Edge Davao 9 Issue 185 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 185 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO

RECYCLABLE. A teenager smashes with concrete block the tin cans she and her brothers collected from the graves inside the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Madapo Hills, Bankerohan, Davao City intending to sell them to a junk shop. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

PNP REVALIDATES DAVAO NARCO LIST Suspects include members of militant groups By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Philippine National Police in Davao region (PNP PRO-11) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-11) are currently revalidating the list of personalities who are into illegal drug use and trade, also known as Narco list in the area. PDEA Regional Director Adzar Albani told reporters during the weekly AFP-PNP media forum in Davao City on Wednesday that the revalidation process is focused on barangay level to continue the implementation of Oplan Double Barrel Alpha operations. “We have already revalidated 25 percent of the 48,000 personalities who are suspect-

ed to be into illegal drugs in Davao Region,” Albani said. He also pointed out that some of the personalities they are looking into are considered as High Value Targets (HVTs). Albani added that the validation of their watchlist will be continuous and the compiled list will be submitted to PDEA national office for further investigation. PNP PRO-11 spokesperson Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna also told reporters in the same press briefing that they are classifying the HVTs into three levels. “Barangay officials and members of the militant groups belong to level one

HVT,” dela Cerna pointed out. Level Two HVTs are those working on national, regional, provincial, city, and municipal offices, including the low ranking police and military officers, media personalities, celebrities and leaders of militant groups. In the level three HVTs are employees of government offices, high ranking officials, financiers of drug lords, and members of the judiciary, dela Cerna added. “With the new set of parameters, both the police and PDEA had to reevaluate the list,” Albani said. He also reported that PDEA and PNP have started to

monitor several business owners in the region which they suspected of having involvement in the shipment, supply and trade of illegal drugs to “small players”. “In collaboration with PDEA, we are gathering all the information needed so that we can arrest them,” dela Cerna said. New count PRO-11 also started its new count as it commenced the implementation of the expanded anti-illegal drug campaign Oplan Double Barrel Alpha. Latest data released by the

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Rody congratulates Trump for victory By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Duterte extended his warm congratulations to Donald Trump after winning a hardfought electoral race for President of the United States of America on Wednesday (local time).

The President’s statement was released by the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) stating that the US elections was a testament to the enduring traditions of USA’s democratic system and that its two-party system had given its voters the freedom of choice based on party platforms.

“President Duterte wishes President-elect Trump success in the next four years as Chief Executive and commander-in chief of the U.S. military, and looks forward to working with the incoming administration for enhanced Philippines-US relations anchored on mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 185 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

TWO CABINET MEN. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) secretary Benjamin Diokno (left) confers with Department of Finance (DOF) secretary Carlos Dominguez during yesterday’s Philippines Development Forum (PDF) news conference at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center. Lean Daval Jr.

AFP chief confident of eliminating ASG threat before stepping down

RMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chiefof-Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya is confident of neutralizing the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan and Sulu before he steps down on Dec. 8. The AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, made this announcement shortly after assuming the military’s highest post last July. Visaya is scheduled to step down on Dec. 8 after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56. Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, clarified that Visaya’s pledge to eliminate the bandit group is a

self-imposed deadline. “We still have (the) period between now and Dec. 8 so, he is still into it, he is personally monitoring the development, he is receiving briefings as regards the development on the ground and he is still optimistic that he will be be able to complete what he wanted to do before the end of his term,” Arevalo said. Since the AFP conducted its offensive against the ASG in July, bandits killed in Sulu during the July-October period has reached 60, with another 19 wounded, and 30 captured. While in Basilan, military units have killed 10, wounded three, and captured two while

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President gives go-signal to Marcos burial at LNMB

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has informed the Marcos family that they can now proceed with the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani after the Supreme Court (SC) decided Tuesday to allow a hero’s burial for the late strongman. President Duterte said Marcos’ son, former senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., talked to him in Tacloban City during last Tuesday’s 3rd commemoration of the devastating typhoon Yolanda that killed over 6,000 people. ”I saw Bongbong yesterday in Tacloban, I said, it’s your choice. He asked, can we now proceed? I said: ‘Yes, you can.’ I’ve said before. I will

not take my word back,” President Duterte said in a media interview at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) before he left for Thailand and Malaysia. President Duterte said he will stick by what the law says, “that soldiers and ex-presidents” can be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. ”Now the question of this tussle about the dictatorship of Marcos is something which cannot be determined at this time. It has to have history,” the President said. On the alleged human rights violations by the former strongman, President Duterte said: ‘That part of the sins of Marcos has yet to be proven

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President Duterte off to Thailand, Malaysia By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Duterte is again hitting the road for official trips abroad, only more than a week after his successful state visits to China and Japan last month. The President left on Tuesday for a brief visit to Thailand to pay his last respects to the late Thai King Bhumidol Adulyadej and for a two-day state visit to Malaysia. President Duterte described the late king of Thailand as a true friend of the Philippines, saying that he will “be remembered for his dedicated efforts to foster good will and friendship between our nations and peoples.” He will proceed to Kua-

la Lumpur for a state visit aimed to strengthen the Philippine-Malaysia ties. On his departure speech, the President said foremost to the purpose of visiting Malaysia is to strengthen the maritime security efforts of both countries against piracy at sea. The President added that he will also talk with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak for greater cooperation to fight illegal drugs “Cooperation between our nations is vital in order to address this problem,” he pointed out, adding that bilateral defense, security and law enforcement efforts should

be seen as supporting both nations that will contribute to greater stability in Southeast Asia and the larger region. He will also express gratitude to the continued support of Malaysia to the ongoing peace process in the country particularly in Mindanao. Strengthening of economic cooperation will also be part of the President’s visit to Malaysia that will particularly focus on the intensification of a two-way trade and investment as well as support for the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). “The two tracks of peace and prosperity have to be pursued to ensure that the

developments that we aim will benefit all. I will also use the occasion to identify other opportunities for broader collaboration with Malaysia,” the President said. He will also seek Malaysia’s full support for the country’s chairmanship of ASEAN starting next year. “I am hopeful that my visit will move further forward our common aspiration for our peoples, our nations and our region. As I have sworn to you before, my guiding principle in this and all engagements will be the protection of the national interest of our people,” he said. President Duterte will also meet the Filipino community in Malaysia.

against Espinosa 10 days to defend themselves through the submission of counter-affidavits. Likewise, the PNP-IAS is also determining the kind of administrative case which will be filed against the policemen who conducted the operation inside the Baybay, Leyte, sub-provincial jail on Espinosa. ”At this point, we have already see administrative complaints against them,

we are just determining what kind of admin complaint should be given to them,” Leuterio said. He added that they are now in possession of the affidavits of the jail guards, inmates and the policemen assigned to Espinosa who will serve as witnesses. ”We are now in possession of the signed and subscribed affidavits of the probable witnesses to what happened during the service of warrant by

the CIDG-8 (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-8) on Mayor Espinosa and Raul Yap,” Leuterio said. However, he clarified that they are just giving the involved policemen 10 days to file their respective counter-affidavits. If they will fail to submit their counter-affidavits, Leuterio said, they will be constrained to decide based on the sworn affidavits of the witnesses. (PNA)

Cops in Albuera slay given 10 days to file counter-affidavits

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) has given the policemen involved in the operation against Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. a period of 10 days within which to submit their respective counter-affidavits. PNP-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) Deputy Inspector General Chief Supt. Leo Angelo Leuterio on Wednesday said they have given the policemen involved in the operation

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Monfort bat cave slates forum, events for change Uy Ching Siong, late judge Fernandez honored in Nov 14 gala night

ORMA “Bat Mama” Monfort and friends are holding a series of events packaged under the theme “HAKBANG PARA SA PAGBABAGO” (Steps Towards Positive Change) on Monday, November 14, in two venues. Norma who manages the Monfort Bat Sanctuary in the Island Garden City of Samal is collaborating with the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao and the Rotary Club of South Davao in presenting a whole-day “Pagbabago” at the Almendras Gym in downtown Davao City in the daytime and at the Waterfront Insular Hotel at nighttime. The Almendras Gym activities include a forum featuring Cornel G. Bongo, a “significantologist” and “transformentor” to reveal leadership secrets; Dr. Adrian M. Tamayo, a research leader of the Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) of the University of Mindanao, to discuss “Federalismo Para sa Pilipino”(Federalism for Filipinos); and Jeremy Simmons of Gordon College, USA to tackle the topic “From Historical Amnesia to Restorative Justice (Celebrating and Transforming Filipino Leadership).” At noontime, still at the Almendras Gym, the organizers will present a rap battle titled “Rap Aiming Peace” featuring Q-York and Jay-R. There will also be “Last Team Standing” which is really a presentation of hero’s awards to 34 volunteer fire fighters who played a significant role in fighting the catastrophic Mt. Apo fire starting March 26, 2016. In the same occasion, Bat Mama Monfort will be distributing “golden seeds of peace.” At the same time, the organizers will also accept donations in a fund-raising drive called “Piso-Piso for the Pis Bowl”.

The fund campaign will hopefully “build steps towards the Monfort Bat Cave, towards environmental awareness and towards positive change,” Ms Monfort said. In the evening starting at 6 p.m. the center of activity will move to the Waterfront Insular Hotel for the gala dinner charity event honoring industrialist Uy Ching Siong, a philanthropist, who contributed immensely to environment conservation by adopting the Philippine Eagle called “Pagbabago” at the Philippine Eagle Nature Center in Malagos under the management of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, and the late Judge Enriqu A. Fernandez responsible for approving the official adoption of Ms Monfort by the Monfort couple, Dr. Roque S. Monfort and Remedios Villarica Inigo,

leading to her inheriting the Monfort Estate including the multi-awarded Monfort Bat Cave. Monday’s gala night affair is expected to last until 10 p.m. “Dabawenyos who care must show it,” Ms Monfort said as she urged citizens to take the step and be at the launching of Hakbang Para sa Pagbabago. “Let’s show the world what Davao is made of. Let’s inspire our own President to see his people be the change,” she said. Ms Monfort she believes President Duterte is growing into a world-class leader.

5 MILLION NEW VOTERS. Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 assistant director lawyer Marlon Casquejo says the agency is targeting five million new registrants nationwide in time for the Barangay and Sangguniang

Kabataan elections set on October 23 next year. Casquejo made the announcement yesterday during the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at Task Force Davao headquarters. Lean Daval Jr.

Pulong negative for use of shabu, cocaine, heroin

RESIDENTIAL son and Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte have tested negative for use of seven classes of drugs, including shabu, cocaine, and heroin. The comprehensive 7 panel drug test was conducted by Omega Laboratories upon the request of Hi-Precision Diagnostic Center where Duterte submitted hair samples for

testing on October 30. “I have submitted myself to yet another drug test, this time more comprehensive than the first test administered by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency,” said the vice mayor. He said the drug test was in “response to the challenge made by Senator Antonio Trillanes who said I was a drug

user.” “I have accepted his challenge not to dignify him, but to clear my name and the name of my family,” the vice mayor said. “His imputations that I was a drug addict were based entirely on a fabricated story by a man whose imagination is as twisted as the senator’s.” Trillanes has been quoting self-confessed killer Edgar Ma-

tobato who said the vice mayor was a known drug addict in Davao City. The comprehensive drug test results showed that the young Duterte tested negative for amphetamine, methampethamines, cocaine/metabolites, opiates, extended opiates, phencyclidine, THC metabolite, and benzodiazepines.

to the beneficiaries of the slain policemen. Dela Rosa earlier reprimanded personnel of the PNP-Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) for the slow process and delay in the claiming of benefits. Beneficiaries said they had to return several times

to just to follow up on their claims. Senior Supt. Wilfredo Cayat, Jr., chief of the Morale and Welfare Division of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRMMWD), said the new memorandum circular would expedite the release of benefits due them.

Cayat said that for the policemen who were killed in police operations, the initial benefits due him would be released as fast as in 10 days, while the pension can be released in only two months. Among others, the initial benefits include a PHP250,000 financial assistance from the

PNP expedites release of benefits of slain cops

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) has expedited the release of benefits to the family of policemen who were killed in action. This, after PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa signed Memorandum Circular 2‎ 016-061 on Oct. 3, 2016 expediting the release of survivors benefits

headquarters yesterday where both officers were guests of the AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum at Task Force Davao headquarters. Lean Daval Jr.

