Edge Davao 9 Issue 184 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

SUPREME COURT RULES. Members of the Konsensya Dabaw held a candle-lighting protest on Monday night to protest the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. However, the Supreme Court yesterday decided to allow the burial of the late dictator by a vote of 9-5. Lean Daval Jr.

DADS HEED COA; MULL TAX REVISION City reminded of failure to raise real property taxes By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS, FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE Davao City Council will review valuation of real properties in the city after the City Assessor’s Office proposed to increase real property taxes. This is in reaction to the Commission of Audit (COA)’s calling the attention of the Davao City Government on its failure to increase the Real Property Tax (RPT) since 2005. Committee on Finance chairperson Danilo Dayanghirang told reporters yesterday that the lawmakers are looking into the proposal to revise the schedules of fair market value of real properties in the area. Dayanghirang however cautioned the assessor’s office against increasing real prop-

erty taxes up to 2,000 percent. “We cannot proceed with the proposed 2,000-percent increase because it is simply very much higher compared to the usual 10-percent increase,” he said, adding that a such a move will not be acceptable to businessmen and investors. Dayanghirang also complained about the little increase in the city’s local taxes for this year, only reaching 3.7 percent, a reason why there is minimal increase in the 2017 budget. He estimated that If only local taxes had been increased in the past years, the 2017 budget could have easily reached P7.2 billion, instead of just P6.9 billion. He said that due to the

failure of the city government to effect any tax increase since 2005, Davao City has been considered to be friendly to investors. New investors are exempted from paying local taxes for three years under the Davao Investment Promotion, in an effort aimed at enticing more businessmen and capitalists to invest in the city and neighboring areas in the Davao Region of five provinces and six cities. Meanwhile, Councilor Bernie Al-ag said it is now time for the city council to review RPT increase as the city government is mandated to have an additional of 10-percent increase every three years in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code

(LGC) Sec. 219 of LGC states that the provincial, city or municipal assessor shall undertake a general revision of real property assessments within two years after the effectivity of the code and every three years. “Davao City is actually one of the highly urbanized cities in the Philippines with low RPT rates,”Al-ag adding COA has kept on reminding the city government on its failure to revise tax rates which is required by law.. Al-ag also mentioned that the council will just decide on how much the increase will be as long as it follows the maximum of 10-percent increase. It can be recalled that the

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SC okays Marcos burial at LNMB By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

OTING 9-5 with one inhibition, the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ruled that former President Ferdinand Marcos can be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or Heroe’s Cemetery.

The SC’s decision has ended the decades of debates and argumentations as to the legality of the intention of the family of the late President to allow his burial at the LNMB. The decision also resulted to mixed reactions and burst of emotions on Tuesday – as those who are against the burial at LNMB expressed dismay, grief and anger – while

hundreds of Marcos supporters who were gathering outside the SC building rejoiced, sang and danced with the decision. Justices who voted for the Marcos burial include Associate Justices Arturo Brion, Presbitero Velasco Jr, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano del Castillo,

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‘WRESTLING’. A man stumbles to the pavement as he lost control of his pig while they are on their way to Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

IACAT-Davao programs to save minors from human trafficking

ITH the heightened awareness on human trafficking cases in Davao region and Davao City, the Interagency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) network said it will continue to promote programs and activities designed to fight trafficking of persons, especially minors. Lady lawyer Barbara Mae Flores, deputy regional state prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Davao, told reporters that IACAT network will particularly strengthen the three units of its programs and services that include advocacy, psychosocial and law enforcement. One of the biggest priorities in the advocacy unit, she said is to push for barangay chairpersons in the region and local government units

to monitor trafficking cases in their respective localities. “We have been raising this concern to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),” Flores added. On the other hand, Hope Fernandez of the Global Impact Philippines said that their organization is currently conducting forums among barangay officials to help monitor trafficking cases. Global Impact is one of the active members of IACAT in the region. On the other hand, Alma Acera of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao region (DSWD-XI), said that the agency had already given education and training on human trafficking to members of Task Force Davao

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Mindanao’s international film festival celebrates its 4th year By JERMAINE DELA CRUZ

HE SalaMindanaw Asian Film Festival opens its 4th season at SM City Gensan Cinema 3 on November 7. Festival director Teng Mangansakan said that the event aims to keep with the vision to celebrate cinema and its immense power be a truthful mirror (salamin) of reality. Dubbed, “Mindanao’s first and only international film festival”, the event runs from November 7 to 15, 2016 featuring a series of film screenings, lectures on

filmmaking and workshop on film criticism. The films were chosen from the list of applicants who applied for the Mindanao Screen Lab, an intensive learning program under Screen Lab mentors who are among the accomplished filmmakers from Southeast Asia such as film directors Kan Lumé (Singapore) John Torres and Sherad Anthony Sanchez (Philippines) who provided emerging Mindanao filmmakers hands on training as well as project development

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149 Dabawenyos facing human trafficking raps 15 convictions so far: IACAT reports

By RIA VALDEZ

ARIOUS agencies that are working under the Interagency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) reported of the 96 cases of human trafficking recorded in the region and that most of these cases are in Davao City. Chief Inspector Jackie Antero of IACAT said that out of the 96 cases of trafficking reported to the Philippine National Police Region (PNP) in the region, 54 were already filed in courts while the remaining 28 are still under investigation. “We now have 143 human trafficking victims in the region and 149 persons accused of

involvement to such crime,” Antero stressed. She said that of the total number of accused 73 were females and 76 were males while eight of them are foreigners. “All cases filed against these foreigners are still pending,” Antero said. Lawyer Barbara Mae Flores, deputy regional state prosecutor of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Davao also told reporters that since the activation of IACAT in the region in 2003, 15 convictions were already made in cases of human trafficking filed in court while 14 cases were also

dismissed. Of the total number of convictions, 14 cases involved sexual exploitation of the victims while one was on forced labor, Flores said. She added there are 12 archive human trafficking cases now in the region – the cases did not proceed in courts as the suspects are still at large. Meanwhile, Alma Acera of Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao region (DSWD-XI) said that their agency has already provided protection services as well as aid in the recovery and reintegration of human trafficking victims in the area.

Financial assistance and educational support were also provided to some of the victims while those who opted to return to their communities were also given travelling allowances. She said that from January to October this year, DSWD has already served 115 clients, 50 of which are children with ages aged 7 and below. Meanwhile, IACAT will spearhead a mural painting activity in relation to the observance of the monthlong International Day of Human Trafficking (IDHT), on November 12.

various communities in the city joined the activities. “Gatherings like this has helped me develop my confidence in myself and helped me deal with other children whether they are Muslims or not -- regardless of tribe,” said 13-year-old Jean Sai Mirable, a member of Batang Astig Moro said. Batang Astig Moro is a small group of children advocating for the protection of the rights of children. Members are aged 5 to 15 years old.

While the group is mostly composed of Sama children, it is not exclusive as it also welcomes Christian kids. The parents of some of the members of the group are drug personalities who are now in jail. A social worker said the event allowed the children to interact with other children in a way that is fun and productive for them. “Although being socially active is beneficial to children, prioritizing studies should still

be on top of the list aside from helping the parents,” Mirable said. Activities for the monthlong celebration include Visual Art Showcase (Nov 12, SM Ecoland), Teen Forum (Nov 19), Mindanao Children’s Summit (Nov 21-22) and Larong Pinoy (Nov 23) at the People’s Park. All activities are anchored on the four major rights of the child: Protection, Survival, Education and Participation. (CIO)

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Moro kids join Davao Children’s Month celebration

GROUP of Moro children joined the celebration of Children’s Month in Davao City. On Monday, members of the Batang Astig Moro participated in various activities lined up by the local government of Davao for the celebration. The City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) spearheaded the Monday kick off at the Rizal Park. Hundreds of children from

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Faith-based org partners with local council for Children’s Day By RIA VALDEZ

DRUG REHAB. City Sports Development Division and Anti-Drug Abuse Council head Michael Denton Aportadera makes a presentation before the city councilors the Davao City community-based rehabilitation and

aftercare program for persons with substance use disorder (PSUD) during yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

HE 4/14 Window Movement Pilipinas would partner with the Davao City Council for the Welfare of Children to host the 2014 4/14 Children’s Day Celebration on November 12, 2016 at the SM Annex Activity Center. The theme for the celebration is “Habang Ako ay Bata.” 4/14 Window Movement is a worldwide movement of churches and faith-based organizations whose main objective is for children to foster a loving relationship with Jesus Christ so that they can become co-laborers in the Great Commission to their generation in the Philippines and all over the world. In Davao, 20 churches and

organizations are members of the movement such as the Compassion, Tebow Cure, Mindanao Chidlren;s Ministry Network and Global Impact Philippines Foundation among others. The said event is in celebration of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and in observance of November being Children’s month. About 200 children aged 4-14 years old would be participation in the event’s festivities including a showcase of talents. Hon. Mayor Inday Sara Duterte would grace the event as guest speaker. The event would start at 9:00AM to 5:00PM.

