intervention, any such initiative to improve the quality of the lives of the poor should be examined thoroughly to determine whether they are really of help to the subject beneficiaries or they make them poorer instead as a result.

Consider, for instance the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources {DA-BFAR} continuing program of providing unemployed coastal dwellers with fishing boats and various fishing gears to allow them to fish and earn a living. At first glance the intervention is laudable. But when examined against the resources of the fishing grounds which all have dwindled in recent years, the intervention program will only increase fishing efforts and contribute further to the impoverishment of the resources, thus

reducing the catch and income of every fisher.

Resource and ecological assessment studies found that most fishing grounds were getting heavily silted and polluted and were experiencing precarious depletion of their fishery and other marine resources. Catch versus fishing effort had become uneconomical. The studies made recommendations to improve the quality and productivity of the marine ecosystem. These include the establishment of fish sanctuaries or marine protected areas; integrated coastal resources management to cover pollution control and the reduction of fishing effort by diverting fishers to alternative land-based livelihood activities among others. It is, lamentable, however, that the findings and recommendations of the many overlapping studies conducted under DA-BFAR and DENR with loaned monies and bilateral grants were not given a hard look to improve the quality of intervention and outputs. Intervention programs, not only in fisheries but in most domains of governance, remain the usual kneejerk approach to perceived problems.

Indeed, unless we move away from impulse-driven governance policies, we will go nowhere however good the intentions and the sound bites may be.(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan is a retired professor and former chancellor of the Mindanao State University Naawan campus in Misamis Oriental).

The evil of being poor MINDAVIEWS

BY WILLIAM R. ADAN been sold and the proceeds given to the poor, he dismissed and told them bluntly “the poor shall always be with you.” He recognized no doubt the futility of changing the poor.

In whatever school of thought anent the beginning of mankind, whether in evolution or creation, the resultant humans of the process came out with different physical and mental attributes which the religious call as God-given talents or gifts. This difference in the development or grant of talents and capacities led to the formation of a hierarchical structure of human societies. This explains why there have always been kings and subjects, masters and slaves, landlords and tenants, and in modern times, CEOs, managers, supervisors and workers, entrepreneurs and wage earners. Since the beginning of civilization this has always been the situation.

Nothing has change. Those at the bottom of the structure are generally poor.

In my early teens when I roamed the streets of Butuan City to help my parents earn a living, peddling ice-drops, newspaper and other transient goods, or offering services to strangers as a bootblack, I one day came to abhor our precarious hand-to mouth existence. I vowed to change it and shall never be that poor and miserable again.

10 NEWS DCWD... FROM 1

“We urge the public to please help us safeguard our warning signs which very so often are being stolen by unscrupulous individuals”, Bangayan added.

In their board meeting Thursday, the Board Members also took note of the sluggish work of the contractors especially in traffic congested areas.

“We are not taking excuses like ‘we can work only in the evening’ or ‘it has been raining’”, Bangayan said. “We are all living in Davao City and we knew that rains rarely last beyond 8:00 o’clock in the evening”, he stressed.

“They better shape up or we will be forced to impose sanctions against them”, he warned. (DCWD PR)

Ong commended the present administration for bringing Miss Earth to Mindanao, garnering the full support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the local government of Davao.

She was also pleased with DENR Secretary Gina Lopez who has been very vocal in her advocacy against the use of coal.

Grageda said that the Ms. Earth Pageant is an avenue to develop the potential of women as future leaders in their respective communities.

“We help change [the mindset of] women every year,” she said, citing last year’s Miss South Africa of as an example.

Miss South Africa encouraged her fellow candidates to take one the Big O2 Challenge where each of them had to

plant 21 trees before the opening of the Climate Congress in Paris last Oct. 8.

Both reigning beauty queens noted that humans have played a big role in the destruction of the environment.

“We really compromise for comfort,” said Ong who encouraged people to be aware of the current state of the environment.

Grageda said: “People are just pushing away responsibility.”

She pointed out that little things such as the use of recyclable bags instead of plastic ones can go a long way in the sustainable management and protection of the environment.

Grageda and Ong are set to relinquish their crowns during the Coronation Night of Miss Earth 2016 sltaed on Oct. 29 at the SM Mall of Asia.

organizations and communities from all over Mindanao offering various kinds of products were assisted by the PLEDGE Project Team through “a home-grown, community-driven, and people-centered methodology and delivery system.”

Meanwhile, PLEDGE Consultant Mayuko Simagake noted that the Bangsamoro Trade Fair will benefit 4,853

members in 11 conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.

Simagake revealed that PLEDGE has allotted a budget of P113 million for enterprise development, adding that 51 percent of the trainees are women.

Over 308 BDA staff and volunteers were also sent to train 42 PLEDGE business groups in local enterprise development, she added.

Veloso said Kawaki’s CT 100 if utilized solo or for individual service purpose has a fuel efficiency rate of 90 kilometers per liter of gasoline and 58 kilometers per liter of gas if utilized as tricycle or single passenger motorcycle commonly called as “habal-habal”.

CT 100 he said has the lowest selling price among motorcycle brands series in the market nowadays, and its durability has already been tested as it is still in the market for the past 10 years.

Veloso said that Kawasaki has service centers in the cities of Davao, Koronadal, Pagadian, Cagayan de Oro and in the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“We also have roving Kawasaki service mechanics

that go around these service centers and other key cities in Mindanao,” he added.