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Sueno studies petition vs cops in mayor’s raid

T FORUM QUESTS. Task Force Davao commander Colonel Erwin Bernard Neri (right) welcomes Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan upon his arrival at Task Force Davao

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HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is studying a petition submitted by mayors of South Cotabato province that questioned the manner of a raid last week on one of their colleagues who was included in President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “narco list.” Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno said Wednesday they are currently looking into the circumstances of the Nov. 4 operation, which led to the arrest of Banga Mayor Albert Palencia. Armed with 18 search warrants, operatives from the Police Regional Office-12’s regional anti-illegal drug special operations task group (Raid-

sotg) found three caliber .380 bullets at the mayor’s house and a rifle grenade at his piggery farm in Barangay Punong Grande in Banga. But the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-South Cotabato chapter led by Tupi Mayor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. declared the police officers who led the raid as “persona non grata” as they expressed disappointment as to how it was conducted. Sueno, who hails from South Cotabato, said he has met with the province’s mayor and received their resolution. He has also discussed the matter with Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Region 12 police director, and other police offi-

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Sarangani to celebrate T 14th MunaTo Festival T

HE province of Sarangani is celebrating its 24nd founding anniversary and the 14th MunaTo Festival. This festival commemorates the birth of Sarangani province with the celebration of its People, Culture, and Treasures. Sarangani Province was born through the efforts of Congressman James L. Chiongbian in 1992, with the enactment of Republic Act 7228. Formerly the area was part of the 3rd District of South Cotabato. It became a separate province on May 19, 1992. MunaTo Festival is coined from two Blaan words that mean “First People”. The anthropomorphic jars found in the caves of Maitum (Ayub, Pinol, and Sagel), gave clues to Mindanao’s early history and of the Philippines as a whole. The carbon dated anthropomorphic jars depicts that Maitum was the home of early civilization dating back to the Metal age. The original jars are currently in the National Museum for safekeeping and exhibition. Based on the historical time line of the early history of the Philippines, after

the Tabon Cave in Palawan, the next earliest pottery is found in Pinol Cave in Maitum. Thus the claim that in Mindanao, the First People or “Munah To”, possibly are from Maitum, Sarangani Province. Sarangani province is young province with a very long and rich history. MunaTo Festival is a festival that was conceptualized in 2002. The idea was to create a cultural festival that would celebrate the vibrant diversity of Sarangani Province… It has been celebrated yearly bringing the 7 municipalities of Sarangani together and featuring the best in each town. MunaTo Festival 2016 For this 2016, MunaTo festival will merge the MunaTo Yesterland and MunaTo International Music and Arts Festival. In 2015 Malaysian Sape Player, Mathew Ngau Jau from Sarawak performed live in Sarangani. This year, the Indonesian Consulate of Davao will be taking part by giving us cultural exchange on their instruments and also engage us in a music and dance perfor-

LGUTagum City awarded Ombuds’blue certificate

AGUM CITY was recently conferred with another prestigious award as the Office of the Ombudsman formally bestowed the Level I Blue Certificate to the City Government on Monday. The awarding was held at the New City Hall Atrium in Tagum that was witnessed by top government officials. Mayor Allan Rellon personally led the receiving of the award together with the personnel of the City Business Permits and Licensing Office (CBPLO) and the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), which were the primary offices involved in the assessment for the Blue Certification Program. LGU Tagum is able to obtain the certificate after it has successfully met or satisfied at least 60% of the 87 standards scoped under nine basic criteria which were sternly set by the Ombudsman concerning the implementation and maintenance of a system that helps ease the course of doing business in the city. The methods used to verify the city government’s compliance to the said standards were the following: review of documents, content analysis, interviews with city officials and clients, in-situ observations, process walk through and simulations. One factor that caused LGU Tagum to garner the award is its Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) scheme which streamlined the process of getting business permits from 13 to five (5) easy steps. This initiative also made Tagum City as the 2nd placer of the eGov Business Empower-

ment Award last year. The Blue Certificate is an addition to the long roll of recognitions the City Government pocketed in the last three months. It can be recalled that the City Government of Tagum was conferred with two (2) Pearl Awards for its pioneering and sustainable tourism practices; awarded with this year’s Seal of Good Local Governance for the LGU’s good practices and evident improvement in the areas of financial administration, disaster preparedness and social protection; declared as the Champion on the 2016 Government Chorale Competition; received the Civil Service Commission’s PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II due to the City Human Resource Management Office’s ability to competently meet and accomplish two Human Resource Systems (Learning and Development, and Recruitment, Selection and Placement); and obtained a Special Recognition as one of the Most Business- Friendly LGUs in the country. Meanwhile, Mayor Rellon stressed on his speech during the LGU’s November convocation program that the awards were the insignia of the City Government’s devotion to give the Tagum constituency with the best public service and vowed to wield more effort in the pursuit of public welfare. The City Government, under the Rellon Administration is eyeing to get the Level II of the Blue Certificate after its three-year legality. Currently, Makati City is the lone LGU to hold such level. (CIO Tagum)

mances. We also are introducing the MunaTo cultural Village and show where groups will be entertained with Sarangani’s cultural diversity and story called “Thread of Life”. It is a one-hour show depicting different cultural themes celebrated in Sarangani from death to life, and from farming and harvest, and marriage and celebration of peace practices. This one-hour show will then end with the showcase of the authentic food served by the community kitchens of Sarangani. We also will hold the second run of the Platform in Sarangani whereby great speakers come and share their insights on interesting topics. This year we will be graced with the presence of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez, (former) Secretary Raffy Alunan, and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Ronald Dela Rosa. Also enjoy the Pearl of Sarangani as beautiful young ladies from all 7 municipalities

ComVal sets aside P30M for youth development

vying for the crown of the most beautiful woman in Sarangani Province. We are also holding the Sarangani Youth Day with over 800+ Youth leaders of the province gather to share their advocacies and make a stand on how they want to shape the future of Sarangani province. Their special guest, Commissioner Aiza Seguerra will be with them and be one of the main speakers. This will allow the students, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public, learn and appreciate History, Social Science, Science, and Culture and Arts in an “experiential” kind of education. This year’s MunaTo Festival is slated on November 24-26, 2016 at the Sarangani Capitol in Alabel, Sarangani. We look forward to seeing you join us in this endeavor. The Munato Yesterland Theme Park is showcasing 10 Attractions, to include: 1. MunaTo Cultural Village and Show – This will showcase the Tboli, Blaan, and Tagakaolo and Moro tribes. There will be a show every 9 to 11 in the

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HE provincial government of Compostela Valley is allocation P30 million to further strengthen its advocacies and advance the welfare and development of the youth sector in the area next year. The provincial government of Compostela Valley announced on Tuesday the allocation of P30 million funding to strengthen the Provincial Youth Development Program (PYDP) of the province next year. The allocation, that will primarily fund the programs and projects of the Provincial Youth Development Program (PYDP), was incorporated to the Calendar Year 2017 Executive Budget of the province that was presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for deliberations and final approval. The provincial government of Compostela Valley intends to further strengthen next year the 12 program components of PYDP, said Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy. The P30 million budget will be divided to fund the programs of PYDP, that will include the Bayanihan Para sa Karunungan (BPSK) with an allocation of P1.9 million; the Compostela Valley Scholarship Program (CVSP) with P17 million; Farm Youth Development with P505,000; and in Music and Literary with P551, 000 funding. The budget will also support the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES)

with an allocation of P1 million; the Youth Welfare Program with P3.2 million; and support to Technical Education Skills and Livelihood Training Program with P2.5 million. A total of P380,600 will also be provided to support program and projects for the Indigenous People (IP) youth in the province and P1 million for the Provincial Youth Development Council (PYDC). Programs and projects for the youth next year was already presented to Governor Uy by CVSP coordinator Janice Clarion. “Similar in 2016, the scholarship program or CVSP still got the biggest share among the programs with a total allocation of P17 million,” Clarion said. She also took note of the increase in allocation for SPES, from P728,500 this year to P1 million for 2017, saying that the program will cater more than 330 students who will be working in the provincial government during summer for educational assistance. Clarion said the funding will also provide benefits to the various sub-sectors of Out of School Youths (OSYs) in the province – to include the children of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the IPs. She added that OSYs who graduated from Alternative Learning System (ALS) and are planning pursue higher studies can also secure support from the budget next year.

Panabo City joins POPDEV celebration

TUDENTS from various school campuses in Panabo City showcased their talents on essay writing, poster making, population quiz and on the spot jingle writing and singing contest during the weeklong celebration of the Population Development (POPDEV) 2016 slated last November 4 at the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of the New City Hall Building. The celebration was led by the city government in coordination with Commission on Population (POPCOM) through the City Health Office (CHO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) of Panabo City. City Administrator Atty.

Jamail Lunar Macla who represented Mayor James Gamao encouraged students to be an advocate of population management and development among their friends and relatives, and take part in the different programs of the city addressing the present situation of the young generations particularly in helping them go away from early pregnancy and other issues. POPCOM XI representative Gemma Matildo emphasized that by joining in various contest of POPDEV, students will become aware on the core messages and key concepts of population issues, to include family life, responsible parenthood and population and reproductive

health. Matildo added that this year’s POPDEV celebration aims to recognize the importance of integrating population dynamics in development planning, policy making and interest of school youth on population management issues. Among the winners in the contests were: Poster Making; 1st – Denvert Roland Cua from A.O. Floirendo National High School (NHS), 2nd – Briane Bacaocao from Panabo NHS, 3rd – Velly King Jasper; Essay Writing 1st – Kanhiza Mannique from Don M.A. Javellana NHS, 2nd – John Laurence Betos of A.O. Floirendo NHS, 3rd – Jasper Marie Arnilla of Pana-

bo NHS; On the Spot Jingle Writing and Singing contest 1st – Jelly Mae Cogollodo of Panabo SDA Learning Center, 2nd – Fatimah Tomarocon from Southern Davao (SD) NHS, 3rd – Nicole Faderana of PNHS. Pop Quiz winners for secondary level were 1st runner up - Charmaine Jane Gabatan of AOF NHS, 2nd runner up – Hans Kyrvy Bersabal, 3rd runner up – Andrea Lumayag from SDNHS while for Elementary level winners were; 1st place – Bea Cecilia Jumamoy of Panabo Central ES, 2nd place – Jestelle Kaye Linterna from Gredu ES and for the 3rd placer Fajad Nonakan of New Visayas ES. (CIO Panabo)

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Cabinet secretaries speak onTrump’s possible win

ITH Donald Trump’s advantage on the ongoing US election, cabinet secretaries have expressed their opinion the possibility of his victory. In a press conference succeeding the Philippines Development Forum (PDF) yesterday at SMX Convention Media Center in Davao City, Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said President Duterte has saw it coming, thus providing a “safety net” for the country. “That’s why he pivot(ed) to China,” said Diokno, adding that a Trump-likely victory will not affect the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez relayed the text message of some “stock market people” who expressed alarm on Trump’s possible victory. “Oh no, Trump wins! Markets tank!,” read Dominguez. National Economic Development Authority Chief Ernesto Pernia expressed confidence that Philippine economy will not be affected by such win citing that the US is private-sector driven. “I don’t think Trump can compell where the private sector investments are going outside US,” he said. JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

