Edge Davao 9 Issue 202 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

www.edgedavao.net

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

Serving a seamless society

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES GOTCHA! Violators of Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance hop in into the vehicle of the Eagle Squad after having apprehended in front of Victoria Plaza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Hundreds of violators were brought to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) for a seminar. Lean Daval Jr.

200 JAYWALKERS CTTMO reports on first day of implementation By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office announced Thursday that its anti-jaywalking operations has resulted in more than more than 200 violators caught during the first day of implementation. CTTMO chief Rhodelio Poliquit told Edge Davao that his office began implementing the ordinance at 6:00 am. According to Poliquit, the violators were apprehended and were given impromptu lectures. He added that apprehensions will be done via the re-

lease of temporary operating permits to erring pedestrians. Covered by the jaywalking ordinance are the pedestrians who do not use designated crosswalks or lanes, including pedestrian overpasses. The penalties ranged from a fee of P100 for the first offense up to four hours of community service. Poliquit said that the community service will be coursed through the City Social Services and Development Office. The campaign against jaywalking comes as one of

the priority areas of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s administration. According to a policy document, the city government will be pushing for harsher measures against undisciplined pedestrians who tend to ignore pedestrian lanes. In the city, pedestrian lanes receive little value especially with slow vehicle speed limits of only 30 kph in the downtown streets. However, accidents still happen. “Pedestrians should also be as responsible as the motorists and follow the rules,”

Poliquit pointed out. The city’s traffic code, meanwhile, penalizes passengers who alight or board public utility jeepneys and taxis in prohibited areas. “There were a lot of incidents where the driver was the one penalized for dropping passengers outside designated stops even if it was the passengers’ fault,” Poliquit said, adding that the city government wants to change that. Poliquit also made sure that the ordinance would not affect the traffic flow in the city.

Duterte top aide denies messing with PNP affairs By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

PECIAL Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go categorically denied the accusations hurled by Senator Leila de Lima that he meddled in the affairs of the Philippine Na-

tional Police, particularly on the reinstatement of Supt. Marvin Marcos as head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region 8.

EDGEDAVAO Sports KILLER GREENS P15 Daniel Nagayo succumbs to fast greens, finishes tied for 10th

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OLD HABITS DIE HARD. Majority of public utility jeepney drivers in Davao City seem to ignore the new traffic signs installed along Magallanes Street as they continue to pick-up passengers on undesignated areas. Lean Daval Jr.

BFP says Davao City has most casualties in 300 fire incidents By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Bureau of Fire Protection has recorded more than 300 fire incidents in the Davao Region, with Davao City accounting for the number of casualties. Most of the fire incidents are coming from residential areas, according to BFP spokesperson Inspector Patricio Brañanola. He said most of the fire incidents are caused by electrical problems. “Based from our statistics, the electrical-related fire incidents always topped the list,” he said. Brañanola added that there are also fire incidents caused by open flames traced to unattended lighted candles and cooking.

BFP’s data revealed that there were 128 fire incidents recorded on the first quarter this year with a total damage of PhP 63,221,600 while there are 107 fire incidents tallied on the second quarter with a total damage of PhP 65,476,356. On the third quarter, there were 99 fire incidents in the region with a total damage of PhP 46,331,850 while fourth quarter shows 28 incidents with a total damage of PhP 20,710,500. Brañanola reported that Davao City had nine casualties, followed by Compostela Valley with two casualties, then Davao del Norte with one casualty, Davao Oriental also

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Relief operations in besieged Lanao Sur town underway

ELIEF operations to 12,256 individuals displaced by the ongoing military operation against the Maute terror group in Butig, Lanao del Sur, has commenced in full swing. A report sent by Corrine Tabua, Lanao del Sur provincial social welfare officer, to representatives before the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Local Government Unit Summit held at the SMX center here noted that the relief distribution, which began Wednesday, is currently going on in the Butig

area. Assisting the Lanao del Sur provincial social welfare office is the region’s Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART), a convergence of ARMM agencies countering various effects of disasters in the region. So far, the ARMM-HEART has distributed 2,506 relief food packs in evacuation centers set up at the Butig poblacion and Butig Elementary School, the report said. Heading the relief distribution is ARMM Vice Gover-

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Free higher education budget of P8B lauded By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE allocation of P8 billion by the Senate to fund the tuition-free policy in the state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country drew high praises from Senator Win Gachalian, saying the measure will pave the way for the institutionalization of free education in SUCs in the country. “By approving funding for the implementation of a free tuition system in SUCs, the Senate has taken a concrete step forward in ensuring universal access to higher education. We have certainly come a long way from the days when our advocacy was nothing more than an inspired but uncertain dream,” Gatchalian

said in a statement on Thursday. The senator serves as the vice chair of the Senate committee on education, arts, and culture. The P8-billion allocation was part of the P3.35-trillion national budget for 2017 budget that was approved by the Senate last Monday. The Senate also approved the budget of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for next year amounting to P18.7 billion. CHED’s budget will be higher next year compared to its P10.4 billion budget this year. Among the purposes of the increase in CHED’s budget

is the setting up of free tuition fees in SUCs, the giving of additional incentives and other grants to students under the Higher Education Support Fund or (HESF). HESF will be administered by guidelines and procedures to be issued by the CHED and Department of Budget Management (DBM) in consultation with SUCs. “I will closely monitor the utilization of the HESF in order to hold CHED accountable for its legal duty under the 2017 GAA to use these funds in furtherance of the free tuition policy,” Gatchalian said. The senator has been advocating for free tuition starting from his stint as the

representative of the 1st district of Valenzuela during the 16th Congress where he filed House Bill No. 5905, or the original version of the Free Higher Education Act (FHEA) last July 6, 2015, a measure proposing for the abortion of tuition fees in the SUCs. He again filed the same version after winning a seat in the Philippine Senate this year, as Senate Bill No. 198. “The HESF is a promising start, but we still need to pass FHEA in order to make the free tuition policy in SUCs a permanent reality for the millions of young learners who will depend on public education to get their college degree in the coming years,” he said.

It can be recalled that on July, Mayor Rellon issued an executive order reconstituting the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council which formulated a framework that will oversee the intervention to be implemented by the local government and later, the rehabilitation of all drug dependents in

Tagum. He explained that the profiling was done on August followed by values enhancement, moral and spiritual development, physical fitness, community service involvement, and mental health development before the end of the month.

Tagum’s anti-narco drive a success By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

EVEN out of ten. This was how Tagum City Mayor Alan Rellon rated the implementation of the city’s intensive anti-drug campaign since its launching on July 9, 2016. In an interview, Rellon expressed his confidence the city government has already

covered 90 percent of the total drug users, pushers, dependents and couriers in the city. According to the city mayor, there are more than 4,000 drug surrenderees who have undergone the six-step program under the city’s Drug Abuse Campaign Rehabilitation Framework.

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PPRD, a President for all, says OPPAP official

N official of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) stressed that President Rodrigo R. Duterte does not like to distinguish between friend or foe and is willing to go to great lengths to push forward the peace process in Mindanao. “Our President is a president for all. Whether you are a rebel [or] are a civilian…he is a president for the 100 million plus Filipinos,” declared OPAPP Assistant Secretary Dixson Hermoso during the culmination of the Kusog Mindanaw Conference 2016 last Wednesday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City. Responding to a question on how determined President Duterte was in putting an end to the ongoing armed conflict in Butig, Lanao del Sur, which has resulted in the displacement of more than 12,000 residents in

the area, Hermoso said the Chief Executive wants to decisively address the situation “once and for all.” “He is going there, I don’t know if that pushed through today, to address this problem because [the members of the] Maute group are also Filipinos,” he said. President Duterte’s visit to Butig did push through last Wednesday, Nov. 30, as he offered the hand of peace to both the Maute group and Kumander Bravo, leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). “That’s why you will notice his words. He (President Duterte) will always say that let us stop fighting. Let us go for peace regardless of what is our affiliation,” Hermoso told delegates of the conference, who were composed of representatives

GRIM REMINDER. A media practitioner holds a red ribbon, a universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which is being commemorated every December 1. Lean Daval Jr

Terror alert level 3 consistent Four drug pushers, users with state of emergency: Palace nabbed in South Cotabato F

OUR persons engaged in illegal drug trade were arrested by police and anti-narcotics agents in separate overnight anti-drug operations here and in Banga, South Cotabato, officials said Thursday. First to fall following a drug buy bust operation was Ricardo Alabado, a 30-year-old known illegal drug pusher in Banga, South Cotabato. The Banga PNP said Alabado who has been very “innovative” in dealing with his clients has been placed under surveillance for two months after he voluntarily showed up to police September. He took oath before the local police that he will do away with illegal drugs. But police were suspicious so he was placed on watch list. A drug buy bust was launched at 2 a.m. Thursday against Alabado, a resident of Barangay San Vicente, Banga. Police agents posing as

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buyers knocked on Alabado’s home to secure stuff. Alabado agreed and as he handed over the stuff to the buyer, he was arrested. Seized from Alabado were 11 sachets of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride). In Koronadal City, operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested three persons, including two women, in separate anti-drug operation. Kath Abad, speaking for PDEA-12, said Rowena Macasaet, 54, alias “Mommy” was arrested following a drug buy bust operation in Navarro subdivision, Koronadal City at 10 p.m. Wednesday. PDEA agents seized four sachets of shabu from Macasaet who was identified by other drug users as their source of stuff. “We have been closely watching her, I can’t imagine that at her age she was still into

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By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE decision of the Philippine National Police to place the entire country under terror alert level 3 is consistent with the declaration of state of national emergency or the declaration of state of lawlessness declared by President Duterte after the Davao bombing last September 2016. This was the statement made by Malacanang on Thursday afternoon following the alert level 3 announce-

ment made by PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa. “The PNP placed in Alert 3 to confirm with PNP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which put the whole PNP in extreme alert for terrorists who might commit similar acts of planting bombs in Metro Manila,” Malacanang said. It added that the declaration could mean for the PNP to heighten their mobile checkpoints, increase intelligence

activities and law enforcement operations. The declaration also came after two suspects of the foiled bomb attack at Roxas Boulevard were arrested by authorities in Bulacan on Wednesday. “The heightened alert was announced by the Chief, Philippine National Police after two suspects were apprehended in connection with the discovery of an unexploded bomb similar to that ex-

ploded in Davao last September,” Malacanang said, adding that there is no such thing as perfect security but what is more important is authorities have successfully disarmed an improvised explosive device (IED) which could have wreaked havoc to the lives of the people. Malacanang also assured the public that there will be no disruption in their normal lives amidst the heightened security.