On Monday, Oct. 17, Kawasaki, in partnership with Motortrade held its “Buhos Ulan Papremyo,” a raffle promo that gave out major prizes that included one brand new Toyota Wigo and other items such as television sets and smart phones.

The promo’s top prize was won by Jericho Alterado of Brgy. Putik, Zamboanga City.

The raffle promo, Veloso said, was a special program for Motortrade aimed to increase the retail of Kawasaki motorcycles in Mindanao.

Motortrade is one of the major dealers of Kawasaki motorcycles in the region. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

The DOF submitted its proposed Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act last month in keeping with the Duterte administration’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

Dominguez said the tax reform program enjoys support from a broad range of stakeholders, including foreign institutions such as the embassies

of Spain and China and the delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, the representatives of the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, as well as former finance secretaries and many local organizations including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Philippine Industries, Philip-

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NATIONAL HEALING. Noel Dacalos promotes the upcoming Catchfire: All for the King! event during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the annex of SM City Davao. The said event’s main objective is to help achieve national healing and unity after this year’s election. Lean Daval Jr.

City... FROM 3

ment plans to set up around 600 bamboo and steel lanterns all over the city by the end of November in time for the city’s Pasko fiesta.

The lanterns will be placed

at San Pedro St., Matina, Bajada, Lanang, R. Castillo, City Hall, Sangguniang Panglungsod, City Hall Annex Building, Museo Dabawenyo, Pasalubong Center and People’s Park.

Municipal Local Government Units (MLUs) and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

PLEDGE, launched on 2013, is the economic and livelihood component of Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRD) implemented by the BDA in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) as a trust fund recipient that aims to contribute to confidence and peace-building efforts through local economic development and sustainable livelihood creation in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Moreover, the project also aims to help reduce poverty, promote inclusive growth, support confidence-building and lasting peace in Mindanao through practical approaches on local economic development through enlightened governance and grassroots empowerment.

Julhaina E. Cadon, PLEDGE program coordinator of BDA, said the products exhibited in the fair are made mostly by women who comprise 51% of the project’s 1,178 total beneficiaries.

She added that before PLEDGE was introduced in these communities, people were mostly dependent on farming and fishing as their primary means of livelihood.

Since its implementation, PLEDGE has provided P250,000 grants for each of

the 42 proposals submitted to them by their partner beneficiaries, as well as conducted various skills entrepreneurial trainings for their project recipients.

Cadon added that through these interventions, housewives, farmers and fishermen, and even out-of-school youth have become entrepreneurs and are now supporting the needs of their families, and are contributing to the inclusive growth in their respective communites.

“This is a life-time program,” stressed Cadon.

PLEDGE is supported by the MTF and other foreign donors such as such as the European Union, the Swedish International Development Agency, the Australian Embassy Philippines, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, the United States Agency for International Development, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the World Bank which also serves as trust fund secretariat.

These partners have provided a total of PP113 in assistance to the BDA where P10 million was given as cash grants to the chosen beneficiaries.

Cadon is confident that with the success being enjoyed by their partner-beneficiaries, peace and development in Mindanao’s conflict-affected areas are now at hand.

pine Exporters Confederation, Management Association of the Philippines, the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, and civil society organizations.

“This is encouraging. It is unusual for such a comprehensive tax reform program to enjoy such a broad support,” he said.

Dominguez stressed that the 20 percent discount on pur-

chases and transactions now enjoyed by all Filipinos 60 years old and above would remain intact.

However, the government plans to replace the exemptions to the 12 percent value added tax (VAT) granted to seniors with direct subsidies that would benefit senior citizens belonging to the poorest of the poor, he said.

Creating... FROM 5

Barangays... FROM 3 in a year, there is still a chance of the big flood. “The big flood would cause direct impairment to the potable water of the Davao City Water District (DCWD),” added Porticos. In this note, both project leaders called for action from the city and barangay-level to properly manage their urban water systems.

Results of the project would be further discussed on

the Multi-Stakeholders Conference on Sustainability Science, facilitated by DOST and Hydrology for Environment, Life and Policy (HELP) Davao Network, who carried out the project in cooperation with the Disaster Resilience and Urban Waste Management in Davao Region. The conference would be at 9am on Thursday, October 20, in SMX Convention Center. RIA VALDEZ

He said the imported rice will augment the stocks purchased by the agency from farmers in the area.

“As per assessment by the NFA council, we are mandated to have buffer stocks that will last for 30 days,” he said. (PNA)

(BOC) to suspend for six months without pay a customs officer for failing to declare for three consecutive years a number of properties in his annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

Jerry Gomez Ponce, who holds the position of Customs Operations Officer IV in the BOC, was ordered suspended for six months without pay by the Office of the Overall Deputy Ombudsman after being found liable for Simple Dishonesty and Simple Neglect of Duty.

Dominguez has also directed the filing of administrative charges against fugitive Laoag City Treasurer Elena Asuncion and has asked the National Bureau of Investi-

gation (NBI) and the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct deeper probes into the over P85 million-worth of missing public funds under her accountability.

The BLGF’s fact-finding investigation revealed that Asuncion’s office had “disregarded internal control systems and procedures and public fund management principles.”

The BLGF team found out that on her watch as city treasurer, Asuncion had completely controlled all cash collections and that the cashbooks were not regularly updated, in violation of local treasury operations rules of the DOF and COA regulations.

Free Port, Shipping and Aqua Marine Industry, and Agriculture Industry Development and Food Security.

“Industries such as tourism or ecotourism will serve as agents and catalysts for progress,” Belches said.

