Edge Davao 9 Issue 206

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

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BEAUTY IN RECYLABLES. A worker makes minor adjustments on a Christmas tree made of pvc pipes and other recyclable materials along R. Castillo Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

PAGCOR’S P350M For Davao City’s new drug rehab center One Lakeshore Drive sold out to young families and OFWs

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), in partnership with Resorts World Manila, has handed over the sum of P350 million to the city government to enable it to build a drug rehabilitation facility in Baranggay Malagos, Baguio District in Davao City, setting the stage for other gaming firms to contribute likewise in support to President Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs.

City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio made the disclosure here on Tuesday during the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art treatment and rehabilitation facility which will be annexed to the existing Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents

(DCTRCDD) in Bago Oshiro.

The facility, which is set for completion hopefully by December 2017, will consist of one huge building that could accommodate 250 to 350 drug dependents who wanted to be rehabilitated. It will be handed over to the City Government upon completion as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility obligation.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Duterte-Carpio thanked PAGCOR and Resorts World for the donation, saying facility will definitely help the drug dependents return their families and contribute to nation building.

Kingston Siam, representative of Travelers International Hotel Group Inc. – Resorts World Manila, said the dona-

tion is their contribution to the city government as their commitment to help and support the country in the fight against illegal drugs. “[It is] Our sincere hope that this [help] will serve as long-lasting and meaningful contribution for the country,” he added.

The PAGCOR chairperson, Andrea Domingo, for her part, said that they have discussed the facility with Dr. Andrew Tan, the chairman of Travelers International Hotel Group Inc. – Resorts World Manila, last July.

“He would like to put up two rehabilitation facilities in the Philippines and we [PAGCOR] immediately suggested to prioritize the facility in Davao,” Domingo said, adding

that they will build another facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Quezon City.

She explained that Davao can also accommodate the neighboring provinces as well.

Domingo stressed that they had to help the President in the fight against illegal drugs by helping in rehabilitation of the illegal narcotics victims since “they are not law enforcers and PAGCOR cannot help in arresting these people.”

“This is the first project that our board has made and implemented in Davao because we have to remove this mindset from the people that everyone who works in the government and for the president are inciting evil in the society,” she pointed out.

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By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE four towers of the One Lakeshore Drive in Lanang, Davao City, a township project of Suntrust Properties Inc. is “technically” sold-out as of December 2016.

This was bared by Deanna Jean Claveria, Executive Vice President and Chief

Operating Officer of Suntrust Properties Inc. in an interview with Edge Davao on Monday.

One Lakeshore Drive is a 7.2-hectare residential component of the P15-billion Davao Park District, Megaworld’s 11.2-hectare

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EDGEDAVAO Sports BIG WIN IN TURIN

Fil-Am Kiefer beats 2-time world champ to snatch gold in Italy P16

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

VANTAGE VIEW. President Rodrigo Duterte and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa pose for a selfie during the Christmas lighting ceremony at the Malacañan Palace grounds on Monday evening. ACE MORANDANTE/ Presidential Photo

PhilHealth offers detox package for drug users

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HE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth)has started offering on Monday its “Medical Detoxification Package” for drug users.

In a presentation yesterday at the Lispher Inn, PhilHealth-Davao public relations officer 2 Kleah Gayle Dublin said that patients of drug abuse, particularly those using methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) or amphetamine-related abuses, may avail of the P10,000 assistance that covers professional fees and hospital fees.

She said PhilHealth will

also cover expenses for the co-morbidity conditions associated with substance abuse, which include, psychosis, ischemic heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, stroke, seizures, acute renal failure, and gastrointestinal disorder.

She said detoxification package covers only the first stage of the rehabilitation of drug-abuse patients that addresses the “toxic and withdrawal manifestation” of the process.

She said this is considered the critical stage where the patients are being prepared for

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DSWD chief calls for more efforts to stop violence against children

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OCIAL Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo on Tuesday called for unity and more efforts in preventing violence against children.

In her message during the launch of the first-ever national “Baseline Study on Violence Against Children”, held at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel, Taguiwalo said the new baseline data would “allow us to respond to issues more appropriately”.

She said the study will be more meaningful and significant if translated into action, such as by using the data in making policies and programs that will serve as proper interventions and enhancing the capacity of service providers and responders.

The study was presented

by Dr. Laurie S. Ramiro, princi-

pal scientific investigator from the University of the Philippines.