Oplan Sita means random and unannounced searches on motorists. “The city director [P/Supt Michael John Dubria] directed all station commanders and the police to be on alert and to maximize deployment of personnel

for visibility and security purposes and to secure vital installations,” dela Rey said. She added that there will be an intensified joint effort with the Task Force Davao in securing the city and that Du-

HE number of supersonic jet aircraft in Philippine Air Force inventory has now doubled as two more FA50PHs “Fighting Eagle” Mach 1.5 capable jet planes have arrived in Clark Field, Angeles Thursday morning. These are FA-50PHs with tail numbers 003 and 004, PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco said in an interview with PNA. FA-50PH with tail number 003 landed at 11:41 a.m. while its wingmate, 004, arrived 11:42 a.m. The two jet fighters left Kaohsiung, Taiwan around 10:10 a.m. They were intercepted by FA-50PHs 001 and 002 while they were flying over Pangasinan. Francisco said the two new

FA-50PHs left the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) plant in Sacheon City, South Korea last Nov. 29 and arrived in Taiwan on the same date. “Prior landing, they made two passes over Clark Field in diamond formation together 001 and 002 FA-50PHs. After landing, they passed through (a) water cannon ceremony then the pilots disembarked from the aircraft, they were welcomed by the Secretary of National Defense (Delfin Lorenzana), Chief-of-Staff, AFP (Gen. Ricardo Visaya), Commanding General, PAF (Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina) and other commanders,” he added. As this develops, Fallorina said there are currently nine Filipino pilots fully trained to fly

More checkpoints seen with RP on terror alert Level 3 By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Davao City police has warned the public to brace for more stringent checkpoints and random Oplan Sita operations in view of the raising of Terror alert Level Three all over the country. Davao City Police spokes-

person Catherine dela Rey told Edge Davao the measure came in the wake of the arrest of persons of interests believed linked to the planting of an improvised explosive device (IED) near the United States Embassy in Manila.

BRIGHT CHRISTMAS AFOOT. City Tourism Operations Office Davao head Gene Rose Tecson discusses the upcoming Christmas events of the city which will be kicking-off tonight at Rizal Park along San Pedro Street during the launching of Turismo Café at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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PAF acquires two more fighter jets from Seoul T

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Duterte’s kitchen feeds hungry street children in Quezon City

S part of its advocacy to feed the poor, the ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) is feeding hungry street children in Cubao, Quezon City for free through an establishment called Duterte’s Kitchen. Located near MRT Cubao between Farmers Plaza and Social Security System (SSS) Building, Duterte’s Kitchen currently serves free breakfast, lunch and dinner to around 50 to 70 street children daily. According to PDP-Laban officials, the free food center is the brainchild of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s national feeding program for the poor. Glen Badon, PDP-Laban national executive director, said Duterte’s Kitchen was agreed upon following a meeting of Alvarez with other key party leaders, including Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi and others to complement the ruling party’s Social Services and Economic Development Program as well as President Duterte’s advocacy to feed the needy. The official said the center “is staffed by volunteers who believe in the advocacy of extending help to the underprivileged people and bringing hope and inspiration to them.” According to him, Duterte’s Kitchen mostly serves free lugaw (rice porridge) and champorado (chocolate rice porridge) for breakfast; rice meal with vegetables, fish,

chicken or pork adobo during lunch and dinner, depending on the food provided by donors. “If we receive donated vegetables, chicken or pork meat, then we serve these to the street children. Before, we only provide food for the street children, but now even hungry adults are also being attended to,” Badon said. “More importantly, Duterte’s Kitchen also serves as a family center to the street children where volunteers teach them how to read and explain to them the value of education to their lives. We are family to them,” the PDP-Laban official said. For PDP-Laban, the Cubao project is just the start of a program as Duterte’s Kitchen will soon be established in other parts of the country to help more underprivileged people. “We will bring Duterte’s Kitchen nationwide to feed and teach children roaming the streets so that we can uplift their situation,” Badon said. However, officials of the ruling party were quick to admit that the Herculean task of helping the poor is no easy feat. “There are numerous needs that have yet to be met, but through the help of kind and generous volunteers and donors, we are very optimistic that Duterte’s Kitchen will soon provide a comprehensive temporary shelter for street children where they can be provided with food, emergency medical care and basic education in the near future. (PNA)

Senate hikes DOLE’s OFW repatriation fund to P100M

HE Senate has adopted Minority Leader Ralph Recto’s proposal for the creation of a P100-million “emergency repatriation fund” in the national budget to be used by the Labor secretary to bring home distressed OFWs next year. Recto, however, challenged administration lawmakers to raise the amount as there are many more “out-of-luck and out-of-cash” Filipino workers abroad waiting to be reunited with their families in the Philippines. The P3.35 trillion 2017 national budget is still being hammered out by a House-Senate conference panel that will reconcile the two chambers’ differing provisions. The Php100-million fund, he stressed, should just be “a component of a bigger help fund for OFWs,” which “must reach at least Php1.5 billion,” or 300 percent bigger than what Malacañang has proposed for 2017. For 2017, the Duterte administration has asked Congress to allocate Php50 million, to be lodged under the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employ-

ment, for OFW repatriation. This is on top of the Php31 million to be set aside by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for the same purpose. Over at the Department of Foreign Affairs, its proposed Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Fund for 2017 is Php400 million, the same as this year’s. Augmenting the DFA’s ATN is the Legal Assistance Fund, which will have a proposed funding of Php100 million, the same for 2016. ”If all these will be combined, there is only Php580 million. It’s not really enough for the need of our OFWs who need to be repatriated,” Recto pointed out. Recto said the 2017 OFW aid fund is “mere four hours’ worth” of all OFW remittances, using as basis the USD28.48 billion overseas Filipinos sent home last year. “It has grown by 12.3 percent since 2013, but the OFW help fund has remained flat.” In local currency, last year’s OFW remittances reached Php1.3 trillion, or more than a tenth of the Gross Domestic Product.

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PACKAGE UNWRAPPED. Davao Tourism Association (DATA) president Gatchi Gatchalian (left) gives the details on the organization’s upcoming programs during the launching of Turismo Café, a media forum organized by DATA, Department of Tourism (DOT) 11 and City Tourism Operations

Office Davao, at The Marco Polo Davao yesterday. Also in photo are DOT 11 director Robbie Alabado and City Tourism Operations Office Davao head Gene Rose Tecson (partly hidden). Lean Daval Jr.

P340/day new wage for Davao : RTWPB P335/day for agri sector; P315/day for retail/service N

EW minimum wage rates will be enforced in the Davao Region starting December 16, 2016. This was announced yesterday by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region XI, also known as Davao region. The new minimum wage rates will be as follows: (1) Non-agriculture/industrial/commercial and retail service employing more than 10 workers, P 340.00 (P

335.00 basic + 5.00 COLA); (2) Agriculture sector, P 335.00 ( P 330.00 basic + 5.00 COLA); and (3) Retail/Service employing not more than 10 workers, P 315.00 (P 310.00 basic + P 5.00 COLA). The new wage rates for the Davao area, composed of five provinces and six cities, are covered by Wage Order No. RB XI-19. For information of the public, the RTWPB XI said the

P 5.00 COLA granted under Wage Order No. RB XI-18 as indicated in the above wage rates will be integrated in the basic wage on May 1, 2017. No exemption from compliance under this Wage Order shall be allowed. However, in case of a calamity, the Board may accept applications for exemption for establishments adversely affected by calamities such as natural and/or human-induced disasters subject to the NWPC Guidelines No.

02, series of 2007 as amended by NWPC Resolution No. 01, series of 2014. For further queries, interested parties may call the RTWPB Secretariat at telephone numbers 22420-27 and 222-46-52. The new wage order may be downloaded @www.nwpc.dole.gov. ph four days after its publication. Mimeographed copies are available at the RTWPB-XI office. (RTWPB XI press release)

dering service to international airline companies at the country’s airports. The CAO took effect in 2005 while the SC decision became final and executory on Jan. 11, 2012. The CAO required airlines that are BAR members to increase the overtime pay of customs personnel at the airports. Faeldon said he has also written the BAR chairman, Jose Perez de Tagle, to likewise call his attention to the need for the “speedy and full settlement” of the obligations of PAL and Cebu Pac to the Mactan-Cebu customs personnel, some of them already retired from the service. “It is unfortunate that up to now, the customs personnel of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), have yet to receive their overtime pay from two (2) major airlines, namely PAL and Cebu Pacific, which had the biggest number of international flights served during the period from the

year 2005 to 2010,” Faeldon said in his Oct. 19 letter to the BAR. ‘The delay in the execution of the judgment in favor of the BOC personnel within the five-year period from the date of its entry on 11 January 2012 or until 11 January 2017 (or about three months from now) may amount to denial of justice and further inconvenience on the part of the claimant,” Faeldon likewise said in his letter. Faeldon informed the BAR that his letter is, in effect, a follow up to the earlier efforts of his predecessors, Commissioners Rufino Biazon and Alberto Lina, to assert the rightful claims of the customs workers over PAL and Cebu Pac. He recalled that Biazon issued the necessary directives and letter-appeals for the implementation of the SC ruling, while Lina issued a written authority to the Customs Collector of the Subport of Mactan to negotiate and enter into an amicable settlement with the

airline members of BAR to aid in the long-overdue implementation of the SC decision. Faeldon said he, following Lina’s earlier efforts, also issued the same written authority to the Subport of Mactan. In separate letters to Gokongwei and Bautista, the Customs chief told them: “We believe that it is fair, just and right to settle already already with finality all the pending claims of the customs personnel which has become long overdue, thus, this appeal.” “We hope for the speedy and full settlement of your obligations to our customs personnel, some of them already retired from the service,” Faeldon likewise said in his letters. The letter sent to PAL was dated Oct. 19 while the one to Cebu Pac was dated Oct. 14. An earlier customs order, CAO 7-92, said that BOC officers and employees at the airport were to receive P30 to P28 hourly overtime pay, P50 traveling allowance per way and P50 allowance per meal.

BOC takes cudgels for customs personnel not paid for overtime

HE Bureau of Customs has picked up the efforts of its predecessors in calling on the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific (Cebu Pac) to settle the long-delayed overtime pay of BOC personnel at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in line with a 2012 Supreme Court ruling favoring the workers’ claims. In a report to Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, BOC Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon said that on behalf of the customs personnel at the Cebu-Mactan airport, he has written Jaime Bautista and Lance Gokongwei, the presidents of PAL and Cebu Pac, respectively, to remind them of their financial obligations under the Supreme Court ruling. The SC ruling refers to the case of Office of the President vs. Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), which ordered the BOC to immediately implement Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 1-2005, prescribing an increase in overtime pay of customs personnel ren-

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RP retains high index for manufacturing

HE Philippines has continued to post a high level of manufacturing index in November, the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) of IHS Markit and Nikkei reported Thursday. The country posted an index of 56.3 last month, which signaled a strong expansion of the local manufacturing industry. The growth, however, decelerated from October’s manufacturing PMI of 56.5. As industry output continued in November, this has stretched the sequence of increase to 11 consecutive months. Production volume and workforce continued to increase, driving the high level of manufacturing PMI for the country last month. “The Philippines continued to enjoy strong growth in the manufacturing sector, underpinned by solid client demand,” IHS Markit economist Bernard Aw said. Philippine-based companies noted that strong client appetite and increasing production capacity pushed the industry for higher total output. The survey also said the local manufacturing sector continued to record new business inflows in November -- although in a slower pace from October, while posting highest new export orders in the previous month.