She stressed that transport, logistics, policies, and institutions should support industry and investments.

The MinDA official also pointed out the approach will result to potential “industrial symbiosis” within the corridors of development.

Belches assured that the agency will work hard to develop stronger partnerships

between government and private sectors to ensure the success of the corridor initiative.

Other key priorities of MinDA include the strengthening its role in the programs/ projects approval process; Islamic financing; development of Halal industry; power, environment and watershed management; Federalism; strengthening the BIMP-EAGA initiatives particularly through the Davao-General Santos-Bitung, Indonesia sea connectivity; the reopening of the barter trade industry in Mindanao; and establishment of the Mindanao Cultural and Tourism Village Center.

144,000 bags... FROM 4 Retirement... FROM 5

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO Normally, first timers would avoid riding the smaller boats going to Siargao Island because of the notorious big waves in Banug Strait. Surprisingly, the waves were so calm when we were sailing through the Strait.

Siargao series:

Sailing to Paradise The friendliest crewmember on the boat intentionally blocking my photo of Dapa Port and the fish cages around the Dapa Channel.

Boatmen like him make a living ferrying people and cargo from Surigao to Siargao Island daily.

IT WAS ALREADY A BUSY MORNING AT SURIGAO CITY’S BOULEVARD. People were arriving in droves only to be told to wait for the next vessel to take them to Siargao Island. It was a good thing we were able to secure tickets beforehand. Now the only thing left to do was wait for the vessel to sail from Surigao City.

The sun was slowly rising against the black sky. The engines roared to life. I was so excited our long-planned trip was finally happening! After three visits to Surigao City, I finally get to board a boat for Siargao.

The two-hour boat ride was nothing short of exciting. It was my first time so I did not know what to expect. I couldn’t stand sitting inside the cabin so I opted to stand outside to get a better, unencumbered view of the scenery.

All sorts of people could were on the boat we boarded - from families visiting relatives for the fiesta, to policemen on assignment (there was an international surfing competition so security needed to be tight), to fellow tourists and surfers alike.

From Surigao City, we passed through Banug Strait with Nonoc Island on the north and the islands of Lamagon, Bayagnan and Hinatuan to the south.

After passing these islands, the boat headed eastward towards the Dapa Channel.

The Dapa port wasn’t easily visible from the open sea. You’d have to pass through a cape with rows and rows of naturally A view of the bustling Surigao City’s Boulevard from the sea at quarter to 6:00am in the morning.

grown mangroves that locals say is home to saltwater crocodiles. If that didn’t excite me enough about Siargao, I don’t know what else will!

Arriving in Dapa Port, I found myself in a sea of people disembarking from the vessel that brought us smoothly to this island paradise. After having breakfast at one of the nearby restaurants, we were whisked away to meet the mayor of General Luna, Jaime Resillon.

The 71-year-old mayor raves how the people of General Luna thrive on the income the tides of tourism bring. The international surfing competition and big game fishing, which happen annually in September and in April respectively, bring in the big bucks to the municipality, as

both are international sporting events.

The local government here spends about P5 million to P7 million for the festivities, which include the 22nd International Surfing Competition.

On the other hand, General Luna earn more than P100 million in revenue mostly brought about by tourism-related activities.

The surfing competition alone brings about an expected 6,000 to 7,000 local and foreign tourist, says Resillon.

Foreign tourists alone account

for around 2,000 to 3,000 of the visitors who are mostly lured by the world-class surf break called Cloud Nine and General Luna’s pristine white sand beaches and islands.

Resillon says that all the 450 air-conditioned rooms of the resorts in General Luna are booked for the week’s international surfing competition. The competition runs for about a week.

There are seven surf spots found in General Luna alone, while there are 19 other similar spots scattered all over

Siargao Island. Of the 19, Cloud Nine is the most famous, being named one of the world’s best waves.

Waves at Cloud Nine during the surfing competition proper can go as high as 8 to 12 feet high, according to Resillon. With Cloud Nine’s amusing history, it was named after the famous chocolate bar Cloud Nine, which was the only thing the surfers (then first time discoverers of this break) were eating at that time. (I’ve yet to verify with the surfing community regarding the real story behind Cloud 9’s name though.)

It was around mid-afternoon when we checked in at Siargao Bleu Resort. Since our day began at 4:00am, most of my companions decided to get some rest. Now, this is where the island adventures really began, which is another story altogether.

Stay tuned next week for the continuation of this Siargao Island series (think: surfing and island hopping!). In the meantime, don’t forget to check out my blog: www.millennialmermaid.com and sign up for exciting pre-launching surprises!

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18,

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

EVENT

Eart wom

CANDIDATES OF ties spent MISS EARTH 2016 ing Dava VISITED DAVAO as mal Islan part of the beauty pagThe ladie eant’s efforts to help by no less th promote the area as a Tourism (D top tourism and MICE Teo who w destination in the Phil- tend the R ippines. Together with Assembly la reigning Ms. Earth event dub 2015 Angelia Ong and Pink Party Ms. Air 2015 Dayanna Waterfront Grageda, the 85 beau- which gave

8, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

th’s most beautiful men visit Davao

t a week tourao City and Sand.

es were welcomed han Department of DOT) Sec. Wanda was in town to atRegional Tourism ast October13. An bbed “Kadayawan ” was held at the Insular Hotel e the contestants

the chance to mingle with local fans, as well as help promote a greater awareness of breast cancer.