Priority plans drawn up for 10-pt. reform agenda

TAKEHOLDERS in this year’s Philippine Development Forum (PDF) have drawn up a priority list of action plans geared to put flesh into the goals of the new government’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda to sustain high growth, drastically reduce poverty and create enough job under the Duterte presidency. These action plans include instituting tax administration and budget reforms, using modern technologies to speed up the implementation of projects, investing heavily in human capital and social protection, and accelerating spending on agriculture and transport infrastructure, especially in Mindanao. Gathering for the first PDF under the Duterte administration, some 400 stakeholders reached consensus behind a series of policies and concerted actions that would flesh out the paramount objectives of the 10-point agenda to keep growth at 7 percent, create enough jobs, and liberate 1.5 million Filipinos from poverty annually over the next six years. These groups tackled: 1) macroeconomic policies and tax reform; 2) peace and development initiatives in Mindanao; 3) infrastructure and competitiveness; 4) rural development; and 5) development of human capital, which include social protection programs for the poorest of the poor and the implementation of the reproductive health law. On macroeconomic policies and tax reform, the Group recommended the urgent implementation of tax administration reforms and a stepped up anti-smuggling campaign complemented by improvements in trade facilitation; the passage of a comprehensive tax reform program that would shift the tax burden from the low- and middle-income groups to rich consumers; and a targeted transfer program under the 2018 national budget to cushion the

impact of revenue-enhancing measures on the country’s most vulnerable sectors. It also highlighted the need for the full implementation of the executive order on Freedom of Information, the fast-tracking of the implementation of major infrastructure projects through 24/7 construction work; improve the planning and evaluation of projects, including Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs; provide support to local government units (LGUs) to capacitate them in generating resources and delivering basic services, and help decentralize development from urban to rural areas. The Rural Development Group said these priorities should be undertaken: higher spending on agriculture infrastructure; improving easy credit access and financing; shifting the irrigation paradigm from huge and long-gestating mega projects to small and community-based projects; protecting the rights of farmers and enabling them to own, secure and develop their lands; promoting food-secure, productive and resilient agrarian reform communities; transforming the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) into an efficient, enhanced, effective and values-driven agency. It also emphasized the need to keep communities safe, peaceful and orderly; improve local preparedness and resilience down to the barangay level; sustain transparency and accountability in LGUs; and build capacities for local economic development and explore new governance arrangements by continuing to hold dialogues on federalism as a tool of “deepening local autonomy and devolution.” On human capital development, the report highlighted the need for improved access and quality of health care with Philhealth as the main revenue source for all health care facilities; conducting a critical review of the

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ASEC ART BONCATO. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant secretary Arturo Boncato discusses the planned gateway for all government agencies to make the processing of permits easier for those who are starting

a business. Boncato also discussed the agency’s upcoming programs in yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

DTI to improve PH rank on ease of doing business By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

S part of Duterte administration’s 10-point agenda, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has stepped up to improve the country’s ranking on the global arena in terms of ease of doing business. DTI Asst. Secretary Art Boncato told reporters during the regular press conference at the Habi at Kape in Abreeza Mall, Davao City on Wednesday that based on the survey conducted by World Bank from May 2015 to May 2016, the country ranks 99 out of 190 economies, four notches higher than the previous year.

Despite the improvement, the agency aims to elevate the country’s position to the top one-third. “Philippines has to catch up with other economies,” said Boncato, adding that Philippines is lagging when it comes to automation. Boncato said that a Joint Memorandum Circular signed by department agency heads last August to be implemented on November 24 that will compel local government units (LGUs) to “reduce the time to process into two days, three steps, two signatories and one form”. To allow this, part of the

circular will require the Department of Information, Communication and Technology (DICT) to create a common platform on line where all government transactions will take place. “The end goal is to create an E-government”. Boncato also said that based on the survey conducted by the National Competitiveness Council, only 50 percent of the country’s LGUs have gone automated. “However, their automation is on different levels, different systems and different forms, “ said Boncato who added that the survey had ex-

clude 151 LGUs which will be the next target of the agency for the next survey. The assistant secretary stressed that as part of the circular, a “training of trainors” will be conducted in Manila and Davao on the last week of November to equip LGUs on the automation process. Boncato expressed his optimism that the memorandum circular will take effect on the whole country by next year. “Slowly but surely, but we also have to take note that the rest of the world is running,” stated Boncato.

According to Dean I. Ortiz, DPWH-XI Regional Public Affairs and Information Officer, these projects are a product of close coordination between the city government and the agency. “These roads are seen to increase the city’s potentials for commercial, industrial and housing development as

Davao City is now poised into becoming a top contender (in growth) because of its promising economic outlook,” he added. Among the high impact projects bared by Ortiz are the improvement and widening of the Catalunan Grande road which starts in Bangkal and ends at Davao-Bukidnon road

traversing Elenita Heights, in Mintal. The project with a total length of 8.4 kilometers is worth P751.971-Million (including road right-of-way) is an alternative route of the Davao-Cotabato Road going to Davao-Bukidnon Road. With a total amount of

that “economic risks are evenly balanced.” The economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), grew 6.9 percent in the first semester this year, which was at the higher end of the government’s six to seven percent target for the year. It is also higher than the 5.5 percent same period in 2015. In the second quarter alone, GNP rose to seven percent from quarter-ago’s 6.8 percent and year-ago’s 5.9 percent. Domestic expansion this year was traced to robustness

of the services and the industry sectors, which rose by 4.8 percent and 2.3 percent in the second quarter this year, respectively. With these factors, Condon said the bank’s Manila senior economist remain optimistic on the strong domestic expansion in the near term. “ING’s Joey Cuyegkeng forecasts the balance tilting toward inflation in early 2017 leading the BSP to hike in 2Q17, one quarter ahead of consensus,” he added. The BSP’s key policy rate to

date is at three percent. This was adjusted from four percent last May in line with the implementation of the Interest Rate Corridor (IRC). Monetary officials, however, stressed that the change was policy neutral. With the implementation of the IRC last June, the reverse repurchase (RRP) rate was cut to three percent and the repurchase (RP) rate to 3.5 percent from six percent effective June 3, 2016. On the other hand, rate of the Special Deposit Account

DPWH to construct 10 bypass roads in Davao City

HE Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao region (DPWH11) will construct 10 bypass roads as part of its priority projects for Davao City for Calendar Year 2017. These roads are also intended to ease heavy traffic now being experienced in the city.

F DPWH, 14

ING Bank sees hike in BSP rate in Q2‘17

N economist of ING Bank Manila foresees a hike in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rates in the second quarter of 2017 as inflation tends to go back to within-target levels since September 2016. In a research note dated Nov. 9, 2016, ING Bank regional chief of economist Tim Condon said the strong domestic output in the first half this year, along with the below-target average inflation in the first 10 months this year, prompted ING economists to consider

F ING, 12

6 ECONOMY

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AYALA BUSINESS CENTER. JVA Group of Companies chairman Mike Ayala (2nd from left) is joined by lawyer Raul Nadela Jr. (leftmost), chief of staff of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, and Alain James Dureza (2nd from right), representing Councilor Jimmy Dureza, ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to formally open the six-storey Ayala Business Center inside the Matina Town Square on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

MinDA inks accord with DPWH, TIEZA for Mindanao projects T

“Treasure trove”of proposals in war against poverty: DOF

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation/ Agreement with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) on Mindanao Development Corridors-Joint Planning and Programming. The signing was facilitated on Tuesday, November 8 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City. MinDA Secretary Datu HJ. Abdul Khayr Dangcal Alonto said the two agreements signed will help ensure funding support for the priority projects in the region. “These joint collaborations hold greater value, in fact, more than just securing budgetary support, these agreements cultivate institutional partnerships,” added

Alonto. The MinDA chief also stressed that the Corridor program is geared towards making the island region a competitive player in the BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN, and the larger world economy. BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area while ASEAN stands for Association of South East Asian Nation. “It aims to strengthen connectivity, infrastructure, develop our industries such as tourism agribusiness, manufacturing, and services, and facilitate investments while put in place policies and institutional mechanisms that provide an enabling environment for progress,” Alonto stressed. Under the agreement with DPWH, the two parties have agreed to conduct joint planning and programming

participated by MinDA, DPWH-ARMM and DPWH regional offices in Regions IX, X, XI, XII and Caraga; conduct joint capacity building in the fields such as planning, programming and monitoring and evaluation; support and advocate creation of Infrastructure Monitoring and Advisory Group for timely project implementation; and share information on the status of programs and projects. Also under the said agreement, P41 billion pesos has been allocated for 35 interregional and strategic roads, bridge and flood control projects prioritized for funding and implementation on 2017 to 2019. Of the P41 billion, P15.72 billion has been allocated to fund 18 projects under 2017 National Expenditure Program. Meanwhile, under the

agreement with TIEZA, both parties have to pursue timely and quality implementation of biodiversity and ecotourism projects in Mindanao using the Mindanao Development Corridor framework; conduct regular joint planning and programming aimed at generating priority tourism projects; conduct joint capacity building in the fields of planning, programming, research and others; and share information on status of programs and projects being implemented. The DPWH agreement was signed by DPWH USec Maria Catalina Cabral representing Sec. Mark Villar, DPWH-ARMM Sec. Don Mustapha Loong and MinDa Chair Sec. Alonto. The TIEZA agreement was signed by TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Atty. Guiller Asido and MinDa Chair Sec. Alonto.

known for its unique dining experience. “Customers are encouraged to eat with their hands,” said Escobillo, adding that the restaurant takes pride in the quality of their shrimp and crabs. Since its establishment in 2013, Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps already opened 3 branches in the Philippines – one in J.P Laurel Avenue along Bajada, another in Lanang Business Park, all in Davao

City, and the third one in SM North Edsa in Quezon City. Escobillo said the SM North Esda branch is their first branch outside of Davao City. “The opening of Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps in SM Ecoland aims to cater customers from the southern part of Davao,” said Lumingkit. The branch in SM Annex has a total floor area of 278 square meters with a capacity of 150 persons. The branch’s

unique feature includes a function room that could accommodate a minimum of 40 persons. Escobillo said the rates of their crabs and shrimps are competitive with other seafood restaurants but Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps gives customers the value of their money. “We aim to serve the best shrimps and crabs from the sea straight to your table,” Lumigkit remarked.

Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps to open 2 more branches By RIA VALDEZ

HE Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps announced it will open 2 new branches in the country this December, one in SM City Davao Annex and another at the SM Mall of Asia. The announcement was made by April Escobillo and Justine Lumingkit, Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps marketing officers. Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps is a homegrown casual dining restaurant

HIS year’s Philippines Development Forum (PDF) has been a productive exchange of ideas that generated a wide range of practical and out-of-the-box proposals on “how to push the poverty alleviation effort” of the Duterte administration, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said today. Aside from proposals, the government has, through this two-day event, also received numerous offers of strong support for the Duterte administration’s accelerated poverty reduction program from the country’s development partners, Dominguez said. Dominguez said the inputs gathered during the PDF will be used to craft “two very important” documents—the national budget proposal for 2018 which will be prepared starting June next year, and the Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022 being completed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The PDF, he said, is truly a “collective and concerted action” that will be replicated in smaller, working group scales in different parts of the country to “put meat in the bones” of President Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda and ensure that it is responsive to the needs of Filipinos, especially those in the countryside. Dominguez thanked the stakeholders “for investing their time and energy” in the PDF. “I hope to see many of you once again in the next round of this visioning exercise,” he said in his remarks at the closing session of the PDF held at the SMX Convention Center here. Dominguez, the chair of the PDF, said the virtual “treasure trove” of constructive ideas, proposals and other inputs that have been gathered from this year’s PDF will be woven

into the Philippines’ Development Plan for 2017-2022 that is now being drafted by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia and the National Economic and Development Authority. “I began this Forum by calling all hands on deck. Many hands were at work the past two days: those who came to speak and to listen as well as those who worked very hard at the sidelines to make this meeting productive. This Forum did not fail expectations,” Dominguez said. “The (PDF) Secretariat is sorting out a virtual treasure trove of suggestions and ideas –including some of Gary Teves’ truly practical suggestions on how to win public support for the tax reform program and some out-of-the-box suggestions about how to push the poverty-alleviation effort,” Dominguez said. He also thanked Albay Rep. Joey for his contribution and active support to the PDF. “I n addition to the ideas contributed, we have received numerous offers of actual support from our development partners. Our matrices, and soon our cups, runneth over,” he added. This year’s Forum is the first under the four-month old Duterte administration. The PDF Secretariat observed that this was also the first time that civil society, academe, and the business sector have been very active in taking part in the Forum. “These have been a productive two days, indeed…And they show the way to a more preferable future,” Dominguez said. Dominguez recalled that when the Sulong Pilipinas consultative workshop was held last June before the formal assumption of President Duterte to the presidency, it was the

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 185 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

WAR ON CORRUPTION. President Xi Jinping (left) started a widespread war on graft and corruption in low and high levels of government of the People’s Republic of China and the Communist Party of China upon assumption to office in 2012. As of this year 100,000 personalities have investigated, detained and dismissed from office, including 120 top military officials and members of the Politburo. At right, President Xi is with US President Barack Obama and other world leaders. (Right photo credit: The Economy Lead)

9 days in China

Part 7

The people’s war against corruption By ANTONIO M. AJERO

F you’re a visitor in China and you read the English language newspapers every day, chances are you would come across a generous dose of almost identical stories about Communist Party officials getting dismissed from their lofty government positions or being detained or held in house arrest for investigation due to graft and corruption. Today’s (July 29, 2016) English language newspaper available for free during breakfast in the restaurant of the Shanghai hotel we (Davao and Manila media guys were billeted in tells of a former mayor of Jinan expelled from the Communist Party and removed from public office for multiple violations. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) announced on Thursday that the subject mayor was found to have been involved in corruption and other violations of the Party’s rules. The CCDI found the mayor has taken advantage of his position and accepted gifts and money in return for ben-

efits for others when selecting officials. In another part of the paper, a news story relates about a former member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party in Hebei province also being expelled from the Party and removed from public office. The CCDI announced that Zhang Yue, also former head of the commission for political and legal affairs of the CPC Hebei committee, was found to have been involved in corruption and violated the Party’s frugality code. The third story titled “Former legislator tried for graft” is about a certain Sui Fengfu, former deputy head of the Heilongjiang Provincial People’s Congress Standing Committee. Sui “stood trial on corruption charges at a court in Shenyang on Thursday. Sui was charged with accepting gifts and money totaling more than 10.4 million yuan ($1.6 million) both personally and through his wife. Sui confessed to his offenses at the court. The final ruling will be announced at a later date.”