SUSPECTED “big time” drug pusher who was tagged as one of the top drug personalities in the city was killed while another was arrested in two major police anti-illegal drug operations here on Monday. Supt. Maximo Sebastian Jr., chief of the Police Regional Office-12’s regional anti-illegal drug special operations task group (RAIDSOTG), identified the slain suspect as Antonio Camino, 51, a resident of Purok San Juan Silway in Barangay Dadiangas West. The house is reportedly owned by the Mahomo family and the suspect supposedly frequents there to rest. The police official said the suspect was killed after engaging police operatives in a brief firefight during a buy-bust operation at a house in Purok 17-B, FVR Village in Barangay Fatima at around 5:00 p.m. Camino fired first at police operatives using a caliber .45 hand gun while trying to escape from the area, he said. “He sensed that he was

transacting with police officers he ran inside the house and fired at us,” Sebastian said. He said they were forced to retaliate “resulting to the wounding of the suspect that led to his death.” Recovered from the suspect were one small sachet of suspected metamphetamine hydrocholoride or shabu, PHP500 marked bill used in the buy-bust and a caliber .45 pistol with live bullets, he said. Sebastian said a search at the house resulted to the recovery of a “half-sack” or medium pack of suspected shabu weighing about 2.5 grams and several drug paraphernalia. “We have long been monitoring the movements of the suspect as he was included in the national narco-list,” he said. He said Camino, who has a standing warrant of arrest for rape, was listed as among the top 10 drug pushers in the city. Meantime, at around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Raidsotg

Drug council to back rehab ‘Big time’pusher killed, another nabbed in GSC of surrenderees in Davao City A By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) of Davao City will extend support to the rehabilitation of drug dependents who previously surrendered to authorities. ADAC chair Mikey Aportadera said on Tuesday that they are working closely with the city government of Davao to help drug dependents who wanted to

have a new life. Aportadera was invited by Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte to appear before the regular session of the city council on Tuesday to report on the current priorities, plans and programs of ADAC. Aportadera said they already tapped the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Internal and

Local Government (DILG) for assessing the surrenderees and to provide them with drug testing kits, drug dependency and assessment mechanisms, training and other forms of assistance. He added that ADAC is incorporating all stakeholders, including non-government organizations for positively improving the lives of former

illegal drug dependents and eventually turning them as front liners in the continuing fight against illegal drugs. “The City Sports Division Office, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also provide former drug dependents with livelihood programs that will uplift their

government’s flagship Dangal sa Barangay Awards 2016. She said the 10 barangays received the awards for their improved service delivery, operations and implementation of various programs and projects. Two-time winner Barangay Poblacion of Tampakan topped this year’s search and received some

PHP400,000 worth of projects as incentive. Rounding up the top 10 winners are barangays BS Aquino of Norala town; Dajay of Suralah; Dumadalig of Tantangan; Lopez Jaena of Norala; Klinan 6 of Polomolok; Polonuling of Tupi; Kusan of Banga; Lamcaliaf of Polomolok; and, Esperanza of Norala.

The other winners received grants for various projects worth between PHP65,000 to PHP300,000 as incentive. Fuentes lauded the 10 awardees and the 189 other barangays in the province for their active participation in “leading the way in good governance.”

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SoCot honors top-performing barangays T

HE provincial government of South Cotabato conferred special awards to 10 barangays in the province for their excellent performances in local governance. South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes led on Tuesday the recognition of the top-performing barangays in line with the provincial

LITTLETOKYO OF DAVAO

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Experts consult locals as crafting of tourism masterplan kicks off

TEAM of consultants consisting of tourism planners and heritage specialists are here in the city set to craft a master plan creating a tourism traffic for Barangay Mintal. Pre-war Mintal was considered as Davao City’s Little Tokyo, where the Japanese have settled and built infrastructures like hospital, schools and cemetery. Relics from the Japanese have been found in the village as early as the 1900s. The project has a P120million budget from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TEAZA), an attached agency of

the Department of Tourism. Representatives of the consultancy company Berkman International Inc. have been visiting Barangay Mintal’s heritage, historical, cultural and man-made attractions and possible destinations. “There is a need to have a first-hand knowledge of the typical Mintal tourism experience,” City Tourism Chief Regina Rosa Tecson said. To gather some more information about Mintal, the team of planners on Tuesday initiated a public consultative meeting and workshop. The activity aimed to collect stories about the village

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ARBS PROTEST. Members of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) stage a peaceful demonstration outside the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 11 in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City to call for the re-installation of 459

ARBs to the banana plantation in Tibal-og, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte land used to be a plantation of Marsman Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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Duterte seeks even B wealth distribution

MONEY CHANGER. A hawker walks by a money change shop along Bolton Street in Davao City yesterday where the current peso to dollar exchange rate is posted on its main door. Lean Daval Jr.

Forum gathers PH econ managers, stakeholders

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE administration of President Rodrigo Duterte will aspire to liberate around 1.5 Filipinos from misery each year and will work for policy changes to evenly distribute the country’s created wealth. This was pointed out by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III as the country’s economic managers and stakeholders in the business sector converged for a two-day Philippine Development Forum (PDF) that commenced on Tuesday at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Davao City. “The overarching goal of this administration’s reform program is the reduction of poverty by about 8% over the medium term,” Dominguez

said, adding that freeing Filipinos from the bondage of poverty is possible by maintaining an annual GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate of at least 7%. He also emphasized that growth rate will not enough if the same is not inclusive – thus, the Duterte administration will also work to increase public investments in human capital and push for policy changes. “We have seen in the past few years that our economy, while posting healthy growth, made the rich richer and the poor poorer. If we fail to undertake the economic reforms that will raise investments and bring down unemployment, we will not meet our poverty reduction in the medium term,” he said.

Dominguez, who chairs PDF also told the participants that the present administration “aims to craft with stakeholders the initiatives that will support the government’s plan to accelerate spending on infrastructure, human capital development and social protection for the poorest of the poor. He added that the government will also work for programs that are conducive to attracting fresh investments in businesses and in turn will spur more job opportunities for Filipinos. Dominguez also urged the participants to actively join discussions as the PDF is designed to create a dialogue among the stakeholders in the country’s economy.

More than 300 participants coming from the business community; representatives from the national and local agencies of the government; the country’s development partner; the academe and civil society organizations showed up and registered during the opening of the forum on Tuesday. “What this Forum represents is public engagement in the formulation of national plans,” Dominguez said. The secretary also hoped to see consensus points after two days of sessions and deliberations that will be transformed into guides to “policymaking and the starting point of concerted action on behalf of our people.”

papers. “We will also reduce the number of windows to one,” said Cortez adding that instead of promoting time-sufficiency, the number of windows processing the documents slow down the transaction on government offices. Cortez also stressed that the improvement of transactions will lead to poverty alleviation, more infrastructure and drainage project, improvement

on transportation, traffic management which will all gear towards development. Cortez identified some the offices which will be improved such as the Business Bureau, City Assessors, City Engineers Office and the City Planning and Development Office. He also said that these aspects are now magnified because the president is “sort of bragging the developments” taking place in the city.

Davao City shortens processing of permits C By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ ITY Planning and Development Office Head Ivan Cortez affirms the pronouncement of the city government of Davao that processing of permits will be shortened to two days from its usual three-day run. During the first day of Philippines Development Forum (PDF) at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere yesterday, Cortez said in an interview that in line with the 10-point

Socioeconomic Agenda of the Duterte Administration, Davao City government will uphold competitiveness and ease of doing business with the said improvement. “The city government will conduct a dry-run next week,” said Cortez. He pointed out that the challenge is how the offices will do the backroom assessment which includes appointing staffs to give a glance on the completion of the processed

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USINESSMEN, civic organizations and persons from the academe gather with government agency heads during the first day of Philippines Development Forum (PDF) yesterday at the SMX Convention Center Davao City. The first session was attended by over three hundred participants. With the theme “Poverty Reduction through the Vigorous Implementation of the Ten (10)-Point Socioeconomic Agenda”, the event highlighted panel discussions and sessions on development programs to reduce poverty and promote shared benefits of progress. The opening program was headed by Finance Secretary

Carlos Dominguez, Peace Process Adviser Jesus Dureza and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Chief Ernesto Pernia. Part of the first panel discussion was the presentation of the administration’s strategy in translating the Ten (10)-Point Socioeconomic Agenda into concrete programs, activities and projects in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 being crafted by NEDA. S i m u l t a n e o u s l y, sessions were being held by five breakout groups to discuss Macroeconomic and Fiscal Policies, Mindanao Development, Rural Development, Human Capital Development,

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GlobeTelecom board approves 4Q P22/share cash dividend

LOBE Telecom announced that its Board of Directors approved the declaration of the fourth quarterly cash dividend of PHP22 per share for holders of its common shares. The dividend will be paid to shareholders on record as of November 18, 2016, with payment date on December 2, 2016. “The latest cash dividend payout brings total dividends for 2016 to PHP88 per common share. This represents a payout rate of 77% of 2015 core net income on an annualized basis,” said , Globe Chief Finance Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala. Globe sustained its revenue growth momentum

in the first nine months of the year with consolidated service revenues increasing 7% to PHP89.1 billion from the P83.4 billion recorded in the same period of 2015. The robust revenue growth was spurred by the gains across data-related product segments, despite the increased competitive intensity. The company’s effective efforts in providing marketrelevant data offers, the best of breed solutions to cater to the evolving needs of its customers, backed by the significant improvements in its wireless and wired data networks, have paved the way for its continued success. (PNA)

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China eyes direct flights to Davao By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

T BADJAO LIVELIHOOD. Used rubber shoes are hanged for sun-drying at one of the shanties called rainbow houses in a Badjao community in Matina Aplaya, Davao City yesterday. Selling ukay-ukay shoes and clothing constitutes the main source of living of Badjao villagers in the area. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao City to benefits from PHL-China relations By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

AVAO City will reap the benefits of improved relations between Philippines and China as it will open more opportunities following the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte, an official said. Councilor Bernie Al-ag on Tuesday said that Chinese officials will further explore possible investments to Davao City. Davao City Vice-Mayor

Paolo Duterte led a city delegation that includes five councilors to Shanghai last October 26 to 30 this year upon the invitation of Shanghai officials and the Chinese Ambassador to the country. Al-ag said that Davao City officials were accorded warm reception during the visit. He added that Chinese officials told Vice Mayor Paolo that the recent visit of President

Duterte greatly improved the bilateral relations between the two countries that also brought many opportunities and exchanges. Al-ag said they also discussed the three aspects seen to be developed in line with the renewed and strengthened ties between the Philippines and China in the field of agriculture, infrastructure and real estate, and tourism.

He also revealed that only four agricultural products are currently allowed for importation from Davao City to China – these includes banana, mango, pineapple, and pomelo. Al-ag added that they are aiming to include durian, mangosteen, avocado and vegetables to be imported to China. “The Chinese officials will

sustainable way. According to Buenaventura, the impact of the 10-pt socioeconomic agenda on the business climate of Mindanao is “very big” because one of the breakout sessions is about Mindanao and the pursuance of peace process will also lead to sustainability of the island region’s economy. “Peace and development has to go together. One cannot

happen without the other,” stressed Buenaventura. Despite his approval of the agenda, during his presentation, Buenaventura who will sit as the new president of Land Bank of the Philippines on November 11 also identified areas that should be improved in the agenda, such as rural development and agri-credit on small farmers.