Among the highlights of the week-long visit of the “women of the earth” was a tree planting activity in Samal; visits to key tourist spots in Davao which included the Philippine Eagle Institute; various adventure activities such as skycyling at the Eden

Nature Park; and cheese and chocolate tasting at the Malagos Garden Resort.

The Pearl Farm Beach Resort also hosted the pageant’s bikini competition on Oct. 14 where Ms. Lebanon and Ms. Ecuador went home with the top prizes, while Ms. Ecuador was crowned as Miss Phoenix Petroleum.

The pageant went to the Heart of Davao as the Marco Polo Davao hosted an evening of fashion on Oct. 15 where the candidates showcased their modeling skills, as well as their stunning evening cocktail looks. Ms. Ecuador was crowned Marco Po-

lo’s Star of the Night.

The 6th Miss Earth Pageant will be held on Oct. 29, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City, Philippines.

PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

Serving a seamless society

EDGE DAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

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Subaru holds Palm Challenge 2016 Davao leg

By Kenneth Irving Ong MANY WERE CALLED BUT ONLY ONE WAS CHOSEN, as Subaru Philippines held the Palm Challenge 2016: Philippine Face Off-Davao Leg last Oct. 8 at the open parking lot of SM Lanang Premier. The event, an offshoot of an endurance contest which was first held in Singapore, gave participants the chance to show who was king, as the driver who sat behind the wheel the longest emerged as champion of the competition.

The Davao Leg started promptly at nine in the morning with 90 brave participants joining the contest. As noon approached, the harsh Davao sun claimed its first victims yet more than twothirds of the competitors, including two ladies and last year’s Davao champ Albert Saguizmo, remained in a battle of skills and endurance.

Six hours into the competition and the challenges started to take its toll on the competitors.

However, the torrential rains in the afternoon and evening did not dampen the mood of the participants, as they kept their eyes on the P10,000 cash prize as well as an all-expense paid trip to Singapore and a spot in the Philippine Subaru Palm Challenge Team plus a chance win a brand new Subaru XV 2.0i in the International finals.

After eleven hours, fourteen minutes and twenty six gruelling hours of competition, the returning champion, Albert Saguillo, rose to the top to conquer the Subaru Palm Challenge 2016 Philippine Face Off - Davao Leg once again.

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Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT 11th Judicial Region RTC Branch 10, Davao City

ANNE YAP-HECHANOVA, EVANGELINE L. YAP, MARIAM YAP-RONQUILLO, JANE YAP-TAN, INES JOSEPHINE YAP-MUYCO, Plaintiffs,

CIVIL CASE NO.: R-DVO-16-02426-CV FOR: JUDICIAL PARTITION OF PROPERTY.

-VS-

THE HEIRS OF RALPH L. YAP, namely, RUBINA E. YAP, GLADYS E. YAP, CHRYSANT MIRACLE E. YAP and KEVIN E. YAP, Defendants. x------------------------------x

COMPLAINT

COME NOW, plaintiffs by counsel and unto the Honorable Court, most respectfully aver, THAT : 1.

2.

3.

A. THE PARTIES

Plaintiffs are all of legal ages, Filipinos, married and widow respectively and residents respectively of Davao City, Philippines and New York, USA, but all of them could be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court at 111 San Pedro St. , Davao City, care of Evangeline L. Yap;

Defendants heirs of the late Ralph L. Yap, namely Rubina E. Yap, Gladys E. Yap, Chrysant Miracle E. Yap and Kevin E. Yap, are widow and children/heirs of the late Ralph L. Yap, all of legal ages, Filipinos and could be served with summons and other processes of the Honorable Court at their last known address at 111 San Pedro St., Davao City; B. CAUSE OF ACTION

Plaintiffs, in a Decision dated November 25, 2015 rendered by the Regional Trial Court of Davao City, Branch 16, denominated as Civil Case No. 36,262-15, were declared co-owners of a property previously registered in the name of the late Ralph L. Yap, consisting of One Hundred Sixty Five (165) square meters per Original Certificate of Title No. 146-2013000044 , certified copy of said decision and Title are hereto respectively attached marked and submarked as Annex “A” and “B” ;

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9.

In fact, the Honorable Court , page 6, paragraph 1 of said Decision, had directed the Office of the Register of Deeds of Davao City to issue a new Title No. under the names of plaintiffs herein , that is ½ share for Evangeline Yap , the rests for 1/14 share and 1/14 aggregated share for the defendants ; Said Decision had become final and executory and in fact a Writ of Execution had already been issued by the aforesaid Court, copy of which is hereto attached marked as Annex “C”; Based on the said Decision of the Honorable Court, except for plaintiff Evangeline L. Yap who would get 82.50 square meters( 165 sq.m x 50%), the rest of the plaintiffs would get 11.785 square meters(165 sq.m. x 1/14) and so with defendants as their aggregate share; In view of the said sharing, plaintiffs herein have decided that it would be best for everyone to just sell the aforesaid property, save for the 11.785 square meters allotted to the defendants since the latter could not be located and contacted anymore despite diligent effort, to at least inform them of the said intention and a chance to amicably settle their differences; in fact even before the filing of this action and when the aforementioned case was filed against herein defendants, earnest effort had been exerted by plaintiffs herein to settle their controversy amicably but the same failed; Considering the fact that defendants could no longer be found in their last known address nor could they be contacted for the purpose of letting them know and agree to that intended sale of the property which could have rendered this Complaint unnecessary, it becomes imperative now to partition the property between plaintiffs herein and the defendants based on their respective share;