Ramiro said that based on their findings, 80 percent of the 3,866 respondents aged 13 to 24 had experienced some form of violence in their lifetime, whether in the home, school, workplace, community or during dating. The prevalence rate among boys is 81.5 percent and among girls, 78.4 percent.

The study also revealed that one in three children experiences physical violence, with more than half of this happening at home. The most common case of violence at home is the imposition of corporal punishment by parents and siblings.

It further noted that three

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14 persons in GenSan succumb to HIV/AIDS H

Most victims sought treatment too late

EALTH personnel in General Santos City have recorded 14 confirmed deaths this year due to complications caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/ AIDS).

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, coordinator of the City Health

Office’s (CHO) social hygiene clinic, said Tuesday the patients mainly died from diseases triggered by late stages or full-blown AIDS. She said most of them were already suffering from advanced stages when tested for the disease.

Among the latest case involved a 30 year-old beau-

tician who was not able to undergo antiretroviral or (ARV) drug treatment.

“In most cases, it was already too late when the patients were tested positive and sought our help for treatment,” she said in an interview over a local television station.

As of Tuesday, the CHO said the number of confirmed

HIV/AIDS cases in the city has already reached 361.

Most of the confirmed HIV/AIDS cases in the city were found among male professionals in the 22 to 25 age bracket and were engaged in “risky sexual behaviors.”

They include gays, bisexuals, men who have sex with

S

ng Pagbabago Residential Project.

The MOA will be endorsed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the issuance of legislative authority so that Mayor Inday Sara Duterte could sign it.

The agreement also covers the creation of sustainable livelihood and educational

programs for the housing project beneficiaries and their children.

The construction of the houses, which are designed to be climate and typhoon-resilient, will start next year in Los Amigos and Lasang resettlement areas.

According to the project

papers, SMF will fund the construction of the component houses as it also spearheads the implementation of the project. The foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

The NHA, meanwhile, will

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Davao City to build 5,000 typhoon-resilient houses AN Miguel Foundation, Pilipinong May Puso Foundation, and National Housing Authority have signed a memorandum of agreement that will pave the way for the construction of 5,000 houses for the benefit of Davao City’s residents.

The project is called Biyaya

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The memorandum of agreement signed between San Miguel Corp. President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Sr., Pilipinong May Puso Foundation chair Rowena Velasco, and Davao City Administrator Raul Nadela Jr will pave the way for the construction of 5,000 houses in Davao City. CIO

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Duterte sets conditions for release of political prisoners

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has said he will only order the release of 130 political prisoners if the government peace panel and the National Democratic Front would sign a bilateral ceasefire deal during talks in Oslo, Norway this week.

“Produce to me a signed bilateral ceasefire agreement and I will release them within 48 hours. You can take my word for it,” Government peace negotiator Silvestre Bello III quoted the president as saying.

In a press statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Tuesday, the president the government has already conceded far enough to the NDF. But he also promised to release a number of elderly and sick detained rebels before Christmas Day.

“The president told us that once he receives even just a facsimile copy of the signed agreement, he will immediately order the release of communist rebels,” Bello said.

Bello sought instructions from Malacanang after the president met with top rebel leaders Benito and William Tiamzon in Davao City on Friday evening.

In that meeting, the president said he would keep his campaign promise to release detained communist rebels.

The president, however, gave his latest instructions during the break of the cabinet meeting at the Palace Monday evening.

The government panel holding peace talks with the NDF has submitted a list of 200 prisoners who are eligible for release under the new guide-

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OLD RELIABLE. A “habal-habal” driver maneuvers his motorcycle on a busy road as he fetches his passengers from school in Tibungco, Davao City. Motorcycle riders in this area of the city are regularly violating ‘no helmet, no driving’ policy putting their lives and their passengers safety at risk. Lean Daval Jr.

Sara elated on building of P200M drug rehab facility T D

AVAO City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte has expressed gratitude to the soon-to-be built new drug rehabilitation center that will rise in Barangay Malagos next year.

The P200 million 224-bed facility is expected to be completed before 2017 ends. It will offer services not only to drug dependents from Davao City but also to those who are coming from all across Mindanao.

On Tuesday morning, Mayor Sara spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility.

She was joined by executives from the Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Philippine Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), which will be funding the construction of the center.