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HE People’s Republic of China is now reportedly eyeing to have a direct flight from Davao to three key cities of the said country, a local official said. The plan is believed to be one of the results of the recent visit of Davao City officials to the city of Shanghai China. Majority Floor Leader Councilor Bernard Al-ag who joined the Davao delegation said that the officials of Shanghai were looking to have a direct flight from Davao to Shanghai, Beijing and Xiamen to further attract tourists. He said that it would be beneficial to Davao City and China as well since it will increase the tourist arrivals of the two places which both have a vibrant tourism industry. “The officials of Shanghai were eyeing to have a direct flight from Davao following the strong ties of the Philippines and China after President (Rodrigo) Duterte’s visit to Beijing,” Alag said. He said that they

DOT optimistic on surge of UK tourists

Businessmen okay Rody’s 10-pt socioecon agenda T By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

NE Network Bank President Alex Buenaventura expressed his approval of the Duterte Administration’s 10-pt Socioeconomic Agenda. Buenaventura represented the business sector during the Philippines Development Forum Session 2 yesterday at SMX Convention center Davao as one of the reactors together with representatives from the sectors of civic organizations

and the academe. “Very good, especially the maintaining of macroeconomic policies of the previous administration which really led to the growth of the economy over the last six years,” said Buenaventura. The ONB president also pointed out that it is important to consult the business sector and get their suggestions on how concrete programs could be implemented on a

Inflation steadies in October 2016 I

NFLATION in October 2016 remained stable at 2.3 percent as in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. “The steady inflation rate in October is due to slower increases in prices of health commodities, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia. He added that although domestic demand is anticipated to remain robust, supply conditions, particularly of food, are expected to

improve. “This should help keep commodity prices steady. Rice prices will be kept stable by the timely arrival of rice imports under the government-togovernment procurement scheme,” said Pernia. The steady rate was seen despite food inflation slightly increasing to 3.5 percent in October 2016 from 3.1 percent in the previous month. Also, vegetable prices continued to remain elevated and further inched up in the same period due to limited supply owing

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also offered two tourism development zone areas in the city to the Chinese investors. The Catigan, Eden, Bayabas and Tagurano areas of Toril and the Baganihan and Datu Salumai in Paquibato district. “The Toril areas were owned by private individuals, we can negotiate with them to transform it into a tourism spot,” he said. “The Paquibato, however, were ancestral domain, we can help them talk to the IPs (Indigenous People) to develop some part of their area and also to alleviate their way of living.” Al-ag said that he was suggesting to the Chinese investors to create a resort on the said areas since it will require them to hire more workers, to open jobs to the IPs. “Even if some areas of the ancestral domains might be developed into a resort, we will not let the foreign investors to ruin the culture of the lumads, we should all agree that their culture should be preserved and respected,” he said.

HE Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday it is optimistic that more tourists from the United Kingdom would visit the Philippines following the country’s advertising comeback to London’s Waterloo train station which will run until Nov. 10. DOT Secretary Wanda Teo made this statement after paying a special visit to see one of the many consumer marketing activities staged by the DOT overseas office in the United Kingdom. Teo also attended the

prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in ExCel, London, together with Senator Nancy Binay, Congresswoman Lucy Torres-Gomez and Congressman Roger Mercardo as part of the delegation. She pointed out that the UK remains to be the country’s eighth top market, contributing 117,500 visitors from January to August this year, registering a 13.5 percent growth. “With more activities like this done to reach our target segments, we are optimistic to

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DAYANGHIRANG AT WORK. Davao City councilor Danilo Dayanghirang discusses the updates of the committee hearing for Davao City’s 2017 budget during yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

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Davao Light releases B turtle back to the sea

BDO feted for Asian Banker’s Best Social Media Initiative

AST October 25, 2016, Davao Light and Power Company together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) released a Pawikan known to be an Olive Ridley back into the sea at the Cleanergy Park in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. The said turtle was found

by local fishermen last October 18, 2016. According to them, the turtle was closely following their fishing boat in Davao Gulf. After noticing a small dent or crack on the turtle’s shell or carapace, the fishermen decided to catch the turtle with the fear that it may get more damage while in the sea. The fishermen then quickly handed over the turtle to the Cleanergy

GEO-TAGGING. Davao Light and Power Company’s Community Relation’s Manager Fermin Edillon leads the geo-tagging of the rehabilitated Olive Ridley turtle before releasing it back to the sea last October 25, 2016 at

Park through Fermin Edillon, Davao Light Community Relations Manager. The Olive Ridley stayed for a couple of days at the Cleanergy park. Dr. Ken Lao, a veterinarian, checks and monitors the turtle to ensure it is in good condition before setting it free. After getting a clearance for its release, the turtle geo-tagged and was then

released back into the wild where it truly belongs. Aboitiz-owned outdoor biodiversity learning center, Cleanergy Park, has long been a sanctuary to sea turtles or Pawikan. Turtles found by locals around the area or within the city are usually turned over to the park and later on released back into the sea. (PR)

the Cleanergy Park, Punta Dumalag, Davao City. The tag has a unique serial number, which allows the turtle to be easily identified in case of future stranding, nesting, or re-capture.

DO Unibank has won the Best Social Media Initiative award in the recently concluded Asian Banker Country Awards for its “Project Kiss” campaign that featured one of its celebrity endorsers -phenomenal star Maine Mendoza. The campaign, anchored on the message “Abot ang Pangarap ‘pag BDO ang Kausap”, was a social media megahit, with the video reaching more than 5.6 million Facebook users since its launch in March this year. “BDO effectively took advantage of the social media to advertise and market its products. One of the bank’s most engaging initiatives was the Project Kiss campaign to promote its savings account, which has reached more than 5.6 million people in Facebook,” The Asian Banker said. “The bank also implemented a social media e-learning program to provide its employees with adequate knowledge on existing social media policies and effective ways to properly engage and handle customers.” The Bank also received the Best Deposit Initiative in the Philippines and Best Mobile Payment Initiative citations during the Country Awards, which was held in conjunction with the Philippine International Banking Convention.

“BDO’s Peso Savings Account significantly contributed to the Bank’s retail deposit growth of 23% in the first half of 2016. Extending banking hours and offering weekend banking have helped to boost the bank’s deposits,” The Asian Banker added. “BDO opened new branches in malls to reach more customers.” As for its successful mobile platform, the Singapore-based publication pointed out that by enabling personto-person transfers on its mobile platform, it allowed customers to send up to P10,000 to any Philippine recipient without the need for the other party to activate an account. “This initiative captured consumers’ interest even without a marketing campaign, contributing an estimated 16% share of financial transactions completed through the mobile app,” The Asian Banker said. The convention is the leading annual conference designed for bankers and financial services professionals to discuss transformational issues that are shaping the country’s banking industry. The Asian Banker runs several international award programs that have emerged within the industry and used as benchmarks by the best banks in the region. (PR)

PhilHealth ups benefits Young adults are majority investors in SSS provident fund to kids with leukemia N

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced Monday an increase in its package rate for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in children to ensure that they get the mandatory services for the entire treatment of three years. PhilHealth acting president and chief executive officer, Ramon Aristoza Jr., said that by providing comprehensive management, Filipino children suffering from ALL will have the same chance of survival as their western counterparts. The rates for the threeyear treatment of standardrisk ALL in children who are enrolled in retained hospitals of the Department of Health (DOH) that are contracted to provide the services for the Z benefits, will be adjusted to PHP380,000. Four years ago, it was only up to PHP210,000. The DOH will also supply the patients chemotherapeutic drugs. For other contracted

health care institutions, the adjusted rate is at PHP500,000 and entails the individual procurement of chemotherapy drugs. “Unlike other forms of cancer, leukemia in children is highly curable. We believe that every child is worth fighting for and the first step to changing the lives of thousands of children is through this expanded Z benefit package for all,” Aristoza said. He also stressed that every child deserves the best chance to get his/her life back on track after illness, hence PhilHealth “shall ensure improved quality of care and access to adequate treatment for them”. To avail themselves of the enhanced benefit rates, members must meet the selections criteria and must fill out the Member Empowerment (ME) Form where clinical information, member education, treatment and follow-up visit schedules, as well as member roles and responsibilities vis-a-vis the treatment plan are indicated.

F PHILHEALTH, 11

EARLY two-thirds of investors in the Social Security System’s (SSS) voluntary provident fund created for local members are young adults of up to age 35, based on enrollment data of the SSS Personal Equity and Savings Option (PESO) Fund as of end of September 2016. SSS Officer-in-Charge of the Voluntary Provident Fund Department Marichelle L. Reyes said that 2,353 out of the 3,649 total PESO Fund enrollees are young adults mainly belonging to the “millennial” generation, while the rest are members aged 36 to 54. “PESO Fund aims to give members an extra layer of protection through a safe and secure savings facility for retirement and other needs. It is heartening to see a growing number of members taking the initiative to prepare for their future early in their working years,” she said. Employees comprised a large share of PESO Fund enrollment with 3,116 members or 85 percent, followed by voluntary members with 321 enrollees or nine percent.