The property in question has still to be resurveyed and there is no specific portion thereon yet that would be occupied by anyone among the parties herein but since the plaintiffs are in agreement to sell their whole share on the property, assigning them to a particular part thereof is no longer necessary but indispensable for the defendants however whose whereabouts are unknown and therefore could not give their take on the matter;

10. Consequently, plaintiffs have identified a portion of the property of the same size as theirs, that is 11.785 square meters thereof, located in the area defendants used to occupy which would give them free access anytime, copy of a sketch for said location is hereto attached marked and submarked as Annex “D”; 11. Rule 69, Section 1 thereof, of the Rules of Court as amended, provides as follows:

Section 1. Complaint in an action for partition of real estate. – A person having the right to compel the partition of real estate may do so as provided in this Rule, setting forth in his complaint the nature and extent of his title and an adequate description of the real estate of which partition is demanded and joining as defendants all other persons interested in the property.

12. Resort to conciliation between parties before the Office of the Barangay Captain of 38-D, could not be made since as stated earlier, defendants could no longer be found in their last known address and whose whereabouts could not be ascertained anymore by the plaintiffs;

13. The estimated, market or assessed value of the land in question is P 247,500.00 , while that of the improvements is pegged at P 142,500.00 as determined by the Davao City Assessors Office, copies of its assessment are hereto attached marked and sub-marked as Annex “E” hereof.

WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed of the Honorable Court that the aforesaid property be judicially partitioned in a manner prayed for by the plaintiffs herein.

Other relief just and equitable under the circumstances are likewise prayed for.

May 31, 2016, Davao City, Philippines.

DENNIS G. DAGOHOY Counsel for the Plaintiffs Suite 202, 2nd Floor JMS Bldg., No. 88 Maya St., Ecoland, Davao City PTR No. 6786877; 01.05.16; Davao City IBP No. 989165; 12.07.15; Davao City Roll No. 38726 MCLE Comp. No. V : 0019614

Republic of the Philippines) City of Davao……………….….) s.s. x----------------------------x VERIFICATION/CERTIFICATION

WE, ANNE L. YAP-HECHANOVA, MARIAM YAP-RONQUILLO, JANE YAP-TAN, VIOLA YAP-DUMDUM, EVANGELINE L. YAP, INES JOSEPHINE YAP-MUYCO, of legal ages, Filipinos, married and widow respectively and residents of Davao City, Philippines and New York, USA, under oath depose and say, THAT: We are the Plaintiff in the above-entitled case; we have caused the preparation of the foregoing Complaint; We have read and understood the said Complaint and that the allegations therein are true and correct based on our personal knowledge or based on authentic documents;

We hereby CERTIFY that have not commenced any other action or proceedings involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or different divisions thereof, or any tribunal or agency, that based on our personal knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or different divisions thereof, or any tribunal or agency, and that should We learn of the pendency of other action or proceeding before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or different divisions thereof or any other tribunal or agency, We shall undertake to inform the Honorable Court of such fact within five(5) days therefrom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 31st day of May 2016 at Davao City, Philippines.

ANNE L. YAP-HECHANOVA Affiant SSS ID No. 03-4603599-1

MARIAM YAP-RONQUILLO Affiant SSS ID No. 04-3007224-2

JANE YAP-TAN Affiant CRN ID No. 0111-1707013-9

VIOLA YAP-DUMDUM Affiant Passport ID No. 524045751

EVANGELINE L. YAP Affiant OSCA No. 13-001248

INES JOSEPHINE YAP-MUYCO Affiant PRC No. 0020270

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 31st day of May 2016 at Davao City, Philippines, affiant exhibited to me their respective identification document as above-described.

DOC NO. : PAGE NO : BOOK NO : SERIES OF :

216 45 118 2016

DENNIS G. DAGOHOY Notary Public for and in the City of Davao Until December 31, 2017 Suite 202, 2nd Floor, JMS Bldg., No. 88 Maya St., Ecoland, Davao City Serial No. 116-2016; Roll No. 38726 PTR No. 6786877; 01.05.16; Davao City IBP No. 989165; 12.07.15; Davao City

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SLDC’s 45th ANNIVERSARY. Antonio “Toni Boy” S. Domingo, president of Santos Land Development Corp.(SLDC) is joined by members of his family during the celebration of SLDC’s 45th Anniversary last Oct. 15 at the SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City.

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ROMEO PEÑANUEVA MANOG has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.49; Page No.10; Book No. XII; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARK PETER M. QUILANETA 10/4,11,18

Davao fisherfolk to be trained on marine and fishery laws F

ISHERFOLK in Davao City will undergo a series of training sessions to promote awareness on marine environmental protection among the members of the fisheries sector.

The training will highlight conservation and fishery laws and how these can help the sector protect the source of their livelihood and improve their income.

It will be conducted in the observance of the 53rd Fish Conservation Week from Oc-

tober 17 to October 21.

Mary Moratin, head of the Davao City Agriculture Office’s Fishery Resource Management Services Division, said the training will benefit 36,000 members of the Federation of Fisherfolks Associations of Davao City who are spread across 24 coastal villages.

The sessions are ultimately aimed at cultivating a “sense of volunteerism among fisherfolks and develop them as potential partners in the

implementation of coastal environment conservation programs.”