“Today, we break ground

on the future site of a facility that will enable us to help more drug dependents win of their destructive habits so that they may return from their families as renewed individuals, move forward with their lives and contribute to nation building,” the mayor said.

The two partners will shoulder the expenses of the construction, while the city is tasked to manage the operations of the rehab center.

“The counterpart of the city will be the operation of the drug rehabilitation center -- everything that involves running the facility,” she said.

Kingson U. Sian, the president of Resorts World Philippines Cultural Heritage Foundation, said they have chosen Davao City as the site of the project because President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drugs campaign all started in the

Zambo cracks whip against sell and use of firecrackers HE Department of Health has embarked on a massive information campaign focusing on the dangers brought by the use of firecrackers here in Region 9.

The drive, implemented under DOH’s “Aksiyon Papuptok Injury Reduction (APIR) program, is aimed to lessen if not eradicate cases of firecracker-related injuries during the Yuletide Seasons, especially during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

The information campaign is anchored on the theme: “Sa pag-iingay mas Masaya, sa paputok may disgracia.”

Dr. Lucky Rachela Lego,

city. Before he was elected president, Duterte was mayor of Davao for over two decades.

“Everytime people ask me why Davao City, I always answer them with another question -- why not? I mean it all

started here,” Sian said.

Mayor Sara reminded the public of that the end goal of the war on drugs “is to eradicate illegal drug use so that we won’t need rehabilitation centers anymore.”

NICE AND EASY. A backhoe operator takes an afternoon nap at a road construction site in Bunawan, Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

DOH-9 local health systems and health promotion and communication unit chief, on Tuesday said they are encouraging the public to use noise-making gadgets such as “torotot” (a colloquial term for a small wind instrument) instead of firecrackers to welcome the new year.

Lego said they are happy to note the campaign against the use of firecrackers is gaining headway in Region 9 citing last year’s firecracker-related injuries were lower by four cases compared to the previous year.

Lego said they recorded

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Removal of rice import quota expected to lower rice prices

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HE lifting of quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice imports next year can lower prices of locally grown rice which may bode well for the country’s food inflation.

In a statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the removal of QR for rice imports

by July 2017 is expected to decrease prices of well-milled rice by Php7.00 and farm gate price by Php5.00.

“We must help our rice farmers prepare for this and help them transition to higher value crops as we ensure food security and make basic prices more affordable to the poor,” said NEDA Director-General and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.

This, after food inflation remained unchanged in November 2016 at 3.5 percent, with rice prices breaking its five-month long increasing trend and corn prices continuing in its downward trend since August.

Rice prices account for 38 percent of total food inflation.

“The decrease in rice prices signals the recovery of the rice sector from the devasta-

tion of typhoons Karen and Lawin. We must foster technological advances in agriculture to decrease the susceptibility of our crops to natural calamities,” said Pernia.

However, inflation in November 2016 slightly rose to 2.5 percent from 2.3 percent in the previous month due to the increase in the prices of major non-food commodities.

“The increase in inflation can be attributed to the increase in domestic prices of petrol products, which comprise the bulk of the non-food commodity basket usually purchased by the average Filipino household,” added Pernia.

Non-food inflation increased due to the uptick of prices in all major non-food items such as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (1.3 percent from 0.9 percent), and transport (0.5 percent from 0.2 percent).

“Overall we expect the full year inflation for 2016 to be well within the government’s inflation target band of 2 to 4 percent. The overall balance of risks is tilted on the upside, with supply-side factors as the

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Filipino-owned Emperador buys Mexico’s No. 1 brandy After two landmark purchases of European liquor brands last year, the world’s largest brandy company is now expanding to the Americas

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BEST BARGAIN. Mothers browse from a pile of different kinds and brands of knock-off slippers at a store along R. Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Ayala exec reaffirms assistance for SMES O

NE of the biggest companies in the country has showcased in Cagayan de Oro City some of the more successful small and medium enterprises that it has helped grow and prosper in an event titled “Accelerating the Future with our SMEs” held at a mall here.

Rene Almendras, Head of the Ayala Corporate Public Affairs, said Tuesday that the presentation indicated that Ayala Corporation has reaffirmed its role as the country’s prime movers in the country’s community development.

He said that in carrying the mission, the Ayala Group has introduced three important approaches - developing potentials, making business better, and improving the quality of life.