Expansion of workforce in the manufacturing sector in November was highest since July. “Firms had to continue expanding employment levels and input purchases to keep up with higher operational requirements,” Aw added. He also noted that the peso depreciation has driven some firms to bring forward purchasing plans. The economist said the weaker currency has also put cost pressure to manufacturers which rely heavily on imports. “However, firms alleviated these cost pressures by passing on some of the higher input costs to customers by hiking their output prices,” the survey stated. Meanwhile, the Philippines topped ASEAN countries in the latest manufacturing PMI. The country was followed by Vietnam with a manufacturing PMI of 54, Myanmar with 50.2, Indonesia with 49.7, Thailand with 48.2, Malaysia with 47.1, and Singapore with 45.2. The PMI is an indicator of the manufacturing sector’s health based on sub-components, such as new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times, and stocks and purchases. Indices above 50 signal improvement in business conditions while readings below 50 show deterioration. (PNA)

DTI to submit policy references on job generation to President

HE Department of Trade and Industry will submit to President Rodrigo Duterte its policy recommendations on improving industries, promoting livelihood, and creating more jobs. These policy recommendations are the outcome of Trabaho, Negosyo, at Kabuhayan (TNK)-Employment and Livelihood Summit, launched by DTI and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Taguig City on Thursday. The TNK Summit gathers various policy recommendations from the sectoral summit such as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Summit, Manufacturing Summit, Philippine Construction Congress, and Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) Summit. “We want to identify the strategies to increase employment levels, improve access to employment opportunities, and address our skills requirement,” DTI Secretary Ramon

Lopez said. The two-day summit also gathers government, private sector, and academe to develop a national employment program which supports National Development and Security Strategy geared towards the Philippine Development Plan for the new administration. “We hope that together, government, business and the academe, can craft an action agenda that we can all pursue at the start of next year,” added Lopez. The DTI chief also highlighted the department’s new industrial strategy which aims to link manufacturing, agri-business, tourism, ITBPM, and logistics. “Government is cognizant that we should make these industries attractive to investors hence, the action plan will allow us to prioritize,” he said. Lopez likewise stressed the need to further develop the country’s human capital in order to match skills with the requirement of various industries. (PNA)

SAYING IT IN SONGS. Melodies of Marco Polo serenade the management and staff of Edge Davao during the hotel’s annual Christmas caroling yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

City dads to work overtime to pass 2017 Davao budget T

HE Davao City council has vowed to work overtime in a bid to pass the 2017 budget before December ends. “The annual budget is scheduled for second reading today but even if we meet, only the presentations will be made since there are no department heads present,” Mahipus said in an interview Thursday. He, however, assured the public they will have sufficient time to pass the budget before December ends. City Councilor Bonifacio Militar called off the session last Tuesday since most of the councilors were either on official business (OB) or on sick leave. Those on OB represented the city in national conventions being held in the city and important events outside Davao.

The proposed General Fund Annual Budget and Plantilla of the City Government of Davao for Calendar year 2017 amounting to PHp6.9 billion was passed on first reading and already referred to the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means and Appropriations. Next year’s proposed budget is an increase of PHP6 billion compared to last year’s budget of PHp6.3 billion. The city’s budget has been increasing from PHp5.1 billion in 2014, PHp5.8 billion in 2016 and PHp6.3 billion in 2016. The Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), the local government’s share in the national coffers, is still the top source of the city’s proposed PHp6.9 billion budget for next year. In her budget message,

Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio said the 2017 source of funds reflects an increase of PHp643,136,561 or 10.2 percent from Calendar Year 2016 estimates. This is attributed to the increase of the Internal Revenue Allotment for 2017 due to the increased collection in internal revenue in CY 2015 (the base year of 2017 IRA computation). IRA accounts for 60 percent or PHp4,166,576,989 of the budget, a 15 percent increase amounting to PHp543,781,561 compared to the city’s IRA share in the 2016 budget amounting to PHp3,622,795,428. “The City’s Local Sources in the amount of PHp2,779,755,000 is an alltime high estimate of the City Treasurer and the income generating offices of the City,” Sara said. The local sources

for the budget is a 3.7 percent increase compared to this year’s PHp2,680,400,000. The top contributor to the local budget source is the local taxes amounting to PHp2,235,520,000 with a 32.18 percent share. The following forms part of the local sources: fees, permits and license income, service income, business and other income. The Economic Enterprises has a 1.18 percent share amounting to PHp138,000,000 which is a 5.4 percent or PHp7.1 million increase compared to the 2016 estimates. This is attributed to the “efficient collection performance of some units under the Economic Enterprises in the past year, more particularly on the Operation of Markets.” (PNA)

The agreement was signed by TMC president and chief executive officer Eumir Ernesto Tiamzon, TMBMPC chair Esther Daquil, and Maguan clan elder Juaning Maguan, he said. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed but an MGB-12 statement said TMC has acquired the “rights of small-scale mining tunnels inside the drain tunnels” of the Maguan clan and the TMBMPC. The mine tunnels of the Maguan clan and TMBMPC form part of the 21-hectare declared people’s small-scale mining area or Minahang Bayan in Barangay Kematu. But the mining area is within the 84.98-hectare Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) of the TMC. Records showed that the Minahang Bayan was declared by the South Cotabato Provin-

cial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) in 1995 based on provisions of Republic Act 7076 or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act. TMC’s MPSA No. 090-97XI was issued by the MGB on November 20, 1997. Paye said TMC and the small-scale miners practically operated on the same area for many years. But he said disputes eventually arose among the operators and cases were filed in local trial courts. Along with the PMRB, he said they initiated negotiations among involved parties “to enjoy mutual co-existence but was hard to achieve.” “(But) with the new development, a friendly and peaceful climate will now be attained in the area,” Paye said in a statement. The official said they ex-

pect that the agreement will result to “mutual trust and peaceful cohabitation” among the parties -- TMC, the T’boli tribal residents and local communities. “This will eventually increase investor confidence on the mining industry in the area,” he added. TMC is currently conducting explorations within the mining area for its planned large-scale gold and silver mining venture. The company is supported by Canadian firm Cadan Resources Corporation, which formally changed its name in October to Rizal Resources Corporation. Cadan earlier disclosed that the T’boli project holds potential deposits of around 3.8 million tons, containing 1.1 million ounces (Moz) of gold and 3.3 Moz of silver. (PNA)

Foreign-backed firm gets rights over Tboli mine site

CANADIAN-BACKED mining company operating a gold and silver mining project in T’boli town in South Cotabato has acquired the rights over a vital small-scale mining site, ending nearly two decades of dispute with local miners. Constancio Paye Jr., Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 12 director, said Thursday mining firm TMC-Tribal Mining Corporation specifically purchased and acquired the rights over small-scale mine tunnels in portions of the gold rush area in Barangay Kematu in T’boli town. He said the move was based on an agreement forged by the company with the Maguan Clan Small-Scale Mining Association and the T’boli Minahang Bayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TMBMPC).

EDGEDAVAO

7 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

ARMM relief work G in Butig ongoing

SoCot, S. Kudarat programs picked Google tilt finalists

LGU Summit closes in Davao City

S local executives gathered in Davao City for the 3rd ARMM Local Government Summit, Butig Mayor Dilanggalen “Jimmy” Pansar chose to remain in his municipality as the military “recovered” most of the barangays that were occupied by the Maute group. The mayor, however, was represented by other municipal officials from Butig, Lanao del Sur. Among them was Abdul Pansar, Butig’s Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator. According to Pansar, the poblacion of Butig is where the first encounters between the military and the Maute group happened roughly a week ago. On November 30, the

said area was “recovered” by the military, along with most of the other barangays that were affected by the ongoing conflict. “There are still firefights in the forest areas within the skirts of the municipality, but control in the town proper itself has already been regained” he said. Pansar, however, is far from at ease.

Regional efforts As the LGU Summit began in Davao yesterday, ARMM Regional Vice Governor and concurrent DSWDARMM Regional Secretary Haroud Al-Rashid Lucman Jr. was in Butig to conduct relief operations in the area. Together with DSWD-ARMM and ARMM’s Humanitarian

Emergency Action Response Team (ARMM HEART), he was assisted by the municipal government of Butig along with the barangay captains in the area. Lucman noted how the conflict has affected the lives of the people in Butig. “Classes, for one, have been suspended because the schools are currently not functioning,” he said. “People have lost much of their property, especially in barangays such as Bayabao Poblacion where houses were razed to the ground by members of the Maute group,” he added. “Some of the people have nothing left aside from the clothes on their backs.” Military operations are still ongoing in the munic-

ipality. During the conduct of relief operations, Lucman noted that “the sound of bombs going off can be heard from afar while our relief operations are ongoing.” The vice governor also mentioned that “it is relatively difficult to conduct relief operations in Lanao del Sur because most internally displaced persons (IDPs) stay with their relatives and not in evacuation centers.” Need for recovery The military has recovered 85 to 90 percent of Butig municipality, a military spokesperson said on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XII

F ARMM, 12

LOBAL technology giant Google has chosen an innovative environmental program jointly implemented by South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces as one of the Top 9 Best Google Stories worldwide for this year. Louie Pacardo, project officer for South Cotabato of the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA), said Thursday the initiative was specifically selected as one of the best stories for business and organizations. He said they earlier submitted to Google various programs initiated by AVLADA and how they were enhanced using technologies developed and introduced by the company. These programs focused on the joint interventions of the provinces in addressing the recurring flooding problems in the area, he said. Pacardo is an active member of Google Business Group (GBG) chapter here, which is considered as one of the most active GBGs in the world. Google Stories which is now on its second year aims to document stories of organizations worldwide with impact to people, communities and environment using Google programs in their works. Joining AVLDA in the Top 9 Best Stories are entries coming from Mexico, Nepal, India,