Tirso Avila, chair of the Tibungco Fisherfolks Association, said being organized has made easier for fisherfolks to make a living, improve and gain more knowledge on fishing techniques, gain support from concerned agencies and most importantly security in the coastal communities with the discontinuation of dynamite fishing.

“Fish yields in the past

have started to decline with dynamite fishing and stopping people from continuously doing so has placed our security and that of our families in danger because of threats,” said the 63-year-old Avila.

Avila is thankful that the city government has extended help to them. Avila’s group also recently received fishing boats from the national government. They have volunteered to become members of sea watchers or ‘Bantay Laot’. CIO

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Manolo Fortich Hydro plant marks 3.7M manhours today T

HE ongoing construction of the 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich hydropower project of Hedcor in Bukidnon has reached 3.7 million manhours with no delays incurred due to injuries of its personnel.

Hedcor’s President and COO Rene Ronquillo said, “A safe working environment can only be achieved if there is a collective effort from our team.

And, this is now the result.

Our team has shown a strong regard to our commitments to health, environment, and safety.”

AboitizPower subsidiary Hedcor considers this development a major achievement, considering that the project site covers 74 hectares and involves a workforce of about 2,000.

Ronquillo said the project is now 63-percent complete.

The first of the two cascading run-of-river hydropower plants is contracted to JV Angeles Construction, while work for the second power plant is conducted by Sta Clara International Corporation.

Hedcor commenced the

construction of the hydro power project in May 2015. The facility is expected to be commissioned by the third quarter of 2017.

The 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich Hydropower Project in Bukidnon will provide additional clean and renewable energy to the Mindanao grid.

Recently, Mindanao cooperatives like Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperatives 1 and 2, Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative and Siargao Electric Coop-

erative signed renewable energy supply agreements with Hedcor.

Hedcor is a socially and environmentally responsible company. It complies with global standards on environment protection and safety as a company that is certified under ISO 9001 for Quality Management System, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management System, ISO 27001 for Information Security Management System and OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety.

BEAUTIES ALL. The Marco Polo Davao General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin(2nd from right) and Director of Sales and Marketing Pearl Peralta-Maclang (leftmost) have their photo taken with Ms. Uruguay and Ms. Paraguay after a fashion dubbed Miss Earth at the Heart of Davao held at the hotel’s lobby over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

SSS honors iRemit for its reliable payment services for OFW-members T HE Social Security System (SSS) honored iRemit Inc. with a special citation as SSS collecting partner for contribution and loan payments of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) at the Balikat ng Bayan Awards during the SSS 59th anniversary program at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall of the SSS main office in Diliman, Quezon City.

Due to its strong and consistent performance in providing convenient and reliable payment services for SSS members based overseas, the Filipino-owned

remittance company won as SSS Best OFW Collecting Partner for four straight years since 2010. It joined the distinguished Balikat ng Bayan Hall of Fame in 2014.

Photo shows iRemit Chief Operating Officer Harris D. Jacildo (4th from right) receive the certifi-

cate of special citation on September 2 from (starting from left) SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management Group and Balikat ng Bayan Awards Committee Chairperson Judy Frances A. See; Social Security Commission members Ibarra A. Malonzo, Daniel L. Edralin,

Diana Pardo-Aguilar, Eva B. Arcos and Bienvenido E. Laguesma; SSS Assistant Vice President for Retirement, Death and Funeral Benefits Administration Department Normita M. Doctor; and SSS Vice President for Treasury Division Guillermo M. Urbano, Jr.

Kaspersky Lab warns of financial cyberthreats

O

NE of the key topics of Kaspersky Lab’s Cyber Security Weekend for Asia Pacific Countries that took place from Oct. 5-8 2016 in Indonesia was financial cybersecurity. The company’s experts and guests discussed financial threats that are currently on the rise globally and starting to penetrate the APAC region.

“Financial threats vary, from online fraud and banking Trojans that affect PCs, tablets and smartphones, to attacks on financial organizations, ATMs and even point-of-sale terminals. Analyzing our statistics, we see that as the financial sector in Asia-Pacific countries is developing fast, cybercriminals are increasingly looking for ways they can profit from it.

Since a lot of organizations and individuals often forget about security when adopting new technologies, we believe it’s important to remind them about cybersecurity principles that will help them stay safe,” said Vitaly Kamluk, Kaspersky Lab’s Director of Global Research & Analysis Team in APAC. The Consumer Security Risks Survey 2016, conducted by B2B International and Kaspersky Lab, showed that 67% of respondents in APAC countries are worried about online banking fraud and 63% said they often worry about their vulnerability when making financial transactions online. 62% stated they would use online payments more often if they had reliable protection for financial transactions.

Consumer concerns about financial security are well-founded; 5% of consumers globally have lost money online as a result of scams or fraud, with the average sum lost reaching $476.

“Spam, phishing and banking Trojans are among the most widespread financial threats. So users should be attentive to fake web pages, unexpected e-mails asking to provide financial information, and secure their mobile devices if transactions are made from them.

While organizations should also regularly check their IT infrastructure and especially computers from which financial transactions are made,” explains Vitaly Kamluk.

Banking Trojans remain one of the most dangerous online threats. They are often propagated via compromised or fraudulent websites and spam emails

and, after infecting users, steal personal information such as bank account details, passwords, or payment card details.

According to Kaspersky Security Network data, in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, the number of banking Trojans increased in the Philippines (by 24%), India (by 31%), China (by 43%) and Vietnam (by 104%).