READING A CHINESE DAILY. Jimmy Torres, television news anchorman and one of 11 Filipino and Dabawenyo editors and broadcasters who toured China last July, enjoys reading a copy of China Daily. Inset, his wife Edna reads a copy he brought home.

Other stories:

‘CPC expels former E. China official’ “Yang Zhenchao, former vice governor of Anhui province, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China, a statement from the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on Tuesday. Yang violated the Party frugality code by accepting banquet invitations and used public money to cover private expenses. He did not report his personal affairs to authorities according to rules, lied to investigators, took advantage of his position to seek benefits for others and accepted bribes in staff selection and promotions, it said.” —o—

Party expels senior political adviser “Lai Derong, senior political adviser of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, was expelled from the Communist Party of China after flouting austerity rules and was removed from his post as vice-chairman of the Guangxi Regional Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said on Friday, adding that Lai’s misdeeds included Accepting gifts and money and participating in gambling overseas. A total of 29,900 officials were punished for violating austerity rules in the first half of 2016, the committee said.” Indeed, the Philippines under President Duterte might learn a trick or two, or simply just observe how the People’s Republic of China wages its war against graft and corruption, a similar war promised by Duterte to the voters during the last Presidential elections in our country. The same promise,

together with a few others, is believed to be partly a reason behind the unprecedented landslide victory of the former Davao city mayor in the polls. The recent war against corruption in China is an epic continuing story in governance. It began shortly after the 18th national congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012 which saw the rise of Xi Jinping as CPC general secretary or paramount leader. Upon his assumption, Xi, who is also President of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (commander-in-chief), vowed to crack down on high-level officials and local civil servants in the war on graft and corruption. “Most of the officials investigated were removed from office and faced accusations of bribery and abuse of power…” according to one account. Following is an entry in Wikipedia which has to do with the background of the anti-corruption campaign of President Xi: “Anti-corruption efforts have been on the agenda of successive Chinese leaders, though the effectiveness of these campaigns have varied. Since economic reforms began in 1978, political corruption in China has grown significantly. The types of offenses vary, though usually they involved bribes for political favours, such as local businesses trying to secure large government contracts or subordinates seeking promotions for higher office. “At the 18th Party Congress, both outgoing General Secretary Hu Jintao and incoming party leader Xi Jinping repeatedly emphasized that corruption is a threat to the party’s survival. Xi made

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8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 185 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

EDITORIAL

What the Trump triumph means

O what is the effect of a Donald Trump presidency to the Philippines, that is the meat of all concerns thrown minutes after the American business tycoon became the 45th American President yesterday. Trump went into a triumphant run to the White House against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and with that, his protectionist policies are expected to hurt remittances from overseas Filipinos and outsourcing operations of American companies in the Philippines. Trump has spoken during the campaign that he wants the outsourced jobs back to America and with that, the Philippines should be alarmed. The country’s current backbone of employment—the BPO industry—is primarily sourced from the United States. BPO revenues this year reportedly reached some $25 billion. Trump also confessed he is anti-immigration and his latest proposal last June was to ban immigrants “from areas of the world where there is a proven history of terrorism against the United

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States, Europe or our allies.” According to a report by CNN, there are 40 countries, including the Philippines where two terror groups are listed, or as many as 10.2 million people who could be affected by such a policy. In its breakdown, it said that the State Department has granted 2,561,762 nonimmigrant visas in 2015 to residents of those countries. The Philippines was issued the second most number of visas last year at 235,221. As of latest count, there are 4 million Filipinos in the US. They sent 31.22 percent of the total worker remittance, which sustains the Philippine economy, in 2015. Overseas Filipinos in the US also sent the most in remittances last year at $8.04 billion. Given all that in consideration, what can we expect from a Trump presidency? It’s still too early to tell. As analysts put it, there is a different person from Trump the candidate and Trump the President. But that remains to be seen.

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VANTAGE POINTS

Writing made easy “Take away the newspaper—and this country of ours would become a scene of chaos. Without daily assurance of the exact facts—so far as we are able to know and publish them— the public imagination would run riot. Ten days without the daily newspaper and the strong pressure of worry and fear would throw the people of this country into mob hysteria—feeding upon rumors, alarms, terrified by bugbears and illusions. We have become the watchmen of the night and of a troubled day…” ― Harry Chandler ***

N literature, story is the plot of a novel, stage play, epic, script or movie. But in journalism, story means either article or feature. Journalism students are very familiar with Rudyard Kipling’s “six honest serving men.” Actually, the English writer and journalists was referring to 5 W’s and 1 H in writing a lead. It is built around 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, why) and one H (how). So, when you go out there or searching for something to write about, bear in mind the following questions: Who are the people involved? What is the event or story is all about? When did it happen? Where did it take place? Why it happened? How did it transpire? Be sure, to gather all the answers to these questions before pounding the keyboard of your computer or typewriter.

Normally, when you tell a THINK ON THESE! story, you do it chronologically – starting with how it began and ending it with the purpose on why you are telling the story in the Henrylito D. Tacio first place. But henrytacio@gmail.com it’s different when telling a newspaper story. You start with the most interesting part and then provide details later on. In journalism world, it is called the inverted pyramid: the most important part on the top and the least important part on the bottom. In their book, “News Reporting for Filipino Journalists,” authors Crispin C. Maslog and Proculo C. Maslog, give two reasons why it is done so: First of all, most readers are considered busy people. Their time is very limited so they want the information immediately – from the first paragraph if possible. “So the wise reporter should put the most important facts in the beginning of the story (what happened) so that even if the reader does not finish reading the whole story, he already gets the most important facts before he goes away,” the authors write.

The other reason: convenience in editing. “Because newspaper space is limited, the editor has to trim most news stories submitted by reporters. When doing the trimming under time pressure, it is easier for the editor to cut from the bottom of the story until the story fits the space. If the reporter places the least important details of the story at the very end, very little is lost in the editing.” Lead is what makes a news very interesting. After all, it the first thing that catches the attention of the readers. But in most cases, a lead cannot stand on its own. It should be followed by a supporting lead. Just like in the movies, a protagonist (“bida”) is useless without the antagonist (“kontra bida”). “The lead support complements the lead,” the Maslogs write. “It gives additional information that cannot be accommodated in the first paragraph. It also gives the setting (time and place) for the facts in the first paragraph.” Below is an example is an example of an article I had written about fish shortage in the country: Lead: Give man a fish, so goes a very popular saying, and he will eat fish for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will fish for his lifetime. Supporting lead: “If we don’t watch out, this adage may soon become obsolete,” warns Roy C. Alimoane, director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “We are already fishing our waters to the limit.” After that, the details (body of the story)

and background follows: “Like the other vital resources such as forests, Philippine fisheries are about to collapse -- a victim of the almost unabated ‘plunder of the commons,’” Alimoane added. As defined, the commons include unoccupied land and all waters which are considered God-given set of resources for the people to consume as much as needed. But these resources appear to have been abused to the point of exhaustion. According to fishery experts, all fishing activities depend on a fragile resource base which, if mismanaged and overexploited, can easily collapse. From there, I went on to write the sad status of the country coastal ecosystems: coral reefs, mangroves and sea grasses. Then, I wrote this paragraph: A report published in Rappler said that Filipino fisherfolk would catch 20 kilograms of fish a day in the 1970s. Now, they catch only around 4.76 kilograms a day – barely a fourth of the amount during the good old days. I could have ended my article with that note. In news reporting, conclusion is optional. But when writing a feature story, it is much better to have a conclusion. The paragraph below is my conclusion to the story: “We are running out of fish and running out of time. For a country known for marine biodiversity, there are very few fish left to catch,” deplored Vince Cinches, Oceans Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

MINDAVIEWS

of corruption. Acceptance of the rights of others. Good relations with our neighbors. Sound business environment. High levels of human capital. Equitable distribution of resources. Free flow of information. Mr. President: you have mentioned ALL those pillars at one time or another during the campaign as well as now. Couldn’t this be the over-all framework of the Duterte administration so that we finally address what is called the “strategic deficit”? That is the deficit brought about by the lack of connection between what we do on the macro level and what happens on the micro level, on the ground where people live their lives. As I pointed out to the newly-elected officials of the ARMM, it is not the proliferation of guns that is the root of the violence, it is the lack of all the pillars of Positive Peace. Mr. President, in the Global Peace Index, the Philippines is currently 139th out of 163 states and territories. If we all work as a system - the MILF and the MNLF, all departments and agencies, women who are half the population, the youth who are the majority of our population, and all sectors - if we all work together to construct the eight pillars of Positive Peace, perhaps, Mr. President, the

Philippines will be in the top 10 of the most peaceful countries in the world by 2022! Permit me to borrow the powerful words of the editorial of the Times of India on the occasion of India’s independence. I find these words apt to where we are in the Philippines today. And I quote: “History they say is a bad motorist. It rarely ever signals its intention when it’s taking a turn. THIS is that rarely ever moment. History is turning a page.” Again, paraphrasing the Times of India editorial: The Philippines today seems like it is actually two countries. One Philippines is “looking down at the bottom of the ravine and hesitating.” The other Philippines is “looking up at the sky” and saying, Mr. President, with your bold leadership, “it’s time to fly!” (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Irene Santiago, chair of the government’s peace implementing panel dealing with the MILF and the MNLF, was a member of the government peace panel under Presidential Adviser Jesus Dureza that negotiated with the MILF from 2001 to 2003. She organized the Mindanao Commission on Women, Mothers for Peace and Women Seriously!)

Mr. President, with your bold leadership, “it’s time to fly!”

(SPEECH of Irene Santiago, chair of the Government Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords. Delivered at the signing of Executive Order of the Executive Order constituting the Bangsamoro Transition Commission by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 7 November 2016, Malacañan Palace)

HO was it who said that the quality of a peace agreement rests on the quality of its implementation. Today, President Duterte will sign the executive order constituting the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. Four days ago, the founding chair of the MNLF, Prof. Nur Misuari, offered his full support of the President’s efforts to bring peace to Mindanao at last. Thus, we are now geared up for the implementation of the agreement signed with the MILF in 2014 and of that signed with the MNLF in 1996. But we know that the tables where these agreements were negotiated were small tables, although important ones. There is a larger table outside. These are the People’s Peace Tables. These are the tables where people’s voices can and will be heard and taken seriously. People’s partici-

BY IRENE M. SANTIAGO pation is key to help make peace, and more importantly, to make peace last. OPAPP is committed to putting up those tables. Mr. President, the implementation phase will address the four fundamental human needs that are at the root of the protracted nature of the Bangsamoro struggle. These fundamental human needs are for security, development, fair access to decision-making, and acceptance of identities. Our work on normalisation including decommissioning, socio-economic development, and transitional justice and reconciliation, while focused on the communities and camps wracked by destructive conflict, will also be directed at what is called Positive Peace for our country. For you see, the silencing of the guns of war brings only Negative Peace. We have to do Positive Peace to make peace, and make peace last. There are eight pillars of Positive Peace. A well-functioning government. Low levels

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 185 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

The possibilities of biotechnology Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio

N 1974, Henry Kissinger, then the United States’ Secretary of State, famously declared that by 1984 no child, woman or man would ever go to bed hungry. That promise, unfortunately, remains grossly unfulfilled. At the 1996 World Food Summit, political leaders from 186 countries pledged to halve the number of hungry people in the world by the year 2015 – or a reduction of 20 million each year. Yet, “far from decreasing, the number of hungry people in the world is currently increasing,” said the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

“Today, widespread hunger in a world of plenty calls equally for moral outrage. The silent holocaust that causes some 40,000 hunger-related deaths every day is unconscionable and must be abolished,” declared Ismail Serageldin, former chairman of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.