Malaysia and Indonesia. In late October, a team from Google visited South Cotabato province for the production of a documentary on AVLADA. Pacardo said the company commissioned a production company based in Germany and a New York-based consultant for the project. Among those interviewed for the documentary was South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance- Fuentes, who chairs the AVLADA, he said. He said the governor discussed the relevance of AVLDA as an alliance of two local government units in addressing various problems across boundaries. Pacardo said the entries will posted online by Google and will be open for online voting worldwide. The top three entries will eventually be presented in an event that will be held in Mountain View, California. AVLADA is a local government-led environmental body that oversees the management and protection of the Allah Valley landscape, specifically the critical Allah River and its watershed areas. The alliance, which is a recipient of the Galing Pook Award in 2009, comprises 11 local governments in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat that are traversed by the Allah River. (PNA)

P20M budgeted for rehab of drainage canal in Koronadal

KADAYAWAN WINNERS DANCE AT MUNATO. The James L. Chiongbian National Trade School performs during the Munato Festival 2016 held at Capitol grounds on November 26. The school was the champion in the Kadayawan Festival 2016 street dancing competition where they beat other 14 contingents. (John James I. Doctor for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Mayor Rellon unveils infra projects for 2017 By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

AGUM City Mayor Alan Rellon unveiled before Davao media on Thursday at the Apo View Hotel Davao a long list of projects targeted for implementation in 2017. To top the projects, the old city hall will be the restructured into a three-storey cultural and historical center which will serve as the city’s Pasalubong Center, library, museum and theatre. According to Rellon, the city government has allocated P150 million for the project. Other projects with due allocation are the following:

a P30 million construction of an additional bus terminal; additional traffic lights to be completed on 2019 which will cost P300 million; purchasing equipment for landfill and solid waste management, drainage and converting of roads amounting to P200 million; an P8 million meditation center; and a P3 million child-minding center to take care of the children of government workers and clients of their offices when they have no time to look over them. The local chief executive bared that Tagum City has the biggest chunk of Region XI’s

budget from the national government amounting to P72 million to P75 milliion because of the proposed projects. Aside from that, he revealed that the city government has loaned P600 million to finance infrastructure construction and rehabilitation. Rellon pointed out that for the purchase and development of additional traffic lights, only P60 million will be taken from the loan while the rest will be taken from subsidy. The projects that are yet to be funded are purchase of additional patrol cars, construction of solar-powered

buildings and improvement of botanical gardens. The mayor also said that they have proposed an “ambitious” project which is the international airport which will still undergo a feasibility study. “Although we have already identified a 1000-hectare area for its possible location,” said Rellon. On the upcoming Mindanao Railway System, Rellon commented that as one of the locations strategically eyed to cater a part of the railway, the project will eventually boost Tagum City’s economy and tourism.

HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 12 has allocated an initial P20 million for the rehabilitation of drainage canals in a floodprone portion of the national highway in Koronadal City. Engr. Reynaldo Tamayo Sr., DPWH-Region 12 director, said Thursday they have included such funding in their budget next year for priority infrastructure projects in parts of the region. He said the funds will be used for the expansion of the existing drainage canal in Barangay Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City. “We’re hoping for the release of the budget by January next year so we can start working on the project,” he said. The official said they will construct a bigger drainage canal in the area to cope with the volume of floodwaters flowing from waterways in nearby villages. He said the expanded drainage structure would connect and redirect the floodwaters to the Marbel River. In the last two months,

portions of the national highway in Barangay Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City were closed to traffic for hours several times due to severe flooding. The problem was blamed on the clogged drainage canals and their limited capacity in terms of the huge volumes of floodwaters flowing to the area. The floods affected farmlands and at least 115 families of Purok Pag-asa in Barangay Carpender Hill. The flooded portion of the highway is near the regional government center site of Region 12 or Soccsksargen. Tamayo acknowledged that the P20-million budget will not be enough to completely address the area’s flooding problems. But he said they already requested an augmentation of around P15 million for the project from their central office. As temporary solution, he said they are conducting regular desilting activities in portions of the drainage canals to ease the flooding in the area during heavy rains. (PNA)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

EDITORIAL

Who’s afraid of Martial Law?

ECENT events this week have led to some people bringing up the spectre of Martial Law being declared in the country by President Rodrigo Duterte. On Monday, a bomb was found near the United States Embassy and last Tuesday, the President’s advance party was ambushed on the way to Marawi City. These events and the ongoing skirmishes with the terrorist Maute Group and the bloody war on illegal drugs have conjured fears of an impending revisit to Martial Law. Perhaps, you cannot blame if one gets panicky at the mere mention of Martial Law. Stories of past horrors of the Martial Law regime have a chilling effect on the current generation of Filipinos. But is the Martial Law today, according to the 1987 Constitution, as dangerous as it was during the Marcos rule? Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who was Marcos’ defense minister during that period, said today’s Martial Law provision is like a tiger without teeth. It does not bite. Unlike the 1935 Constitution which Marcos based his proclamation on, the 1987 Philippine Constitution was more explicit on when Martial Law can be declared. Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution says that the President, as commander-in-chief, may “in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it” suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the country under martial law. The martial law period or suspension of the writ of habeas corpus should, however, not exceed 60 days. The writ safeguards individual freedom against arbitrary state action. Unlike the previous constitutions, the 1987 Philippine Constitution specifies that a state of martial law cannot override the function of both the judiciary and legislative

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branches of the government. The latest constitution also does not “authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.” Under the current constitution, other branches of government have a say in the declaration of martial law to prevent grave abuse of discretion on the part of the chief executive. The declaration shall be affirmed by Congress via a vote and even reviewed by the Supreme Court. Within 48 hours after its declaration, the president shall submit a report “in person or in writing” to Congress. Congress then has the power to revoke the proclamation by a vote of at least a majority of all members of both the Senate and the House. Congress can also – if requested by the President and if public safety requires it – extend the period of Martial Law beyond the mandated 60 days. Finally, any citizen can file a petition to the Supreme Court to review the “sufficiency of the factual basis” of the proclamation of Martial Law. Looking at the bigger picture, these two Martial Law scenarios are different from each other. It is imperative as citizens to understand what our constitution says about Martial Law instead of harping at it with sweeping statements that only betray the efforts of the framers of the 1987 version to correct the mistakes of the past. The Martial Law provision as a law is not bad per se. If it were so, the framers of the 1987 Constitution would have easily written it off. However, it is a security provision that protects the state and the people from invasion, rebellion, and lawless violence. So why fear? Fear not the law. How it is carried out and interpreted is another thing.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

Philippine National Police’ PGS: Right program at the right time

NTIL Ednar Dayanghirang mentioned it at the Kapihan sa Davao, I thought that the performance governance system (PGS) being pursued by the Philippine National Police to reform itself was a dead duck in the water. You see, the program actually started way back during the Aquino administration when the police organization has figured into one controversy after another. This is was the time when the drug menace that unraveled itself into monstrous proportions during the Duterte administration was kept under tight lid. If we got the drift then, a fresh wind of change has actually begun to envelop the entire police organization in a bid to bring about meaningful change and to undo its reputation as one of the most corrupt agencies of government. The bad eggs still remain, I was told, but it seemed that they constituted a negligible percentage although it was their deeds that seemed to get splashed into the front pages time and again. What did not get into the news was a nationwide program to transform police units into instruments of good governance by being initiated into the performance governance system, or so that was

AKING a short cut home through a rural cemetery, a teenager stumbled into a newly dug grave seven feet deep. After struggling to get out, he finally gave up, deciding to wait until morning when someone might hear his cries for help. Meanwhile, a drunken man also took a short cut through the cemetery and he, too, fell into the open grave. He began a desperate struggle to get out; unaware that someone else was in the pit with him. After a few moments, the teenager reached out in the darkness and laid a hand on his shoulder, saying, “You can’t get out of here.” But the man did! This brings us to the subject of fear. “Fear is the most destructive force in the world today,” says Walter Stone. “There is perhaps nothing so bad and so dangerous in life as fear,” Jawaharlal Nehru added. A person in fear does not think and act normally. That is the reason why if you are in danger, you don’t know what to do. You cannot think what normal people do. Ever wonder why in horror movies, victims forget to close the doors, shout to their heart’s content, run as fast they can without any direction, and in some instances jump to death? Fear is also the reason why kidnappers are rampant in the country. Generally, they kidnap the loved ones (daughter, son, and/or wife) of a wealthy businessman. Because of fear that any or all of the family members are to be executed, he will give in to their demands of paying a ransom.

the impression I REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI) gathered then. So on invitation of one regional command, I accepted, like Dayanghirang for this region, the chance Jimmy K.Laking to be a member of its advisory command. In between my schedules, I attended several meetings that examined the PGS programs of some municipal and provincial commands. One of the highlights of this membership was a trip to Camp Crame itself where the top brass of the PNP and the regional advisory councils from all over the country met as one to tackle the PGS of each region. I recall that one of the PGS’ top advocates was then Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo, Jr. himself who spoke

lengthily and with authority on the subject. Somebody told me he was actually one of those who pushed strongly for its implementation. I must say I was impressed. It was not a new system. In fact it is practiced by some of the world’s successful corporations, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as I adverted to previously in this space. Several Philippine corporations have embraced the system and that 10 local government units were initiated into it with San Fernando City (Pampanga) leading the pack for having institutionalized the system The PGS as it is known speaks of a dashboard that defines the LGU’s or the police station’s mission and vision as well as its objectives, primary drivers (or major activities) and secondary drivers (related activities) to reach its goals of helping provide a community that is safe for people to live, for business to thrive, for students and children, and for people to visit. The simple analogy with the dashboard was provided by S/Supt. Robert G. Quenery. He said true enough: “One cannot just drive a vehicle from one point to

another without knowing if the battery is okay, the motor has oil, the tank has gas, the brake is working, the carburetor has water, and the lights are working (not to mention the capability of the driver).” How an LGU or a police unit incorporates all these and ensure that “all systems are going” maybe referred to as the scoreboard. And to insure no one gets astray, there is also need for Customer, S.W.O.T and GAP analyses. The end-result is that once institutionalized, the community gets to be the beneficiary as safe for people to live in, for business to thrive and for people to visit. But then work intervened so I was not able to get abreast of how it turned out with that regional command. With Duterte in power, I surmised the PGS has proved irrelevant. Well as it turned out, it is now the right program at the right time. Garbo by then has since retired although not under favorable circumstances as he was among the first PNP officials to be linked by Duterte to the drug trade. The PNP’s task is to prove that the PGS can be an instrument for meaningful change indeed. (JKL)