Other enrollees include self-employed individuals, household helpers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). “Slightly more female SSS members have joined the program so far with 57 percent as compared with only 43 percent for the male enrollees. We urge all members, regardless of gender, to invest in their future since financial emergencies can happen to anyone,” she said. Launched last year, the PESO Fund is a voluntary provident fund offered exclusively to active SSS members here and abroad. The program gives members another option to save their hard-earned money to supplement their social security benefits under the regular SSS program. Ten SSS branches initially offered the PESO Fund under its pilot implementation in May 2015, and it was then rolled out to all SSS branches nationwide in October 2015. Members have invested a total of P17.08 million for their PESO Fund savings as of September 30 this year. “All types of SSS members

are eligible for the PESO Fund, provided they meet certain requirements such as payment of at least six consecutive contributions within the 12-month period immediately prior to the month of enrollment. They must also be 54 years old or below,” Reyes said. To qualify, members should have no final benefit claim under the regular SSS program. Those covered as self-employed and voluntary should also be paying contributions based on the P16,000 maximum monthly salary credit, the highest income per month currently covered by SSS. “PESO Fund enrollees enjoy guaranteed and taxfree earnings on their savings. The funds are placed in investments with a sovereign or government guarantee, which is an assurance to members that their savings are safely kept for the longterm,” Reyes explained. Members can invest a maximum of P100,000 per year and a minimum of P1,000 per PESO Fund contribution. Self-employed, voluntary and OFW members must have paid the maximum

regular SSS premium of P1,760 for the same month as their PESO Fund contribution. “SSS members can also enroll in the PESO Fund by registering at the My.SSS portal of the SSS website at www.sss.gov.ph. By enrolling online, they can begin building up their investment and remit their PESO Fund savings even before the completion of the whole enrollment process, which is convenient especially for busy workers who have little time to spare to visit SSS branches,” Reyes said. To complete the enrollment process, online registrants may visit any SSS branch to personally sign the PESO Fund enrollment form. This procedure will confirm their enrollment so that they can withdraw or claim their PESO Fund savings in the future. PESO Fund contributions of SSS members are allocated to three types of accounts – 65 percent for retirement or disability, 25 percent for medical needs, and 10 percent for general purposes, including contingencies such as education, housing, livelihood and unemployment. (PR)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

EDITORIAL

The Court has spoken

HE Supreme Court has spoken with finality on the question of allowing the former President Ferdinand Marcos from being buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. In this petition, what was resolved was: Did President Duterte commit grave abuse of discretion in allowing burial of his [Marcos] remains? The Supreme Court said, ‘No, he did not.’ The decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to allow the remains of the late President Ferdinand Marcos burried in LNMB is seen by the administration as a “major step” toward national unity and reconciliation. Although, this will not sit well with those opposing it. However, there is a time to also bury this burning issue for good and since the High Court has spoken, we must respect the decision. In handing down the 9-5 decision, the Court explained lengthily its decision, to wit: “There is no clear constitutional or legal basis to hold that there was grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction which would justify the Court to interpose its authority to check and override an act entrusted to the judgment of another branch. Truly, the President’s discretion is not totally unfettered. ‘Discretion is not a free-spirited stallion that runs and roams wherever it pleases but is reined in to keep it from straying. In its classic formulation, “discretion is not unconfined and vagrant” but “canalized within banks that keep it from overflowing.” At bar, President Duterte, through the public respondents acted within the bounds of law and jurisprudence. Notwithstanding the call of human rights advocates, the Court must uphold what is legal and just. And that is not to deny Marcos his rightful place at the (Libingan ng mga Bayani) LNMB. For even the Framers of our Constitution intend that full respect for human rights is available at any stage of a person’s development, from the time he or she becomes a person to the time he or she leaves this earth. There are certain things that are better left for history—not this Court—to adjudge. The Court could only do so much in accordance with the clearly established rules and principles. Beyond that, it is ultimately for the people themselves, as the sovereign, to decide, a task that may require the better perspective that the passage of time provides. In the meantime, the country must move on and let this issue rest.” The Court found that the President committed no grave abuse of discretion in ordering that the remains of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) because this was done in the exercise of his mandate under Article VII,

section 17 of the 1987 Constitution to ensure the faithful execution of all laws and there is no law that prohibits the burial of the Marcos remains at the LNMB. Finding that the President’s power of control over the Executive Branch is a self-executing provision not requiring legislative implementation, the majority also found that the President is not bound by the 1992 Agreement entered into between former President Fidel V. Ramos and the Marcos family to have the remains interred in Batac, Ilocos Norte. As the incumbent, President Duterte is free to amend, revoke, or rescind political agreeements entered into by his predecessors, and to determine policies which he considers, based on informed judgment and presumed wisdom, will be most effective in carrying out his mandate. The Court also found that under the Administrative Code, the President has the power to reserve for public use and for specific public purposes any of the lands of the public domain and that the reserved land shall remain subject to the specific public purpose indicated until otherwise provided by law or proclamation. It found that there is no law or executive issuance at present that specifically excludes the land in which the LNMB is located from the use it was originally intended by the past Presidents. The majority found that the allotment of a cemetery plot at the LNMB for former President Marcos as a former President and Commander-in-Chief, a legislator, a Secretary of National Defense, a military personnel, a veteran, and a Medal of Valor awardee, whether recognizing his contributions or simply his status as such, satisfies the public use requirement. According to the majority, the disbursement of public funds to cover the expenses incidental to the burial is granted to compensate him for valuable public services rendered. In this regard, the majority also considered that the President’s determination to have Marcos’s remains interred at LNMB was inspired by his desire for national healing and reconciliation, stating that: “Presumption of regularity in the performance of official duty prevails over petitioners’ highly disputed factual allegation that, in the guise of exercising a presidential prerogative, the Chief Executive is actually motivated by utang na loob (debt of gratitude)`and bayad utang (payback) to the Marcoses. As the purpose is not self-evident, petitioners have the burden of proof to establish the factual basis of their claim. They failed. Even so, this Court cannot take cognizance of factual issues since We are not a trier of facts.” The Court also found that under AFP Regulations G 161-375, the Marcos remains could be interred at LNMB as Marcos pos-

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a successful revolution is an extra-constitutional and direct sovereign act of the people which is beyond the ambit of judicial review, let alone a mere administrative regulation. It is undeniable that former President Marcos was forced out of office by the people through the so-called EDSA Revolution. Said political acdt of the people should not be automatically given a particular legal meaning other than its obvious political consequence—that of ousting him as president. To do otherwise would lead the Court to the treacherous and perilous path of having to make choices from multifarious inferences or theories arising from the various acts of the people. It is not the function of the Court, for instance, to divine the exact implications or significance of the number of votes obtained in elections, or the message from the number of participants in public assemblies. Worse, the Court may be misled by the noise of a boisterous crowd, drowning the message of the silent (or silenced) majority. If the Court is not to fall into the pitfalls of getting embroiled in political and oftentimes emotional, if not acrimonious, debates, it must remain steadfast in abiding by its recognized guiding starts—clear constitutional and legal rules— not by the uncertain, ambiguous and confusing messages from the actions of the people.” The Court also disagreed with the argument that Marcos was disqualified to be buried at the LNMB because he had not been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude. Relying on the presumption of innocence, the majority stated that “(d)espite all these ostensibly persuasive arguments, the fact remains that Marcos was not convicted by final judgment of any offense involving moral turpitude.” The majority also stated that “(t)he various cases cited by petitioners, which were decided with finality by courts here and abroad, have no bearing in this case since they were merely civil in nature; hence, (they) cannot and do not establish moral turpitude.” The decision may not heal us all completely. The division may be too deep on this one. As deep as wounds people believe will never heal. But as they say, the decision may be hard but it is still the Court’s decision. It’s time to put this to rest.

ANTONIO M. AJERO NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Editor in Chief Managing Editor ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ Associate Editor

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sessed the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under the Regulations. The majority pointed out that: “Petitioners did not dispute that Marcos was a former President and Commander-in-Chief, a legislator, a Secretary of National Defense, a military personnel, a veteran, and a Medal of Valor awardee. For his alleged human rights abuses and corrupt practices, we may disregard Marcos as a President and Commander-in-Chief, but we cannot deny him the right to be acknowledged based on the other positions he held or the awards he received. In this sense, We agree with the proposition that Marcos should be viewed and judged in his totality as a person. While he was not all good, he was not pure evil either. Certainly, just a human who erred like us.” The Court also disagreed that former President Marcos had been “dishonorably discharged” as this specific disqualification would pertain only to the military under the Articles of War and more specifically, those in the “active service.” On the contrary, the majority found that former President Marcos was honorably discharged from military service, with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) expressly recognizing him as a retired veteran under RA 6948. The majority disagreed with the argument (in the separate dissenting opinion of Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio) that Marcos had been “dishonorably discharged” by his removal as President and Commander-in-Chief by a direct act of the people on February 25, 1986. The ponencia stated that: “Hence, it cannot be conveniently claimed that Marcos’ ouster from the presidency during the EDSA Revolution is tantamount to his dishonorable separation, reversion or discharge from the military service. The fact that the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the AFP under the 1987 Constitution only enshrines the principle of supremacy of civilian authority over the military. Not being a military person who may be prosecuted before the court martial, the President can hardly be deemed ‘dishonorably separated/reverted/discharged from the service’ as contemplated by AFP Regulations G 161-1375. Dishonorable discharge through

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EDGEDAVAO

VANTAGE POINTS

A more inclusive Forum of a ”listening presidency”

UDGING from the composition and responses of the delegates, it is clear that this years Philippine Development Forum (PDF) portends great things for the Philippine economy. Recall how the last one at the Marco Polo was mainly a festival of experts and leaders. This time civil society actors and development agencies are present, asking the government’s economic managers the tough questions on social protection, inclusive growth and many things that banks and stockbrokers do not discuss. These were people often shut out of the process of economic planning, as their opinions were often considered “left field” and unacceptable in the discourse of experts. Likewise noticeable is the fact that this forum is run by the Philippine government alone. The 2013 PDF was co-chaired by the World Bank. It shows a strong regard for knowledge we already have, which OPAPP Secretary Jess Dureza fears have

“Y

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

OU cannot protect that which you do not value. You cannot value that which you do not understand,” said Dr. J.R. Nereus O. Acosta, the presidential adviser for environment protection during the workshop on “Strengthening the Adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management and Other S&T Approaches Towards Sustainable River Basin Management,” some years ago. One of those that people in Davao City should protect and give value is the Davao River Basin (DRB). More than half (66.5%) of the basin’s total length of 86 kilometers is located in the city. The river’s total area is 175,960 hectares. About 25.3% of it is in Bukidnon and only 8.3% is in Davao del Norte, particularly Talaingod. In Bukidnon, the river passes first in San Fernando (16.6%), then to Valencia City (0.1%), Quezon (6.3%) and Kitaotao (2.3%). When talking about river basins, watershed comes into mind. To some, watershed means forestlands. According to the Davao River Basin Master Plan, 75% of the area occupied by DRB is forestlands while 25% are classified as alienable and disposable lands. Bukidnon has 43,105 hectares of forestlands while 1,332 hectares are considered alienable and disposable lands. In Davao del Norte, only 13,841 hectares occupied by DRB are forestlands while 946 hectares are alienable and disposable lands. The bulk of the forestlands are located in Davao City: 78,423 hectares. On the other hand, the total alienable and disposable lands are 38,663 hectares.

been “overanMY TWO CENTS’ alyzed”. The very town hall method applied is not something policymakers like to employ, as they often allow too much discussion on John Tria things economists and ecisouth@gmail.com experts like to dismiss, downplay or That the forum is inclusive is an understatement. One thing clear is that this PDF is underpinned by two things that are clearly the product of extensive consultation and research: NEDAs Ambisyon 2040 study

and the Sulong Pilipinas Forum last June in Davao are clear in their minds, a process they all appreciate to characterize a “listening presidency”, likewise grounded on the need to take action on important items that need results. By that alone, many feel that the PNOY administration was, by comparison, slow and rudderless, content with propping up an image and nothing more. It likes to trumpet glowing reports of positive credit ratings and GDP figures- numbers that reflect a fetish for gaining the positive view of others, and figures that sound good particularly for foreign business. Yet at the end of its term in 2016, only a handful of the 50 Public Private Partnership projects were actually engaged or commenced, the hoped for rise in infrastructure spending was to remain unseen, underemployment remained at the same levels as the Marcos era, and poverty rates barely nudged.