Vietnam and India were the countries with the largest number of victims. Other countries saw a decrease in the number of victims, one of the reasons for which might be the effect of the raised awareness of users, new government initiatives or even a geographical preference defined by the criminals behind banking Trojan malware campaigns.

Advice to individuals • Regularly check your computer for malware - you can use free tools such as Kaspersky Security Scan, but it is better to install a permanent security solution on all devices from which you arrange financial transactions or access personal accounts.

• Use only legal software and keep it updated.

• Make sure you use strong and regularly renewed passwords.

• Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages from people or organizations.

• Be cautious at all times when visiting websites: if something looks even slightly suspicious, it probably is.

Advice to businesses • Report suspected attacks to the bank or police.

• Use proven security solutions.

• Make sure your software, especially for banking and IT security, is up to date.

• Educate your employees.

• Apply strict IT security policies.

Banks are advised to use specialized security solutions, such as Kaspersky Fraud Prevention that helps reduce the fraud risks for online and mobile financial transactions among their users. As a preventive measure it is also important to draw on the expertise of IT specialists, bringing in external experts and their intelligence data when needed.

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Yap on trade: I was shocked

T

WO-TIME PBA MVP James Yap said he wasn’t informed by Star Hotshots management about trade talks prior to the deal that shipped him off to Rain or Shine last week and admitted that he was surprised when he learned about it.

Yap was traded in a onefor-one swap for Rain or Shine’s star point guard Paul Lee several days ago in a blockbuster deal.

“Hindi ko talaga alam.

Nagulat ako,” Yap told InterAksyon.com in a telephone interview.

Yap, a member of the Purefoods franchise’s long-standing ‘Big Three’ along with Marc Pingris and Peter June Simon, experienced plenty of success with his old team, where he won both of his MVP awards as well as seven championships.

“Akala ko nga dito na ako magreretiro sa Purefoods eh.

Twelve years ba naman ako, tapos nanalo pa kami nina PJ and Ping ng championships, ilang beses na. Nag-Grand Slam pa kami,” Yap shared.

He will be looking to bring some of that success with him to Rain or Shine, a franchise that is in a period of transition as well.

T h e E l a s t o Painters had recently lost long-time coach Yeng Guiao, whose spot will be taken over by former

assistant Caloy Garcia.

Before the trade for Yap was completed, the team also traded JR Quinahan to GlobalPort to acquire Jay Washington.

On Monday, Yap attended his first practice session with the team, joining the old mainstays as well as his fellow newcomer, Washington. He is motivated now to prove that he still has plenty left in the tank that he can provide his new team.

“Gusto kong magpa-kundisyon para mas matulungan ko yung team ko,” added Yap. “Ayaw kong isipin yung sinasabi ng mga tao na patapos na yung career ko kasi kapag iisipin mo yun mas mape-pressure ka lang.”

It’s a reunion of sorts for Yap, Washington and Rain or Shine. Both players played for the franchise in the PBL, when the team was known as Welcoat.

“Alam ko na rin kung paano magpatakbo yung management ng Rain or Shine, sina Boss Raymond (Yu) and Boss Terry (Que), kaya hindi na mahirap para sa akin,” added Yap. He is also excited to team up with Jeff Chan, a fellow Negrense, and doesn’t believe they will have trouble co-existing despite playing similar positions.

“Tingin ko hindi ako mahihirapan,” said Yap. “Parehas kasi kaming taga-Negros eh.

Pwede kaming sabay maglaro.”

JAMES YAP. Adjusting to his new role at Rain or Shine.

Blatche leads China club to FIBA title A

NDRAY Blatche capped off his brilliant tournament showing with a 22-point performance to lead China Kashgar to the FIBA Asia Champions Cup title with a 9688 win over Al Riyadi of Lebanon in the final on Sunday in Chenzhou, China.

The naturalized Filipino

HE Chicago Bulls added another guard to an already stellar backcourt rotation in trading for 2014 Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for backup wingman Tony Snell.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Marc Stein and Jeff Goodman, league sources bared that Carter-Williams was told of the deal late Saturday night (Sunday, Manila time).

Another report from BlogaBull.com confirmed the move, saying the league is

set to make the trade official when it opens office Monday.

The Bucks fill a need with Snell, after losing starter Khris Middleton due to a torn hamstring days before training camp opened. Milwaukee has also swung a trade with Houston for Michael Beasley to have some much-needed help on the wing position.

On the other hand, Chicago adds a capable back-up in Carter-Williams to new acquisition Rajon Rondo at the point guard position, while the move also frees up playing time for Doug McDermott and rookie Denzel Valentine.

also had eight rebounds and two assists as he was able to carry the hosts against the Lebanese club led by veteran Fadi El-Khatib who finished with 23 points.

Blatche, who scored 27 points and 10 boards in a 9086 semifinal win over Iran’s Petrochimi, also earned a spot

in the Mythical Five along with teammate Darius Adams, El-Khatib, former NBA player Sam Young and tournament MVP Dewarick Spencer of Al Riyadi.

Spencer had also suited up for Philippines-Mighty Sports in the Jones Cup and the Merlion Cup.

Blatche had averages of 19.8 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists as China Kashgar completed a seven-game sweep of the tournament.

The FIBA Asia Champions Cup pits some of the continent’s best clubs. It made its comeback this year after a twoyear absence.

FIBA TITLE. Andray Blatche finally won a FIBA title but not for the Philippines where he is a naturalized player.

Ginebra coach fined by PBA T

HE PBA slapped a P10,000 fine on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone for “issuing statements detrimental to the league” during the ongoing Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup finals.