Those in power who THINK ON THESE! are doing irre g u l a r i t i e s in their transactions will do their best to hide any proofs. They bribe people or any witnesses. If that is not appli- Henrylito D. Tacio cable, they henrytacio@gmail.com threaten the lives of those who know too much. There are fears that are considered aberrant. Psychiatrists called them as phobia. It is defined as “intense and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.” Because of this intense and persistent fear, the phobic person often leads a constricted life. The anxiety is typically out of proportion to the real situation, and the victim is fully aware that the fear is irrational. Twenty-year-old Rodel is so afraid of snakes that he once stapled together pages in a textbook to avoid flipping to a photo of a snake. He often wakes with nightmares that he is sitting in a bar or a stadium and suddenly sees a snake slithering toward him. “It’s odd,” he admits, “because I’m not in situations where I would ever see snakes.” There is a word – a decidedly straightforward one – for Rodel’s very extreme condition: ophidiphobia, or a morbid fear of snakes. Phobias go back a long way. Take this account of one pho-

bia, written by a famous physician. “The girl flute player would frighten him; as soon as he heard the first note of the flute at a banquet, he would be beset by terror.” Fear of flute is called aulophobia, and the doctor describing the condition was Hippocrates. People fear because it is often equated with danger, imminent pain, or death. Gavin Becker, author of ‘The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals That Protect Us From Violence,’ pointed out: “When we get a fear signal, our intuition has already made many connections. When you feel fear, try to ‘link’ it back to a past situation where the feeling that was similar to see if your fear is, in fact, justified.” When you feel it, take notice to find the link back to see if you need to take action. How rational are our fears? In the 1960s, an American study was done on what single word evoked the greatest psychologically strong reactions of fear. The study included words like spider, snake, death, rape, murder and incest. Shark evoked the strongest reaction. Why? After all, sharks rarely come in contact with human beings. Experts found out three reasons: the seeming randomness of their strike, the lack of warning for it and the apparent lack of remorse. Are you still wondering why many people didn’t go swimming in the beach after the blockbuster movie, ‘Jaws,’ was shown? Robert L. Stevenson stated: “Keep your fears to yourself; share your courage with others.” Ben Gurion explained: “Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought

to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared.” In other words, “courage is doing what you’re afraid to do,” said Eddie Rickenbacker. “There can be no courage unless you’re scared.” And what American president Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said? “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” he declared. Former American first lady Eleanor Roosevelt believes, “Anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him.” Easier said than done. But there is the other side of fear. “Not all fears are bad,” said C. Neil Strait. “Many of them are wholesome, indeed, very necessary for life. The fear of God, the fear of fire, the fear of electricity, are life-saving fears that, if heeded, bring a new knowledge to life.” There was a friend of mine who is really afraid of flying. So, when her husband was tapped to attend an international conference, she did not want to go with him. This despite the fact the company would pay for her airfare and hotel accommodation. “I really don’t want to go,” she told him. “And that’s final.” To make the long story short, the husband went and the wife was left behind – for good! The plane crashed and the husband was one of the fatalities. She survived because she did not go with him! A Turkish proverb puts it plainly, “Things never go so well that one should have no fear, and never so ill that one should have no hope.”

The fear factor

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

Duterte... FROM 1 “The allegations are pure hearsay and unsubstantiated,” Go said in a press statement on Thursday. Earlier, De Lima told reporters in the Senate that she was told by a source from the PNP that it was Go who called PNP chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa for the reinstatement of Marcos. Last week, Dela Rosa said in a press conference that “someone in the higher up” called him to reinstate Marcos

after the said PNP officer was relieved from his post over the death of Abuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa. Go said he did not ask Dela Rosa to reinstate Marcos. “I cannot recall having met former CIDG Region 8 head Supt. Marcos and I don’t know him personally,” he added. . Go also clarified that he does not make it a point to interfere with the affairs and functions of the PNP.

nor Haroun Al-Rashid Lucman Jr., concurrent ARMM social welfare secretary. At least eight of 16 villages in Butig were severely affected since last week after an estimated 300 members of the terror group besieged the municipality. Three of the eight villages were identified as Ragayan,

Sundab and Sumdig. The ARMM-HEART said 3,137 displaced individuals are staying inside the evacuation centers while the remaining 9,119 individuals are staying either in houses of relatives in safe villages or in nearby Marawi City. Butig town has a population of 19,303 people. (PNA)

bria will be meeting with the Task Force Davao commander, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, and will report to the Public Safety and Security Command Center head Benito de Leon. Dela Rey added that the police will coordinate with all the stakeholders such as establishment owners and security providers to discuss on the needed security measures that they could do within their respective establishments. “We are encouraging the community to be vigilant and security conscious and maximize the utilization of ‘Isumbong kang CD’ hotline [09258233276] in reporting criminal activities, suspicious looking persons roaming around and unattended/left behind baggages,” dela Rey said.

She, however, called on the public to remain calm, adding there is no cause for alarm despite the terror threats in the country. In addition, the terror alert is only consistent with President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of state of lawlessness last September, following the Roxas Night Market blast that killed 14 people and injured 69 others. Meanwhile, dela Rey explained that the police placed in Alert Level 3 in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which places the PNP in full alert for terrorists who might commit similar acts of planting bombs in Metro Manila and the tragic incident that occurred in Davao City last September 2.

time, she was able to get back on her feet. A few harvests later and she started to earn consistently higher income. Now, she is among the more prosperous farmers in her town. Ocampo said the story of Aling Conching aims to inspire young students to be resilient despite difficulties. It also aims to teach the values of hard work, of helping others and of faith in the the love and mer-

cy of God. “Lina’s Town Rises Again is Ocampo’s third children’s book. Her first two are on rice --- Popong Eats His Rice and Popong Eats Brown Rice. Meantime, BCP is a non-stock, non-profit organization which promotes the responsible use of biotechnology. BCP also encourages the adoption of biotech crops that are healthy, risk-free and friendly to the environment.

sury bills (T-bills) and Treasury bonds (T-bonds) amounts to PHP270 billion. In particular, T-bills issuance is set at PHP20 billion for each month, with the offering for the benchmark 91-day bill at PHP8 billion and PHP6 billion each for the 182-day and 365-day papers. T-bond issuance is at

PHP25 billion per month. The report raised the possibility that the government may increase the volume of bond issuance next year to provide for the planned increase in spending. ”It may also opt to issue more bonds via debt switch as similarly seen in 2014 and 2015,” it added. (PNA)

JaDine for Phab 2 Filipino love team JaDine (James Reid, Nadine Lustre) was recently introduced as newest members of the Lenovo family. Both Reid and Lustre acknowledged the new technology that the Phab 2 can offer. For Reid, he said

a smartphone is important for him to stay connected with his family and friends, especially during taping and shows. Anna Abola, Lenovo Philippines marketing manager, told PNA they chose JaDine as they also target the millennials. (PNA)

Relief... FROM 2

More... FROM 4

BCP... FROM 11

HSBC... FROM 11

Lenovo... FROM 11

BEFORE IT GETS WORSE. An Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance violator is apprehended by a civilian volunteer in front of Victoria Plaza Mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

BFP... FROM 2

with one casualty, and a zero casualties for Davao del Sur. He also advised the public to take extra careful on using Christmas lights and any other decorations that can cause fire incidents now that the

Yuletide season has started. “We remind everybody to avoid over-plugging of Christmas decorations in the same outlet especially if all the decorations will be connected with each other,” he said.

illegal trade,” Abad told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida Koronadal. Abad said Macasaet manages a boarding house and most of her clients are her boarders, students and even professionals. At about 11 p.m., another drug buy bust was launched, this time at the corner of Santiago and Abad Santos Streets,

Koronadal City, which led to the arrest of Maria Theresa Gunting, 36 and Glen Mark Rivera, 39, both of Jose Abad Santos Street. Narcotics agents seized a huge sachet of shabu and shabu paraphernalia from them. The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165. (PNA)

Recto said Congress needs to find other sources for OFW repatriation since OWWA spends only 69 centavos, or less than one percent, for repatriation out of every P100 that

ductive Health and Wellness Center of the Davao City Health Office. AIDS is caused by a deficiency in the body’s immune system. “It is a syndrome because there are a range of different symptoms which are not always found in each case,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook. “It is acquired because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of routes. This makes it different from immune deficiency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system suppressing drugs given to persons receiving transplant operations.” The origin of HIV and AIDS is still a mystery until now. There have been many theories but none so far have been proven. During the early stages of the AIDS epidemic, the flimsiest evidence was used to blame AIDS on certain groups, countries, or animals. Kenneth Kaunda, former president

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the agency collects from OFWs. Citing a Commission on Audit report, Recto noted that OWWA “issued a measly 119 plane tickets for repatriated OFWs last year.” (PNA)

the FA-50PHs. Three of these are instructor pilots and the remaining six are operational ones. The PAF has 12-plane order from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion. The remaining eight FA50PHs are expected to be delivered this coming 2017 and 2018. The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons. It will act as the country’s interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft. The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 “Fighting Falcon”, and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI’s previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA50PHs. The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots. The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service. There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings. An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks. Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow. (PNA)

of Zambia, urged: “It is not important to know where it came from but rather where it is going!” HIV is present in all body fluids of an infected person but is concentrated in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Virtually, it is present in all body tissues and organs including the brain and spinal cord. It can be found in tears, saliva and breast milk although these last three are not considered significant routes of infection. “A single sexual encounter can be sufficient to transmit HIV,” Dr. Hubley wrote. “Although the risk from an individual sexual act may be low, the more times a person has sex, the greater the likelihood that transmission will take place. Women appear to be more at risk than men from heterosexual sex. The transmission of HIV from man to woman is believed to take place more easily than from woman to man.” “The great majority of reason how it is acquired however is really through unprotected sex and drug use,” Dr. Ramit-

erre pointed out. “We again say that it is not who you are but what you do which poses you the risk of having AIDS.” Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist and author of several health books, said there are four stages of HIV/AIDS. In Stage 1, known as primary infection, the person experiences “flu-like” symptoms and will test positive for HIV. In Stage 2 (called asymptomatic illness), the person is HIV-positive and yet doesn’t have any symptoms of the disease (last around 3-10 years). As the immune system weakens because of HIV, the person now develops symptoms such as fever, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. This is Stage 3 or symptomatic illness. It goes to Stage 4 or advanced disease when “the disease takes a turn for the worse and the person develops so-called opportunistic infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi.” The question is: how will you know that you are an HIV carrier? It can only be answered by testing

for HIV. “The HIV test works by detecting antibodies produced by a person after exposure to the virus,” Dr. Ong explained. “A common problem here is when to do the HIV test. If a person has become infected with the HIV virus, how long is the lag time before the person test positive?” According to studies, most persons will develop a positive HIV test within 2-8 weeks after exposure. “Around 97% will develop these antibodies within 3 months of exposure,” Dr. Ong said. “A few rare cases (less than 3%) will take 6 months to become positive. Because of this, experts recommend that a person gets an HIV test at 6 weeks and at 3 months after exposure. It is optional to take another test at 6 months after exposure.” Like most diseases, HIV can be prevented – as easy as ABC: abstain from sex, be faithful to your partner, use condoms, especially if you have multiple partners, don’t share needles, and be educated on HIV, Dr. Ong reiterated.

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INdulge! Artistic survival

VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

ARTS AND CULTURE

MEETING ONE OF THE FEW ACTIVE FEMALE DAVAO ARTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME, Beatrix “Trixie” Borbon gave me an impression that I was going to have an ordinary interview; here was a talented painter who can create wonderful things on canvas with just the colors of her imagination. But isn’t it that the magic of being able to interview someone is the same as an archaeologist trying to unearth layers and layers of information, until finally, you can see a bigger picture, but at the same time, not knowing what other interesting thing you can find? Here was a healthy-looking woman with a set of long

and thick black hair telling me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer not long ago and survived. “No one ever realizes how everything can just go so south in one’s life so fast. I went to the doctor after discovering an unusual lump in one of my breasts to just have it checked out. They laid me on the table to get a sample

“

Her treatment and style in painting is befitting of her personality and character— delicate and brightly colored that is full of hope, life and subtle strength.

and the next thing I knew, I woke up with my tummy fat as my new breasts,” Trixie jokingly said. “I told myself: “May gamit din pala yung bilbil ko!” She was diagnosed just last 2013 and can laugh about her serious predicament—if that is not courageous in itself, I don’t know what is! “Throughout my whole experience, I can say now that God really provides. When I needed money for my treatments, good timing—His timing—really pulled me through. When I needed strength, God helped me to

be steadfast—I never even really had time to cry and for self-pity since I was so busy with other things going on in my life (Trixie only cried once)!” she gratefully shares. One of the really major things that helped her through the taxing ordeal was painting. She loves painting flowers—most particularly, sunflowers— she finds them utterly inspiring and can probably paint one with her eyes closed, since she has done so many. Trixie’s main me-

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CINEMA OF CHANGE By HENRYLITO D. TACIO CHANGE 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 Matigsalug hunter and his family living 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 this year’s QCinema Interna-

tional 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 nature as they will be blocked according to a certain theme rather than the previous geographical and schoolbased 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

Dear Mama

Huwag Nalang 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 Ado-

lescent 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.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Gabby Concepcion and Carla Abellana reunite in Karelasyon AFTER THEIR SUCCESSFUL PRIMETIME TELESERYE, Carla Abellana reunites with veteran actor Gabby Concepcion in a special episode of Karelasyon this Saturday.

In the story, the Karelasyon host plays the character of Estela—a woman who can be considered as a “survivor”. Estela may be sick but she still manages to be the breadwinner of her family. She spends her day working at a travel agency and sells street food at night. While she should be getting more rest, Estela still tries to attend the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) because of her vow. She prays for her to get better and for her loved ones to be blessed. Little does Estela know that her devotion will lead her to the person she will eventually fall in love with. He is Romeo, a man who has the same prayers as Estela. Romeo’s mother is also sick and it turns out, has the same illness as Estela’s. Their meeting leads to the start of their romantic story. But is this the love destined for Estela and Romeo? Joining Gabby and Carla are Mara Alberto, Prince Clemente, Joanna Marie Tan, Mailes Kanapi, and Perla Bautista. Written by Jerome Zamora and directed by Adolf Alix, Jr., catch the first offering of Karelasyon’s month-long December special this Saturday after #LIKE on GMA-7.

INdulge! A3 Globe Postpaid customers get a chance to Disney’s Moana for free IN RECENT YEARS, Disney fans have witnessed a new generation of Disney Princesses – headstrong with a powerful spirit. Princess Moana joins in this new breed of Disney Princesses as her story comes to life in Walt Disney’s new animated movie, Moana. Moana is an adventure-filled movie about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master way finder and fulfill her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, she meets the once mighty demi-god Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson), and together, they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. In partnership with Disney Philippines, new and existing customers on a Globe myLifestyle Plan who avail of GoSURF Share or GoSURF with Rollover are instantly entitled to raffle entries to win two (2) movie invites to Disney’s Moana, premiering in theaters on November 30, 2016. The number of raffle entries corresponds to the GoSURF variant one is enrolled in. GoSURF 999 for example earns a customer 999 raffle points. The higher the GoSURF, the more chances of winning. Adding to the new movie experience, winning Globe customers will be able to book their movie date via the GMovies app. Winners will receive their movie claim codes via text message. Each movie claim code is good for 2 tickets. To claim the movie ticket, customers just need to download the GMovies app on their smartphone and signup. Then, click on Moana, the preferred cinema, screening time, and seat location. Choose Claim Code under the Payment Option, type in the claim code and click ‘submit’. Once confirmed, the GMovies e-ticket will be automatically saved the phone’s gallery and on the GMovies “My Tickets” page. Customers can skip the long lines and just present the GMovies e -ticket to enter the cinema. On the Globe myLifestyle Plan, no bytes are wasted with the new GoSURF Rollover feature that lets one carry over unused data to the next month. GoSURF Share on the other hand allows for sharing of mobile data across different devices or among family members within the same account. To know more about Data Rollover and sharing, just visit www.globe.com.ph/postpaid/rollover-and-share.

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A4 INdulge! ARTS AND CULTURE THEKATCLOSET A1

dium is acrylic, although she has been challenging herself with oil recently. Her treatment and style in

painting is befitting of her personality and character—delicate and brightly colored that is full of hope, life and subtle strength. “I

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 202 • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2016

can’t say a hundred percent that I have fully developed my own style, but I do have consistent elements in my paintings. For example, whenever I do a “Mother and Child” subject, there will always be big rosary beads inside the frame and I apply geometric streaks for more artistic character,” the artist pointed out. Painting has really helped the artist to pour her stress and/or happiness out and feels that not a day is complete without doing even just a few brush strokes on canvas per day. Her works fall in the category of non-representational art and has that particular “woman’s touch” that has a quiet impressiveness to it—especially regarding the fact that Trixie is self-taught. When asked about what her advice would be to other female artists—especially to those who are just starting out in this mostly male-driven practice—she said to not think of anybody else but your own happiness in the process of creating something. “I could have never thought that I would be doing art exhibits alongside Davao’s greatest artists, but surprisingly, here I am. Therefore, it is possible and it is never too late. Painting is never too late for

anyone. Just open up your heart and soul to it and it will return the experience tenfold. Do what you want to do now because you never know if you might have a second chance— I’m so happy I was given it! There isn’t really any time to be negative and to bury yourself with regrets and pain. Forgive and let go whenever it is time, your life is your canvas and you can do anything to create your own beautiful world,” Trixie inspiringly shares. As a personal note, I myself have learned through time to follow this adage: “Always practice kindness because people have a struggle going on within themselves that you don’t know about.”

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8 Davao Writers Workshop opens th

HE 8th Davao Writers Workshop kicked off on November 30 with fifteen writing fellows. The Workshop continues daily until December 4 at The Big House Heritage Home at Juna Avenue, Davao City. The Workshop sessions are open to the public. The fellows this year are Ivan Khenard Acero (Butuan City; UP Mindanao), Genory Vanz Alfasain (Sarangani), Christian Baldomero (Cagayan de Oro; Xavier University), Jade Baylon (Digos City; UP Mindanao), Jade Capinanes (Mindanao State University-GenSan), Kloyde Caday (Kabacan; Univ. of Southern Mindanao), Dioprey Ebol (Panabo City; North Davao Colleges), Nero Fulgar (Davao City; UP Mindanao), John Oliver Ladaga (Iligan City; UP Mindanao),

Nikko Lynn Ladera (Koronadal Nat’l Comprehensive HS), Emmylou Shane Layog (UP Mindanao), Jann Dainver Maravilla (Misamis Occidental; Jose Rizal Memorial State Univ.-Dapitan City), Jet Paclar (Xavier University), Maritess Rulona (Proverbs Ville Christian School), Krizza Feb Udal (Ateneo de Davao Univ.). Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, Chair of the City Council Committee on Education, gave an inspirational message wherein she pledged full support to the Davao Writers Guild, co-organizers of the Workshop. Timothy Montes of De La Salle University gave the Keynote Address. Welcome Remarks were given by Guild president, Assoc. Prof. Jhoanna Cruz of UP Mindanao.

Writing fellows to the 8th Davao Writers Workshop with Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga and Ms. Tita Lacambra-Ayala at the opening day on November 30.

HSBC eyes increased bond Lenovo launches Phab 2 with Tango technology issuance for PHL in 2017 L

ANKING giant HSBC forecasts higher bond issuance by the Philippine government in 2017 to address increased funding needs in line with the programmed hike in infrastructure spending. In a report dated Nov. 30, 2016, HSBC said the Duterte administration targets to increase infrastructure expenditure to about six to seven percent of gross domestic product (GDP) from the current five percent. It noted that “unlike the previous government’s slow budget execution, there are signs of swifter spending in the new administration.”

HE Duterte Cabinet Spouses Association launched 4R Home, a shelter program for drug users and pushers who want to mend their lives for good, on November 30, Andres Bonifacio Day, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. In partnership with the Metro Manila Mayor’s Spouses Foundation Inc. (MMMSFI), the Cabinet Spouses Association, led by its president Mrs. Joc-

It, however, said that tax reform proposals eyed to increase state revenues are not expected to bear fruit soon, thus, the government may face funding needs in 2017. ”An increase in government bond supply in 2017 seems unavoidable,” it said. The government, through the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), is expected to issue about PHP465 billion worth of securities next year, up by about 30 percent than the program this year. In the second half of this year, or in the first six months of the current administration, programmed issuance of Trea-

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ENOVO has just launched Phab 2 – the world’s first phablet equipped with Google’s Tango technology. This technology provides users with an elevated augmented reality (AR) technology, as it can map physical spaces and overlay these with virtual effects that can track objects and map indoor spaces. Those capabilities make room for designs and experiments that could not be carried out on standard AR-enabled phablets in the market. With Google’s Tango technology, the Phab 2 is capable of motion tracking, depth perception as well as area learning. Moreover, the Phab 2

can visualize its surrounding objects and environments via sensors that can capture more than 250,000 measurements in a second. If there’s a wall in front of the user, for instance, he/ she can measure that wall and plan to put a painting on it. Also, if Tango has the data of supermarket, the technology can direct the user to a particular section of that supermarket. This can also be used if one plans to put new furniture pieces in his/her home, as the technology can simulate the appearance of an object inside the house. Thus, there’s no need for the user to bring in actual furniture pieces to see if these fit inside the home.

local government units and non-government agencies. Drug surrenderers will be required to stay in the formation house until they are ready to be re-integrated to the society. It is a continuous formation program which will provide shelter, clinical counseling with spiritual upliftment, physical activities, and skills training. The formation house comes with complete amenities, like a dormitory, din-

ing hall, kitchen, entertainment and social hall, clinic and counseling room, chapel, basketball court, computer room, and special livelihood areas, to implement a more holistic approach in treating and rehabilitating patients. Joining the turnover ceremony is Metro Manila Mayor’s Spouses Foundation President Mrs. Janet Olivarez, wife of Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

4R Home launched

elyn Sueno, wife of DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno, established a free formation house designed on addressing the reformation and treatment of drug users who voluntarily surrendered. The 4R Home project aims to “Reform, Recharge, Re-integrate, and Re-educate” those wayward drug dependents who want to return to the fold. It is under the Office of the President with the assistance from

”Lenovo and Google wanted to have a device (a smartphone) equipped with Tango technology, because people use their phones everyday. VRs are quite uncomfortable to use. So we wanted to incorporate this device (VR) in a common device which is a smartphone,” Amanda Dy, Lenovo Philippines manager for tablets, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. She added that ARs are expensive, and Lenovo wants to provide this device to people without having to spend too much. Designers and professionals are the main target market of the Phab 2, according to Dy. Meanwhile, since people these days usually look for a

good quality camera and music features when buying a smartphone, Dy emphasized that the Lenovo Phab 2 has three cameras, plus a Dolby audio capture. Equipped with Dolby Audio Capture 5.1, the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro provides users with clear surround sound of the videos and audios they record. The three cameras, on the other hand, have a fish eye lens for wider angles. Phab 2 Pro will be available by mid-December for PHP24,999. Currently available in the market are the Phab 2 for PHP 9,999, and the Phab 2 Plus for PHP14,999.

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BCP educates graders on benefits of biotech

HE Biotech Coalition of the Philippines sponsored the animation showing of a children’s book titled “Lina’s Town Rises Again,” to celebrate this year’s National Biotech Week. BCP invited 450 students from Mines Elementary School and 350 students from Project 6 Elementary School to watch the said animation which was meant to develop a basic understanding of the impact of biotech corn in social, economic and environmental terms amongst elementary students. The book’s author, Chat Garrido-Ocampo, said the book touched on the themes of sustainability, collaboration and safety by narrating the true and inspiring story of how biotech seeds positively transformed a woman farmer’s life, and enabled her farming community to recover economically in the aftermath of a devastating typhoon. Ocampo shared that the animation had been shown to public elementary school children in Cagayan, Tuguegarao and Davao City and the

response was “very encouraging.” Ocampo said students became interested in agriculture and were asking questions about biotech crops. “ Not only are they getting entertained but they were also learning a lot about agricultural biotechnology,“ Ocampo added. Meantime, BCP Executive Secretary Abe Manalo observed that a lot of information are available to young students through the internet and that “it is important that these students are also given the opportunity to immediately validate the veracity of the information that they receive. That’s why, after the animation showing, we made ourselves available to answer what questions they may have.” The story was inspired by Consolacion Reyes, a lady farmer who lost her house and source of livelihood when Typhoon Pablo ravaged her community. Witnessing her difficulty, a good samaritan lent her money which she used to buy biotech corn. Her harvest was abundant so that after some

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The city mayor added that to complete the program, the psychosocial intervention will be scheduled because they are still looking for a psychologist to render the service. Rellon further said that on November, the surrenderees were subjected to evaluation and monitoring.

“We get now information from the PNP if those in the list have returned to their old ways or not, and a drug test was conducted because there are some on the 4,000 who have not attended the rehabilitation program,” said Rellon, adding that the final monitoring and evaluation will start on

January. The local chief executive is positive that by that time, the city government can finally declare many of those who surrendered as drug-free. He said his office will stand by its policy that those who failed to attend the rehabilitation will be

included on the PNP watchlist. By the time those who surrendered have completed the rehabilitation course set by the local government, they will be eliminated from the surveillance list of the local police and be branded “STAND (Seryosong Tagumenyo Ayaw Na sa Droga)”.

placed the number of IDPs at 12,250. “Almost everybody chose to evacuate. Some went to nearby barangays, while residents of the same nearby barangays also chose to leave,” Pansar said. The local and regional government, together with the DSWD field office, have already distributed food packs as part of their quick response and relief operations. When asked about further needs of Butig residents, Pansar emphasized the need for support in “recovery” efforts. With only about 2,000 evacuees staying in three evacuation centers, Pansar said the local and regional government are “still monitoring the whereabouts of all the displaced people.” Pansar also notes the crops in the area awaiting harvest.

“We really need to focus on recovery as we prepare to assist residents of Butig when they return. Some of them still have rice and coffee left idle in the fields, especially coffee since it’s scheduled for harvest,” he said.

even be eliminated completely,” Pansar said. Pansar notes that only a few residents of Butig are involved in the local terror group, with “most of the members coming from other municipalities and provinces.” “Our goal is really to help the people return to their communities,” he added. Pansar said that “coordination with the military will also be crucial in the residents’ return,” as Lucman assured that “coordination with the military forces have been constant throughout the operations.” (Bureau of Public Information)

have to be addressed, especially in Facebook where a lot of false information are posted,” Pansar said. He cited the posts that claimed that Butig’s seat of government was taken by ISIS as an example. “The old municipal hall that was taken by the Maute group was already abandoned early this year. After the recently concluded elections, we transferred the seat of government to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA),” he said, “so when they said that Butig was conquered by ISIS, that clearly wasn’t true.” “I hope people will be more responsible in saying things online,” he said. “There are many sources of verified information and we should turn to these sources instead of spreading misinformation.” (Bureau of Public Information)

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No room for complacency “Most of the areas affected by the conflict have already been recovered, but operations are still ongoing especially in parts of Brgy. Sandab Madaya, Brgy. Sundig, and a portion of Brgy. Dolangan,” Pansar said. When asked if the Maute group still poses a threat to the municipality, Pansar said it depends on government response. “If the government will be complacent, the group can regroup and return. But if targeted government operations continue, the group will continue to weaken, maybe

Fighting misinformation The municipal government also notes the prevalence of misinformation about their situation, especially online. “Many misconceptions

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from the academe and civil society, peace and development workers and local government officials from across Mindanao.

Sustaining the gains of peace With the theme “Federalism And All Inclusive Political Platforms For Southern Philippines,” the three-day event sought to draw out suggestions from the participants on how to fast track the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and at the same time, gather recommendations that would help facilitate the country’s transition from a unitary to a federal form of government. The conference’s objectives were in line with the Duterte Administration’s Six Point Peace and Development Agenda, which aims to, among others, bring about the meaningful implementation of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) and Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); ensure the completion of the implementation of remaining commitments under the Government of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front (GPH-MNLF) peace agreements; and accelerate the signing and implementation of a final peace accord with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines/Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (NDFP/CPP-NPA). Senior officials of the OPPAP headed by Irene “Inday” Santiago, chair of the Govern-

ment Implementing Panel for the Bangsamoro, are currently conducting extensive consultations with various civil society organizations in Mindanao as part of efforts to broaden the existing “peace tables,” and ensure the more inclusive participation of Mindanaoans in the peace process.

Addressing the roots of the conflict The OPAPP assistant secretary said he was optimistic that the Duterte Administration’s efforts to put an end to the armed hostilities in Butig will bear fruit in the very near future. “We hope anytime now we can have a very concrete solution to the problem,” he said. Hermoso, a retired army colonel and a staunch peace advocate, pointed out that the armed conflict in Mindanao is not only deeply rooted in the perceived “historical injustice(s) in the country, especially in the Bangsamoro” but is also inspired by events in Syria, Iraq, Afganistan and Libya. “To me, the vertical conflict is done already. What we have are these new emerging groups, the young bloods,” he said. Hermoso noted that radicalization is not only exclusive to the Philippines, as there are a lot of countries in the region that are confronting the same problem which threatens to adversely influence the mindset of the youth. “You, us, everybody can help re-shape the values [of our youth],” he said. (OPAPP)

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The rise and rise of HIV/AIDS By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

ILLIAM, who grew up in Davao City, was only 18 when he went to Metro Manila to study in one of the country’s most prestigious schools. His parents wanted him to be a lawyer. He was an outstanding student during his first year. But after meeting some friends, everything changed. His friends brought William to a pub one evening. There, the young man was introduced to a beautiful guest relation officer. And the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, William was picking up girls here and there. Lately, however, he started suffering from a chronic cough that lasted for more than a month. He also experienced itching in several parts of his body, aside from having swollen lymph. William decided to see a doctor and told him his problem. After hearing his woes, the doctor asked William about his sexual lifestyle. Quite surprised at the question, the young man told his story just the same. After conducting several blood tests on William, he was asked to return a week later. “I am sorry to tell you this William,” the doctor told him when he returned, “but you are positive of HIV.” The doctor is referring to human immunodeficiency virus, an infectious particle that is too small to be seen with the naked eye or even a conventional light microscope. Bacteria are 1/1000 of a millimeter and can be seen with a light microscope. But with its HIV, it is 1/10000 of a millimeter in diameter and can only be seen with an electron microscope. The first case of HIV infection in the Philippines was reported in January 1984. In July 2000, three agencies – the Health Action Information

Network (HAIN), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) – came up with a publication entitled, “A Matter of Time: HIV/AIDS Development in the Philippines.” According to the book, with only 13,000 infected Filipinos, the status of HIV/ AIDS in the country was described as “low and slow.” Most of these infected, at that time, believed that AIDS is a foreigners’ disease. “It’s not a Filipino disease,” one of those infected said. “I thought that since I had no foreign partners, just Filipinos, it’s impossible for me to get infected.” Filipinos in the far-flung areas likewise believed HIV/ AIDS was common only in Metro Manila, where most foreigners are living. “They said there’s no AIDS here in Davao, only in Manila,” commented a teenager who’s HIV-positive. In 2015, Davao City was listed by the Department of Health (DOH) as one of five cities outside of Metro Manila with “high prevalence” of HIV/ AIDS. The other four were the cities of Angeles, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. Sixteen cities and municipalities in National Capital Region were listed as “high risk areas.” Also included were Bulacan (particularly San Jose Del Monte), Antipolo, Cainta, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmariñas and Laguna (specifically Santa Rosa). From “low and slow,” there is now “a full-blown AIDS crisis” in the country, as seen in the growing statistics. A report released by the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau in January this year said that 27 Filipinos are infected with HIV each day. This is a big leap from one new case of HIV infection per day in 2008.

“This is actually a continuation of the ongoing upward trend in the number of Filipinos getting infected with the HIV,” wrote Outragemag. com. “On a daily basis, the number of Filipinos infected has increased to: four in 2010, nine in 2014, and 17 in 2014.” More than a decade ago, some media personalities from Davao and other provinces were invited to attend an immersion on HIV/AIDS reporting in Cebu City. Part of the seminar-workshop was interviewing people who were engaged in sex industry. The first stopover was a bar with women dancing in clad bikinis. After their performance, some of them came to talk with the invited journalists. “My parents thought I am working in a restaurant here,” said Carol, who asked not to mention her complete name because she’s afraid they would find out. Only 18, she could be the next Myrna Castillo or Sarsi Emmanuelle. “I didn’t finish high school,” continued Carol, who was from Agusan del Sur. “I have a two-month old daughter who’s living with my parents. I have to work since my boyfriend left me three months before I delivered the baby.” She said that “if the price is right,” she sometimes went out with her customers. “I had to since I have to support my child. I don’t know of any work.” When asked if she used condom before sex, she replied that she wanted but most of her customers didn’t like the idea. “I used to quarrel with some of my customers who don’t want to use condom,” Carol said. “But you can’t do anything if they don’t want to. They’d force you, you’d just be hurt.”

The following night, the journalists went to a casa, where “sex for hire” ladies were housed. One of those interviewed was Alma, a namesake of a famous starlet. She was beautiful and a good talker. When asked why she worked in the world’s oldest profession, she answered without hesitation. “Actually, I don’t work for money although that’s a bonus,” she said. “I like my job here because I can actually try different sizes (referring to man’s sexual organ); the bigger, the better. “ I also select my p a r t n e r,” she continued. “He may not be that handsome but he should be cleaned and doesn’t smell bad.” On condom, she said, “I usually recommend but if my partner is handsome, it’s okay if he won’t use.” On their last day, the journalists visited a house where homosexual boys were living. “We try to suggest to our customers to use condom, but there are those who won’t,” said Rafael, the oldest among the group who is already 25 years old. Condom is cited as one of those that can help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. But many Filipinos don’t like using condoms when doing sex. There are those who think that condoms are not necessary. A study conducted by the health department showed that 37.82% of Filipinos don’t use condoms because they “are

AIDS virus

u n available.” About 26.39% said they “don’t like condoms” while 20.15% commented “condoms are unnecessary.” Other reasons included: “their partner objected” (8.07%), “forgot to use condom” (2.92%), “don’t know how to use condom (1.7%) and “condoms are expensive” (1.18%). Meanwhile, the AIDS Institute suggests that you use correct condom and do it consistently. “Latex condoms are highly effective at preventing transmission of HIV and some other sexually transmitted diseases,” it explains. The Mayo Clinic adds this information: “Use only water-based lubricants. Oilbased lubricants can weaken condoms and cause them to break. During oral sex, use AIDS test

a non-lubricated, cut-open condom or a dental dam – a piece of medical-grade latex.” Carlos H. Conde, of the Human Right Watch, commented: “Raising awareness is a key part of tackling the Philippines HIV epidemic, now the fastest-growing in the world. But by omitting HIV prevention measures for men-who-have-sex-withmen (MSMs) and the people who inject drugs (PWIDs), the AIDS Hour is the government’s latest missed opportunity to educate and assist people at highest risk of contracting the virus.” In Davao City, most of the HIV cases come from MSMs, according to Alma Mondragon, the Mindanao executive director of Alliance Against AIDS in Mindanao. The latest AIDS update from the health department said that 89% of HIV cases were transmitted through sexual contact among MSMs. Conde reported that HIV epidemic among PWIDs is concentrated in Cebu City. Quoting a report from the Philippine National AIDS Council’s report, he said that “a staggering 52% of people who inject drugs were infected with HIV” in 2013, up from 0.4% in 2007. Iris Gonzales, in a blog, New Internationalist, wrote: “Dr. Joven Cuanang, neurologist and chair of a private hospital in the Philippines, said that because of the growing incidence of HIV in the Philippines, the medical community feels the urgent need to raise the public’s awareness of the issue, adding that ‘It’s already an epidemic.’” HIV is a stage where there are no physical symptoms visible. In AIDS, the disease is manifested with malignancies and infections. “Between HIV and AIDS, there is a window period of as much as five years,” said Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, chief of the Repro-

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KILLER GREENS

FINALIST. Daniel Luis Nagayo shows his finalist medal honors in the 2016 Victorian Golf Primary School State Finals in Melbourne. D. Nagayo photo

Daniel Nagayo succumbs to fast greens, finishes tied for 10th By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

USTRALIA – Daniel “The Giant Slayer” Nagayo fell prey to the sleek greens of Kooringal Golf Club and wound up tied for 10th place in the 2016 Victoria Primary Schools Golf State Finals in Melbourne on Tuesday. The 11-year old son of Dabawenyo nurse Danny and former councilor Rachel Nagayo had putting troubles all day in Kooringal drawing a total of 11 three-putts for a bloated 12 over par 83. If it was any consolation, the rest of the field also rued the putting surface which, for kids, is like putting on a glass flooring. “It was really tough. Everyone had trouble with the greens and if only Daniel had no three putts, he would have finished one over,” said Danny who caddied for his son. A one over par would have placed Daniel in first runner-up. Only three players in

both boys and girls divisions managed to submit a sub-par round underscoring the tough challenge of the course. Jacob Taberner took the boys title, blitzing the field by a staggering 4 shots with his two under par 69 and engraving his name on a trophy alongside some of Australia’s current young touring pros, including Geoff Drakeford and Deyen Lawson. It was a little tighter in determining the other two minor places with a three-player countback needed to settle the results, a countback that went all the way to individual holes. Harrison Gomez, Bailey Goodall and Max Miraglia all shot impressive scores of 73, however Harrison and Bailey took home second and third place respectively after the countback went their way. Nagayo had beaten Bailey earlier in a tournament in Las Vegas.

In the girls division, Keeley Marx playing in her fifth PS State Final made it back to back wins in fine style shooting a two under par 69, a remarkable achievement that belies her years. In the last four years Keeley has finished third, third, first and first. Having recently returned from the School Sport Australia national golf titles in South Australia as part of the winning Victorian team. This puts Keeley on the same page as other two time winners of this event including recent Rio Olympic Australian Golf representative Su Oh who went back to back in 2007 and 2008 underlying the quality of player coming through the primary school system. U12 Victorian team captain Jeneath Wong shot a 1 under 70 to finish second, with Jazy Roberts shooting 75 to fill third place in the girls section. The tournament attract-

ed 104 of the finest emerging Victorian golf talents who, like Nagayo, advanced from the rigorous stepladder eliminations. The statewide qualifying process included 2,500 primary school players teeing it up at over 45 different venues in all corners of the state. ‘’This is the perfect introduction to golf for Victorian students in a safe and fun environment. Our partnership with Golf Victoria is an industry leader across sport and education, resulting in fantastic opportunities for Victorian students,” SSV strategic manager Nick Mooney said in a post-event statement.

5 Davao City pugs assured of bronze medals in Batang Pinoy F

NEW TEAMS. James Yap (left), now playing for Rain Or Shine, and Gary David (right), Mahindra’s new recruit, debuted with their new PBA ballclubs on Wednesday night. PBA Images

Davao del Norte eyed as Mindanao sports center

AVAO del Norte Governor Antonio Rafael del Rosario has expressed hopes of hosting more top-level tournaments that will make his province a sports center in the Mindanao region. The youthful governor said sports is one of the priorities of his administration, the reason why he is keen on hosting the Philippine National Games, National Triathlon and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Games. “I want Tagum and Davao del Norte as the center of sports activities in Mindanao. This is the reason I want to host these tournaments and I am serious in my intention. Hopefully, we can host these events sooner,” said Del Rosario in a speech

he delivered on Wednesday during the dinner he tendered for the media covering the 2016 Batang Pinoy National Finals in Tagum City. The Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex in Tagum, which has a 5,000 sitting capacity, is the main venue of the 2016 Batang Pinoy National Games, which is the Philippine Sports Commission’s grassroots development program for students and out-of-school youths 17 years old and below. “Sport is a priority of my administration because I am a true-blooded sportsman. I always give importance to sports being a major component in developing a sound mind and a sound body which is very important in running an institution government and pri-

vate,” explained Del Rosario, a former congressman representing the second district of Davao del Norte. He was head of the Sports and Youth Committee which comprised seasoned basketball coach Roseller “Yeng” Guiao, who was then Pampanga solon, and partylist Rep. Wes Gatchalian. Del Rosario is also interested in hosting some of the sports when the Philippines stages the Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Games three years from now. “We have the capability to host some of the sports of the SEA Games simply because we have a modern sports complex which is considered one of the best if not the best in the country,” said Del Rosario. (PNA)

IVE amateur boxers from Davao City are already assured of bronze medals after they entered the semifinal round of the ongoing Batang Pinoy National Games in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. They are Raymond Albufera (42 kg.), Jhon Adnoel Prevendido (48 kg.), Curt Manigsasa (50 kg.), Joshua Pagdual (52 kg.) and Junmilardo Ogayre (60 kg.). As of 12 noon Wednesday, Albufera was facing Cebu’s

Eduardo Jimenez, Prevendido against Cagayan de Oro’s Marco John Rementizo, Manigsasa versus Davao del Sur’s Remark Alecaba, Pagdual against Alabel’s Zaldy Malid and Ogayre against Zamboanga’s Jericoh Guerrero. “Sana tuloy tuloy na itong panalo ng mga bata kahit pagod na pagod na sila dahil sa dami ng kanilang laban simula pa noong November 27 (I hope this win will continue even if they’re tired because of their so many fight since November 27),” said

coach Jun Sagarino. In the quarter finals, Albufera outclassed Pangasinan’s Charles Balawat, while Manigsasa beat Polomolok’s Generick Cabucos. Pagdual downed Digos’ Joshua Claros. “Puro malalakas din yun nakalaban naming sa quarterfinals (Our opponents in the quarterfinals are tough),” said Sagarino. The Davao City amateur boxing team is supported by DC Sports Development Division chief Mikey Aportadera. (PNA)

RUBILEN AMIT. Fighting mode. 9-Ball in Taiwan and 9th in the China Open. The 2009 World 10-Ball and World Mixed Doubles Champion related to Sports Radio that she is more pre-

pared and confident of her World title chances this year, before looking forward to a bigger 2017 with Sea Games and the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games in her schedule.

Amit, Centeno, Ranola compete atWorld 9-Ball

HE Philippines’ Rubilen Amit will be in ‘fight mode’ for the December 13-16 Women’s World 9-ball in Chengdu, China. The multi-SEA Games gold medalist and her two other National teammates Irish Ranola and Chezka Centeno eye good results in the World Tournament after recent mediocre showings. AMIT and Centeno shall leave early for a tune-up event, the C-B-S-A 9-Ball in Jiaxing on December 7-9 where most of the World participants would also be competing. Amit has yet to record an impressive performance this season, as she only finished 17th in the International

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