Climate change will further complicate food production. According to Dr. Randy A. Hautea, global coordinator and Southeast Asia Center Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agribiotech Applications (ISAAA), the change of weather will greatly affect the health and productivity of crops, livestock, fish, and forests. Climate change will increase hunger and malnutrition, he said. It is expected that by 2080, an additional 5 to 170 million people are at risk of hunger, which is defined as the physical sensation of desiring food. Is there a likely solution in sight for hunger? There is now one possible solution. “I now say that the world has the technology – either available or well advance in the research pipeline – to feed on a sustainable basis a population of 10 billion people,” Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug pointed out. “The more pertinent question

today is whether farmers and ranchers will be permitted to use this new technology?” Dr. Borlaug, touted to be the “Man Who Saved A Billion Lives,” was referring to biotechnology. “Biotechnology is a modern technology

that makes use of organisms (or parts thereof) to: make or modify products; improve and develop microorganisms, plants or animals; or develop organisms for specific purpos-

es in a more precise manner,” explains a fact sheet circulated by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

The tools used in biotechnology include gene cloning, tissue culture, microbial culture, DNA-marker technology, and genetic engineering. The latter is the most controversial as it is the method used in developing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A GM/biotech or transgenic crop is a plant that has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology, according to the SEARCA fact sheet. “GM technology can ad-

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FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

From left: Pan-fried Salmon Fillet with Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc Sauce. Nut-crusted Pork Chop with Citrus Gastrique. Techicolor flowers at Yolks’ flower stand.

Food and flower fusion

OF ALL THE YEARS EATING AND TRYING OUT DIFFERENT PLACES TO HAVE A GOOD MEAL AROUND DURIANBURG, I THOUGHT I HAD SEEN IT ALL, up until the opening of Yolks Flower Cafe and Cupcakery. A fusion of two, almost unrelated items, flowers and food, Yolks is the brainchild of two friends, Chiqk Ybañez and Michelle Robin, who wanted to create a space where their creativity and passion can come together.

Chiqk Ybañez and Michelle Robin.

On entering the cafe, I was greeted by gigantic floral wall murals which I am pretty sure saw many a posting on a selfie on Instagram or Facebook. A cold display featuring the creative floral designed cupcakes is located besides the bar counter while a display featuring Chiqk’s floral arrangements stand on other corner. A look at Yolks’ menu shows a short but wellthought out list of dishes featuring salads, pizza, main courses, and sandwiches. I would recommend the Pan-fried Salmon Fillet with Lemon Grass Beurre Blanc Sauce. The fish was moist while the skin was beautifully crisped. The sauce helped brighten up the dish which was served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Vegetables. Another popular dish is their Nut-crusted Pork Chop with Citrus Gastrique. The pan-fried pork chop tasted decadent with the tangy citrus sauce cutting through the richness of the pork. With the desire to cater to every member of the

Clockwise: Child-friendly, slightly sweet Spaghetti Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce. Serving Yolks Pepperoni Black Pizza. Inside Yolks Flower Cafe and Cupcakery. family, Yolks! offers pasta choices that range from the sophisticated Florence Home Gourmet Tuyo Pasta, to the child-friendly, slightly sweet Spaghetti Meatballs in Tomato Basil Sauce. True to its name Yolks

also serves breakfast, many dishes featuring eggs such as their Sunrise Baguette, Yolks Breakfast Blast, and their now famous Egg in a Basket which are eggs cooked in a basket made of bacon and served with english muffins.

Yolks is located at Doors A and B, Bella Vie, Building, Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights, Davao City. You can also check out their Facebook page at Yolks Flower Cafe + Cupcakery for events and happenings at the cafe.

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PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS

FOOD

Budget-mazing m By Athena Jillian Bravo I HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE. I ate a budget meal at a classy resto.

That’s right. This one should turn heads, and yes, make cars do U-turns when they just used to pass by and dismiss the hunger pangs all because eating at an artisanal restaurant is none at all cozy to the budget. Believe me, I just did. For all its artisanal focus, Perch Moderrn Kitchen + Bar at Level 2 of Felcris Centrale is electric. Tables are cramped, the light is amber and when crowded, it could get as noisy as hell, but who gives a damn when you’re dipping crunchy bacon stripsinto a light, smooth and salty dip, sipping a glass of funky fruity wine and bellowing into the ear of the new pal you just met at the bar? Perch’s menu is virtually made for eating with a glass in one hand. But we all know where the adventurous tongue wanders into the unknown for a new experience, expect the price that come with it. Lo and behold. Perch has just got us re-thinking. That’s why expect more Uturns in the process. As Perch silently turned one recently, its owners along with resident chef AJ

Reyes, thought of making some tweaks that’s worth a second look. What came out was simply outrageous. Now, who says Perch can’t have “budget meals”? Aw come errn. Budget meal? You would never believe it, but yes. Perch now offers Lunch Promo Meals with the same Perch-y taste that will make you Perchi-fied. And yet, less the usual Perch-y price. Teeing off with the Two-Way Chicken and Chix where you get the best of roast and fry in one meal thrown with sunny side-up/scrambled egg on the side. For the heavy banger, there’s the Beef Fried Steak with two choices of dips. It’s worth all the weight! Now finally, here’s for the light cruiser, the Fish Fillet and Seafood Vegetable meal. Ahhh, now we’re talking. Definitely a healthy but hearty meal. All three new dishes make up the Budget-mazing Meals list. The good thing about these triad is that they actually come in huge servings masquerading as a solo meal. So when they drop to your tables, it will definitely throw you off your seat. Are your cameras ready? Get off to IG

Truffsilog.

and snap on before you nudge into it. Now, if you think that’s all pho ic looks and good for IG’s only you bury your teeth and it burs flavor. Un-Perch-man-like? You

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meals at PERCH

Best Seller Roasted Bone Marrow.

your fork

otography, wait ‘til sts out the u can’t be

kidding. These meals are just Perch-tastic. And now, for the question everyone is asking—how much? Believe it or not, Perch’s budget-mazing meals are just P150 (! ). It ill throw you off your seat, weren’t you warned? Awe-

Two Way Chicken and Chix. mazing. Alright, now that’s for the U-turn foodies out there who thought Perch is all price. Lest we forget, that classic famous Perch specials. The regular fare everyone must not miss. If you haven’t tried any of Perch’s best sellers, you should try their mouth-watering Gambas, heavyweight meal Truffsilog, uniquely delicious Longcheelog and Bacon Carbonara pizza. And then there’s the “big reason” to go to Perch-the mind-blowing roasted

bone marrow. It’s the biggest addiction in Davao (not drugs, hahaha). Perch Modern Kitchen + Bar is a concept kitchen by a diverse group of individuals with a common denominator based on their experiences on travels around the world. Being adventurous and creative, these bunch of Dabawenyos practically cut a vein and collectively bled creative juices to come up with this out-of-thisplanet gourmet experience. The result is simply Perchfect.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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Serving a seamless society

EDGE DAVAO GENSAN PARTNERS

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Let’s talk BREAKFAST STRANGERS YET FRIENDS; PERFECT YET IMPERFECT – OR IS IT THE OTHER WAY AROUND? Life is but made of mismatched faves. Like in food. Very much like in food. The textures, flavour, aroma, taste and all that jazz makes for an exciting reason to eat and explore food pairings every so often.

Speaking of which, let’s talk breakfast. For a nonmorning person like me (but needs to be up early for work on a weekday basis), I either have it or not. Though the need is inevi-

table, sometimes when I’m running late, I just take a cup of coffee and I’m out of the door. But, when time permits, I love to sit down and enjoy breakfast like everyone else. What’s my ideal breakfast must-haves? Feast on. Coffee I want mine black and strong. Yes, for someone who’d opt for a cup of coffee than eat a meal in the morning, this sure is an inevitable staple on my list. I love mine freshly brewed or poured over (love my Muji cup!). But for a non-morning person like me, I’d happily settle for an instant powdered coffee mix to wake me up. On days when I feel hyped, most often, I’d take the time to make myself (and everybody in the house) a cup. Do I have preferences (for beans)? I love our local or native coffee. I also love the aroma and taste of Indonesian and Vietnamese ground coffee. But, if given the chance, I’d love to wake up to a cup of Malaysian coffee from Singapore’s Coffee Junction any day. Oh the things I’d do for a cup right now. . . Tapa, Tocino Filipino breakfast ain’t the same without any of these. At home, I pair mine with slices of hard boiled eggs, tomatoes and topped with freshly ground black pepper. The contrasting texture makes it all the more delicious.

Of course, this is always served with a cup of hot rice. If you can’t find a fave kind at the groceries, try making your own. For the tocino: I make mine with some raw honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Marinate overnight or for as long as you want. Fry with canola oil. You can also add a touch of sesame oil. Yum Yum! For the tapa: It’s a mixture of salt and spices on my end. Plus a cup (or two) of clear carbonated soda as my tenderiser. Make it with lots of garlic and pepper. Ooohlala! Pancakes As you already know, I love pancakes. I love them fresh and hot with melted butter and raw honey on top. That’s it. Plain and simple. I don’t like them too sweet or with lots and lots of colours. It’s the simplicity and versatility of pancakes that makes me crave for them. I know, I’m dull and boring, but as with other things, I am after the texture and tasting the purest form of the dish as much as possible. Here’s a trick: Beat your egg whites separately until stiff peak (that when you flip the bowl over your head, it does not drip). Then slowly mix in your dry ingredients. That’s how you achieve those hotel/restaurant quality pancakes at the comforts of your home.

Eggs, Dried Fish and Salted Eggs Certainly not on a daily basis or at the same time, but when I do, I always end up smiling from ear to ear. Eggs are but a staple at home. I love them whichever way possible – just not the malasado kind. The same holds true for salted eggs – paired with slices of fresh tomatoes, onion and lemon always hits the spot. I love pairing salted eggs with tocino or tapa. Bread I’m big on store-bought wheat breads, dinner rolls or English muffins. I used to stock on bagels then I encountered the (English) muffins and I got hooked. How do I love my breads in the morning? Stove-top grilled, brushed with garlic flavoured margarine and nothing else. After which, I dab some jam or white cheese spread on one side. If I’m feeling the blues, I add slices of scrambled eggs (with pieces of tomatoes, onion and garlic). Happiest birthday to my titos and titas. To my niece, Bai Satria and nephew, Hassan “SanSan”. Lovelove #birthdaymonth. Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @iamleebai and I’ll make you hungry in a snap. For missed features, you can read them on my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com. Happy munching, #royalistas!

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PNP in the region said a total of 846 houses were already visited that resulted to the surrender of 391 individuals suspected to be in illegal drug use and trade. A total of 59 suspected drug pushers and users were also arrested by the PNP in its operations from October 26 to 29 this year. “Of the number of surrenderees, 385 were users while six were pushers,” dela Cerna said. The latest count is lower compared to the data the PNP released on the third week of October where there were nearly 10,000 personalities who surrendered in Davao Region. The previous count started from July 1, the first day of PNP chief Director General Ronald

“Bato” dela Rosa in office and the start of the implementation of Oplan Tokhang. PRO 11 is also closely monitoring 79 HVTs in the region, dela Cerna said. “There were two personalities who belonged to Level Three HVT, 43 under Level Two, and 34 from Level 1,” she added. Dela Cerna also confirmed that included in the list are former members of the PNP and military while some are officials of the government. She explained that resetting the statistics will encourage police operatives on the ground to do their best. “Kapag zero kasi parang nag-uumpisa pa lang and that the operatives will do their best again just like from the start,” dela Cerna said.

34 voluntarily surrendered to the AFP. Military operations have made a sizeable dent against the ASG terrorists whose active strength is estimated at around 400 armed men,

Arevalo said. The military’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of key terror personalities Mohammad Said, Jamiri Jawhari, Musanna Jamiri, and Nelson and Braun Muktadil. (PNA)

by a competent court.” ”But those... as far as the right or the privilege to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, I simply follow the law. We can do nothing about it,” he said. When asked if Marcos can be considered a hero once buried at the heroes cemetery, the President said: “Well, it de-

pends on the beholder.” ”You know, let me just… I’m not promoting class struggle here, but all the Ilocanos are downhearted by the decision for so long, that Marcos be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. For them, Marcos has no sins and he was true to his word,” the President explained. (PNA)

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Senate panel approves bill amending 70-year-old law on media protection

HE Senate committee on public information and mass media approved on Wednesday a bill amending an old law that protects members of the media from revealing their sources of news obtained in confidence.

The panel chaired by Senator Grace Poe took only less than one hour to discuss and approve Senate Bill Nos. 06 and 486 which drew support from both public and private sectors particularly, as expected, from media industry. Both proposed bills seek to

commitment to democratic ideals and the rule of law,” the statement said. Also on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. sent a congratulatory message via text to reporters, saying that Trump’s election signals an opportunity for change that can result in a stronger RP-US relationship. Trump, a Republican was elected as the 45th US president after claiming victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. He will take office in January 2017. As of Wednesday afternoon, numbers were still coming in from states but for most Americans it was already inevitable the tides would turn in favor of Trump. The US president-elect took the stage at his victory rally in New York after being introduced by Vice-President-elect Mike Pence and told his supporters that he just re-

ceived a call from Clinton. “I just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us on our victory,” Trump said. He also recognized the services that Clinton rendered to US and its people: ““Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.” Trump also called on the American people to unite: “It is time for us to come together as one united people.” He won in 28 US states while Clinton claimed victories in 18 states (the figures may change as the counting is still on-going as of press time). Trump also claimed solid support from known Republican territories like Georgia, Arizona and Utah and defeated Clinton in Iowa, a state which has not elected a Republican since 2004.

cials in the region. “We are taking that (resolution) seriously. We’re studying it right now,” he said in an interview over radio station dxKR. The official said they are specifically evaluating the manner of the operation based on the Philippine National Police’s regulations and standards. He said they are looking into reports regarding the raid and the background of the involved police officers. These are Raidsotg chief, Supt. Maximo Sebastian Jr., and team leaders Sr. Insp. Philander Alunday, Sr. Insp. Michael Elopre, and Insp. Ryan Omar Hassiman. “We are currently gather-

ing the needed information on this matter. We will balance these before we make our decision,” Sueno said. In the wake of the controversy, he urged the province’s mayors to continue to support the ongoing “war against illegal drugs,” especially the DILG’s flagship Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga or Masa Masid Program. Tamayo earlier said they are fully supporting the government’s war on drugs and the crackdown against involved local government officials but noted that the operations should be carried out in accordance with the law and the rights of individuals are not violated. (PNA)

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NEWS11

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. 09,10,11, 2016

exempt not only the print journalists but “journalists from broadcast, new agencies and internet publications.” ”This proposed law is timely to protect the sources of the media because the 1946 law (Republic Act No. 53) covers only print. Now, we have broadcast and even online or social media,” Poe told Senate media after the first and last public hearing. Senator Vicente Sotto III said RA No. 53 or Press Freedom

Law authored by his grandfather Vicente Sotto, was passed at the time when there was still no television sets and social media. ”This time, we are covering the entire spectrum of news and journalism,” Sotto, author of the SB No. 6, said. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV authored SB 486. Sotto clarified that under proposed bill, media practitioners may be compelled to reveal their source of information “if it involves national security.” (PNA)

special mention of corruption in his inaugural speech as General Secretary on November 15, 2012. In his first days in office, XI vowed to crack down on ‘tigers and flies’, that is, high-ranking officials and petty civil servants alike. He also warned his colleagues on the Politburo that corruption would ‘doom the party and state.’” While it is very popular among the vast majority of ordinary Chinese, the campaign is by no means endorsed unanimously. The usual detractors, foreign media commentators among them, were cynical about the crackdown. They advanced a number of negative theories about its alleged political motives. As it is, there is no letup in the campaign. As of the first half of 2016, the fourth year of the

crackdown, a total of 100,000 people have been charged with corruption. Some 120 high-level officials, including high-ranking military officials, several senior executives of state-owned, and five national leaders, have fallen after being investigated for bribery and other forms of corruption. Among those who have been disgraced were Politburo Standing Committee former member Zhou Zonkang and former military leaders Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong previously believed to be untouchables. The campaign is being seen as “part of a much wider drive to clean up malfeasance within party ranks and shore up party unity” and “has become an emblematic feature of Xi Jinping’s political brand.” (Next: Emphasis on science, R & D in China)

morning and 2 to 4 in the afternoon. This show is called the Thread of Life and sharing in an interactive way their music, dances, chants and stories. 2. Sarangani Wildlife Museum – This will be held at the ECPC, where one can see the different animals that are preserved for study. This museum shows the varied species found in Sarangani. Also at the 2nd floor auditorium will play Sarangani- made films from last year’s Salamindanaw’s entry. 3. Looms & Beads - Located at the Kasfala Hall, the Looms and Beads is an extensive, elaborate, and detailed exhibit featuring traditional arts and crafts in Mabal Tabih, Saul (bead works), and other artifacts. This is an exhibit of Heirloom designs and fabrics from our Indigenous Tribes in Sarangani. 4. MunaTo Fotoloco – This is the sculpture of Kublai found at the Sarangani Capitol depicting the first people. Here people can take their wacky and fun photos. A photo booth will be available to take photos for a fee! 5. Sarangani Street Arts – On the back street of the Capitol, several Sarangani artists will create a 3D street art of the different Sarangani tourist destination for those with tickets to take their chance for photo ops. 6. FabliGuni– Sarangani’s food &handicrafts display and

sale. 7. Sarangani Historical Lane – Sarangani gives tribute to all the leaders that have served Sarangani Province since its creation since 1992. 8. Fabli Guni & Farmers Market – This will be the biggest gathering of Sarangani Produce and Products. Included here will be organic vegetables, fruits, Sarangani upland rice varieties including ornamental plants, and potteries. Also for sale, will be Sarangani’s processed foods, Aquaculture harvests, handicraft and furniture, fashion, and even Halal foods. This is one full market where you can buy and even deal with suppliers! 9. MunaTo Arcade – This is the section for food and novelty items. Here we will have traders selling snacks, meals, drinks, and other goods. 10. MunaTo Center Stage - Found at the center grounds of Sarangani Capitol. Here free shows and activities that can be viewed by all Theme Park goers. This includes the daily parade and mascot appearances, the tribal sports and boxing competitions, magic shows, concerts and Pearl of Sarangani. The provincial government also announced that entrance to the MunaTo Theme Park is for free but those who will visit MunaTo Cultural Village will be required to buy ticket as entrance fee in the amount of P100.

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12 NEWS Priority... FROM 5

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino or the conditional cash transfer program; creating models of intervention for non-Pantawid and near-poor households; building the capacities of the local government units (LGUs) in implementing social protection programs; and raise the quality of education through the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum, and make education “truly liberating, relevant and accessible to all.” On infrastructure and competitiveness, the group

recommended putting in place a modern. seamless and efficient mass transport system and enhance connectivity through a multimodal transport network using technologically advanced facilities and services; improve traffic decongestion; continue to pursue the PPP program; and develop rural roads; promoting the competitiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as LGUs; standardizing business permits and licenses; and cutting red tape. (PR)

Cooperation on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM) on November 15-17. For this training course, the commission has lined up an impressive bench of international speakers, namely Prof. D. Brian Marson of the Development Academy of the Philippines, Dr. Ehsan Latif of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, and Gambhir Bhatta of the Asian Development Bank. Joining the forum are local experts, including former Senate president Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr., Dr. Edna Estifania Co from the University of the Philippines, and Atty. Alexander Lacson of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia. In accordance with its design and purpose, the CSI Leadership Series promises to provide participants with

updates and emerging trends in the field of leadership and management. The previous offerings of CSI Leadership Series were the “Servant Leadership” (March), “Leading a Learning Organization” (June), and “Risk Management and Leadership” (September). A training fee of PHP5,000 per participant covers the training kit, venue and meals during the event. A certificate of completion with a credit of eight training hours on leadership and management will be distributed at the end of the session. Interested individuals may register online through csc. gov.ph (Events Calendar), call Mark Malitan of CSI at telephone nos. 931-4182, 9317935 loc. 301-303, or send an email to leadership@csi.csc. gov.ph. (PNA)

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EDGEDAVAO

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(SDA) was maintained at 2.5 percent. Under IRC, the RRP rate serves as the key rate, the RP rate is the ceiling and the SDA rate is the floor rate. The RRP rate have been maintained at four percent and

the RP rate at six percent from October 2014 until May 2016. The central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) will have its rate setting meet Thursday this week and it is widely expected to keep rates steady. (PNA)

ed in a diversified portfolio of assets that is managed by Eastspring Investments, the Asian asset management arm of Prudential plc. Eastspring Investments has been managing the underlying funds of Pru Life UK’s unit-linked life insurance products in the Philippines since 2002. Eastspring is one of Asia’s leading Asia-based asset managers and manages investments on behalf of a range of retail and institutional clients. Eastspring was named Asia’s leading retail fund manager for 2016 in an annual survey by Asia Asset Management. The annual survey ranks participating fund managers in Asia, ex. Japan, Australia and New Zealand, based on assets sourced in the region as of June 30, 2016. In 2016, Eastspring received recognition in the Best of the Best regional award categories from Asia Asset Management for Chief Investment Officer of the Year (Fixed Income) and Japanese Equity (three years). Eastspring was also named the Best Asset Management House in Asia Asset Management’s Best of the Best

Awards in 2014 and named Asia Fund House of the Year in 2015 in the Asian Investor Asset Management Awards. An affirmation of PRU Life UK’s commitment to Filipinos Mr. De Rosas adds that PRUmax Invest is an affirmation of Pru Life UK’s commitment to always listening to and understanding the needs of Filipinos. “As our British forefathers did way back in 1848, our Company continues to create new products not just for the sake of innovating but because we know this is the only way we can help make life better for every Filipino.” The launch of PRUmax Invest coincides with Pru Life UK’s 20th anniversary in the Philippines. In 1996, the Insurance Commission granted the British subsidiary a license to operate and sell life insurance in this country. Since then, Pru Life UK has expanded its reach to over 80 branches in the Philippines, with the biggest life agency force of 14,000 licensed agents, and has emerged as one of the top five life insurers. Pru Life UK is headquartered in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City. (PR)

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Pulong... FROM 3 The said substances can be detected in hair samples. A person’s history of drug use are best detected using hair screening. Drug tests using hair samples are known to be more precise as drug substances could be traced from hairs even if the drugs were taken several years back. Duterte’s drug test results were released on November 8.

“The results of the comprehensive drug test is enough vindication for me as I was vilified and slandered as they apparently attempted to destroy my father and the entire Duterte family,” said Paolo Duterte. “The results were also enough confirmation that the claims made by Trillanes and his witness, Edgar Matobato, were all nothing but lies,” he added. (CIO)

Office of the President (OP). Aside from this, Cayat said, a survivor officer with the same-sex will be assigned to

the beneficiaries, who would take care in the follow-up of all the requirements for the release of the benefits. (PNA)

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PRUmax invest

Pru Life UK makes life insurance more accessible to Filipinos

RU LIFE UK, a subsidiary of international financial services group Prudential plc, has unveiled another innovative life insurance product – PRUmax invest – to meet the financial needs of Filipinos, whatever their age. Integrating the best features of traditional and unitlinked life insurance products, PRUmax invest is a 15-year renewable term plan which provides comprehensive protection coverage through the base traditional plan PRUmax value 15 while also allowing the opportunity for wealth accumulation by investing in various PRUlink peso funds through the new Variable Life Rider. “Pru Life UK’s PRUmax invest is a flexible insurance product that caters to a wider range of consumers. These include young Filipino professionals who are just starting their own career, BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) employees saving up for their own payment on their first apartment, young couples seeking a life insurance plan with a savings vehicle for their child’s education, as well as accomplished professionals targeting an early retirement,” said Pru Life UK Chief Actuary Francis Ortega. “Therefore, PRUmax invest is for every one of us, with our different goals and needs.” “We are delighted that, through PRUmax invest, we are able to help more Filipinos, no matter where they are in the economic spectrum, to secure their and their loved ones’ financial future,” concurs Pru Life UK Chief Executive Officer

Antonio De Rosas. “Getting in the saving habit is important and PRUmax invest will help Filipinos take that first step toward planning for their longterm financial future.” Enabling Filipinos get a head start in life PRUmax invest makes it possible for young professionals and even those who are in their first job to be adequately protected as they plan for their families’ financial future. They get the value of the money they worked hard for since the base traditional plan, PRUmax value 15, offers valuable maximum protection because of its substantial sum assured and affordable premiums. Together with the basic insurance protection, PRUmax value 15 can be enhanced with various health and accident riders to provide customers with more comprehensive insurance coverage. This includes protection against accident, critical illness, and hospital expenses. The addition of the Variable Life Rider, the investment component of PRUmax invest, to the base plan also allows policyholders to enjoy the benefits of a unit-linked product which gives them an opportunity for wealth accumulation. Superior selection of funds In addition to the guaranteed protection coverage, the Variable Life Rider also provides policyholders with the flexibility to choose where to invest their premiums from among Pru Life UK’s extensive fund portfolio for a minimum annual premium of P5,000. PRUlink funds are invest-

13 COMPETITIVE EDGE

Water consciousness spreads among studes in Davao City

N celebration of Davao City’s Water Consciousness Month this November, lead agency Davao City Water District kicks tarted its campaign by promoting water conservation and environment protection to 1,100 grades one, two, and three students of Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School on October 14, Sta. Clara ES on October 19, and Vicente Hizon Sr. ESon October 21 through the 16th DCWD Goes-toSchool Project. Selected DCWD employees presented through story telling topics on water cycle,

DCWD’s water distribution system, ten water conservation tips, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene. At the end of the story telling, all students were asked to answer activity sheets on the topics presented in order to assess what they have learned. They were given knapsacks, notebooks, and other information, education, and communication materials. Teachers and principals were also given posters on water cycle and conservation as additional instructional materials. To further remind the

students and teachers on the campaign’s advocacy, DCWD employees and selected students posted stickers on lavatories, comfort rooms, and hand washing stations. All materials given were customized to bear various environment and water conservation messages. Continuing the celebration and the water consciousness campaign, DCWD has lined up the following citywide inter-school competitions to be held at SM City Davao Annex: Science and Math Quiz for public and private elementary students

on November 11, Extemporaneous Speaking Contest for college students on November 18, and On-theSpot Poster Making Contest for public and private high school students on November 25. The Water Consciousness Month is an annual celebration in Davao City with DCWD as the lead agency as declared by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte through Proclamation No. 12 issued on September 27, 2001. This year’s theme is “KNOW H20: One Drop, One Life: Conserve Water, Live Better”. (PR)

F PRU LIFE, 12

CSC to hold‘Good Governance for Excellence’course Semirara posts 54%

HE Civil Service Commission, through its Civil Service Institute (CSI), will hold its Leadership Series training course for the last quarter of the year on November 16. The “Good Governance for

Excellence” course is part of the commission’s monthly and quarterly training courses and forums for government executives, managers and division chiefs for leadership management, aside from the annual conduct of the Career Service

Examination. The one-day forum will be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City. More than 300 participants from the public sector

are expected to join the course, among them heads of civil service and senior officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus Japan, China and Korea, who will also be attending the 18th ASEAN

ticipated in the recently-held Milo Marathon-Davao leg. The team’s participation supports the Philam Vitality program, a full-scale wellness

program where members earn points, discounts and rewards for living a healthier life. Philam Life is the official

life insurer of this year’s 40th National Milo Marathon. To know more about Philam Vitality, visit www.philamvitality.com

F CSC, 12

Philam Life partners with Milo to promote healthy living

S Philam seeks to actively help Filipinos live longer, healthier and better lives, its Davao employees and financial advisors par-

net profit year-on-year

EMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. posted a net income Php 9.55 billion in the first nine months this year, up 54 percent from Php 6.21 billion during the same period last year. In a disclosure with the local bourse, the power firm noted the net income in January to September this year even surpassed the previous year’s net income of Php 8.47 billion. Semirara’s coal operations contributed Php 3.88 billion, while its subsidiary Sem-Calaca Power Corp. (SCPC) earned Php 2.5 billion and Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. (SLPGC) grossed Php 3.18 billion. The company said its coal production rose to 8.3 million metric tons, up 44 percent from 5.8 million metric tons last year. It said the production figure excluded unwashed coal of 871,000 tons in 2015 and 564,000 tons in 2016. Coal sales volume increased by 57 percent yearon-year from 6.1 million met-

ric tons in 2015 to 9.6 million metric tons in 2016. SCPC, meanwhile, had a lower generation output by 37 percent from 3,163 gigawatthours (GWh) last year to 1,983 GWh after it conducted maintenance shutdown on its second unit in Calaca, Batangas in the first quarter. Its energy sales also decreased by 22 percent from 3,035 GWh to 2,372 GWh. SLPGC, which is also located in Calaca, Batangas, generated 1,120 GWh for the same period. It offset the decline in power generation of SCPC. The power firm also allocated Php 2.5 billion for the St. Raphael Power Generation Corp., which consists of two 350-megawatt coalfired power project in Calaca, Batangas. The company is a joint-venture between Semirara Mining and Power Corp. and Meralco Powergen Corp. Semirara Mining and Power Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc. (PNA)

14 NEWS

VERIFYING NARCOLIST. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 director Adzhar Albani says the agency is currently working to re-validate the list of personalities who are into illegal drug use and trade or commonly

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DPWH... FROM 5

known as Narco-list in the area and 75 percent out of 48,000 personalities who are suspiciously involved in Davao Region are yet to undergo verification process. Lean Daval Jr.

P7.6B, other projects include the following: Reconstruction/Concreting/Widening of Slaughter House Road up to F. Torres Bridge with bridge widening worth P469.4-M; Construction/Widening/Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Davao City Diversion Road-Communal-Cabantian-Tigatto Road worth P472.4-M; Construction/Widening/Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Davao City Diversion Road-Tigatto Road-Jct. Davao City Diversion Road worth P1.01-B; Reconstruction/ Widening/Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Daang Maharlika-Eliong-Jct. Acacia Road worth 244.9-M; Reconstruction/Widening/ Improvement of Bypass Road at Jct. Daang Maharlika-Licanan-Bunawan-Mahayag-Indangan-Cabantian-Jct. Davao City Diversion Road

(Buhangin-Lapanday Road worth P1.7-B; Construction/ Concreting of Bypass Road at Jct. Mamay Road-La Verna-Davao City Diversion Road worth P432.2-M; Concreting/ Widening/Improvement of 31.803-kilometer of Bypass Road at Buhangin-Tigatto-Mandug-Callawa-Fatima Road worth P1.3-B; Concreting/Widening/Improvement of 7.8-kilometer Bypass Road at Jct. Daang Maharlika Ro a d - M u d i a n g - M a l a ga mot-Jct. Indangan Road worth P507.09-M; and, Concreting/ Upgrading/Widening of Fatima-Malabog Road-Mabuhay-Pañalum-Paquibato Road for 12.4-kilometers at P633.6-M. Ortiz added that these projects are already funded under the 2017 budget of the DPWH-XI. Surveys and roadright-of-way negotiations are now on-going. (PR) velopment partners such as the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Finance Corp. (IFC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Spanish Agency for International Development (AECID), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the various United Nations organizations, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbelt (GIZ), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the embassies of Australia, China, Canada, Spain, and the European Union. (PR) beansprouts from an organic farm as confirmed by Lower Saxony’s Agriculture Ministry. “Organic has killed a few hundred people. GM has killed no one. Imagine headlines if 50 people would have died in Germany because of some GM. It would have been worldwide fear – like nuclear power. It would have been worldwide hysteria,” Lynas said. Here’s another advantage of planting biotech crops. Globally, they can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Studies have shown that adopting biotechnology reduces the use of 475 millions of gallons of fuel by farm equipment – not mentioning the additional “soil carbon sequestration” due to reduced plowing or improved conservation tillage. “This is equivalent to removing five million cars from the road for one year,” said Graham Brookes, director of PGEconomics, a British research firm. Meanwhile, the battle continues between GM activists and GM advocates. Who will emerge the winner? No one knows but there are always losers – the hungry. One sage puts it in this perspective: “A man who has enough food has several problems. A man without food has only one problem.”

Illegal drugs in Region 12 Treasure... now scarce, prices up: PNP

FROM 6

OLICE authorities in Region 12 on Wednesday said supplies of prohibited drugs in the region have gone down due to intensified police operations but admitted there are still personalities who are involved in it. “The prices are higher and the pushers are becoming high tech and becoming more discreet in their operation,” Supt. Romeo Galgo, speaking for police in Central Mindanao, said. “What used to cost a hun-

dred pesos of shabu now costs about 500,” Galgo said, citing intelligence information. “Drug lords have become innovative, conducting their business with extra care to avoid detection by law enforcers,” he added. He cited the arrest of a “shabu queen” of Gen. Santos City who uses different lodging houses in selling her stuff. In fact, the woman, long wanted by police for illegal drug

pushing, had been operating a stone’s throw away from a police compound. A police anti-drug buy bust operation in Barangay Fatima led to the arrest of Sahada Malawan, 35 and the recovery of about P1 million worth of illegal drugs. Her husband is in jail on illegal drug charges. Police agents posing as buyer of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) managed to secure P1,000 worth of prohibited

stuff from Malawan. Galgo said the raiding team seized seven sachets of shabu weighing more than 100 grams with estimated market value of Php1 million. “The suspect has been under police surveillance since July,” Galgo said. “We found out she was also closely monitoring police movements in conducting her illegal business, transferring from one place to another to avoid police trackers.” (PNA)

first time that an incoming administration consulted the business sector, the development partner community, and other groups on its proposed reform agenda. He said the positive response to the Sulong was a “validation and acceptance of the 10-point socioeconomic agenda,” and its inputs were used to “tweak” the proposed budget for 2017. Some 400 stakeholders took part in the two-day forum, including representatives from the national and local governments, civil society organizations, the academe, de-

dress problems that cannot be solved through conventional crop improvement methods,” the fact sheet informs. “It enables plant breeders to bring together in one plant useful genes from a wide range of sources, not just from within the crop species or closely related plants. “This powerful tool allows plant breeders to attain a desired trait combination faster and address urgent concerns like the development of crops that are resistant to biotic (diseases and pests) or abiotic stresses (drought and waterlogging), and with increased yield and improved food and nutrient quality,” the fact sheet adds. In 1994, Calgene’s delayed-ripening tomato became the first GM food crop to be produced and consumed in an industrialized country. In 1995, GM cotton and GM corn were subsequently commercialized. Also soon to be introduced in the country are the following: GM eggplant and the vitamin A-rich golden rice. The SEARCA fact sheet assured that GM crops will not replace varieties from traditional breeding “because genetic modification is only conducted to introduce important major genes to the already established and bred varieties.”

Genetic modification is conducted to further improve the already existing popular and high-yielding varieties. The transgenic variety can also be used in crop improvement and breeding programs, the fact sheet said. But the big question is: Are GM-crops safe to eat? Although health risk of eating transgenic food is yet unknown, there are signs that it could cause allergies, resistance to certain medicines and possibly even affect internal organs. In Europe, researchers at the York Nutritional Laboratory reported health complains caused by soya – the ingredient most associated with genetically modified food – increased from 10 to 15 in 100 patients over the past year. A consumer advocacy group in United Kingdom said that genetically modified soya can be found in bread, biscuits, baby milk, baby foods, breakfast cereals, margarine, soups, pasta, pizza instant meals, meat products, flours, sweets, ice creams, crisps, chocolate, soy sauce, veggie-burgers, tofu, soya milk, and pet foods. Recent scientific data, according to Dr. Romeo Quijano, of the Department of Pharmacology at the UP College of Medicine, indicated “the emergence of new diseases, the rap-

id evolution of virulence and the widespread occurrence of drug and antibiotic resistance are associated with the rise of genetic engineering.” An estimated 60 percent of all processed foods contain at least one genetically engineered component, writes Jon Luoma inMother Jones magazine. In the Philippines, Filipinos may be eating transgenic foods, such as potato chips, corn cereals, or soya milk. “Love it or loath it, transgenic food is set to become a bigger part of what we eat,” someone noted. And consumers need not worry. Tantono Subagyo, the seed regulatory director of CropLife Asia, said that biotech crops are rigorously tested for safety prior to commercialization. “Biotech crops are tested to ensure they are as safe as conventional crops, and have similar nutritional and compositional content,” Subagyo said. “Biotech crops are among the most extensively tested foods in the history of food safety.” In fact, there is widespread agreement from scientists and international health organizations, including the World Health Organization, that biotech crops, foods, and feeds are as safe as conventionally-bred crops, foods, and feeds.

In addition, over 3,200 renowned scientists worldwide have signed a declaration in support of agricultural biotechnology and its safety to humans, animals, and the environment. The 2010 report of the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation on GMOs GMOs noted: “The main conclusion to be drawn from the efforts of more than 130 research projects, covering a period of more than 25 years of research, and involving more than 500 independent research groups, is that biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than conventional plant breeding technologies.” “Two to three trillion meals have been eaten by human in North America and wherever containing GMOs. There’s nothing to substantiate the (negative) health impact (accusations) against any GMO products – not one, even headache or stomachache,” said Mark Lynas, a former anti-GMO activist and author of Six Degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet. According to ISAAA, “biotech crops can serve as engine of rural economic growth for the alleviation of poverty for the world’s small and resource-poor farmers.” In the

Philippines, for instance, Joseph Benemerito of Cagayan won a national award for his quality GM corn. He admitted that 22 hectares of land can be easily managed with biotech corn. “GM (technology) is cheaper. If the biology of the crop can protect crops from pests, that’s more beneficial to farmers, cheaper than spraying,” said Lynas in a press statement. “Everywhere, when farmers are given a choice, they adopt it quickly. They can have high yield even if they pay a little more for seeds.” While writing the book “God Species” in 2011, in which he attempted to become consistent in his position on the science of climate change, environment, and food production, Lynas came to a realization that GM is the answer to food shortage problems. Like how GM crops are highly regulated, organic crops should be regulated. Regulation should be imposed on organic crops because one can die from natural causes “very easily from bacteria, from water, or contamination of manure during harvest.” It must be recalled that it was organic crops that caused the death in 2011 of 51 people in Germany from ingesting E.coli-contaminated

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SPORTS15

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13th Acosta Cup grand championship on December 11 By RIA VALDEZ

HE 13th edition of the longest running local women’s football tournament gets going on December 13 at the Tionko Field. Davao City Councilor Mabel Acosta announced on Monday the staging of the 13th Acosta Cup with five teams taking part. The teams who have confirmed their participation are Philippine College of Technology (PCT), SOYA Football Club, D’ Davao Survivors (D’DS), UP Mindanao

Football Club, and Aguilas Dabaw Football Club. Luna Acosta, speaking on behalf of Councilor Acosta, said the five teams have been competing during weekends at Tionko field. “It has always been the aim of Councilor Acosta to promote the sport of football among young women,” Acosta stressed. The office of the councilor has been holding the tournament for the past three years with the aim of advocating a healthy

and wholesome avenue for women to develop their talents and love of the sport. In opening day matches last October 8, the PCT footbelles drew with SOYA while DDS drubbed UP 9-2. On October 9 and PCT blanked the Aguilas 3-0, DDS routed SOYA 4-1. During the October 30 matches, the Aguilas surged back to life with an 8-2 win over DDS while SOYA massacred UP 12-1. Organizers are asking the public to watch

the grand championship. “These teams always make these games intense,” Acosta said. The event is backed up by City Mayor’s Office of Davao, Vibrant Earthmovers Inc., Jollibee, TADECO, NCCC, RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc., Southern Tourist Inn, Ulticon Builders Inc, and Norminring KTM. Atty. Janice Celestial of the Davao Football Association (DFA) is on top of the tournament.

UNITED FOR MANNY. For a change, fellow senators were united with newly-crowned WBO Welterweight champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao in a photo op. Aquiles Zonio

Hawks end Cavs’erfect record

HE Atlanta Hawks handed Cleveland their first loss on Tuesday with a 110-106 win, breaking a series stranglehold that saw the Cavaliers sweep Atlanta out of the playoffs the last two years. The Hawks’ victory snapped an 11-game losing skid to Cleveland, who dropped to 6-1 on the season as they were the NBA’s last unbeaten team. “We were tired of getting pushed around by Cleveland and we wanted to beat these guys,” said Hawks center Dwight Howard. This is a much different Hawks team than the one that had been dominated by the Cavaliers and Howard is one of the reasons why.

WO days after Manny Pacquiao reclaimed the WBO welterweight title from Jessie Vargas Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas Nevada, talks about the possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather have yet to subside. Mayweather’s presence during the Pacquiao-Vargas title fight fueled speculations that the unbeaten American fighter is set to come out of

The addition of Howard to the lineup is part of the roster shakeup that coach Mike Budenholzer had hoped would allow them to compete with the Cavaliers. “They’ve dominated the Eastern Conference for a long time now,” Hawks forward Kent Bazemore said. “They’re definitely the measuring stick, and we passed our first test. This is one of the biggest wins I’ve had since I’ve been here. “They’re a very, very special team and for my two years here, they’ve kicked our butts.” Cleveland swept the Hawks in the conference semi-finals last spring when they set threepoint shooting records and won

each game by an average of 12.5 points. The Cavaliers swept all seven meetings between the two last season, including the postseason. Howard finished with 17 rebounds for Atlanta despite having to leave the game briefly in the first quarter to get stitched up for a cut to the lip. “We are tired of what people said about us in the past and we wanted to change that,” Howard said. “We are going to grow as a team. Our chemistry gets better with every game.” Dennis Schroder scored a career-high 28 points, Bazemore added 25 and Paul Millsap tallied 21 for the Hawks in front of a crowd of 20,500 at Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland.

Bazemore made a couple of clutch baskets in the final four minutes. His three-pointer with 3:33 left extended the Hawks’ lead to 101-95. He followed with a baseline jumper in the final seconds to put the game out of reach after a three-point play from Kevin Love had pulled Cleveland within 108106 with 25 seconds left. Kyrie Irving scored 29 points, LeBron James had 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists and Love added 24 points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland, who missed 31 three-point attempts. In Memphis, Marc Gasol hit a short shot as time expired to lift the Memphis Grizzlies past the Denver Nuggets 108-107.

official talks between Mayweather and his promoter Bob Arum, Pacquiao assured his fans that he will give them the kind of fight they want to see if indeed the reported rematch will push through. “My concern is not myself alone but the fans of boxing. If the fans want the rematch then why not. We can easily talk about that. That’s not a problem,” he said. “I believe if the rematch

happens I want to make sure the fans will love it. I will give all that I can do to get back the trust of the fans,” Pacquiao added. Negotiations for the Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch have yet to officially start but fans are now talking of possible trilogy if Pacquiao wins the rematch. When asked if it would be Pacquiao’s farewell fight assuming the proposed rematch

STITCH WORK. Sen. Manny Pacquiao shows to his curious colleagues the head injury he sustained during a 12-round brawl with dethroned WBO Welterweight champion Jessie Vargas last Saturday in Las Vegas. The wound required 16 stitches to fix.

Manny returns to work, hailed by colleagues

T was a classic act of selflessness only legends and great men are capable of doing. This was exactly what Sen. Manny Pacquiao had shown when he declared at the plenary of the Senate Tuesday afternoon that he’s donating his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight championship belt to the Philippine Senate. “My victory is not mine alone. This is for all of you. I owe my victory to the fans and to every Filipino. So, I am donating my WBO Championship belt to the Senate,” Pacquiao said in his speech. Spectators at the gallery were impressed and they couldn’t help but said “Wow!” Pacquiao stood to deliver his arrival statement before the plenary shortly after his fellow Mindanaoan Sen. Miguel “Migs” Zubiri delivered an inspiring sponsorship speech for his resolution giving accolade to Pacquiao. In his speech, Zubiri commended Pacquiao for doing a great job not just as a boxer but also as senator of the republic. Zubiri noted how Pacquiao actively and diligently performed his legislative duties while training hard for his scheduled ring duel with Vargas. Pacquiao on Saturday dethroned Mexican-American boxer Jessie Vargas as WBO Welterweight Champion in a grueling yet thrilling 12-round championship bout. His conquest of a young and hungry ring warrior in Vargas made Pacquiao the first ever active boxer-senator to win a world boxing crown. Pacquiao bared donating his WBO championship belt to

Manny: Expect best in Mayweather rematch retirement to face Pacquiao in a rematch in April or May next year. Pacquiao lost to Mayweather via a unanimous decision in their first encounter back in May last year. The fight made history in boxing when it generated 4.6 million payper-view buys valued at over $500 million in revenues including gate receipts. While Pacquiao admitted that he isn’t aware of any

will push trough, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said if Pacquiao is victorious in the second match, it could lead to a trilogy down the road. “I’d like to say yes but I can’t guarantee that, because I’m not Manny. He will talk to me about it. We will have a long discussion about it, and I don’t think that there really is anything left.” Roach said. “He’s done everything. We might have to fight one

the Philippine Senate made his victory sweeter and even more historic. “Where can you find a legislature in the world where a world boxing championship belt of an active boxer-senator is being displayed? Only here in our country,” Pacquiao said. Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III hailed Pacquiao for his decision. “We will place Sen. Pacquiao’s WBO Champhionship belt on a glass box. Of course with his photo and a copy of the Senate resolution giving him the commendation,” Pimentel said. Pacquiao and his small entourage, which include PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, arrived at the NAIA airport past 4:00 a.m. Tuesday. After a series of interviews, Pacquiao proceeded to Dusit Thani hotel in Makati where the Solar Sports Entertainment and GMA7 had tendered an exclusive arrival breakfast for him. Pacquiao dropped by his Forbes Park residence just to freshen up then went straight to the Senate to perform his legislative duties. Pacquiao was warmly welcomed by his office staff and Senate employees. They swarmed on him, taking almost every chance to have “selfie” or photo opportunity with the Filipino boxing legend. Before the session started, he went up to the office of Senate President to inform him about his decision to donate the prestigious belt. “Are you serious?” a seemingly amazed Pimentel asked. Pimentel then proceeded to congratulate Pacquiao for his latest ring exploit.

more time, because if we beat him the second time we might have to fight the trilogy,” said Roach, who appeared a bit disappointed because Pacquiao failed to score a knockout win as he earlier predicted. Meanwhile, Pacquiao has returned to the Philippines Tuesday to attend to his unfinished work in the senate where he was elected as a neophyte senator last May.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

SHOWSTOPPER Ateneo Cebu-Sacred Heart stops Blue Knights in JAM Finals By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

TENEO-SACRED Heart of Cebu High played out its gameplan to the letter to crush host Ateneo de Davao University 7043 in the high school basketball finals of the 2016 Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM). Playing before its home crowd at the ADDU’s Fr. Martin Hall, the Blue Knights fell down 0-11 right at the start in the face of a blistering Cebuano pace. The Blue Knights never recovered from there as key players Francis Gabriel Escandor and Axel Doromal were marked spot on in defense. The Cebuanos executed well with their plays and pounced on the Blue Knights through three quarters. ADDU tried to mount a late rally in the fourth but that was not enough to overcome the

huge margin. “We did not adjust well to their defense. Sacred Heart executed their plays well and when we rallied late, that was the most we can do as they have established their lead,” said ADDU coach Miggy Solitaria. The Blue Knights advanced to the finals with a 21-point win over Ateneo de Iloilo in the semis after sweeping the eliminations. “The boys played their hearts out. The score did nt reflect the fight they put on. I am proud of them but most of all, I congratulate Ateneo Cebu for their superior play,” Solitaria added. Meantime, the Blue Knights are seeking to win the Davao City Athletic Associaton (DCAA) title and advance to the 2017 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet.

DETERMINATION. Ateneo de Davao’s Francis Gabriel Escandor was a picture of determination as he slashed inside the paint for a lay up against defenders from Ateneo de Zamboanga in this bit of action during the 2016 Jesuit Athletic Meet in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

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