The league didn’t specify Cone’s statements that led to the sanction. But last Wednesday, the multi-titled coach expressed frustration over the officiating in Game

Three which the Gin Kings lost, 107-103.

Cone bemoaned the way referees treated Sol Mercado who battled foul trouble throughout the game. Mercado, despite playing the guard position, somehow has been effective defending postup behemoth import Allen Durham in the series.

“I felt today the referees had an eagle-eye on him tonight. The stuff that he was

doing last game he couldn’t do tonight,” Cone said during the post-game press conference.

“Boy, he picked up six fouls in 10-12 minutes of play.

It was tough. If that’s the way it’s gonna be called against him, then there’s no way we could guard Durham.”

Meanwhile, Meralco’s Cliff Hodge was fined P10,000 for a flagrant foul penalty one on Scottie Thompson

Gabi Guimaraes and Ana Silva, twotime Olympic gold medallist libero Fabi Oliveira and Anne Buijs of the Netherlands national team.

Rio Olympics volleyball MVP Zhu Ting of VakifBank, Eczacibasi VitrA standout and Olympic silver medalist Tijana Boskovic of Serbia, Pleumjit Thinkaow of Bangkok Glass and Miyu Nagaoka of Hisamitsu Springs Kobe are also playing.

Daquis is not worried.

“Iti-treat namin sila with the utmost respect as our opponents, which is ganoon naman dapat,” added Daquis.

“At saka ’di ba, once in a lifetime experience lang ito, napakalaking bagay para sa amin and sa akin personally na

makalaban ko sila.”

“Hindi mo alam if mauulit pa ba ito, hindi mo alam if mapipili ka pa next time so ako make the most of what I have, d o

Daquis to suit up for PH squad today

R Bucks trade Carter-

Williams to Bulls T

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

ACHEL Anne Daquis says she is excited and not intimidated as she sees action for PSL-F2 Logistics Manila in the FIVB Women’s Club World Championship starting on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Daquis suffered a mild left ankle sprain when her club team RC Cola-Army faced Generika in the Philippine Super Liga Grand Prix almost a week ago and has declared herself ready.

“Excited na kami pero syempre lalaban tayo dyan,” said Daquis.

“Ibang usapan na ’to kasi top club teams in the world na ang makakalaban mo pero tayo ’di naman tayo papahuli.”

“Handa na rin kami, everyday nagte-training kami so physically and mentally ready na kami.”

Some of the best players in the world are seeing action, including Volero Zurich’s Foluke Akinradewo from the USA national team, Rexona Sesc Rio’s

your best and ‘wag kakalimutan mag-enjoy,” she continued.

PSL-F2 Logistics Manila goes up against Rexona Sesc Rio on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

in Game Three.

The league also handed out a P5,000 fine on Kelly Nabong for a flagrant one on Justin Brownlee in Game Two. Bolts’ veteran big man Reynel Hugnatan was also meted with a P5,000 penalty for flopping in Game Two. Ginebra currently leads the series, 3-2, and is just a win away from winning its first championship in eight years.

RACHEL ANNE DAQUIS. Ready to play.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 168 • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2016

s De Castro BATTLING Davao’ samples HK’s Clearwater THE WINDS course amid gusty winds

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

HONG KONG OPEN. Davao’s Denden De Castro takes a break from yesterday’s practice round at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club in Hong Kong.

D

ENDEN De Castro toured the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club course for the first time on Monday and found the picturesque layout to his liking.

The only problem is the weather.

“The winds were so strong,” said the 41 year old Dabawenyo standout playing out of Rancho Palos Verdes.

De Castro will be among 90 amateur parbusters from all over the world taking part in the 2016 Hong Kong Open Amateur and Mid-Amateur golf tournament which begins today.

Winner in the recent Sta. Lucia Golf Tour’s Class A division, De

Castro is entered in the Mid-Amateur Division in the 72-hole tournament organized by the Hong Kong Golf Association.

The sweet-swinging De Castro said he will play the course conservatively in the first round today.

“I will not attack the course. I will play it conservatively and just enjoy the game,” he said.

De Castro told Edge Davao in an online interview that he is eyeing at least a Top 5 finish. The ace divot-digger who plays regularly in the Philippine Airlines

Interclub will be in his first international tournament in 21 years.

The last time he was in an international play was when he was 19 years old in a United States tournament for junior golfers.

Clearwater Bay’s championship course has been compared to other world-renowned favourites, like California’s Pebble Beach.

Its signature hole - Hole no. 3 -- has been selected as one of the “500 Best Holes in the World”.

It is no wonder the Golf Club has hosted numerous

local and international tournaments, such as the Men’s and Women’s Open Amateur Golf Championships of Hong Kong, Omega PGA Championships, The Southeast Asian Amateur Golf Championship (51st Putra Cup) and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship 2015 (AAC).

The Hong Kong Open Amateur and Mid Amateur Championships 2016 is a stroke play tournament over four rounds. Competitors will play one round on Tuesday to Thursday. The 40 lowest scores over these 54 holes and any tying for the 40th

place will qualify for the final 18 holes on the final round on Friday.

“It’s tough. If you score an 86 or over on the first round you are automatically out,” De Castro said.

Tournament format calls for any player scoring more than 86 or more than 11 shots over the leading score, whichever is the higher, will be eliminated from the championships.

De Castro’s stint is sponsored by Sta. Lucia Amateur Golf program and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP).