Edge Davao 9 Issue 201

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

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Serving a seamless society

INNOCENT BLISS. Happiness is written all over the faces of Lumad children from Agusan despite the hardship they are experiencing during their sojourn in Davao City to ask for Christmas gifts. These Lumads are temporarily staying under the flyover in Agdao. Lean Daval Jr.

UNRUFFLED Rody shrugs off threats, pushes through with Lanao del Sur visit

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

ESPITE the ambush of his advance party on Tuesday in Marawi City, President Duterte still pushed through with his visit in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday to personally assess the situation of government troopers involved in on-going military operations against the Maute Group, a terror group that attacked the town of Butig six days ago.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the President was in the AFP’s (Armed Forces of the Philippines) tactical command post in Lumbayanague town in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.

Westmincom spokesperson Major Felimon Tan said

President Duterte personally checked the situation of government troopers directly involved in the military operations against the Maute Group.

Lumbayanague is a fourth class municipality in Lanao del Sur located near Lake Lanao and adjacent to Butig town.

“Early today, President Rodrigo Duterte along with a few advisers visited troops of the 103rd Brigade who are at the forefront of the fight against members of a local terrorist group known locally as the Maute Group,” the AFP said in a separate statement on Wednesday.

He was accompanied by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana of

the Department of National Defense and other top officers of the AFP. The AFP said the President had a closed door briefing and meeting with security officials.

He also met with the troops and the local officials in the area.

“He encouraged the troops to persevere and do their work with the guarantee of his all out support. He also mentioned that as the President of the Republic, he has in mind the welfare of all the people and the entire nation and very much wants peace to reign all over the land but not at the expense of peace loving citizens,” the AFP added.

President Duterte also went to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday afternoon to visit the wounded troopers involved in the continuing military operations.

When interviewed by the media after checking the conditions of the wounded soldiers, the President said he is doing everything to prevent war.

“Sana huwag na lang tayong umabot ng giyera,” he stressed, but warned the Maute group: “Do not force my hands to do it.”

He said the military operations will go on.

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Cotabato City celebrates Shariff Kabungsuan Festival

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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LL is set for Cotabato City’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival on December 15 to 19, 2016.

In a press conference for Bangala Fashion Fair, a BIMP-EAGA event in line with the festival, yesterday

in Davao City, Cotabato City tourism officer Ms. Norianne Lou “Gurlie” Frondoza underscored that the festival is distinct from other festivals because its opening program will involve the three royal

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FLUVIAL ATTRACTION. Guinakit Fluvial Parade, one of the highlights of Cotabato CIty’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival on December 15-19, 2016. Photo by City Government of Cotabato

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

HAMMING IT UP. Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 pageant winners pose for a photograph at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Arson case filed Rody to Filipinos: Dedicate vs. Agdao couple our lives for worthy cause

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HE Bureau of Fire Protection has filed a case for destructive arson against two suspects after investigation showed that a fire occurring in Brgy. Tomas Monteverde, Agdao District emanated from the couple’s house.

Officials identified the suspects as Terry Bandilan and Jane Tay, both are currently detained at Sta. Ana Police Station.

According to BFP official Patricio Brañanola, the house was deliberately torched, citing circumstantial evidences and statements from the suspects’ neighbors.

“May mga nakapagsumbong na sinabi ng isa sa mga

suspects na susunugin raw ang bahay,” Brañanola said Wednesday morning.

He cited the statement of the witnesses that they saw the fire coming from the rented room of the couple and the fire immediately spread to the neighboring houses.

Brañanola added that 71 houses were totally damaged and three classrooms in Agdao Elementary School were partially damaged.

“There were around 200 families affected by incident and the fire damaged around PhP 1 million worth of properties,” he said.

Meanwhile, the City Social

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

P

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Duterte, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 153rd birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio has called on Filipinos to live up to the spirit of the hero who founded the Katipun an, “whose spirit was patriotic, unfettered, and independent.”

“Every waking day is an invitation to dedicate our lives for a worthy cause; to uplift the quality of life of our countrymen; and to bring

back the pride and honor in our identity as a people,” the President said in his Bonifacio Day message issued on Wednesday.

The commemoration, he added, is an important day as the nation honors the father of Katipunan and the Great Plebeian from Tondo, “whose life and legacy have inspired countless generations and whose actions have shaped the course of our nation’s history.”

The President said Bonifacio dared to lead a mass action that defied the colonial rule and quelled the hunger of a people longing for change.

“He belongs to the league of heroes willing to lay down his life and put aside his own interests to honor the nation and defend it from its enemies. His courage and love of country served as a guiding torch in the midst of darkness,” he added.

He further stated that the government is calling on the public to get involved in community and national issues that affect every Filipino lives.

“May we all find strength to tap in our collective voice so that we can know ourselves better and understand our struggles in history. Let us cultivate our capacity to act united and share common aspirations for a peaceful, just, prosperous, and truly free nation,” he added.

outside Mati City Hall of Justice on October 26.

Balisi added that one of the witnesses, which he refused to divulge, filed a “very detailed” affidavit which “substantiated to one of the suspects” in the killing.

He quoted the affidavit filed by the witness that Acido allegedly received death threats from one of the suspects before the fiscal was shot and reportedly used big names in politics in the province of Davao Oriental.

Balisi also reported that while he was treated at the hospital before he died, that it was one of the suspect’s bodyguard who shot him.

Meanwhile, PCI Hector Amancia, Provincial Officer of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) - Davao Oriental said both NBI and PNP still continues to follow the five persons of interest in the killing of the prosecutor.

Amancia said they already have the lead as to where the suspects are located and that the accused have “degrees of participation” in the killing of Acido.

However, they cannot divulge the names of personalities yet.

“We do not want to put at risk the lives of the four witnesses,” Amancia said.

5 ‘persons of interest’ sued for fiscal’ s slay Army division commander F ARSON, 10

honors outstanding troops

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OMMANDER of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., on Wednesday honored soldiers who took the extra mile in performing their duties, leading to the recovery of high-powered firearms during a law enforcement operation in North Cotabato.

In simple ceremonies here, eight Army troopers and a Reconnaissance Company were presented the “Bronze Cross Medals” and “command plaques”.

The recipients of the Bronze Cross Medal were 1Lt. Johntonee M. Olave; 2Lt. Bryan

Marvin P. Tabor; Sgt. Arnel A. Padawan; Cpl. Joan B. Gomez; Cpl. Mar O. Botanas; and PFC Rex P. Lebonpasil for successfully recovering one tube of 40 mm., six hand grenades, one ammo box, one upper receiver of M16 rifle, one hand guard of M203 40 mm., assorted parts of a .50-caliber pistol, two improvised barret rifles, five garand rifles, one homemade Rocket Propelled Grenade, and one M-14 rifle during the conduct of search and clearing operations against Barangay chairperson Datu Rene “Renz” Tukuran in Barangay

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By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE National Bureau of Investigation in Southern Mindanao Region, a coordinating member of Special Investigation Task Group Acido, has filed murder charges against five persons of interest who may have been involved in the killing of a prosecutor in Mati City last month.

According to Samuel Balisi, NBI’s agent-in-charge, they have received instructions from NBI Region 11 director Atty. Dante Guiran to investigate Rolando Acido’s murder case in Mati shortly after the fiscal was shot to death.

“We gathered several pieces of evidences that led to

the murder case of Fiscal Acido in our investigation,” Balisi told reporters in a press briefing Wednesday.

NBI special investigator Elias Leano, who was also around in the press briefing, revealed that the suspects were engaged in extortion, illegal mining, and gun for hire and that these are big political personalities in Davao Oriental.

Leano added that Fiscal Acido was handling a sensitive case involving one of the suspects before he was shot dead.

It can be recalled that Fiscal Rolando Acido was shot dead by a riding in tandem

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Mega drug rehab facility seen to show Duterte’s sincerity

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HE opening of the first ever mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DATRC) inside the Fort Magsaysay military reservation has shown not only the determination of President Rodrigo Duterte to eliminate the illegal drugs trade but also his sincerity, officials who witnessed the inauguration Tuesday, said.

Rep. Rosanna Vergara, Nueva Ecija’s third congressional district and wife of Cabanatuan City Mayor Julius Cesar Vergara, said the establishment of the facility that could accommodate up to 10,000 drug dependents when fully operational shows that the Chief Executive is really doing the things that he says.

“It only proves to me that he’s a man who walks the talk.

Sinabi niya, gagawin niya (what

he said, he will do it),” Vergara said.

The lady solon also expressed hope that the availability of a huge facility like mega DATRC will stop the extra judicial killings that has been assailed by some quarters.

“Like what he said, it’s a war, so there are casualties. But I hope now that the existence of a facility like this, all these senseless violence will end,” she said.

Vergara also expressed appreciation on the location being inside the military camp.

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, head of the Central Luzon police, said the mega DATRC provides an opportunity for greater success on their Oplan Double Barrel, an anti-criminality campaign that is mainly anchored on eliminating illegal

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CAUSE DETERMINED. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 11 spokesperson Inspector Patricio Brananola says electrical short circuit was the cause of fire at the house of Tourism assistant secretary Eden Josephine David during

yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. David’s nineyear old son, a house help and a houseboy were killed during the said incident. Lean Daval Jr.

GPH, NDF poised to sign bilateral ceasefire soon C

Davao’s Coastguard gears up for Oplan Ligtas Biyahe

By RIA VALDEZ

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Philippine Government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) are poised to sign a bilateral ceasefire and agreement on December 10.

GPH Peace Panel and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III disclosed this in a press briefing Wednesday morning.

Bello said that the GPH was hoping that the existing unilateral ceasefire will be upgraded into bilateral ceasefire and that both parties would sign the agreement on the ceasefire hopefully this December 10 in line with the Human Rights Day. “Mapipirmahan na sana yun sa December 10, kaya lang medyo may ‘alinlangan’ pa,” he added.

Bello explained that there

is no consensus made yet on both GPH and NDF committees on the terms and conditions of the bilateral ceasefire.

He mentioned that there are several items that needed to be addressed such as the socio economic reports, political and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

“Ang importante, patuloy silang nag-uusap kung magkakaroon ng consensus on defining the terms and conditions ng bilateral ceasefire,” Bello said.

It can be recalled that the GPH and NDF during the previous negotiations agreed to upgrade from an indefinite unilateral ceasefire to joint bilateral ceasefire within two months from the signing of

joint statement last August 26.

Bello said that the government is eyeing to release 50 to 70 political detainees on humanitarian grounds and 5 to 7 NDF consultants soon as part of the measures for peace process.

He added that he was able to talk to Fidel Agcaoli, the chief of NDF negotiator, regarding the release of the political detainees “I explained to him [Agcaoili] na ang pagpapalaya nila [political prisoners] needs to undergo judicial process and dadaan sa husgado,” Bello stressed, mentioning that President Duterte is also determined to release the prisoners.

Bello added that the release of the political detainees

will take time, however, he was able to let Agcaoili understand that NDF’s side needs to be patient on the process of freeing their people.

Meanwhile, the third round of peace negotiations will be on January 18 to 25 next year, which will take place in Rome.

“Kaya nilipat ng Norwegian government to Rome because sobrang lamig sa Oslo by January – umaabot hanggang 30 to 40 degrees below zero ang temperature,” Bello said.

Issue on Marcos Burial not included in peace talks The GPH chief negotiator said on Wednesday that the issue on Marcos’ burial in the Heroes Cemetery is not included in the peace talks.

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OASTGUARD Station Davao commander Restituto Concio said that their office is preparing for the Christmas season through OPLAN LIGTAS BIYAHE by increasing the number of security personnel in all harbors and ports.

“We are expecting a heavy influx of passengers going to Samal and Talicud Island,” Concio remarked.

He added that the coastguard would not allow boats to travel in case of excess passengers or overloading.

The CSD would also check the availability of lifesaving equipment in the boats and if these are registered with their office.

“We will make sure that the safety requirements are accompanied by certificates validated by Marina.

For added safety, Concio also pointed out that their office is in the process of registering all maritime vessels, including small boats to regulate

the entry of maritime vessels in Davao. All boats in all coast guard districts would have a serial numbering system to monitor their entry.

However, this is still a proposal. “There is already a memorandum circular passed to the Philippine Coastguard office in Manila,” said Concio.

He added that Davao City is already beginning to use the system under Marina.

According to him, there are 10 boats for the sea-riding public bound for Samal however they also monitor more boats to cater diving and island hopping bound for Kaputian and Talicud island from Sta. Ana wharf. Most of the boats in Davao City are registered under Marina.

For the Christmas season, Concio calls out to the public to avoid boarding unregistered boats. He also asked the public to report boats who carry excess passengers. He said that the coastguard prohibits this

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ARMM gov backs military operation in Lanao del Sur

A OPTIMISM IN SEVERAL FRONTS. nformation and Communications Technology (ICT)-Davao Inc. president lawyer Samuel Matunog says the President Duterte’s call to open the telecommunication industry to

other players gain positive impact. Matunog made the statement during yesterday’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

UTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman has expressed unqualified support to the ongoing military action against the terror Maute group in Butig, Lanao del Sur, saying it was time to be “conscious and proactive” in fighting terrorism.

“It’s high time to address the security threats in the region,” Hataman told reporters here at the sidelines of the 3rd ARMM Local Government Unit Summit being held at the SMX Center here.

The ARMM comprises the cities of Marawi and Lamitan and the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

A total of five provincial governors, two city mayors and 116 municipal mayors are expected to attend the two– day summit that started here Wednesday.

“We will study the state of governance in the ARMM during the summit,” the governor said in referral to existing security threats in the region.

The ARMM is currently facing a string of problems ranging from the militant Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao; the Abu Sayyaf Group in the island-provinces of the region; and the Maute terror group in Butig, Lanao del Sur, among others.

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4 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

114 Mabini banana growers bolts from Unifrutti’s control ARBs cite economic hardships from low prices

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OME 114 banana growers in Mabini, Compostela Valley unanimously bolted from the multinational company (MNC) Unifrutti by rejected Tuesday a 20-year exclusive option to purchase bananas agreement (EOPBA) favoring a company identified with the MNC. The banana growers are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are members of Mampising Farmers Marketing Cooperative (MFMC), each of whom was awarded 2.8 hectares of land and whose aggregate area comprised 252 hectares inside the former 707-hectare banana plantation of Lapanday firm sprawling in sitio Mampising, Barangay Tagnanan in Mabini town.

MFMC president Victoriano Aliniabon claimed in an interview that they have been suffering economic hardships for so many years now because of Unifrutti’s low buying price of their banana produce set at $3.20 only per box.

He said from his awarded land he produced 200 boxes in average giving him a gross P60,000 or P70,000 in 15 days’ billing but “the company only gave me P2,500 or

P3,500 net earnings.”

He added he did not know how he ended this up with all the many deductions made against his gross earnings like 32 dollar cents for the infrastructure, the P4,000 every two weeks for the segatoka pest control, expenses for aerial spray and others while they shouldered the costs for fertilizers, labor and others.

MFMC board member Paulina Lusanez said if they would be out of “Unifrutti’s control, we could earn so much, times 2 or times 3 of our gross.”

“It’s possible each of us once freed can earn P40,000 a month more than my present P3,000 net,” she added.

MFMC members’ banana production from the aggregate 252 hectares is estimated to reach at least 5,000 cartoons per day.

In the hearing on the sala of Compostela Valley’s DARAB Provincial Adjudicator (Parad) Noel Condez held at Prosperity Hall in Nabunturan town, the present 114 individual banana growers were asked individually if they wanted that their cavendish banana

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PAGCOR turns over P5B to fund Duterte’s socio-civic projects

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N initial P5 billion fund has been turned over by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to the National Treasury to fund socio-civic projects lined up for implementation by President Rodrigo Duterte.

PAGCOR’s Community Relations and Service Department chief Arnell Ignacio said the original plan was for PAGCOR to fund the revival of the Botika ng Bayan which will provide free medicines for poor patients. ”When we turned over the PHP5 billion, his (President Duterte) original plan is for the resurrection of the Botika ng Bayan. The President wanted to make sure that if the patients were given prescription, it will be bought for free,” Ignacio said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.

Though the original plan was to revive Botika ng Bayan, Ignacio clarified President Duterte has the prerogative what other socio-civic projects will be funded using the PAGCOR fund. ”So if he wants to use it for Botika ng Bayan or rehabilitation center, it’s up for him to decide,” he told the Palace media.

During last Tuesday’s inauguration of the mega drug rehabilitation center in Nueva Ecija, President Duterte said he may use the PHP5 billion from PAGCOR for building another mega rehab center in the Visayas. ”Maybe I can build another one, this time, somewhere in Visayas. But I’m sure because

PAGCOR turned over PHP5 billion last (Monday) night,” the President said after the unveiling of the first mega drug rehab facility inside Fort Magsaysay.

The construction of the country’s first mega Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center was funded by Chinese philanthropist Huang Hulun.

Impressed by President Duterte’s strong campaign against illegal drugs, Hulun donated PHP1.4 billion for the building of the mega rehab facility in a 100,000-square meter area of Fort Magsaysay.

It can accommodate some 10,000 in-patients or at least one percent of the 780,000 drug dependents who surrendered to the authorities amid President Duterte’s war on drugs.

Meanwhile, Ignacio said PAGCOR has already released about PHP45 million to the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) for its campaign against illegal drugs. ”It’s a mandatory allocation as provided by law,” he said.

Ignacio said his own department in PAGCOR will allocate funds for major government hospitals like the Philippine General Hospital, National Kidney Institute and Philippine Heart Center. ”We will start with small funds and then if it works, we will put more money. But then the thrust of the President based on what he said during our last meeting is to revive the Botika ng Bayan,” Ignacio said.

(PNA)

PAY HIKE ASSURED. Secretary Silvestre Bello III of the Department of Labor and Employment gives updates on the programs and efforts of the agency for the working class sector of the country including the planned

P38 to P48 basic wage increase in the Davao Region. Bello was among the guests of yesterday’s AFP-PNP Press Corps at The Royal Mandaya Hotel. Lean Daval Jr.

House body certifies passage of banana research center bill

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE House committee on agriculture and food has approved to certify on Tuesday a proposed bill that sought to establish the Philippine National Banana Research and Development Center in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The center will further develop the country’s banana industry and address the serious diseases afflicting banana plantations and farms especially in Mindanao.

The approved House Bill 2926, authored by House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez (1st District, Daavao del Norte) and Rep. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga (2nd District, Compostela Valley), seeks to put up the Philippine National Banana Research and Development Center to be known as the “Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Banana Research and Development Center”.

The center is also in recognition of the great contributions made by Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. to the banana

industry in the country.

In his committee report, Rep. Jose Panganiban Jr. (Party-list, ANAC-IP) said the proposed banana center will provide research and development techniques for the production, post-harvest, handling and maintenance of the gene bank for good quality varieties of banana which will further boost the potentials of the banana industry.

Banana is the consistent top dollar earner in the Philippines with average annual earnings of about US$800 million, he added.

The committee also cited in its report data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) that states banana production has increased by 2.24 from 8.8 million metric tons in 2014 to 9.83 million metric tons in 2015.

Improvements in production was due to the increase in the number of bearing plants of Cavendish, Latundan, Lakatan and Saba, and the expansion in the areas planted with

bananas in Mindanao, Panganiban added.

One of the authors of the bill, Rep. Gonzaga emphasized the strong clamor from the stakeholders of banana industry for the creation of the center that will undertake scientific research to ensure the sustainability of the industry.

Setbacks also hit the banana industry in past years that include the prolonged dry spell in 2015, the typhoon Pablo in 2012 and the recurrence of the uncontrollable spread of Panama disease, Gonzaga added.

Panama disease is a fungal plant disease which attacks the root system of banana plants. The disease causes the leaves to wilt and the plant dies.

Agriculture secretary Manny Piñol, on the other hand, lauded the approval of House Bill 2926 in the agriculture committee.

He said it is high time for the government to come in

and support the banana industry “that grew out of its own resources, of its own efforts” and barely received any support from the government.

“But right now the industry is suffering from a very serious disease called Panama disease. But in spite of this, the government has not really intervened. When the China market closed about two years ago, the government failed to assist the banana growers,” the secretary said, adding that the industry has grown to about a $1.5 billion dollar industry and employs about 500,000 people as of the moment.

Philippine bananas have already captured 98 percent of the Asian market, he said.

Piñol also reported that the Department of Agriculture (DA), he added, will also create the first-ever one-stop shop research laboratory in Davao City that will do research not only on banana diseases but also animal diseases, soil testing, water testing.

Ybanez said that Spain would want to be more engaged in Asia and stressed that “this is a very clear determination from the government as a whole and from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry Commerce.”

The members of the delegation said they understood “very deeply” the Philippines’ concerns. “You can count on us on whatever you need,” Ybanez said.

They said Spain is “more than ready to cooperate with the Philippines” on the implementation of its big-ticket infrastructure projects, partic-

ularly in building railways and in the areas of transportation, energy and telecommunications.

The members of the delegation also informed Dominguez of Spain’s “great interest” in President Duterte’s programs, particularly his war against illegal drugs.

“We listened very well on why he is doing that and how important it is to really combat drugs,” Ybanez said.

The Spanish delegation also expressed its support for the Philippines’ peace process with insurgent groups and the Duterte administration’s plan

to promote regional autonomy.

Dominguez, in turn, explained to this visiting group the Duterte administration’s primary thrust in its 10-point socioeconomic agenda, which is the accelerated spending on infrastructure, human capital development and social protection in order to sustain high and inclusive growth.

He also informed the delegation that the three main goals of the Duterte administration are reducing poverty, promoting a law-abiding society, which includes winning the war against illegal drugs,

Spain restates support for RP’s 10-pt reform agenda

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TOP-LEVEL Spanish delegation has reiterated Spain’s support for President Duterte’s 10-point socioeconomic agenda and lauded his ongoing peace initiatives with insurgent groups as well as his strong campaign against illegal drugs.

In a meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in Davao City, the Spanish delegation led by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ignacio Ybanez Rubio also relayed Spain’s interest in investing in Philippine projects on energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

12 candidates vie for DCCCII directors

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TOTAL of 12 business persons and professionals are vying for five vacancies for the position of members of the board of directors of the multi-awarded Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) during the 49th annual elections of the chamber scheduled on December 3 at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel.

According to Sofronio “BJ” M. Jocutan, DCCCII executive vice president, who is this year’s chairman of the Nomination Committee (Noncom), the five directors elected on Saturday will serve for three years (2017, 2018 and 2019).

They and 10 other directors elected earlier will then elect from among themselves the officers for the year. These officers include the chairman of the board, president, vice president, vice president for trade and commerce, vice president for industry, vice president for agribusiness, vice president for professional and service ventures, corporate secretary, corporate treasurer. The remaining five become trustees.

Jucutan, who himself was once a DCCCII president, said the candidates are: Marilou Ampuan, Cresencio Arrieta, Atty. Susan P. Cariaga, Antonio T. dela Cruz, Val L. Domingo, Leron Lehman, Simeon P. Marfori II, Arturo M. Milan, Jennifer Sazon, Jonathan Suy, Juanito “Ricky” M. Tagabucba and Bonifacio T. Tan. Tan is the incumbent chamber president, while dela Cruz and Marfori are former presidents. Milan is an incumbent trustee. All 12 candidates are outstanding business leaders and professionals in their own rights, according to Jucutan.

He said the names of the candidates were formally nominated by members. Then, the Noncom composed of Jucutan, trustee Wilfred Teves and former DCCCII vice president Lenny V. Castillo passed upon their qualifications according to the Chamber’s constitution and bylaws. The Noncom also secured the nominees’ acceptance before they were finally listed as candidates.

The current officers of the chamber are: Jo Y. Gaisano Jr., chairman; Bonifacio T. Tan, president; Sofronio M. Jucutan, executive vice president; Luciano Frederick “Dicky” P. Puyod III, vice president for trade and commerce; Capt. Ronald C. Go, VP for industry; Teresita M. Pascual, VP for agribusiness; Belinda L. Torres, VP for professional and service ventures; Yvonne F. Cabada, corporate secretary; Alvin M. Pinpin, corporate treasurer; architect Daniel T. Lim, Antonio M. Ajero, Arturo M. Milan, Annie E. Veloso, Wilfred Teves and Jocelyn Romero, trustees.

The December 3 elections will be supervised by an election committee composed of Ben Cariaga, lawyer, chairman; Robert “Boyet” Quinto, engineer, and Delia M. Ladao, certified public accountant, members. All three are past DCCCII presidents.

Ms Cherry Faye B. Al-ag, an active chamber member, will be master of ceremony (emcee).

After the President Boni Tan’s Report, Chairman Gaisano will make a 15-minute presentation about the chamber, the same material he used in his presentation in Tapei, where the DCCCII is nominated Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce in Asia and the Pacific.

OVERSUPPLY. Davao Light and Power Company vice president for Engineering Engr. Rodger Velasco (right) says Mindanao’s power supply is on the verge of oversupply and by first quarter of next year, the island will be oversupplied

ECONOMY 5

by a thousand megawatt. Velasco made the disclosure with assistant vice president for Engineering Support Engr. Reynold Felix (left) during yesterday’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Light contracts 453 MW for summer months next year

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HE Davao Light and Power Company has contracted some 453 MW for the summer months next year and assured power consumers of no power outages during this period.

Engr. Rodger S. Velasco, DLPC vice president for engineering, told a press conference on Wednesday that even as they project the demand for power within its franchise area to rise from 370 MW to 405 MW next year, it will not affect its franchise area because of the surplus of over 1,000 MW in the Mindanao grid.

Unlike in the previous years, he said supply will not be much of a concern with the entry of more baseload coalfired power plants in the Min-

danao grid.

The rise in power demand is due to the growing real estate industry such as the construction of condominium buildings and new malls around here that they see it necessary to have a spare of at least 50 MW that can be tapped if anything happens to generating power sources, Velasco said.

“As you can see, there are many constructions all around,” he added.

Also, citing the projection of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), he said that the country will not suffer from drought as it did recently, so the hydropower sources, which supply half of Mindan-

ao’s power demand, will not be affected so much.

DLPC’s franchise area covers Davao City, Brgy. Bincungan in Tagum City, and Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Braulio Dujali towns in Davao del Norte with some 350,000 consumers.

Based on DLPC’s data, one megawatt of electricity can supply power to 4,167 customers.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is eyeing a review on the electricity market in Mindanao to address the huge excess in energy supply with new baseload coal plants entering the grid.

The Power Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), the operator of Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM)

in Luzon, used to handle the Interim Mindanao Electricity Market (IMEM) before its suspension in February 2014 due to “system collapse in Mindanao” and the need to “resolve operational and commercial issues and concerns.”

Cusi said that the electricity market will provide a venue for all distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to buy power even if they are not covered by an existing power supply contracts, at a competitive price.

He said that the electricity market can ensure a stable power while at the same time foster a more competitive market that will bring in more investments to Mindanao.

(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

ITING lines from a song, Sec. Ismael Sueno of the Department of Interior and Local Government shared how he used to feel as a government official from Mindanao.

“Kami’y mga Muslim lamang, kami’y mga taga-Mindanao lamang,” he said. When he was faced with the prospect of leading his political party, he initially questioned if he had what it took to lead at the national level.

Much has changed since then.

tending the 3rd ARMM Local Goverment Summit.

The two-day summit was held in the SMX Convention Center, Davao City.

“Pagkamulat...

Pagbabago, Pag-unlad” was the theme for the said event, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the region.

Sueno noted the negative perception outsiders have regarding communities in the ARMM. When it comes to discussions about the region, outsiders usually “worry” about governance.

But noting reforms in the region in recent years, especially the marked absence of ghost projects, he said that “transparent, accountable, and moral governance” is present in the ARMM. Cooperation, willpower The secretary said that cooperation of local executives on peace and order initiatives is perceived by people outside the ARMM

as a concern, especially with regard to lawless elements.

The national government, however, believes that governors and mayors in the ARMM can face these challenges, Sueno said.

The LGUs, he noted, are strong partners against lawless elements in the region.

The national and local government’s joint success against lawlessness depends on the “willpower of leaders,” Sueno said.

President’s plans Sueno also mentioned that a number of the poorest provinces are found in the ARMM, and that the president wants to help uplift the quality of life in these areas.

“If we are to implement projects in ARMM, I will be the project manager in ARMM. Let us implement projects there,” Sueno quotes Duterte as saying.

The president has even proposed a trip to Jolo, Sulu to his cabinet members, if

only to help dispel negative perceptions on the ARMM. Despite the recent incident in Marawi, Sueno mentioned that the president insists on pushing through with his scheduled visits in Mindanao and that this is a sign of the president’s commitment to the region.

Model for other regions The DILG has earlier hosted a national event tagged as Sulong Pilipinas: LGU Consultations on Peace and Order, and Social Development. However, Sueno intends to conduct LGU consultations at the regional level and to use the ARMM LGU Summit as a model.

“We have seen Gov. Hataman’s sincerity in his desire to conduct this consultation, and how strongly he wants to battle negative perceptions against the ARMM,” Sueno said.

“We will also do this for other regions,” he added.

(Bureau of Public Information)

Mindanao business council Sueno: ARMM summit serves as model for other regions backs tax reform program C

T

HE Mindanao Business Council Inc. has given its full backing to the comprehensive tax reform program of the Duterte administration, describing it as “the starting point” in attaining economic prosperity by 2040.

Led by its chairman, Vicente Lao, the MBCI said that President Duterte’s vision of significantly reducing poverty by 2022 and completely eradicating it 2040, or 24 years from now, “is a dream we share and we will commit to working towards it.”

Lao said the MBCI is supportive of the DOF’s program in making the tax system simpler, fairer and more efficient, which would be achieved by the first package of reforms it had submitted to the Congress in September.

This first package involves reducing personal income tax (PIT) rates, expanding the tax base and adjusting the excise taxes on petroleum products

and automobiles, with certain exceptions.

In a statement, the MBCI said that, “As partners for change, we, the Mindanao Business Council, fully support the Duterte Administration’s comprehensive tax reform program (CTRP), spearheaded

by DOF.” “We believe that the program, comprising several packages beginning with the first package submitted to Congress in September 2016, will simplify and correct the inefficiency and inequity of our tax system. More importantly, we believe that the CTRP is fiscally sound, responsible, and will address the development needs of our country, which are particularly acute in Mindanao,” the MBCI said.

“The long-delayed development of Mindanao can be attained by securing peace and investing in the future, particularly rural development. These

F MINDANAO, 13

A challenge “This same feeling has become a challenge to many of us,” Sueno said.

“We must prove to the entire nation that Mindanaons can perform as well, if not better, than our counterparts in Luzon and Visayas,” Sueno said as he addressed local executives from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) at-

EDGEDAVAO

6 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Siargao girl surfer wins Asian championship

A

FTER drawing big scores in the series of leagues in Southeast Asia, Siargao girl surfer Nilbie Blancada plucked the most coveted crown of the 2016 Asian Surfing Championship—co-sanctioned by both the World Surfing League and the ASC---that concluded in Taitung, Taiwan on Sunday.

In the men’s division, Siargao’s best wave rider, Philmar Alipayo, placed second place in this year’s ASC series.

Tim Hain, media event officer of the Asian Surfing Championship, told MindaNews on Thursday that the 23-year-old Blancada from General Luna, Siargao Island has become the first woman champion from the Philippines.

“In ASC Women’s Division it was a race all the way to the final between the Philippines’s Nilbie Blancada and Indonesia’s Kailani Johnson, as both entered the event with equal championship points, and then both advanced out of their semifinal heats to meet in the final,” Hain said in a press statement.

Blancada wasted no time in the 25-minute final, getting on the board early with a 6.5 score and then circling around on the inside righthander to post several average scores, holding the lead for the majority of the final.

But France’s Uhaina Joly came on strong in the last 5 minutes to push Blancada down into second place and take the win. However, with her second place finish and Johnson’s third place finish, Blancada claimed her first ASC Women’s championship title.

“The Asian Surfing Championship tour … started with the WSL-ASC Mentawai Pro at Lances Right, then the WSLASC Komune Bali Pro at Keramas, the ASC West Sumbawa Pro at Yoyos/Supersucks, the ASC Quiksilver Padma Chal-

“W

E want to see Comvalenyos seizing chances to improve their livelihood; we yearn to see improvements in our various facilities and we are certain that there’s more to see in the coming months,” was the message of Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy as the World Bank (WB) kicked off the third Implementation Support Mission (ISM) to the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Projects (DA-PRDP) in the province last November 23, 2016 at the Social Hall, Capitol Building in Nabunturan town.

The event was graced by delegates from the WB, the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO), Regional Project Coordinating Office (RPCO) and the Provincial Project Management Implementing Units (PPMIUs).

Among the key persons who visited the province included Cirilo O. Namoc, deputy project director of NPCO; Roy Abaya, NPCO I-Build component

lenge in Bali, the ASC Hello Pacitan in East Java, the WSL-ASC Siargao Men’s Cup at Cloud 9 in the Philippines, the ASC Rote Open on Rote Island-East Indonesia, and finally ended here at the WSL-ASC Taiwan Open of Surfing in Taitung,” Hain said.

He said Blancada has become consistent in these series and finished each tournament with great score.

Last July, Blancada bested 12 topnotch surfers from Australia, Argentina, Indonesia, Taiwan and Japan, earning her first title on Indonesian waters during the four-day Quiksilver Padma Challenge.

Last October, Blancada also grabbed the 2016 crown in Rote Island Women’s Open in Indonesia. Blancada out surfed the 2015 ASC Champion Rina Ritazawa of Japan.

“I feel so happy today. I am surf champion of Asia. I have proved that you don’t need to come from a rich family to be a champion. I come from a poor family in a small village on Siargao Island in the Philippines. When I was 14 years old I started borrowing boards and [went] surfing. I love to surf. It’s that love that has kept me going for the past few years. It hasn’t been easy for me to find surfboards to ride and money to travel, but so many people have helped me. I want to thank my sister so much for supporting me and for everyone who has ever sponsored me. I owe them so much,” Blancada posted on her Facebook account shortly after she won the crown.

She added that she still dreams of more things – riding bigger, more perfect waves; teaching young Filipino kids the joy of surfing, surfing on the world tour, becoming world champion.

“Really anything is possible if you dream big enough and work hard enough,” Blancada said. (Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)

ETHNIC DANCE PRIZE GOES TO MAITUM. Participants from Municipality of Maitum take home the first prize for Ethnic Dance Competition during the Munato Festival 2016 held at Capitol grounds on November 25. The dancers

are composed of students from Edenton Mission College Incorporated.

(John James I. Doctor for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Cotabato City festival backs ASEAN integration initiatives

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HIS year’s celebration of Cotabato City’s Shariff Kabunsuan Festival will fully support ASEAN integration.

This was stressed by Norianne Lou “Gurlie” Frondoza, tourism officer of Cotabato City during the press conference yesterday at Sunny Pont Hotel, Davao City for Bangala Fashion Fair, a BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) event in line with the celebration of the festival.

Frondoza said in a press statement that the initiatives will jumpstart the commitment of Cotabato City to the ASEAN Integration in the coming years.

One of the initiatives is

WB visits ComVal

the launching of Bangala: BIMP-EAGA Exhibit, one of the new activities of the festival which will be showcasing the different traditional dresses of the people of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines which will go around the main theme “exchange of cultural fabrics of BIMP countries”.

Later on the same day, these costumes will be worn by local models in the BIMP-EAGA Fashion Fair.

Ammarah Biruar-Dumama, World Hijab Day Ambassadress of the Philippines, said that aside from the exhibit, a forum will also be held to tackle on the heritage of the textiles as well as a short talk from the hijab ambassadress of other member countries of

BIMP-EAGA such as Dian Pelangi, Lulu Elhasbu, and Nada Puspita from Indonesia and Natasha Hudson from Malaysia.

Dumama added that there will also be a hijab tutorial and a photography competition during the fair.

The hijab ambassadress also stressed that the initiative is to inspire the young Muslim women to wear their hijab as well as a battlecry against issues conforming Muslim women such as racism and discrimination.

“Hijab is a process,” said Dumama.

Another event will be the culinary competition which will feature the diverse flavors from BIMP countries using local products that can be found

Zambo anti-trafficking TF Rescues 19 victims

T head; Dominic Alumentado Sr., procurement specialist; and Jim Hancock, natural resources and livelihood officer.

The visit was also in time for the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Citizen’s Monitoring Team (CMT).

The MOA signing was led

by Governor Uy together with

Compostela Valley State College (CVSC) president Christine Jean V. Garniera and DA-XI acting regional director Ricardo M. Oñate.

Frauke Jungbluth, the lead agriculture economist and team leader of WB also witnessed the occasion.

Jungbluth expressed her appreciation to Compostela Valley’s initiative, saying “it’s a pleasure to see the signing of the agreement

on the participatory monitoring because we feel also that it is a way where you can engage citizens more in making sure the quality of construction is supervised. You can’t be there all the time but the people around can be.”

The WB team leader also hoped for positive results on such undertaking. (Wina Gonzales/ IDS Comval)

in the markets in Cotabato City.

City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said, it is timely that the theme of the festival must be expanded to the culture and tradition of the other ASEAN countries because these nations are being considered by Cotabato City as its partners in development.

“The BIMP-EAGA is very important for Cotabato City because we have already established a relationship with these countries back in the ancient times. Remember that our forefathers are of Malay blood and Shariff Kabunsuan himself is also a native of Malaysia”, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

The Shariff Kabunsuan festival will be celebrated on December 15 to 19, 2016.

HE Zamboanga City multi-agency task force on anti-human trafficking has rescued 19 women believed to be victims in two separate areas.

Supt. Rogelio Alabata, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) spokesperson, on Wednesday said the victims were simultaneously rescued at a hotel and a pension house in this city.

Alabata said the rescue operation was carried out simultaneously around noontime Tuesday when the Sea-Based Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force received information about the presence of the victims.

Alabata disclosed the

victims, when rescued, were on transit to their respective point of destinations through the southern backdoor of the country.

He said the victims, who are all women and hired to work abroad, are from as far as Kalinga province, Pangasinan, Quezon City, and Cebu City.

He said the youngest among them is 22 and the oldest is 42 years old.

He said the victims were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for temporary custody and psycho-social assistance.

(PNA)

7 FEATURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Selected students of performed an ethnic dance in front of the newly completed three units of two-classroom buildings in Dumadalig Integrated School in Tantangan, South Cotabato. (Alexander D. Lopez)

Sowing the seeds of peace in Bangsamoro homeland (Final of three series)

Securing a brighter future for kids

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

“W

E know that great things start from small beginnings. Just like the little drops of water that can make an ocean. The Japanese government supports community-based organizations that are working at the grassroots level. We believe that improvements in the individual lives may seem to have small effect, but if we continue the support everywhere, it will lead to the development of the country.”

This was the central message given by Hiroyuki Enoki, the First Secretary and Labour Attaché of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines during the turnover of the three units of two-classroom buildings last November 24, 2016 at the Integrated School in Barangay Dumadalig in Tantangan, South Cotabato.

The ceremony was graced

by South Cotabato Gov. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes, Vice Gov. Vicente R. De Jesus, Vice Mayor Time Joy Torres-Gonzales and Yosuke Tamabayashi, First Secretary and Advisor to Socio-Economic Assistance Component (SEAC) in the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Teachers, students, parents and village officials were present during the occasion as it was viewed as an important event for Dumadalig Integrated School.

“Daghang salamat (Thanks a lot),” were the only words Ana, a Grade III pupil, uttered when asked of her impressions while Samson, a Grade IV pupil, said the new classrooms were spacious

that could accommodate more students.

Ana and Samson are among the 789 school children enrolled for this school year in Dumadalig Integrated School.

Dumadalig lies in the border of South Cotabato and the province of Maguindanao where residents, majority of them farmers, rely much of their income through upland farming.

Twenty-five percent of the populace in the village are Muslims, 15% Ilocano, 15% Ilonggo and the rest are B’laans, one of the major Indigenous People (IP) groups in South Cotabato.

“These are upland areas.

They don’t have the benefit of a sustainable income from irrigated areas. There’s a big population of IPs and there’s difficulty in ensuring that their children stay in school because many cannot afford,” Governor Fuentes said in her message.

The governor also emphasized that cases of early marriages as young as 12 years old continue to be a practice

in IP communities in the area.

Ensuring quality education by providing enough facilities may help delay early marriages as children are encouraged to stay in school until they reach 17 to 18 years old.

“We look at the facility as classrooms but for the people of Dumadalig these are transformative tools to ensure that the cycle of poverty may be broken,” she added.

Through the school facilities, she said the children of Dumadalig, when they reach the ages 17 or 18 can be better equipped in facing the challenges in life. They now have an option to avail of the scholarships and financial assistance to continue schooling in tertiary education; or, if forced to enter marriage lives, become better parents of their children.

“That’s how meaningful this intervention is,” Governor Fuentes pointed out.

Jocelyn, an IP student in Grade VI, said they had congested classrooms, and, in order to accommodate the students, the school adminis-

Miwa Yamatoya (right) Second Secretary and Press Officer of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines talked to students after the formal turn-over of three units of two-classroom buildings in Dumadalig Integrated School in Tantangan, South Cotabato. (Alexander D. Lopez)

tration resort conducting two classes in a single room.

Other grade levels had to use the school’s gym for classes, she added, a situation she described as difficult for their learning process.

“The additional school buildings are blessings to us,” she said.

The school project in Dumadalig was part of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The grant, that was released in 2015, amounted to $97,334 or P4 million. It was facilitated through Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD). The construction of the school buildings were done by the provincial government of South Cotabato.

The three units with classroom buildings are designed with attached toilets and school furniture such as arm chairs, tables and cabinets for the purpose of providing the students with safe and proper learning environment.

Japan’s government is a

top ODA donor to the Philippines. The GGP, launched in the country in 1989 with the aim of reducing poverty by helping communities engaged in grassroots activities, has already funded a total of 519 projects.

Japan has been intensively implementing GGP and other ODA projects in the country since 2006 particularly in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao through J-BIRD. The amount of grants has already reached over $200 million.

More than 50 school buildings were already constructed since 2006 under the program in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, said Yosuke Tamabayashi, who also emphasized the role of SEAC-IMT in the project imple-

F FEATURE, 10

Top to bottom: Hiroyuki Enoki (3rd from right), the First Secretary and Labour Attache of the Embassy of Japan and Gov. Daisy AvanceFuentes (2nd from left) led the cutting of ribbon during the turn-over of the three units of two-classroom buildings in Dumadalig, Tantangan, South Cotabato last November 25, 2016.

Hiroyuki Enoki (4th from right), the First Secretary and Labour Attache of the Embassy of Japan handed to Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes (4th from left) a symbolic key during the turn-over of the three units of two-classroom buildings in Dumadalig, Tantangan, South Cotabato last November 25, 2016.

Hiroyuki Enoki (2nd from left), the First Secretary and Labour Attache of the Embassy of Japan and Gov. Daisy AvanceFuentes (2nd from right) unveiled the marker of the newly completed three units of two-classroom buildings in Dumadalig, Tantangan, South Cotabato last November 25, 2016. They were joined by Vice Gov. Vicente de Jesus (left) and Yosuke Tamabayashi (right), First Secretary and Advisor to SEAC-IMT. (Photos by Alexander D. Lopez)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

EDITORIAL

I

Inter-parliamentary courtesy

T is not the first time that we encounter the term inter-parliamentary courtesy. There had been three notable instances where the said term has been applied.

In 2007, members of the House of Representatives appealed to their counterparts in the Senate to respect Congress’ so-called inter-parliamentary courtesy by doing away with a summons for Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. with regard to the $420-million North Rail project.

Then Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino, chairman of the House committee on public order and safety, said the senators do not have to invite the House leader when the Senate conducts the probe, as there are other witnesses available.

In that particular case, it was noted that each chamber would not want to offend the other. Even if the personality is a member of the opposition.

In another case in 2015, then House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II raised inter-parliamentary courtesy following a statement from Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali to revamp the Senate committees leadership. Gonzales was then reacting to the statement made by Umali to overhaul of the Senate committees once Senators

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Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero decide to run for a higher office in the following year’s polls.

Curiously, it is Umali again who heads the probe of the House of Representatives on the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison which involved Senator Leila De Lima.

After De Lima former driver-lover Ronnie Dayan’s testimony that he was asked by the former not to mind the subpoena of the House on him, the term inter-parliamentary courtesy again comes into play.

The House now wants Senator De Lima to answer the testimony of Dayan that he asked the latter not to appear before the House inquiry.

Will respect between two equal branches prevent the House from securing De Lima’s presence, much less issue a warrant should she refuse to appear?

When the institution itself, in this case Congress, is treated with utter disregard for its authority in pursuance of a lawful order by a co-equal member, inter-parliamentary courtesy may ultimately give way to the former.

In the pursuit of truth, the bar of inter parliamentary courtesy should fall to give way to the enlightenment of both chambers.

AGUSTIN V. MIAGAN JR Circulation

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

9

Cinema of change

C

HANGE is coming – even in cinema. That’s why this year’s theme of Mindanao Film Festival (MFF) is “Cinema of Change.”

“The theme stresses the role of film as an agent of transformation by raising public awareness to certain issues which would have the possibility of leading the audience to action,” explains Rudolph Ian Alama, who’s now on his fifth year as the festival director.

Now on its 12th year, the MFF is considered as one of the longest-running regional film festival in the country today.

According to Alama, the transformative power of films has been recognized by government agencies which have become partners in the cinema festival.

“In the past, we had the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency who sponsored an anti-drug documentary competition among college students,” Alama said. “This year we have the Population Commission which entered two short films submitted by college students under their Adolescent Health and Youth Development Independent Film Festival.”

This year – from December 7 to 13 – about 58 short films and three full-length films and documentaries will be screened at Gaisano Mall Cinema 6.

The full-length independent film “Baboy Halas,” helmed by Dabawenyo filmmaker Bagane Fiola, will open the festival on December 7.

“Baboy Halas,” which tells the story of a Matig-

T

VANTAGE POINTS

salug hunter and his family living THINK ON THESE! in the forest of Marilog, received the Jury Prize given by NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) and Best Artistic Contribution for Cinematography which was awarded during Henrylito D. Tacio this year’s QCine- henrytacio@gmail.com ma International Film Festival held in Quezon City.

Slated to be shown also during the festival is Sheron Dayoc’s “Crescent Rising,” which earned the Mecenat Award (Best Documentary) during the 2016 Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.

The various films entered in the festival have come from different localities across Mindanao notably Davao City, Nabunturan in Compostela Valley, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Zamboanga City.

“This year’s film screenings are thematic in na-

ture as they will be blocked according to a certain theme rather than the previous geographical and school-based groupings,” Alama explained.

Shorts in the “Films from Nabifilmex” include “Sherador,” “Asay,” “Warak,” “Yagapanaw,” “Pamugas,” “Makaakar,” “Bahandi ni Lola,” “Belo” and “Panggaw.”

These films were created by Comvalenyo filmmakers and were featured in this year’s Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (Nabifilmex).

Friendship is being tackled in the block “Amigo Ta.” These include shorts “Higala,” “Orpheus,” “Ma’am La,” “Anito,” “Ang Agimat,” “Birthday Boy,” “Kathryn and Margaret.”

Films about family are included in the “Ohana” block; among these shorts include “Dear Mama,” “Lipstick,” “Abal,” “Bulong,” and “Lapok.”

There are also films about crime and its repercussions; they are blocked together in “Crime Does Not Pay.” These include: “God Must Think I’m Cain,” “Pulis,” “Fachada,” “Nino,” “Panun” and “Static.”

Short films centered on the lives of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender) are part of the “Bahaghari” block, these shorts include; “Handuraw,” “Dasal,” “Love,” “Entre Medio del Fin.” Shorts about love, its joys and pain are part of the block “Nagmahal, Nasaktan”: “Kapanglawan,” “Soulmate,” “Allyn,” “First Time,” “Subang,” and “Sad Boys Club.”

Films that revolve around student life are featured under “Estudyante Blues” block: “Bobby,” “Gaba,” “Sta. Monica,” “Kinsa Ta?” and “The Project.”

Documentary works are included in the CineReal block. These films include: “A Fading Heritage,” “The Soil of Dreams,” “Panicupan,” “Under the Canopy of Light,” “Saranggola,” and “Pagbarug ug Pagtuon.”

Two short films – “Buboy” and “Kapit-os” – created by students and entered in the Davao region leg of the Population Commission’s 2016 Adolescent Health and Youth Development Independent Film Festival will also be screened.

Films produced from the 2016 Guerrilla Filmathon, a 24-hour filmmaking race held in the capital of Davao del Norte province will be shown in the “Filmathon DavNor” block. The films include: “Tanum,” “Huwag Na Lang,” “Ako Bahala sa Imo,” “Halug,” “Ang Hanas na Magsusugid,” “Balagtas,” “Amboy” and “A Father’s Promise.”

The various films will vie for different awards and citations that will be given during the festival awards night on December 12.

The MFF is organized by the Mindanao Film and TV Development Foundation in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Philippine Information Agency Region XI.

MINDAVIEWS

There are fears, however, that in the process of experimentation, poisons are spread to nearby corn farms that endanger the crops there directly or make them more dependent on pesticides or farm inputs than ever before. And, that the net effect of that negative aspect would be for us to import food from foreign producers.

These were legitimate concerns in the past. But, now, it seems that those apprehensions are being addressed in a scientific manner.

ence bears “witness to the primordial Fiat Lux, let there be light.”

And 41 years later, in 1992, Pope John Paul II reiterated this theme of Pope Pius XII’s in a speech, entitled Faith Can Never Contradict Reason, that he made before the Pontifical Academy of Science.

He said that: “the Church, by virtue of her specific mission, is obliged to pay close attention to problems no longer related merely to astronomy, physics and mathematics, but also to relatively new disciplines such as biology and biogenetics.

“Many recent scientific discoveries and their possible applications affect man more directly than ever before, his thought and action, to the point of seeming to threaten the very basis of what is human.”

The Bishop of Rome further said that: “in a general way, xxx the pastor ought to show a genuine boldness, avoiding the double trap of a hesitant attitude and of hasty judgment, both of which can cause considerable harm.”

On that occasion, Pope John Paul II also rectified the condemnation of Galileo by Church authorities in 1611 for his insistence that the earth revolved around the sun and not the sun around the earth.

Biotechnology: What is in there for us?

HANK you to the organizers of this forum for kindly inviting me to share my views on biotechnology especially on its effects on our country and people.

Even as I am no expert on the nature of biotechnology, or its effects on edible plants and consumable meats, I am thankful that I am given the opportunity to discuss the topic which, like it or not, affects the wellbeing of our country and people.

Bt corn Some 15 years ago today, at the first conference in Manila of Bishops with Scientists on January 29, 2001, I was also given the privilege to speak, be it only on broad strokes, on the issue of Biotechnology, particularly as it related to Bt corn.

I told the forum, then, that as a layman and as a legislator, I had no preconceived notions as to whether or not GMOs, or more specifically Bt corn, were good or bad.

Emotionally charged-issue What I knew, then, was that the issue of Bt corn experimental farms in some parts of the country had become so emotionally charged that some of our NGOs and farmers took the law into their own hands by raiding the farms and uprooting the corn crops that had been planted there by certain foreign corporations engaged in GMO experimentation.

The thing, however, is that even at that time, both the GMO experimental farms and the acts of those opposing them had repercussions for good or ill to our country.

Naturally, if the experimental farms would produce more, and cheaper – and safe – food for our people and for our farm animals, then, the experimentations would be good for us and should, therefore, be promoted.

If, on the other hand, the experimental farms would cause ill health to our people and to our animals or destroy the food farms of our farmers, then, the experiments would be bad for us and should be banned.

The other day, I made a fast research in the internet and found the following data:

Europe bans Bt crops In Europe, “19 of the 28 members of the European Union, including Germany and France, have voted to prohibit farmers from cultivating biotech crops.

Scotland independently also voted to ban GMO cultivation.” [Google] Still, under 2015 EU regulations, “countries can opt out of GM consents on a case-by-case basis.”

Opting out And last year, on October 5 2015, the DAILY NEWS in New York reported that: “Countries seizing the opportunity to opt out (of the ban against GMOs) include Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Regions within member states have also joined the exodus, including Scotland, Wales and Northern

BY AQUILINO “NENE” PIMENTEL JR. Ireland in the UK, and Wallonia in Belgium.”

“And Countries that are anti-GM continue to feed their animals GMOs ... It’s ironic that the countries that voted against approval of GM crops still import large amounts of GM ingredients for their animals.”

Africa And in Africa, “only Kenya has banned the importation of food containing GMOs.” xxx “For the first time, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) recently approved open field trials of Bt maize xxx. This is the clearest signal that the country is moving forward with a scientific-based regulatory system. There are on-going confined field trials (CFTs) for maize, sorghum, cassava and other crops.”

[The data are also culled from ‘GMO Answers’]

Japan’s ambivalence Closer to home, I made a quick search on Japan’s attitude towards GMOs. It appears that a Japanese law bans the growing of any genetically modified seeds or crops in Japan.

However, Japanese food manufacturers are actively importing “Roundup Ready” GMO canola grown in Canada primarily to manufacture canola oil.

If the report is true, it simply means that Japan has an ambivalent attitude towards GMOs. How, then, should we treat GMOs or Bt corn specifically in our country?

I suggest that we leave the matter to our biotech scientists to determine whether or not GMOs or Bt corns are safe not only for animal, but, more specifically, for human consumption.

But, let us keep the issue alive by making the public aware that GMOs or Bt corns are now getting more positive treatment in many parts of the globe. And, at the very least, our national stand on the matter as to whether or not GMOs or Bt corns should be guided by scientific knowhow.

By now, scientific experiments, I understand, tend to show that GMOs, in general, are proven safe not only for “animal” but for human consumption as well.

And, if the matter is validated by our own science and technology department, duly assisted by proper research, there should no longer be any reluctance from our government institutions and our people to actively promote the production, sale and consumption of GMOs or Bt products.

For today, I understand that the results of GMOs, or the Bt corn experimentations, in general, show that those agricultural products are made resistant to ordinary plant diseases and they dispense with the more expensive and ill-health causing pesticides.

Moreover, the country is, thus, enabled to produce more food for human and animal consumption than ever before.

Filipino farmers’ positive experiences We can cite the example of a lady farmer, Rosalie Eliazus, who had been using Bt corn seeds and had been harvesting bonanzas.

In her words, she planted Bt corn seeds in a hectare of her farmland that cost her something like P9,000. This amount was roughly P3500 more than what it would have cost her if she used non-Bt corn.

The fact, however, is that she also harvested much more by her use of Bt corn seeds, and in the process, it also relieved her of the need to use of pesticides by as much as 45 percent. And her harvests remained positively bountiful last year despite the drought that plagued the area where her farm land is located.

In brief, when she used Bt corn seeds, she harvested more than triple the usual yield of the same farm land area that she had been cultivating in the past.

Another recent report on a successful experiment on Bt corn comes from farmer Edwin Paraluman, chairman of the Philippine Farmers Advisory Board, in General Santos City.

His emphasis is on the safety of Bt corn which, he said, he had been eating for the last 12 years. His experience, he says, is proof that BT corn is fit for human consumption.

The conclusion now seems inevitable that the Bt is here to stay as it has proven its worth in enhancing the volume of the harvest of crops and in vastly increasing the income of the farmers using Bt seeds.

In other lands, Bt experiments are also producing more in terms of crop harvest volumes and in the process they deliver bigger sums of money to the Bt users.

Religion, no basis to ban Bt crops Incidentally, I might mention that in the not too distant past, some religious contentions were raised against the use of Bt in the production of crops for the dietary needs of mankind.

Happily, in my view, the controversies were laid to rest sooner than latter, because the concerned Pontiffs of Rome in those times backed up by learned scientists put their reputations on the line to tell the world that Bt products are fit for human consumption and for the good of creatures inhabiting the earth.

Specific Pontiffs In 1951, Pope Pius XII, himself, said in an address to the Pontifical Academy of Science that sci-

Scientists support GMOs Renown men of science like Dr. Stephen Jay Gould, the Harvard evolutionist, was one such scientist who argued that there was no contradiction between traditional religious beliefs and the worldview of modern science.

Another one was Stephen Hawking, the eminent British scientist who has tried to get to the bottom of many scientific theories including Einstein’s theory of relativity. He also concluded that there was no inevitable conflict between the theory of Creation of the world, and the scientific theory of existence of the world.

Let me now suggest that whether or not GMOs or Bt corn would be good for our people should be left to the better judgment of our relevant scientific agencies.

Remembering Boethius In the process, we should be guided by the advice of Boethius, a learned man who wrote in the 4th century, A.D., that it would be best for those who are religiously inclined and scientifically curious to “join faith to reason as far as you are able.”

In this discussion, I found it fit to insert a brief sharing of certain religious attitudes because, whether we like it or not, the majority of our people are guided in their daily lives by the tenets of Christianity.

It is important to remember that the leaders of our Church are no longer blind to the advances of science and that, we do have pastors in our Church who would conjoin faith and reason in addressing matters of concern to our people and country in this time and age.

Duty to spread truth As citizens of this country, I think it is our duty to help spread the truth about things that have the potential to make cheap and safe food available to our people and to inform them of things that endanger their health and welfare.

I think it is time that we make full use of the advances of biotechnology – where applicable – and use it to help free our people from hunger – and from ignorance – so that they in turn may not only be receivers, but sharers of the wealth of the nation with those in dire need of it.

Salamat, for your kindness and patience in hearing our views on the topic at hand.

[Former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr. delivered this talk during the opening of the 12th National Biotech Week at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) last Nov. 21, 2016. Pimentel was the Local Governments Secretary in the aftermath of EDSA. He was elected senator in 1987.]

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

UNRUFFLED... FROM 1

“What is there to stop?

Wala naman nagpapakita ng sincerity d’yan so the fight goes on,” President Duterte pointed out.

The President’s advance forces, mostly composed of the members of Presidential Security Group were waylaid on Tuesday as their convoy was proceeding to Marawi City.

Reports said an improvised electronic devise (IED) exploded along the highway when the convoy of the President’s advance party passed through.

Nine government troopers were hurt during the ambush, seven of whom were members of the PSG while the two others were members of the army.

Old municipal hall retaken Westmincom said about 85 to 90% of the Poblacion area of Butig, including the old municipal building was already retaken by the government troopers.

Tan said a total of 35 soldiers were wounded in the continuing military action; 61 Maute Group members were already killed and 12 were

Arson... FROM 2

wounded.

He added that operations in the ground are still ongoing as of Wednesday afternoon.

The AFP, in a statement on Wednesday expressed elation over the report that government troopers successfully retaken Butig from the control of Maute Group.

“It was not without the cost of life and limb of the lawless terrorist Maute Group, and the sweat and blood of our soldiers. But it has to be so to ensure that our people will live peacefully knowing that their soldiers are there to protect them,” Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the AFP said in a separate statement.

He added that AFP chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya also expressed elation over the positive results of the military operations.

“In order to fully defeat the enemies of the state however, we need the support and cooperation of our people.

We exhort them to be vigilant and resist the influence of terrorists and lawless groups,” Arevalo said.

Services and Development Office (CSSDO) had already released assistance to 121 families and 27 individuals affected by the fire.

Maria Luisa Bermudo, head of CSSDO, said the local government will be extending financial assistance to the victims this week.

Owners of houses destroyed by fire will receive P10,000, and victims whose houses are damaged by the fire will also receive P5,000.

Bermudo’s office will also provide stress debriefing sessions to the victims, especially the mothers and children. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

Lumopog, Midsayap, North Cotabato last November 24.

Tukuran, a wanted drug trafficker, was the subject of a search warrant by the raiding team for violating Republic Acts 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Presidential Decree 1866.

Meanwhile, the 62nd Division Reconnaissance Company (62DRC) of the 6th ID was awarded a “Command Plaque” for their outstanding performance during the conduct of major operations in Talitay, Maguindanao and Barangay Lumopog, Midsayap

North, Cotabato on Nov. 1826 that resulted in the recovery of crew-served weapons, high-powered firearms and 18,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.

The 62DRC carried its mission to implement the standing order of President Rodrigo Duterte to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

Their accomplishment significantly degraded the armed capability of drug lords in Central Mindanao.

The unit was also awarded by Galvez with a significant cash prize for their heroic and meritorious achievements for the division. (PNA)

mentation.

He added that IMT has provided development initiatives in the Bangsamoro through SEAC and will continue to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

“Parallel with ceasefire monitoring, socio-economic assistance activity is very important for peace building,” Tamabayashi said.

Enoki also assured Filipinos that the Japanese government will continue to support to peace process between the GRP and the MILF, including the initiatives of community-based organizations work-

ing in communities and projects aimed to provide the children in conflict-affected areas a brighter future.

“Just like in education, bright futures for our children can be achieved if we can provide them first with quality basic education. One way to do this is by having small but meaningful steps such as constructing primary and secondary educational facilities, especially in small and poor communities, so that children will have a place where they can learn useful knowledge, skills and values that will make them better members of society,” Enoki said.

Army... FROM 2

FEATURE... FROM 7

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-Davao Inc. vice president Wit Holganza bares that cacao business is very promising right now due to the high demand in the international market. Holganza graced during yesterday’s Wednesdays at Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Cotabato... FROM 1 houses (Shariff Kabunsuan, and brothers Rajah Tabunaway and Rajah Mamalu) who played important roles in the history of Cotabato City and Region XII as a whole.

Frondoza traced back the history of Cotabato City from the arrival of Shariff Kabunsuan at the Rio de Grande de Mindanao, the welcoming of Rajah Tabunaway to his conversion to Islam, Rajah Mamalu’s resistance to Islam and becoming the forefather of Lumads (indigenous people), the separation of the two brothers, until the establishment of four provinces namely: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

“The royal descendants of Rajah Mamalu and Rajah Tabunaway, they will all come garb in their royal attires, and with a royal entourage,” she added.

The tourism officer added

that the opening program will give people a glimpse of how royal families live and how they were treated during ancient times.

Frondoza also said that this year’s celebration will be different from the previous years because it will feature the culture ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Region through an exhibit and fashion fair.

In a press statement, City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi pointed out the timeliness of the theme of the festival that has expanded to the culture and tradition of other ASEAN countries because these nations are being considered by Cotabato City as its brothers in development.

“The BIMP-EAGA is very important for Cotabato City because we have already established a relationship with these countries back in the

ancient times. Remember that our forefathers are of Malay blood and Shariff Kabunsuan himself is also a native of Malaysia”, Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

Other highlights of the festival are the Mini-Guinakit Competition, a competition on making a miniature version of the boat that led Shariff Kabunsuan to the shores of Mindanao, to be held at People’s Palace grounds; culinary competition featuring BIMP flavors; tourism and trade forum; Kuyog Streetdancing Competition in which Cotabato City will invite participants to highlight their municipality or city’s festival through streetdancing; Colors of Cotabato, a tri-people cultural exchange night; the Cultural Parade leading to the Guinakit Fluvial Parade; and the grand Pagara or Kanduli.

Cotabato’s tourist zone This year’s celebration will also feature a Business Forum that will not only concentrate on the actually products and industries that Cotabato city has to offer but will also emphasize the great potential of the city to become Mindanao’s next tourist destination.

Frondoza also said that the Department of Tourism Region XII has shown an overwhelming support to the tourism programs and projects of the city government such as the declaration of the Timaco Hill as an Eco-Tourism Destination where visitors and tourists can trek and explore the wildlife in this untouched forest by the bay.

The festival is to honor Shariff Kabunsuan, the son of the Sultan of Johore in Malaysia and one of the Arab missionaries who brought Islam to Mindanao.

drugs.

Aquino noted that all police stations, in coordination with local government units (LGUs), have established their respective Bahay Pagbabago as reformatory centers for drug surrenderers.

But such centers, he said, can accommodate only 50 to 100 drug dependents. Some were good only to 20 persons, he noted.

“We are happy with the opening of this mega rehab center because in the first place, we do not have funds for this. With this, there is now a place for our drug depen-

dents,” he added.

President Duterte led the inauguration of the DATRC phase 1 on Tuesday.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said the facility will initially be available for patients from Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Tarlac who are classified “moderate” as well as those already recovering from overcrowded existing facilities.

Unlike in existing facilities where patients are mostly forced to go on rehabilitation by court orders, mega DATRC will accomodate surrenderers or voluntary patients. (PNA)

Bello explained that the burial of the dictator is not as substantial as the purpose of the peace talks, which is the long lasting peace in the country.

It can be recalled that NDFP adviser Luis Jalandoni said that the burial may affect the peace talks with the rebels.

“Hindi mo maiiwasan ang sentiments kasi marami sa mga kababayan natin ang galit

sa mga Marcos, daming abuso na ginawa at hindi pa humingi ng tawad,” Bello said.

He added that long lasting peace is more important in the talks and let not the personal feelings affect the peace process.

Bello also noted President Duterte’s mandate to continue the peace process and let the issue on Marcos’ burial be another political or legal issue.

city to take an active role in identifying new tourism destinations since they are the ones who know their localities well.

“All barangay captains should submit tourism potential activities and destinations but sad to say, only a few manage to do this,” he said.

There is very little effort from the barangays to submit their tourism offerings to the city council, he added.

He commended the officials of Barangay Mintal since

they were very aggressive in informing the council about the need to establish a Little Tokyo in the area and the project is doing good.

“We need to double time.

We have edge because the President is from Davao but we have to promote the city and not just wait for tourists to come here,” he said.

Homestays are encouraged in Marilog since there are no hotels in the area, and these will help lower the cost for tourists. (PNA)

incoming coal projects in the country could hike its fuel mix share to 80 percent by 2030.

“We recognize the role of coal in the mix, but that kind of dominance being forecast for this single fuel source will not be good for the economy, especially now when coal prices have turned volatile,” Puno added.

First Gen operates two natural gas power plants that sources it fuel from the Malampaya, with a total capacity of 1,500 MW. These plants sell their capacity to the Manila Electric Co. First Gen has a total capacity of 3,470 MW from geothermal, hydro, natural gas, wind and solar power plants. (PNA)

eration by the 2016 GKK board of judges composed of individuals from the ECC, OSHC, Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Samahan ng mga Manggagawa at Kalusugan, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance

Corporation, Employees Compensation Commission, Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Safety Organizations of the Philippines, Bureau of Working Conditions, and National wages and Productivity Commission.

Mega... FROM 3

DOT... FROM 11

GPH... FROM 3

Power... FROM 11

TMI... FROM 11

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

EDGEDAVAO FOOD

Say it with

Marks & Spencer DECEMBER -- the last month of the year and the most festive of them all. Also the month where your calendar is filled with events, parties and all else in between.

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From simple DIYs to extravagant gifts, we, for a fact, love that we are able to share the joy of the festive season with simple things to our family and friends.

Of the many things we can wrap as gifts, personally, I opt to shop for food.

Yes, as a foodie, I love sharing the many flavours I’ve tasted all throughout the year. I love for others to experience a gastro moment just like I did. I like to ignite the foodies in them.

What’s my secret food haven for gifts? Marks & Spencer. Yes, I have been known to hoard more than I can give. I have tasted more than enough goodies to make me smile in an instant. I love that they have a variety of chocolates, biscuits, candies and everything you need on their shelves.

Aside from the taste, I love their super duper cute packaging that excites even the non-sweets craver.

At Marks & Spencer, you’d love the variety of goodies available. Indulge with the tastiest and most thrilling of treats with their many selection of pre-packed Holiday treats perfect for anyone on your list. Instead of you buying them separately, Marks & Spencer went ahead and packed them for you.

Isn’t that amazing? Now, you need not worry of the combination or flavour pairings, you just need to choose and you’re all set.

That’s not all. At Marks & Spencer, you need not worry about your budget.

Yes, that’s one other notable thing I love about them -- they understand our yearning and hear our call for affordable but meaningful gifts for our loved ones. If that does not excite you then you seriously need to talk to your wallet.

For your health buff cousin or special someone, choose from Marks & Spencer’s two amazing basket of goodies: Gluten-Free Delights and

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Not only are you sharing the spirit of the holidays but more so, encouraging them to further their quest for a healthier mind and body. This is something I need for myself :).

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Well, for someone who loves to experiment inside the kitchen, I love their Italian Escapade hamper of goodies that’ll wake the Remy in you. Bursting with culinary essentials to help you prepare and cook that special Italian dish -soon to be your masterpiece.

What pairs well with your Italian masterpiece?

Wine! Though I seldom drink wine (I easily flush), I love giving bottles of them to family and friends. Make the gathering extra special with a bottle of wine from their

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If you can’t decide, you can always say “Happy Holidays” with a box of biscuits and chocolates.

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Selection hamper or the Timeless Favourites for them to munch on.

Still, despite the busy month, don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, have authentic conversations and create moments with them.

Check out the Marks & Spencer stores at Abreeza Mall and at SM Lanang Premier.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to make my birthday extra special. For more years, cheers! Lovelots.

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!

EDGEDAVAO

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FOOD

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

IBIZA BEACH CLUB DREAMS CEBU HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF MY VISIT LIST as there is always something new to discover, some place exciting to see, or some restaurant delicious to taste. Out of all the places I have been to at the Queen City of the South one place stands out with its Instagram-worthy design, modern tropical vibe, scrumptious food, and exciting entertainment and this place is the Mövenpick Mactan Cebu’s Ibiza Beach Club.

A vision of lifestyle dining fused with unrivalled entertainment, the Ibiza Beach Club takes dining to the next level with hip and happening energy paired with exciting drinks and cuisine and before the year ends, the Ibiza Beach Club will finally spread its wings to open its new 1,000 seater flagship restaurant at the 6th level of the new W City Centre at Bonifacio Global CIty (BGC) in Manila.

Ibiza Beach Club is a brand unique to the Philippines, a registered trademark conceived and established by award-winning vintner, entrepreneur, and prominent tourism player, Manny O., chairman of the Manny O. Group.

What stood out for me as a gastrophile at the Ibiza Beach Club in Cebu is its variety of unlimited grilled

meat and seafood choices.

Identified as the restaurant’s Balearic-inspired, signature 15-course grill, the truly filling meal features meat and seafood basted with Balearic sauces and marinades, with a twist of Asian sensibilities from the restaurant’s original secret flavouring.

The grilled meats are generous and vast featuring Filet Mignon, Angus Rib-Eye Steak, Baby Back Ribs, Ostrich Meat, New Zealand Lamb, buttery Rock Lobsters or Salmon, Tiger Prawns, Cuttlefish, Chicken, Crispy Pork Belly and Beef Short Ribs, to name a few all paired with unlimited servings of award-winning Manny O. Wines. This menu is so indulgent, it’s sure to last an entire evening of hearty dining.

Spoiling everyone fur-

ther with an array of diverse choices, the restaurant also offers an A La Carte and Tapas Menu featuring house-prepared charcuterie, Bruschettas, Jamon Serrano, Gambas, imported cheeses, a selection of salads and starters, the Eivissa Paella, Seafood Marinara, premium steaks and the Manny O. Signature Wagyu Burger, – best paired with signature cocktails, such as the Ibiza Sour, or featured wines.

Cakes, pastries and the alltime favourite collection of Mövenpick ice cream from Switzerland round off the feast.

Aside from a great dining experience, Ibiza Beach Club showcases

nightly performances by the Ibiza Beach Club Show Team, which is composed of budding Filipino artists, featuring a 45-minute visual treat with live singing and dancing to retro pop, disco and Latin music, as well as Broadway and movie musical sequences alongside daring exhibitions. This segment is sure to get everyone grooving and belting to every beat, as guests loosen up and get themselves in the mood for fun.

Thinking back on the last time I visited the original Ibiza Beach Club at Mactan, Cebu, I cannot wait to experience the Ibiza Beach Club at BGC soon.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

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Take your experience to a whole new level and stay in a world-class accommodation for two at the Hilltop Room for only P13, 900 per night.

You can also choose to snooze all your worries at the calming Mandaya House and wake up to a captivating sunrise for only P15, 900. But if you wish to stay in a room with an unobstructed view of the sea, sunset and Mount Apo, a stay at the Samal House will surely fuel the excitement for only P16, 900. What’s more, you can take it up a notch and upgrade your room to a Samal Suite for only Php22, 000, and

marvel at the glistening cerulean water as your daily view. But if you’re thinking of a dreamy destination for your whole family, the spacious and secluded Malipano Villa has got you covered for only Php63, 000 and complete with a speedboat on stand-by to fully access the resort’s deluxe facilities.

Since the aim of your yuletide break is to recharge and get your life back in order, look forward to your daily meals that are brimming with wide-array of wholesome and fresh ingredients.

Since the resort is also a hotbed of tourism for it’s exciting and exhilarating water sports, you can

always choose to boost your stay with jetski, parasailing, and diving.

And whether you’re having a moment with yourself at the Mandaya Spa for one of its signature treatments or taking it further with your family by signing up a tour at Davao’s top sights and attractions, there’s something absolutely for everyone here.

Don’t miss as well the resort’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve festive dinner celebration for only Php2, 500 net per person, featuring a bounty of ocean-fresh harvest, traditional yuletide favorites and a spread of sweets prepared extra special by The Pearl Farm

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With Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s unrivaled setting and signature hospitality, it’s your luxurious home for the holidays that’s guaranteed to refresh and recharge every step of the way!

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is gorgeously nestled at Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal amid coconut palms, rock formations, and mangroves, with the glittering white beach sand that captures the heart of every beach lover. Whether from the airport or anywhere in Davao, the pit stop is the Pearl Farm Marina Wharf where you will board a boat going to the island. To book your trip, visit www.pearlfarmresort.com or contact Pearl Farm Marina (082) 2346987, Davao Sales (082) 8547982 and Manila office (02) 854 7892 or email pearlfarmreservations@anf locor.com.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

DOT eyes remote village as CHED accelerates agri-fisheries Davao’s new tourism product through university extension projects T

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

T

HE Commission on Higher Education has vowed to support 30 best proposals for agriculture and fisheries from more than 110 submissions across the country.

This is bared by Napoleon Juanillo, Director of Office of Planning, Research and Knowledge Management of CHED during the press conference during the 2nd National Extension Conference at Regal Hotel, Davao City on November 29, 2016.

Juanillo said that the to-

I

tal grant amounted to P125 million and shall be given to identified national universities and colleges of agriculture and fisheries under the National Agriculture and Fisheries Agriculture System.

He added that CHED will start supporting initiatives for schools to partner with business and industry.

Aside from the P125 million grant, P2 million has been allocated per project on 2017 to facilitate transfer of technology that can result to commer-

cialized innovations.

The said projects will also address weaknesses in the global competitiveness of small and medium enterprises.

CHED hopes to bring teachers and extension workers to be more aware of the problems in their communities and propose solutions that may be a product of their research resulting to mature technologies, or accidental innovations from basic research or expertise.

“Extension cannot be any-

more separate from research,” said Juanillo.

He added that it is envisioned to be purpose-specific utilizing the best data, science, and evidences from a range of discipline to help society.

Finally, the director pointed out that higher education institutions should produce Filipinos who could use their intellectual capital for economic enterprises, to transform their individual lives, as well as the lives of their families and the lives of their communities.

HE Davao City Council Committee on Tourism and the Department of Tourism in Davao Region are eyeing Sitio Datu Salumay in Barangay Marilog in the third district here as the city’s future tourism destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

“We are just starting to plan the cultural village but it is another possible new tourism offering for the city,” DOT11 Regional Director Roberto Alabado said in an interview.

Alabado said members of the Davao Highland Homeowners Association are also coordinating with the local tribes since Datu Salumay is an ancestral domain area.

City councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chair of the committee on tourism, said the Lumad village in Marilog is the newest site for the city’s tourism.

“We will showcase their culture and we will tap the barangay and promote their tourism products,” he said.

Alejandre said the city has to look for new tourism products and destinations if it wants to lure tourists to the city. The city has quality destinations such as the Philippine Eagle but we need new destinations to offer to tourists if we want to be competitive.

However, Alejandre urged the various barangays in the

Monsanto opens facilities to students

N celebration of the National Biotech Week from November 21-25, Monsanto Philippines welcomed students to its facilities in General Santos City and Pulilan, Bulacan.

Students from the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) visited Monsanto’s Research and Development (R&D) facility in General Santos City on November 21 while students from University of the Philippines at Los Baῆos (UPLB) are scheduled to tour Monsanto’s Refuge-InBag (RIB) Facility in Pulilan, Bulacan on November 25.

“We are pleased to open our doors to interested students so they can see for themselves the work that we do and how we are able to contribute to the development of the Philippine agriculture sector, “ said Chat Ocampo, Monsanto’s Corporate Affairs Lead. “We also see this as an excellent opportunity to know the thoughts of some millennials and address whatever queries they may have about our company.”

Meantime, Monsanto’s Pathology and Discovery Breed-

ing Lead Lynn Rallos challenged the students to analyze critically and not accept information as fact immediately.

“You must dissect the information and analyze the nature of experimentation and the quality of data around any claim or statement. False or baseless allegations which capitalize on people’s fear of what they do not understand should not be sensationalized and should be discouraged,” Rallos said.

Meanwhile, UPLB students will be met at the Pulilan Plant

by Monsanto’s Regulatory, Policy and Scientific Affairs Lead, Dr. Gabby Romero and Plant Manager Maricis Pelarca who will also give them a briefing on agricultural biotechnology and Monsanto’s contribution to Philippine agriculture.

“We hope that more and more members of the younger generation will be interested to know about the latest technologies in agriculture and be assured of the fact that we need to harness these technologies so we can safely achieve food security for our ever-growing world population,” Ocampo said.

TMI receives national GKK award

T

HERMA Marine Inc. team headed by TMI’s Technical Director, Mr. Jan Risager (second from right) posing with the GKK bronze trophy.

Aboitiz Power Corporation’s wholly owned subsidiary Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) has been recognized as the 2016 Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) bronze awardee on occupational safety and health standards, Industry Category, during the 10th GKK National Awards on November 18, 2016 held at the OSHC Auditorium in Quezon City.

The GKK national award is organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to recognize exemplary efforts and initiatives of organizations and individuals who go above and beyond health and safety standards in their respective workplaces.

Since TMI took over oper-

ations of the Mobile 1 power barge, moored in Barangay San Roque in Maco, Compostela Valley, in 2010, the company has continued to improve the occupational safety and health management systems at the power generation facility.

TMI also bagged the first place award during the regional GKK competition before

qualifying to the National GKK level. A panel of experts coming from various sectors including DOLE regional offices, Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), and Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) conducted the validation process by visiting the nominated organizations’ work premises to confirm implementation of

safety and health programs of the respective companies.

“We are honored that the DOLE recognizes our efforts to provide a safe environment for our team members and team leaders. This award shows that AboitizPower and its Oil Business Unit are committed to provide a healthy work place for its workers while providing reliable and dependable peaking power to its customers,” said Danel Aboitiz, President and COO of the AboitizPower Oil Business Unit.

Being one of Mindanao’s main power generators, TMI continues to strengthen its commitment to ensure a safe and conducive workplace for its team members while making sure its operations have the least impact on the environment and its host community.

This is the first national GKK award received by TMI after the assessment and delib-

F TMI, 10

F DOT, 10

Power firm forecasts P4.52/kWh rate from coal-fired power plants

L

OPEZ-LED First Gen Corp. forecasts that the average generation charge from coal-fired power plants could reach PHP4.52 per kilowatthour (kWh), compared with natural gas at PHP3.71/kWh. The power firm, in a statement Monday, said that power production from natural gasfired power plants sourcing fuel from Malampaya will “shield customers” from higher power bills.

“Coal’s volatility would expose consumers, including business establishments, to drastic and unpredictable changes in their power bills.

Households and businesses would find it challenging to budget and manage their expenses,” First Gen president and chief operating officer Giles Puno said.

He also urged the government to design a fuel mix, in which the share of natural gas is clear. “It will help absorb

price shocks from coal for the benefit of consumers,” Puno added.

First Gen noted that natural gas is indexed with global crude prices, which is presently low since 2000 due to the prevailing global glut, compared with coal that has doubled its prices from USD49-108 per metric ton between January and October.

For November, the fuel played between USD90-100 per metric ton.

Puno explained the surge in coal prices are expected to affect power bills as 33 percent of the country’s power plants are coal-fired power plants based on data from the Energy Department. It consists of 6,666 megawatts out of 20,055 MW. The president, citing a study from the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, further said the 11,500-MW

F POWER, 10

12 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Back-to-back awards

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

F

OR the second time, EDGE Davao was the only local paper outside of Metro Manila that was honored in the 2016 Jose G. Burgos, Jr. Awards for Biotechnology Journalism held at Sulo Riveiera Hotel in Quezon City.

As the author of “Golden rice fights hidden hunger,” which appeared in the November 7, 2015 issue of EDGE Davao, I was personally invited to attend the awarding ceremony. The said article was named as one for the best features on biotechnology during the period of the search.

In last year’s competition, I won the first prize in the news story category for my report, “Understanding Biotechnology,” which appeared in the June 22, 2014 issue of EDGE Davao. In the feature category, my article, “Golden rice” (which was published in April 23, 2015 issue of EDGE Davao), won third place.

In 2013, I also got the first prize in the news category for another article I wrote on golden rice, which was then published in Sun. Star Davao.

The other two winners in the feature category this year were James Konstantin Galvez (first prize) for his write-up, “Corn growers urge government to approve new GMO rules,” which appeared in “Manila Times” (February 21, 2016); and Ray S. Eñano for his sotry, “Academe hurting from GMO ruling” published in the February 17, 2016 issue of “Manila Standard.”

The top three winners in the news category were: Mary Grace Padin for her article, “Genetically modified corn allowed farmers to earn $560 million – study” (“Business Mirror,” April 25, 2016); Diego Mora for his article, “Dutch experts boost security to prevent loss of UPLB pathogenic microbes”

Biotech journ winners

(“Interaksyon,” December 4, 2015) and Maricar Cinco, author of “Cheaper, healthier animal feed from UPLB” (“Philippine Daily Inquirer,” June 8, 2016).

The Institutional winners were as follows: “Business Mirror” (first prize), “The Philippine Star” (second prize) and both “The Manila Times” and “Interaksyo” tied for the third prize.

This year’s winners were chosen by a secretariat who went over with various publications – print and online – to pick up stories that pertains to biotechnology.

After collection, these were submitted to another committee which selected the best among the best. Those shortlisted were given to the board of judges, which met three times to discuss who would be the winners.

The chairperson of the board of judges this year was Dr. Virginia G. Novenario-Enriquez, who obtained her MA and PhD in Mass Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

She won second prize in the Science Journalism Award in 1990 when she used to be the contributing editor of “Philippine Daily Globe.”

The two other members were Rev. Fr. Emmanuel C. Alparce and Carmelo M. Acuña. Alparce is a member of the technical committee for information, education and communication of the Department of Agriculture.

Acuña, on the other hand, used to work as wires stringer for Reuters and regional correspondent for “Manila Bulletin.”

This year’s awarding ceremony is the 10th and used

GMEA winners

Globe award

Biotech journalism award to be called Gawad Galing. It was the late Jose E. Burgos, who founded the award giving body. On its second year, it was renamed to its present name in honor of the late respected Filipino journalist, who launched “Ang Pahayagang MALAYA” during the ending era of the Marcos regime.

Now, it can be told. When he was still alive, Burgos used to contact me. I contributed some agricultural stories for a publication, “Lupa/Soil,” which he published. I think I still have some copies of it in the office. Other articles I wrote for the Press Foundation of Asia through its weekly dispatch, DEPTHnews, also appeared in the paper.

Then, one time, he wrote me an e-mail if I was interested to contribute something on a document on biotechnology. In another e-mail, he told me if I was interested to speak on biotechnology before a group of journalists. I answered affirmatively.

The seminar workshop he had envisioned was supposed to be done in December. But on November 16, he died.

This year’s awarding ceremony would have not transpired had it not been for God’s intervention. It must be recalled that in 2014, there was no awarding ceremony. I

remembered it since I won for the first time in 2013.

“The past two years were very difficult years for the Burgos family,” said Edita T. Burgos, the wife of the late newsman.

“The drought which devastated the Burgos farm, and the new government requirements for accreditation, contributed mainly to the initial decision that we would forego with the celebration of the Awards this year.”

But thanks to the support of Abraham J. Manalo (the executive secretary of SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center) and Dr. Vicencio Mamaril of the Department of Agriculture, the awarding ceremony pushed through.

Last year, I received five awards all in all. This year, however, I only got three. In November 22, I got the Best Reporter of the Year – Online News Portal from the 2016 Globe Media Excellence Awards. This was a new category for this year, so it made me as the first recipient for the three-part series on “Where have all our fish gone?”

In the Best Investigative/ Explanatory Story for Print, I was named as one of the fi-

nalists – along with another reporter who used to write for EDGE Davao. But it was Lina Sagaral-Reyes, who is from Cagayan de Oro City, who won the coveted prize.

I was also nominated in Best Reporter for Print and Best Columnist but failed to be included in the top three.

Last year, I already won the Best Reporter for Print (for my feature on the growing of HIV/AIDS cases in the city) and the Best Investigative/Explanatory Story for Print (for my report on how Davao City was transformed from being called as a Murder City to today’s one of the safest cities in the world).

I failed to get the third nomination for Best Columnist last year. But in 2014, I got the award for the said category. I also received the Best Reporter for Print in 2013.

So far, I received three awards this year. Last March 29, I got the Binhi Award for Best Environment Story for my feature, “Topsoil: Going, going, gone?” which was also published in EDGE Davao.

I got two previous Binhi awards from the Philippine Agricultural Journalists, Inc. some two decades ago. -###

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Davao’s... FROM 3 to ensure that each passenger has access to a life-saving equipment in case of maritime emergency.

Other small boats would take advantage of passengers who were not able to ride their charter boats, according to him. He warned that these boats do not have safety certificates from Marina and do not have life jackets, therefore making these boats risky for travel.

Yung ibang maliliit na

boats nagcollorum so sakay na lang ang ibang pasahero doon so they take chances.

Yun walang safety cert from marina and walang life jackets so risy “Please bear with the coastguards,” Concio mentioned. He said that all piers are required to conduct inspections to avoid terroristic attacks. This is joint with Task Force Davao and Philippine National Police Maritime Units.

“For one, I support the law enforcement operation of the military against the Maute Group. There should be no let up as the operation is selective or concentrated only on groups threatening the peace in the region,” Hataman said.

He said the concern on the Maute group is a “recurring problem” for the region.

Hataman said the Maute group is just a small band of young men who are “mis-influenced” on embracing the Islamic State ideology.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is slated to address the ARMM officials in attendance during the closing day of the summit on December 1.

(PNA)

are at the heart of President Duterte’s economic policy, which we continue to support and seek to advance,” it added.

The MBCI said that, “We applaud the vision and substance of the proposed comprehensive tax reform, and we call on every Filipino to support it. Change is here, and with this proposed reform that change will become economically transformative.”

It pointed out that the proposed PIT reductions “is

immediately needed and rightfully deserved by the Filipino taxpayer” as “this will provide due relief for the middle and lower-income classes and spur consumption, the effects of which we hope to feel immediately in Mindanao.”

Lao said the Mindanao business community is also backing the DOF’s proposal to broaden the VAT base by reducing unnecessary exemptions and “insidious sources of revenue leakage.”

ARMM... FROM 3

Mindanao... FROM 5

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114 Mabini... FROM 4

NEWS 13

produce would still be solely bought by the Unifrutti Growers Service, Inc. (UGSI). Each and all voiced a resounding “no!”

The hearing was in keeping to the earlier order of the Supreme Court for the Dept. of Agrarian Reform Regional Adjudication Board to conduct fact-finding hearing to settle the six-year-old case once and for all.

Some 160 ARBs under their mother coop, Mampising Carp Beneficiaries Cooperative (MCBC) have gone full circle in their legal battle from DARAB level starting in 2010 to Court of Appeals to Supreme Court questioning the EOPBA and the attached memorandum of agreement of it.

The EOPBA later found its way bagged by Unifrutti, said

to be a business partner of Lapanday.

On the same open sala, also PARAD Condez asked if they could stand by their own if Unifrutti exits away from them. All said “yes”.

ARB leaders also exposed the 2010 memorandum agreement between the ARBs and Lapanday as one made of deceit by the previous board of directors of the mother coop MCBC when their attendance sheet during a general assembly was attached to it purporting that they agreed and compromised to have the EOPBA. By that act and and due to charges of financial mismanagement and irregularities

by MCBC board of directors, a majority of 92 members separated in 2015 and formed MFMC and took up the cud-

gel of questioning the EOPBA in DARAB and in courts.

MFMC consultant Arnold Gomez in an interview that the MFMC ARB-members are “just consistent” in not wanting any compromise agreement with Unifrutti.

There was no representative from Unifrutti who attended the hearing despite that it was the company who set for the date of the hearing for finality of the case that was already resolved and remanded by the Supreme Court for the DAR’s regional adjudication board to finally resolve, he said.

Gomez said he and MFMC members are confident on PARAD Condez ruling that would “finally set free the Mampising ARBs for their economic prosperity.”

He said that the MFMC is not fighting but making peace with the other ARBs’ group, the Mampising United Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (MUFMPC), which is the new though smaller MBC, whose members would also be benefited in case of a favorable DARAB ruling.

PARAD Condez did not yet rule last Tuesday’s hearing but he said he could make a ruling “as expeditiously as he can in all fairness”.

As to the absence of lawyers of Unifrutti and Lapanday, he said their absence would mean as the waiver of no longer asserting for their defense.

DAR Comval’s bureau of legal assistance (BALA) officer Greg Clarin was present during the hearing defending the MFMC ARBs. CHA MONFORTE

and developing a country that is at peace with itself and with its neighbors.

Dominguez said that to bring the benefits of high economic growth to areas outside Metro Manila, the government must dramatically increase its spending on power, agricultural productivity, roads, airports and connectivity, which amounts to infrastructure investments of $180 billion over the next six years.

“The government is also allocating a huge amount of money to education and other social services,” Dominguez

said.

Dominguez also lauded the VII Tribuna Espana-Filipinas held at the Marco Polo Hotel, for its “very unique” and multifaceted character as compared to other business or cultural events focused on single-purpose meetings.

The Tribuna’s 8th edition held at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao brought together not only the business sectors of the Philippines and Spain, but their respective experts as well in the fields of academics, culture, tourism and sports.

Under the 2013-2016

Master Plan for Spanish Cooperation, the Philippines is the only priority country of Spain in Asia.

As of April this year, data from the National Economic and Development Authority show that on-going Spanish Official Development Assistance (ODA) [purely grants] to the Philippines amounted to $29.93 million.

Also in the meeting with Dominguez were Spanish Ambassador to Manila Luis Antonio Calvo Castano; Emilio De Miguel Calabia, Executive Director for the Pacific, South-

east Asia and the Philippines of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Ramon Maria Moreno Gonzalez, Director General of Casa Asia, and Pedro Pascual Fernandez, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain.

The Philippine side was represented by Dominguez; Department of Finance Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez; Jose Leviste, chair of the Philippine-Spanish Business Council; and George Barcelon, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Spain... FROM 4

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

Cavs, Spurs fall in night of upsets

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POWER SPIKE. High-flying spikers from Davao City pummel their Arakan Valley counterparts during the 2016 Batang Pinoy National Finals volleyball competitions in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Photos by Dax Yambao

IANNIS Antetokounmpo led a night of upsets in the NBA on Tuesday with 34 points as the Milwaukee Bucks stunned LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-101.

Antetokounmpo, 21, also grabbed 12 rebounds and contributed five assists as a Cavs side featuring both James and Kyrie Irving failed to fire.

Greek international Antetokounmpo was ably supported by Jabari Parker (18 points) and Michael Beasley (17) as the Bucks scored a win which improves their season to 8-8.

The Cavs loss saw the champions fall to 13-3 for the season. James finished with 22 points to lead the scoring for the Cavs, ahead of Irving with 20 points at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

But the star of the night was Antetokounmpo, who became one of the highest paid players in the NBA earlier this year when he inked a $100 million four-year deal worth around $25 million a season.

Last season the giant forward averaged 16.9 points,

7.7 rebounds. 4.3 assists and 1.4 blocks in 80 games. So far this season Antetokounmpo is averaging 22 points per game, suggesting the Bucks were wise to invest in the 6ft 11in son of Nigerian immigrants who was born in Athens in 1994.

“We were moving the ball and we didn’t stop moving the ball,” Antetokounmpo said.

“Our pace was great, we rebounded the ball well and we moved the ball in the offensive end.”

James said the Cavs have been caught napping.

“We let our guard down a little bit,” James said. “They pushed up the tempo and we didn’t get stops. I came out of the game when we were up 10 and we let them go on a quick run to end the quarter. From that point on they got into a rhythm and they’re a rhythm team.”

The Bucks’ upset win was the biggest shock of the day as various in-form teams ended up losing to unheralded opposition.

who had a 22-0 record heading into their bout. Sonsona stopped him in two rounds.

Sonsona, who, despite being a pro for 12 years, is still just 27 years old and is fighting in his hometown for the first time in his career. He has signed with Sanman Promotions, says Sanman President Jim Claude Manangquil.

“We are planning to give him another fight in February, probably for a regional title just to clean the rust then bring him to USA for a fight,” said Manangquil.

The show is free to

the public with the first bout scheduled for 3 p.m. Also in action are unbeaten prospects Reymart Gaballo (15-0, 13 KOs), Eden’s younger brother Lolito Sonsona (19-1-4, 8 KOs), John Vincent Moralde (17-0, 8 KOs) and Mike Plania (12-0, 5 KOs) in separate bouts. (RingTV)

Petalcorin, Sonsona headline Gensan card

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ANDY Petalcorin and Eden Sonsona will co-headline a show in General Santos City, Philippines, when they take the ring against separate opponents at Robinson’s Mall Atrium on Sunday, Dec. 4.

Petalcorin (24-2-1, 18 knockouts) will make his second ring appearance since his controversial loss to Omari Kimweri in April of this year, when referee Malcolm Bulner failed to call four knockdowns scored by Petalcorin. The fight took place in Australia and a panel of judges, which includ-

ed Bulner’s wife, scored a split decision in favor of Kimweri in Australia.

A WBC protest of the decision upheld the official result though WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman concurred that “There were actions considered as knockdowns” but allowed that the missed calls could have been “wrong mechanics and not bad faith actions from (the) ref.”

Petalcorin will face Arnold Garde (7-3-2, 3 KOs), a 26-year-old, who, like Petalcorin, is from Davao province in the Philippines and has won

his last four fights. A minor IBF belt will be at stake in the 12-round main event.

“I needed time off from the robbery. I got discouraged but I’m moving on and I’m working twice harder because I will become a father next year,” said Petalcorin, rated No. 2 by THE RING at 108 pounds, in a statement released by his promoter Sanman Promotions.

“Hopefully it’s all the way up now and I want IBF world champion Akira Yaegashi next.”

In an eight-round fight, Sonsona, the cousin

undergo an MRI tomorrow in Chicago.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 30, 2016 Take a look at the play and its aftermath here: The injury could be a serious one for the 31-year-old Young. Non-contact injuries are always frightening, especially when they affect the Achilles and require a player to be helped to the locker room by several others. Wednesday’s MRI results will determine the severity of the injury, but fans should be prepared for the worst. This play did not look good by any means.

The Lakers would miss Young considerably should he be forced to miss a lengthy period of time. The West’s biggest surprise entered Tuesday night at 9-9 and No. 8 in the conference, well ahead of every preseason prediction.

The man known as “Swaggy P” has played a big role in that fine start, excelling as a funhouse-mirror version of a dependable role player under first-year head coach Luke Walton. Young started the day averaging 14.1 ppg on 41.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc and has often guarded the opponent’s best perimeter scorer in crunch time.

of former WBO junior bantamweight titlist Marvin Sonsona, will return to the ring for the first time in 19 months when he faces Jaime Barcelona in a junior lightweight bout.

Sonsona (34-6-2, 12 KOs) hasn’t fought since his upset TKO win over previously unbeaten Mexican Adrian Estrella, a world-rated fighter

Lakers’Young carried off court with injury

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OS Angeles Lakers veteran Nick Young’s bounceback season suffered a potentially serious setback early in Tuesday night’s game at the New Orleans Pelicans. Not even two minutes into the contest, Young went up to challenge a lay-up from guard Tim Frazier and came down clutching his right leg. Young was carried off the court by teammates and staff.

The Lakers revealed soon after that Young had been ruled out for the game with an Achilles injury: Nick Young has a right Achilles’ tendon strain. He’s out for tonight’s game and will

INTENSE. A South Cotabato athlete flexes his muscles before releasing the iron ball.

Pelicans rout short-handed Lakers A NTHONY Davis had 41 points and 16 rebounds, helping the New Orleans Pelicans dominate the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 105-88 on Tuesday night.

Jrue Holiday scored

22 points in his first start this season and Omer Asik had 10 points and 11 assists while New Orleans snapped a two-game skid.

The Lakers expected to be healthier with

forward Julius Randle returning to the lineup following a three-game absence because of a hip injury, but about two minutes into the game, starting shooting guard Nick Young was carried

off with a strained right Achilles tendon.

Lou Williams scored 16 points for the Lakers and Randle finished with 12, but Los Angeles was in a 20-point hole by the second quarter.

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE201 201••THURSDAY, THURSDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER1,1,2016 2016

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

TIGER RETURNS Woods returns to golf that has

changed so much in 15 months

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I G E R Woods is set to play his first competitive golf tournament in 15 months when he tees off on Thursday from the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

There’s plenty to watch for during his first round: the mechanics of his swing, his fitness (both physical and mental), his short game, and — perhaps most interestingly — how he handles his new clubs.

On Tuesday, in the leadup to the tournament, Woods said during his time away from golf the technology surrounding golf clubs has improved so quickly that there is now a huge generational gap in the sport’s

NEW TIGER, NEW GAME. Tiger Woods returns to golf after a 15-month hiatus.

‘El Granada’signs up with Mahindra “E L Granada” is back.

Veteran gunner Gary David will be returning to the PBA hardcourt soon after he agreed to a deal with the Mahindra Floodbuster on Tuesday.

David’s signing came nine days after the start of the Oppo Philippine Cup. The 38-year-old former Gilas Pilipinas guard last suited up for the San Miguel Beermen where he saw limited action. He spent three years with the Meralco Bolts with whom he had a bitter split.

The four-time scoring champion is a welcome addition to the roster of Mahindra which made head-scratching moves prior to the season.

The team gave away top guns

T

Aldrech Ramos, KG Canaleta and Paolo Taha in separate trades.

David isn’t expected to suit up in Mahindra’s game versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday.

equipment. The sport evolves so quickly, Woods now finds himself playing equipment catch-up.

In August, Nike Golf announced that they were stopping production of hardware, meaning Woods had to go about putting together a whole new bag. This move has been complicated by the change in technology.

Woods grew up playing with steel irons and glued hosels (driver heads). Meanwhile, the newest and best irons are all graphite, and driver and wood heads come equipped with dials that make them adjustable to account for variables like loft, carry, spin, fade, and draw.

Given these and other advancements, Woods has been

forced to re-learn a huge part of the game of golf.

“I’m still learning this whole new adjustability of clubs,” Woods told the Golf Channel on Tuesday. “I mean, I’ve played glued hosels all my life. I played and beat Davis [Love III] in a playoff in ’96 when he had a persimmon driver [i.e. woods made of actual wood]. I went through all that era in the glued, now nothing is glued. Everything is adjustable. That’s a very different concept to me.”

Woods noted that even before his time away, when Nike did roll out some of the new, adjustable technology, he held firm to the old-school, glued driver heads. Now he’s trying to adapt to the new advancements.

Sandrin joins Alab Pilipinas

HE’S BACK. Gary David last saw action for San Miguel Beer.

Apart from David, Mahindra also picked up rarely used forward Rey Guevarra from the free agent pool.

A

LAB Pilipinas officially announced the arrival of Eric Sandrin’s younger brother Daniel on Tuesday.

The younger Sandrin, also known by his Korean name Lee Dong-Jun, last played for the Seoul Knights in the KBL like his older brother.

According to Coach Mac Cuan, the 6-foot-5 swingman arrived last night after missing the Alab roster before the team began its ABL stint on Sunday night against Singapore.

The latter won, 71-66, silencing the jampacked crowd at the Alonte Sports

ERIC SANDRIN. Reinforcing Alab Pilipinas in the ABL. Arena in Biñan.

“He was supposed to arrive by Friday or Saturday, but they said [na] nagkasakit

daw siya. The doctors didn’t give him clearance to play.

And then [on] Saturday, he was supposed to have a shoot sa reality show nila sa [South] Korea,” the Alab mentor explained the delay on Daniel’s arrival.

Daniel will be Alab’s second non-ASEAN import and is expected to suit up for Alab’s next assignment against fellow ABL newcomer Kaohsiung on Sunday at the Star Arena in Baliwag.

He is also expected to provide the needed ceiling that Alab lacked in its loss to the Justin Howard-powered Singapore. (PNA)

Pistons blow past Horrnets

HE Detroit Pistons could have folded when center Andre Drummond was ejected in the second quarter.

Instead, they rallied for a lopsided win with their talented big man in the locker room, routing the tired-looking Charlotte Hornets 112-89 on Tuesday night.

Harris scored 24 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris each had 18 points to lead the Pistons. Ish Smith added 13 points, including two coastto-coast layups to ignite his team in the third quarter.

The Pistons outscored the

Hornets by 23 after Drummond was ejected for a flagrant-2 foul when officials ruled he elbowed Roy Hibbert in the head. Drummond laughed and shook his head as he walked off the floor, flabbergasted that he had been ejected. ‘’I thought that was a key part of the game right there,’’ Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. ‘’We were down after the play so to come back and be up three at the half was good.’’

Drummond said he didn’t do it on purpose. ‘’I don’t make the rules,’’ Drummond said. ‘’I just play the game. They felt that I had

done something maliciously.

Everybody who knows me knows that’s the type player I am. At the end of the day, it wasn’t my call so I took the consequences and walked off the floor.’’

Said Harris: ‘’It says a lot about our team, but most importantly about guys like Aron (Baynes) and Jon (Leuer) to fill in for that role and be productive and bring the energy that he had when he was playing when he was out there.’’

Kemba Walker had 23 points for the Hornets, who were playing their fourth game in five nights.

TRIATHLON RELAY GOLD. Eduard Moritz Leuenberger and Pia Suarez won the gold medal in the triathlon team relay event at the 2016 Batang Pinoy National Finals in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Leuenberger,

son of mountainbker Ed Leuenberger, is a member of Ateneo de Davao University Track and Field Team while Suarez is a member of the Aquatics team.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 201 • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016