Whatever hopes were raised at the Marco polo in 2013 remained in the clouds for another president to push. The Daang Matuwid economic slogan was to continue the reforms of the Aquino administration. But what economic reforms were actually engaged? Note that since the nice words of the 2013 forum, government infrastructure targets were scaled down, and the numbers that hoped to reduce poverty were revised. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez was right when he said that government needs to be responsive. The engaged and aware pepole of today demand results, not just press releases. Nonetheless, moving forward the challenge therefore is monitoring two things: the economy’s performance and the pace of implementing reforms and changes. That’s something that Secretaries Dominguez and economic planning Secretary Pernia and you and I must keep watching.

Wikipedia, the free THINK ON THESE! encyclopedia, gives this bit of information: “Average flows within the river near to the mouth are estimated at 70-80 cubic Henrylito D. Tacio meters per henrytacio@gmail.com second. The climate type is relatively uniform throughout the year with evenly distributed rainfall and temperatures and humidity. The area rarely experiences typhoons.” “Less than 3% of the world’s water is fresh, the rest is seawater and undrinkable,” said Engr. John F. Baynosa, pollution control and safety officer of the Davao City Water District (DCWD), who presented a paper during the aforementioned workshop. About 7.88 million cubic meters of water are produced by DCWD. The water comes from 57 production wells, one spring, 19 booster pumps, 26 chlorinating facilities, 12 ground reservoirs, 2 sedimentation basins and 4 slow sand filters. “The main drinking water sources for Davao City are in the neighboring Talomo watershed,” Wikipedia claims. “These sources are under pressure and the Davao River Basin is likely to be required for water abstraction in the near future.” Unfortunately, Davao River has been identified as one of the polluted rivers in the country today. “Davao River plays a very important role to the people of

Davao City, but unfortunately its water quality has considerably deteriorated based on the 5-year water quality assessment made by the Environment Management Bureau,” said the regional office of the environment department. “Pollution is due mainly to the unregulated use and poor methods of fertilizers and pesticides, inappropriate land use practices, inadequate monitoring of industrial and commercial premises and activities, and poor maintenance of septic tanks and absence of sewerage,” said a briefing paper circulated during the workshop. In fact, river pollution is one of the key problems identified by the Davao River Situational Report. Other key problems include water drainage and surface runoff, river bank erosion, flooding, and soil erosion. The health impacts of pesticide use have also been identified as another key problem. So is the lack of implementation of existing laws. The Davao River goes all the way to Davao Gulf. The master plan has identified the river as a major source of siltation in Davao Gulf. The World Wildlife Fund considers Davao Gulf as one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Diverse coral reefs, different mangrove species, cetaceans and a host of invertebrates contribute to the natural diversity of the gulf. The Philippines has 412 principal river basins in 119 proclaimed watersheds. However, only 19 are considered major river basins. The longest river is the Cagayan located in Region II. In Mindanao, the principal rivers are the Rio Grande de

Mindanao (known as the Pulangi River in its upper reaches) and the Agusan (where the late Lolong, the world’s largest crocodile was caught). Watersheds play a big part in the survival of these rivers. “Healthy watershed areas are crucial to a balanced eco-system,” said Councilor Leonardo Avila III, chair on the committee of environment. “Watershed areas are sources of life-giving water – vital to public health, welfare and economic growth and development.” The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) agrees. “Effective watershed management is an iterative process of evaluating, planning, restoring and organizing land and resource use within a watershed to provide desired goods and services while maintaining and supporting the livelihoods of resident populations.” So much so that major stakeholders formed themselves into an organization called Davao River Basin (DRB). Its vision statement is: “A healthy Davao River Basin sustainably managed by empowered and responsible stakeholders.” Actually, the DRB master plan is twofold: (1) to improve the quality and sustainability of ecosystem goods and services derived from DRB and enhance the competitive advantage of the river basin; and (2) to promote local socio-economic growth of communities in DRB and reduce rural poverty. Can DRB do it? It remains to be seen. However, the statement of the late American president John F. Kennedy is a timely reminder: “Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel prizes -- one for peace and another for science.”

A river runs through it

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council approved increments for real property tax last December 6, 2007, as the proposal was eventually passed after then mayor Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte allowed it to lapse. This was Ordinance No. 040-07 Series of 2007 or “An Ordinance Fixing the Schedule

of Fair Market Values of Real Properties within the Territorial Jurisdiction of Davao City.” The ordinance was implemented beginning in 2009. This, however, resulted in a legal tussle between the business sector and the city government.

sessions that would transform ideas into films. Only 12 participants were selected to undergo the filmmaking workshop wherein the best film project received a project development grant. The film fest is categorized into four: Asian full length, Asian shorts, Philippine shorts and Mindanao shorts featuring narrative, documentary and experimental films. Previously called “SalaMindanaw International Film Festival”, Mangansakan announced during last year’s awards night that the event would be renamed, “SalaMindanaw Asian Film Festival”. “The change is in keeping with the Festival’s thrust to be a platform for emerging voices in Southeast Asian cinema as well as a venue to celebrate the best cinematic talents in Asia today,” Mangansakan said. For this season, the participating countries

include Philippines, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Germany and Japan. Mangansakan noted that for this year, the committee welcomed an entry from East Timor, the latest addition to the South East Asian nations. For the opening night, two award-winning films were featured: the Dead Slow Ahead by Portugese Mauro Herce, a film about Filipino seafarers; and Baboy Halas by Davaobased filmmaker Bagane Fiola which tackled the plight of Lumads (indigenous people) as they confronted changes in their society. “The struggle of the lumads and our OFWs is central to the narrative of the Filipino nation,” said Mangansakan. Mangansakan expressed his gratitude to SM Supermalls and his optimism that SM Cinema will continue to partner with the festival committee in celebrating the talent of local filmmakers.

from families who lived in the area before, during, and after the Japanese occupation. The objective was to trace back history, and identify landmarks that have heritage importance. Barangay Captain Ramon Bargamento II has proposed

the “revival and rehabilitation of his barangay’s rich historical resources being declared as Japanese Heritage Area in 2009.” “It started with 20 million, now it has ballooned to 120 million,” Bargamento said. (CIO)

also visit Davao City and invest in real estate development early next year,” Al-ag said, adding that the visit will also look into developing the tourism sector in the city. “I am sure that with great support from our government, we can make contributions to our relationship and cooperation,” Al-ag said, as he also stressed that both Shanghai and Davao City are committed to strengthen their

relationships. Al-ag also noted how Davao City is determined to improve the livelihood of the people by welcoming investments that could result in the generation of jobs and economic growth. “We hope to partner with the government of China and Shanghai in the realization of our objectives as a developed, progressive, and peaceful city,” he said.

EDGEDAVAO

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Mindanao... FROM 2

LITTLE... FROM 4

Davao City... FROM 6

JASKIN PAWNSHOP Notice of Auction Sale

All Jewelry and other items pawned at Jaskin Pawnshop San Perdo Street, Davao City during the months of March to June 2016 if not redeemed or renewed will be sold to the public on November 17, 2016 at our pawnshop premises. Nov. 08, 09, 10, 2016

MICKEY’S PRESENTATION. Councilors Victorio Advincula Jr. (right), Mary Joselle Villafuerte (center) and Melchor Quitain Jr. are glued to the LCD screen as they listen to the presentation of City Sports Development

SC... FROM 1

Jose Perez, Teresita de Castro, Jose Mendoza and Estela Perlas-Bernabe. Those who dissented include Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, and Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Francis Jardeleza, and Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa. Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes inhibited himself from the case. Speaking before the members of the media on Tuesday, SC spokesperson Theodore said all the petitions challenging the proposed burial of Marcos at the LNMB were dismissed by the high court. The dismissal, Te pointed out, were based on reasons that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of President Duterte when he ordered the burial of Marcos at LNMB as the order was done in exercise of his mandate and that there is also no law that prohibits the burial of the former strongman at the Heroes’ Cemetery. The SC also recognized President Duterte’s power to reserve for public use and for specific public purposes, any of the lands under public domain and that the remains of Marcos, under the regulations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), can be interred at the LNMB because he was a former president, commander-in-chief, soldier, medal of valor awardee, and legislator. Te said that the SC also disagreed to the contention that Marcos was “dishonorably discharged,” saying that such disqualification only pertains to the military. The SC also emphasized that Marcos cannot be disqualified from burial at the Heroes’ Cemetery because he was not convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.

of being the conscience of the nation. He also called for every Filipinos to respect and abide by the decision of the SC. As former President Marcos will finally be laid to rest, Calida hoped that the Filipino people may learn to set aside differences and stand united under the rule of law.

Landmark decision The Office of the Solicitor General also came out with a statement, describing the ruling as a “landmark decision of the Supreme Court” and a “major step towards national reconciliation.” “The judicial imprimatur given by the Honorable Court vindicates the political wisdom of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to hasten unity and national healing. It puts to rest the bitter debate which has divided our people for far too long. It is a welcome development for the Filipino people who thirst for peace and change,” Solicitor General Jose C. Calida said. Calida also expressed gratefulness to the magistrates “who maintained their judicial independence throughout the proceedings despite strong emotional appeals from various sectors,” and affirmed that SC never wavered in its role

Ruling condemned The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned the decision of the SC, standing on its previous belief that Marcos is not a hero and that the former strongman orchestrated the PD 27 (the Land Tenancy and Land Reform Program issued during Martial Law) which perpetuated the landlessness of farmers that continue until today. “Today is a dark day in history as nine Supreme Court Justices opted to throw away all the sacrifices and hardships endured by Filipinos and the entire nation during the terror years of Marcos’ martial rule,” Antonio Flores, KMP secretary general said in a statement emailed to the media on Tuesday. The ruling, Flores added, will never heal the wounds of the past as it will only convince farmers and the broad masses to struggle hard to achieve genuine change, democracy and justice. “He ordered the killing of thousands of farmers, workers and activists who fought against the dictatorship. He trampled on the country’s democracy and press freedom. He plundered the national coffers and enriched his family and cronies who all landlords and bureaucrat capitalists,” he said. Flores pointed out that they will never forget this day when the SC came out with

such decision as well as the crimes that Marcos committed against Filipinos. “There’s no moving on from the grave social injustices, human rights abuses, decades of poverty, unemployment and exploitation that spawned during the Marcos regime,” Flores said.

PHP30,000. The suspect will be charged for violation of sections 5 and 11 or sale and possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Sebastian said Academia admitted during interrogation

that she was a pusher for a drug supplier who is detained at the Lanton Reformatory Center or city jail. He said the transactions with “her boss” were done through cellphone text messages and several cohorts. Owing to the suspect’s

admission, the police official said they consider the case as “very alarming” and will recommend to the city police office the conduct of immediate search operations at the city jail, which is run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. (PNA)

Thankful to Rody “We are deeply grateful to the Supreme Court for its decision to allow the burial of my father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Once again, the Supreme Court has taken a magnanimous act to uphold the rule of law,” said former Senator Bongbong Marcos in a statement sent to the media on Tuesday. The young Marcos said that his family is also extending their sincerest gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte. “His (President Duterte’s) unwavering commitment to this issue sustained us these past several months. Our family will forever be thankful for his kind gesture,” he said. Bongbong Marcos also hoped that the decision of the SC will lead the nation towards healing.

Big time... FROM 4 operatives nabbed suspect Relaiza Academia in a buy-bust operation at her house in Purok San Vicente Silway in Barangay Dadiangas West. Recovered from the suspect were two “jumbo” sachets, and one medium sachet of suspected shabu worth around

Division and Anti-Drug Abuse Council head Michael Denton Aportadera during yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

Slap in the face The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee (CBCP-PAC) also denounced the ruling of the SC, saying that the decision was an insult to the victims of human rights abuses during the Marcos era. “It’s a slap in the face of human rights victims during the Marcos regime,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of CBCP-PAC. He also emphasized that the ruling will not help heal the emotional wounds of the victims during Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law in 1972. “It is a legal decision and legalities sometimes have a complete disregard for the moral, ethical and emotional violations committed against the people,” he added. Vice President Leni Robredo also expressed dismay over the decision of the SC in a statement she issued on Tuesday. She described the burial of Marcos at the LNMB as an insult to the Filipino people. “We are deeply saddened by the decision of the Supreme Court regarding the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. We have consistently opposed the burial of the Martial Law dictator in the heroes’ sacred ground. Their family’s refusal to take responsibility for atrocities of the regime is an insult to the Filipino people,” Robredo said.

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

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GMA encourages viewer believe in the Magic of C SOMETHING MAGICAL IS ABOUT TO UNFOLD ON TELEVISION as GMA Network launches its 2016 Christmas campaign dubbed “Maniwala Sa Magic Ng Pasko,” the first locallyproduced 3D animated Christmas campaign.

With its latest offering, the station that is one-in-heart with the Filipino audience brings to life three endearing and magical stories that will inspire viewers to believe in the magic of Christmas. “During such a busy time of the year, we hope that, by spreading the message of hope, every Kapuso will get to experience the joy and limitless possibilities that come with believing in the magic of the Season,” says GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon. The story, Magic Crayons, is the first in this three-part series and highlights the magical feeling of having one’s wish granted for Christmas in the eyes of a child. A leader in creativity and innovation, the Network marks another first

as it makes use of 3D graphics in its new Christmas campaign, a first in the local television industry. “It is felt that the use of animated images best complements the essence of our Holiday message this year – to believe in the magic of Christmas. Through this, it is hoped that even our youngest Kapusos will enjoy our campaign and embrace the meaning of our Christmas message this season,” GMA President and COO Mr.

Gilberto Duavit Jr. shares. The Maniwala Sa Magic Christmas campaign comes at of GMA’s animated anthology s mat’s win of the country’s first “B tival” Award at the US Internat and Video Festival (USIFVF), tion given to an outstanding en Gold Camera awardees in the U GMA’s Christmas stories are child of GMA’s Program Suppo

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ment headed by Regie Bautista (First Vice President), Dino Garcia (Assistant Vice President), Hasmin Marable (Assistant Vice President), BJ Camaya (Associate Creative Director), Catherine Ko (Project Manager), Nicolle Castillo (Writer), and Juan Javier, Reybert Ramos, Laqy Laqueo (Artists); and brought to life by GMA’s Post Production Department composed of Edward Achacoso (First Vice President), Paul Ticzon (Vice President and Head of Operations), and April Canasa-Angeles (Senior Manager, Video Graphics Section). The theme song of this year’s Christmas campaign is sung by Julie Anne San Jose with lyrics written by BJ Camaya and Nicolle Castillo and music composed by Len Calvo and Ann Figueroa. The first magical story unfolded last Monday, November 7, in 24 Oras. For the second and third instalments, promos, and other updates on Maniwala Sa Magic Ng Pasko Christmas campaign, stay tuned to GMA-7, visit gmanetwork.com/magicngpasko, and like and follow GMA Network on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

INdulge! A3 GMA Kapuso Foundation signs long-term partnership with Philippines AirAsia GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) forged a landmark partnership with Philippines AirAsia that will enable the delivery of more aid to places in need of public service.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA), which marks GMAKF’s first long-term collaboration with a local airline, was held on October 20 at the GMA Network Center. In the photo are (from left) GMAKF Executive Vice President and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog; Philippines AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Capt. Dexter Comendador; and GMAKF Founder and Ambassador Mel Tiangco. Under the agreement, Philippines AirAsia will get GMAKF to where it needs to go within its provincial flight coverage areas as the foundation arm of GMA Network embarks on various public service projects under its programs on Health, Disaster Relief, Education, and Values Formation. “Our partnership will

ensure that timely public service is given to the less fortunate people who need it. If we are able to travel to far-flung provinces for free via a reliable partner-airline, then more of the public’s donations can be spent on direct aid such as relief goods, school supplies, and medicine,” said Escudero-Catibog. The partnership will also give AirAsia passengers the opportunity to participate in volunteering activities spearheaded by GMAKF in select areas in the country. For their part, Capt. Comendador said that their partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation “represents another step forward in [their] commitment to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves.” According to him, “As a truly Filipino airline, we will always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve and we are honoured to partner with GMAKF which shares the same commitment and passion in public service.”

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

Happy cows produce Jolly Cow Fresh Milk

APART FROM JOLLY COW FRESH MILK’S CREAMINESS AND FULL-BODIED TEXTURE, the best part about it is its free-range quality.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

149 Dabawenyos... FROM 2 Flores said the activity is aimed to increase the public’s awareness on human trafficking and to encourage more groups and individuals to join and support the fight against said crime. She said the mural painting will be held along J.P. Laurel Avenue, particularly on the walls of the former Davao Mental Hospital that is now under the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC). A total of 28 panels would be painted on during the activity that will be unveiled

to the public on December 12 in time with the culmination of the observance of IDHT, Flores added. The activity will also be facilitated in coordination with Habitat for Humanity and Soroptimist of Davao International, an NGO advocating the rights and welfare of women and girls in the city. Dr. Teresita Borillo of Soroptimist Int’l, a nongovernment organization, said their group would be providing the snacks of the participants to the event.

particularly those who man the Davao City Overland Terminal (DCOTT). Acera said that unlike the Davao International Airport, DCOTT does not have an antihuman trafficking desk. She explained that the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) had previously established a desk in DCOTT, but, due to the lack of social workers, the desk is momentarily unmanned. With lack of such desks, the DSWD then resorted to raise the awareness of TF Davao through education in order for them to act as a task force against human

trafficking, Acera added. “Just two weeks ago we had intercepted a case in DCOTT,” she said, saying that the victim, who was a minor was about to board the bus the TF Davao rescued her. The case was already referred to Talomo Police Station, she added. DSWD will also require an affidavit of consent signed by at least one parent for domestic flights and two parents for international flights issued to the guardian travelling with a minor, Acera said. “We need to be vigilant. These kids are vulnerable,” Acera said. RIA VALDEZ

Lastly, the City Planning head also stressed that with these prospects for development, a challenge has been posted to the local

government to strengthen security measures of the city to avoid the incident that happened September 2 this year.

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NEWS 11 2 upland villages in Sultan Kudarat isolated by floods, landslides, 2,000 people“trapped” EDGEDAVAO

ELIEF workers are trying to reach two upland communities here with about 2,000 persons isolated by flash floods and landslides following Sunday’s heavy downpour, officials said. “They are trapped, they could not go down due to landslides and knee-deep mud,” said Mayor Ronan Garcia of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. “We tried to reach the upland villages but we could not get through,” Garcia, also chairperson of Municipal

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Garcia said it is impossible to reach Barangays Sabanal and Datu Wasay because the roads in Barangay Hinalaan have turned into rivers with knee-high mud. “To reach those two villages, we need to hurdle Barangay Hinalaan which is impossible at this time,” Garcia said, adding “even by horse our relief workers could not reach Barangay Hinalaan

proper,” Garcia said. “People from Sabanal and Datu Wasay went down to meet us half-way so they can carry food and water back to their homes,” he added. “Only males are capable of walking six kilometers of mud to reach the lowland area, women and elders remained in their homes, waiting for food,” he said. He said the relief team was reluctant to go back due to dangerous and muddy trail but we have to so that food and water are delivered.

Garcia was teary-eyed hearing stories of flash floods survivors. An overnight heavy down pour brought about by intertropical convergence zone triggered landslides and flash floods in Barangay Hinalaan. The water flowed down to Limulan River which also overflowed and submerged five villages downstream. Garcia cold not provide the cost of damages to crops and other agricultural products, saying assessment was still on going. (PNA)

lives,” Aportadera pointed out. He also urged the city government to immediately convene the Baranggay AntiDrug Abuse Council (BADAC) in each villages who are serving as the first line of defense in war against illegal drugs. “The Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will also help us in fighting against war against illegal narcotics by including drug education in the curriculum of all levels provided that the syllabus is sensitive, meaningful, and ageappropriate, fitted to the absorptive capacity of the students,” Aportadera said. Meanwhile, Councilor also proposed during the session for the implementation of the

Community Based Mental Health Program. She said the program must be implemented at the health centers in the city. “We see drug addiction as a mental health issue,” Villafuerte said, explaining that a person might be running away from his or her problem when when he or she becomes dependent on illegal drugs. Aside from tapping the various sectors in barangay levels, Villafuerte said that the Southern Philippines Medical Center - Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (SPMC-IPBM) can also provide support programs to help drug dependents. “We won’t harm them (drug dependents) as we are helping them transform their lives in a positive way,” Villafuerte said.

“Every one of us in the government, barangay councils included, have the duty to perform in the right manner. There is no alternative to good governance,” she said. The governor said it is time for the barangays and other local government units (LGUs) to be serious in their operations, especially in eliminating all forms of corruption. She said good governance should be a norm among LGUs, a call that has grown louder under the present administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Fuentes reminded the province’s barangays, especially their officials, to not only focus on getting awards but “make good governance a

way of living.” “The developments and positive changes in our communities are the best honor that we could get in this process,” the governor said. She said the local government will sustain the annual award as it also manifests “South Cotabato’s barangays are good barangays.” The Dangal sa Barangay Awards is a localized version of the Seal of Good Local Governance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The barangays were evaluated based on organization and management, local legislation, development planning, service delivery, and financial administration. (PNA)

grow the numbers and move closer to our goal of six million arrivals this year,” Teo said. “Along with the WTM exposure, we remain positive of the legislature’s continued understanding and support for DOT’s mandate and projects,” she added. Waterloo is one of UK’s busiest railway stations with almost 100 million passenger entries and exits recorded in 2015. It is also the 15th busiest passenger terminal in Europe and the 91st busiest railway station in the world. DOT said it hopes to gain wider exposure and greater impact given this high traffic. Visitors can witness Philippine branding featured across the Waterloo Motion, Europe’s largest advertising screen at 80 meters wide and 12 D6 HD screens around the station. There will also be special promotional flights and holiday packages advertised

by partners, including Philippine Airlines, STA, Explore, Dive Worldwide and Secret Escapes. Commuters may also experience the Philippines via VR (virtual reality) at the experiential zone at the concourse. They can also have the chance to win a holiday to the Philippines by simply uploading to social media their paddle boarding or sky cycling selfie photos taken at the zone. The top destinations can also be enjoyed in 360-degree views. The fun experience grows as more exciting prizes await the lucky consumers. The project is part of the Station Domination Series which started in Waterloo in April this year where it was able to reach 8.4 million commuters and 1.2 million Facebook users. The project later moved to the King’s Cross Station and finally back to Waterloo. (PNA)

and Infrastructure and Competitiveness. The result of the panel discussions will be finalized on the second day of the event to be presided by Peace Process Adviser Jesus Dureza, with the

report of the breakout groups, presentation of the highlights of the proceedings by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and closing statements from the guest of honor. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

“Promote large-scale expansion of big agri-buyers/ processors by negotiating a ‘fair-contract growing

with farm management agreement’ with small farmer cooperatives,” said Buenaventura.

Members can avail of the adjusted rates for Z Benefits for ALL in such contracted hospitals as the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Jose

B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Western Visayas Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital. (PNA)

to recent weather-related disruptions, particularly typhoons Lawin and Karen. “But the inflation for January to October 2016 averaged at 1.6 percent, well below the target range of two to four percent set by the government for this year. We expect the inflation for the full year 2016 to settle below the target range but upside risks remain,” the Cabinet official said. Risks include the possible rally in oil prices, depreciation of the peso against the US dollar, pending petitions for electricity rate increase, and tropical cyclones. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA reported a 65 percent chance of La Nina developing in the fourth quarter of 2016 and can

last until February 2017. “Given the larger possibility of more frequent and stronger rains, the agriculture sector needs to implement adaptation measures to protect the income of farmers and keep food price inflation at bay,” said Pernia. “We aim to strengthen the agricultural sector though a comprehensive agricultural development program, a major component of the proposed Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022,” he added. Non-food inflation in October remained at 1.5 percent as mild price increases were registered in majority of non-food indices such as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; transport; communication; education; and restaurant and miscellaneous goods and services. (NEDA)

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12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

Biodiversity:

Going, going, gone? By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“We know that the drivers behind species loss are mostly increasing - land conversion and degradation, pollution, climate change. And of course the human population is still growing and consumption is growing - and most of that consumption is not sustainable.” -- Braulio Dias, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity

OME 10,000 years ago, humanity started a great experiment that changed the world. Using biological diversity (biodiversity) around them, they began harvesting wild seeds and plants and domesticating them, choosing those varieties that yielded the most food, or the best rope, or which did well even in drought years. Around the same time, they commenced domesticating animals as well, harnessing their power, eating their meat and drinking their milk. The diversity of the plants and animals the first farmers had to work with allowed them to select strains of plants and breeds of animals specifically tailored to meet specific needs. Today, genetic diversity remains essential for the continued sustainability of world agricultural production. “Safeguarding and using the potential and diversity of nature is critical for world food security,” stresses the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity for food and agriculture includes the components of biological diversity that are essential for feeding human populations and improving the quality of life. It includes the variety and variability of ecosys-

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tems, animals, plants and micro-organisms, at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels, which are necessary to sustain human life as well as the key functions of ecosystems. Scientists have identified about 1.4 million unique species of plants and animals on the planet -- so far. Nearly every day, it seems, a new species is added to the list. “This variety of life is essential to human existence,” FAO claims. “We depend on it for food, water, energy, shelter and innumerous other ways as well. But as the planet’s human population continues to expand, this biodiversity is coming under increasing threat.” “Every hour three species disappear. Every day up to 150 species are lost,” notes the Convention on Biological Diversity, which has been signed by almost 200 countries already, including the Philippines. In terms of food production, the loss of biodiversity is very alarming. FAO cites the following facts and figures: • Of the 8,300 animal breeds known, 8% are extinct and 22% are at risk of extinction. • Of the over 80,000 tree species, less than 1% has been studied for potential use. • Fish provide 20% of animal protein to about 3 billion people. Only ten

Rice production

Tilapia species provide about 30% of marine capture fisheries and ten species provide about 50% of aquaculture production. • Over 80% of the human diet is provided by plants. Only five cereal crops provide 60% of energy intake.

“Some people will argue that if we lost a number of insects yesterday, and the sun still came up today, does it truly matter?” asked Prof.

Assorted fruits Norman Myers, authors of several books and has served as a consultant to several UN agencies. Here’s what Time, in a special report, has said: “The damage being done is more than aesthetic. Many vanishing species provide humans with both food and medicine. What’s more, once you start tearing out swaths of ecosystem, you upset the existing balance in ways that harm even areas you didn’t intend to touch.” Dr. Peter Raven, a noted American biologist, is very much concerned with the fast disappearance of the world’s biodiversity. “Of all the global problems that confront us, species extinction is the one that is moving the

most rapidly and the one that will have the most serious consequences,” he contends. Unlike other global ecological problems, Dr. Raven stressed, the crisis is completely irreversible. “Extinction is forever,” declared the Washington-based World Resources Institute. The main culprit of the disappearance of biodiversity is the destruction of its habitat. “The most visible harm is caused by damage to natural habitats,” FAO says. “Wild species become extinct when the places where they live are destroyed. Pollution, urbanization, deforestation and conversion of wetlands force out wildlife. Mismanagement of agriculture, forestry and fisheries can fur-

ther accelerate this destructive process.” Biodiversity is as just as important on farms and in fields as it is in deep river valleys or mountain cloud forests. “This agricultural biodiversity consists of countless farmed plants that feed and heal people, crop varieties and aquatic species with specific nutritional characteristics, livestock species adapted to harsh environments, insects that pollinate fields and microorganisms that regenerate agricultural soils,” FAO explains. In human history, about 7,000 species of plants have been cultivated for consumption. The tropical rainforests are repository of crops. “The rainforest is the host to some 2,500 species of fruits fit for us to eat,” said former Senator Heherson Alvarez, who used to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “Only a few such as banana, grapefruit and pineapples have been commercialized.” Alvarez believes that the destruction of rainforests will wipe out its ability to “refuel” existing crops. “Rice, millet, soybean, eggplant, yam and sugarcane originated from there,” he said. “Genetic resources from tropical forests have saved a number of important crops such as cacao, banana and coffee.” According to FAO, genetic diversity is essential for the continued sustainability of world agricultural production. “Farmers and agricultural scientists need it in order to adapt plants to changing conditions or expand production in new, previously unfarmed areas,” it says. “The hidden genetic diversity of plants hold the key to improved yields, and crops that not only produce more to eat, but more nutritious food as well.”

13 PROPERTY

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

Matina Enclaves’ first condo now 85% complete By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

ONSTRUCTION of the first condominium building of prime real estate property development Matina Enclaves has reached 85%, according to its developer.

Davao-based real estate development firm Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco) released its recent updates for its ongoing Matina Enclaves condominium construction. Project head Gerald Kent Garces said that Building 1/B already has an overall accomplishment status of 85 percent as of October 29. Building 1/B is the first

tower of The Residences segment of the Matina Enclaves project and is due for turnover early next year. The sprawling mixed use residential estate located along Quimpo Boulevard in Ecoland is one of the fast-selling pieces of property in Davao City today. Building 1/B is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

On the other hand, Building 2/C is currently underway with its foundation’s excavation. “These current developments point to the fact that we are right on target with our schedule,” Garces said. Sales of the condominium units have been notably good as the project is riding on the crest of the current property boom in the city. Building 4/D was declared fully sold out after the Open House sales last October 14 while Building 5/E has only a few remaining units left. With its hardworking

sales team aggressively up to the task, the Matina Enclaves has since sold out three of its condominium buildings. “We are blessed with people who are very hardworking,” said Garces citing that the company also gives back in return to its agents recognition for its efforts by way of monthly top sellers banquet. The top sellers for October are Charity Furog, Shiena Mae Furog, Luzviminda Dio, Vicky Colon, Julie Pinol, Prudencio Melicio, Leticia Ablas, Raul Escovilla, Veronica Escovilla, Rebecca De Leon, Reynold Barber, Solomon Banez, Nestor Granado, Jocelyn Asoy, and Ava Vertudazo. The Matina Enclaves

prides itself with exclusivity features of a gated subdivision and the carefree atmosphere of a condominium in a community within reach of the city’s main commercial establishments, offices, and academic institutions. It provides a picturesque view of Mt. Apo in the horizon and the beauty of nature right at one’s doorstep.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 â&#x20AC;¢ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

SPORTS15

HEART OF A CHAMPION Bewildered champ bucks injury, rain, tough course to complete 3-peat By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

RUE to the adage “never underestimate the heart of a champion”, Air Force serviceman Sonny Wagdos ran and overcame all the odds stacked against him. First, he had barely trained because of a nagging bout with plantar fasciitis. Second, the course was made even tougher with additional yardage. Third, it rained. But that’s sports. And as they say too. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. The three-time champion had all that. He won a third time in the 40th Milo Marathon Davao Leg last Sunday but lost a chance to run in the National Finals with his slow clocking. Well, he could also blame the rain. “Disappointed sad kay taas kaayo akong time, first time walay na-qualify sa Davao leg. Pero thankful gyapon ko kay nagdaog ko, unexpected kaayo,” Wagdos told Edge Davao in an interview. Wagdos, winner here in 2014 and 2015, actually completed a rare three-peat but his clocking of 1 hour, 16 minutes and 15 seconds was way off the cutoff time for the Nationals. “Actually wala jud ko nag expect na ma-defend nko akong title kay wla man gud koy praktis then naga sakit akong plantar,” he added. At the bark of the gun at SM Lanang Premier, Wagdos and close rivals Michale Jan Echalico and Arlan Arbois broke off from the pack and led a three-man pace. They ran stride by stride until the Dacudao mark when rain started to fall. Wagdos made his move and slowly distanced himself from Echalico and Arbois which h e maintained until the finish. Echalico finished second in 1:17:30, followed by Arbois

(1:19:40), Gilbert Maluyo (1:20:55) and Marcelo Ecalner (1:24:17). Collegiate standout Mae Barit won the distaff side

THREE-PEAT. Sonny Wagddos is all smiles at the finish.

in the absence of defending champion Judelyn Miranda. Barit, a promising long distance runner out of Holy Cross of Davao College, clocked 1:51:45. Her time, however, failed to make it to the National standard. Wagdos and Barit failed to beat the 1:15 cut-off time for the 42 Milo Marathon National Finals on December 4 in Iloilo City. Barit blamed her slow clocking to the sloping terrain and the slippery road. The 21K race started and ended at SM Lanang Premier, passing through JP Laurel Ave., R. Castillo St., Dacudao Ave., and then to back to Diversion Road. Organizers added 200 meters to the distance at the turnaround point making the race more difficult. Madelyn Carter finished 2nd in the women’s 21-K in 1:53:16, followed by Olive Firmeza (1:54:58), April Rose Curato (1:59:43) and Hedda Piola (2:01:31). Agustin Ychon topped the 10K men’s division, clocking 35 minutes and 20 seconds, while Joerge Andrade finished second in 35 minutes and 23 seconds. Jorge Esquirida finished 3rd place, Gilbert Masibay 4th, and Joseph Aligarbes 5th. In 10K women’s division, Diana Memoracion emerged winner in 43 minutes and 37 seconds, followed by Kim Glydell Barot (2nd) Jeralden Madayam (3rd) Joylyn Quirante (4th), and Mary Joy Ramos (5th). In 5K men’s division, Daryl Mark Daban ruled the race in 17 minutes and 10 seconds, beating Derick de Gracia who clocked 17 minutes and 21 seconds. Kim Corbeta placed third, Fritz Clarence Lantacio 4th, and Robert Cain 15th. In the 5K women’s dvision, Andrea Annabela Deguia finished first in 21 minutes and 15 seconds, followed by Annie Mary Depone, Rebecca de Gracia 3rd, Suzette Jumawan 4th, and Precious Velarde 5th. In 3K men’s division, Jayson Apostol emerged as the winner at 10 minutes and 51 seconds, followed by Jayson Vergabera, Klyder Rule (3rd), Alexis Dagaang (4th), and Joshua Dayon (5th). In 3k women’s division, Arlene Jane Onso topped her division by finishing the race at 13 minutes and 24 seconds, followed by Sharon Gay Marcojos, Danica Ambat (3rd), Honney Retes (4th), and Clairre Marie Abes (5th). As in previous years, this year’s race was organized by Vantage Sports headed by Kenneth Sai.

WINNERS. The triumphant Air Force runners.

Curry breaks 3-point record with 13 G

OLDEN State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry experienced a rare terrible shooting night on Friday when he missed all 10 of his three-pointers against the Los Angeles Lakers, ended an NBA record streak of 157 straight games with at least one three. Faced with an opportunity to bounce back at home Monday against the New Orleans Pelicans, Curry did not just take advantage of his fresh start. He literally made more three-pointers than an NBA player ever had in a single game. Curry shot 13-of-17 from beyond the arc to set a new NBA record for three-pointers in a game, claiming sole possession of a record he had previously shared with Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall. Curry tied that mark with 12 three-pointers — the last on a 35-foot buzzer-beater — in a dramatic overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in February. Monday night’s record-breaker did not come under quite such incredible circumstances, but watching Curry remains one of the most thrilling experiences in sports. Curry’s final threepointer put the Warriors up by the comfortable score of 109-97 with 2:23 remaining in regulation, but this was a game in which Golden State

needed every one of his shots to come away with the 116106 win. Curry made 6-of-8 long-range shots in the first half to help Golden State to a 63-49 halftime advantage, but New Orleans managed to take their own lead after fewer than eight minutes of the third quarter. Curry responded with three threepointers (and a galvanizing technical foul after a non-call) in the final four minutes of the period to put the Warriors back up 84-78. The Pelicans attempted to double-team Curry at times in the fourth quarter, but he added another trio of three-pointers to set both the record and the course of crunch time. His 46 points were as important as they appeared. A pessimistic view of Curry’s night would put more emphasis on the fact that his showing was necessary for the win. The Pelicans entered t h e contest with no wins i n six tries a n d managed t o score consistently against a Warriors defense that has looked iffy to start the season.

Anthony Davis continued his strong start to 2016-17 with 33 points and 13 rebounds as the Pelicans shot 48.8 percent from the field. The Golden State defense remains a work in progress, and it could take months for head coach Steve Kerr to find ideal lineups and h i s

dropped three straight. Wade went 7 for 12 from the field in 25 minutes, bouncing back nicely from a dismal four-point performance in Saturday’s 111-94 loss at Indiana. The Bulls held the Magic to 23 percent shooting and 28 points in the second half. ‘’We’re not going to win too many ballgames if our defense is not doing what it did,’’ Wade said. Orlando had won three straight, but it played listless

defense as Chicago pulled away in the third quarter. Aaron Gordon scored 15 points for the Magic, and Evan Fournier added 13 on 6-for-12 shooting. ‘’I just think our defense wasn’t there,’’ Gordon said. ‘’And then offensively, because our defense wasn’t there, we didn’t execute as well. Our defense bled into our offense.’’ Butler was a perfect 10 for 10 as the Bulls went 25 for 31 at the free-throw line, compared

best interior defensive combinations. Monday’s game, against one of the league’s worst teams so far, seemed to confirm that the current defensive setup is going to experience peaks and valleys for a while.

Bulls rout Magic 112-80

IMMY Butler and the Chicago Bulls were pushed by the Orlando Magic in the third quarter, and their response delighted coach Fred Hoiberg. Butler scored 20 points, Taj Gibson had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and the Bulls routed the Magic 112-80 on Monday night. Dwyane Wade also scored 16 points and Doug McDermott finished with 11 for Chicago, which had

RECORD BREAKER. Stephen Curry followed up one of his worst-ever games with a record performance. (Associated Press)

to 5 for 6 for the Magic. The Bulls have made at least 20 free throws in their last four games and five of their first seven. ‘’We scored the ball decently well,’’ Butler said. ‘’But whenever we’re guarding we make the game a lot easier for ourselves.’’ Chicago led by as many as 17 points in the first half, but Gordon had a cutting dunk and Fournier made a 3-pointer to help Orlando close to 63-58 in the third.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 184 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

75% CHANCE Arum gives hint on possibility of Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

LL of a sudden, the boxing world is abuzz over the possibility of three-time WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and the retired unbeaten boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather fighting each other again. Nope. There are no negotiations yet. Not officially, but Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, told TMZ Sports that there’s a 75% chance of a rematch with Mayweather. The interview with TTMZ Sports was bannered by sports portal Philboxing.com in its website. TMZ Sports reportedly said that Arum said the two camps “are on great terms.” “In fact, when Floyd sat ringside at Manny’s fight this weekend, it was all thanks to Team Pac-

REMATCH? There is brewing talk of another Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight.

quiao,” Arum said. “Floyd called us and asked for tickets,” Arum revealed. “It’s a great sign. I’d love for the fight to happen. I’d make it 75%

that it happens.” The report said Arum, a veteran in the prizefighting business, simply doesn’t believe Mayweather’s fighting days

are over. “Based on my experience, I feel like [Floyd’s] getting the itch to come back.” Pacquiao, at a ripe age

of 37, dethroned 27-year old Jessie Vargas last Sunday in Las Vegas to win the WBO junior welterweight belt for the third time. He came out of retirement,

trained while doing his job as Philippine Senator, and proved against Vargas that he still has the hop in his step and the power in hiis punches.