In a video presentation, several of the people that had been served by Ayala Group through its various subsidiaries recounted how the company helped in realizing their goals.

Ayala remains driven in strengthening these and other partnerships, and believes in the principle that it is through collaboration that people can bring around inclusive growth, and accelerate the future of those whom the company serves, Almendras said.

In a statement, Ayala Corp. chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said the company “has taken a more deliberate approach to integrating the needs of a wider ecosystem into our business plans and it is evident in the strategic direction that we

have taken over the past five years.”

“We diversified into sectors that are going through important social and economic transformation and are critical to sustaining our country’s economic progress—hard infrastructure through power and transport and social infrastructure through health care and education,” he added.

In supporting SMEs, the Ayala Group has shown its commitment through specialized services, including Bank of the Philippine Island’s Family Ka-Negosyo Loan, Globe’s SME arm Globe myBusiness, among others.

These services were created with a vision of empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to take full charge of their day-today operations and move to-

wards success, Zobel De Ayala said.

“We are focused on understanding your business needs and designing innovative solutions that will help you grow your enterprise,” said Jacqueline Rogong, President of the Ayala Business Club of Cagayan De Oro. “The Ayala Corporation recognizes how internal partnerships such as these are in propelling this shared vision forward.

Ayala Corp. is one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines with businesses in real estate, financial services, telecommunications, water, electronic manufacturing services, automotive, power generation, transport infrastructure, education and healthcare.

(PNA)

frastructure spending in a bid to help pull down the poverty rate to below 15 percent by the time he steps aside in 2022.

“Building infra, as you are aware, has the highest multiplier effect on the economy. It is also indispensable to transforming the nature of our growth so that it is led by investments instead of consumption. Investment-led growth, in turn, will create quality jobs.

This is the predicate for inclusive growth,” Dominguez said at the Wallace Forum held last Friday in Makati City.

“Budget Secretary Ben Diokno estimates that we need to invest about PHP8 trillion over the next six years on infra to be at par with our neighbors.

To put this amount in perspective, the total resources of the Philippine financial system is PHP16.2 trillion,” Dominguez

said.

“That is a huge price tag, to be sure, and it is my happy duty to find the revenues to support that,” he added.

Dominguez said the country is fortunate that the Philippines’ development partners and other countries in the region are supportive of the Duterte administration’s plans as they are “confident this government means business and is determined to work hard to get things done.”

He said: “By some estimates, we are at least a couple of decades behind our neighbors with regard to infra. We need everything from new airport capacity, a cheaper and more efficient power sector, actually functioning rail systems and even new digital pathways. We need more public health care facilities and

classrooms. According to some planning experts, we do not only need to decongest cities but do so by building new urban centers.”

Dominguez said the government is financing its unparalleled infra program through a mixture of soft loans, grants, official development assistance and the public-private partnership program.

The Duterte administration’s approved major infra projects so far include the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the South Line of the North-South Railway Project, which will be funded through the PPP; the Asian Development Bank-supported Metro Manila Bus Rapid Transit; the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, which is backed

DOF tasked to raise P8T to complete infra backlog

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HE Duterte administration needed at least P8 trillion to close the infrastructure gap over the next six years, with the Department of Finance given the task of generating enough funds to ensure the completion of the public investment program.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III told a business forum that an initial list of 18 big-ticket items worth a total of P427.5 billion have already been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority for this unprecedented infrastructure buildup.

“This was more than what the previous administration undertook during its entire tenure in office,” he said.

He said this underscored the resolve of President Duterte to realize his administration’s goal of accelerating in-

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S part of its aggressive global expansion, Filipino liquor company Emperador, which is now considered to be the world’s largest brandy company, through its Spanish subsidiary Bodegas Las Copas, is purchasing the Domecq brandies and wines of Pernod Ricard in Mexico.

The landmark buyout includes Mexican brandy brands Presidente, known to be Mexico’s No. 1 selling brandy, Azteca de Oro and Don Pedro.

This gives Emperador access to the brandy market in Latin America, particularly Mexico where the Domecq brandies take half of the entire brandy market. Latin American countries have over 600-million population to date.

“This recent acquisition fits perfectly with our strategy to fortify Emperador’s status as the no.1 brandy company in the world,” says Winston Co, president, Emperador, Inc. “The entry into Mexico will strengthen Emperador brandy global position through Presidente brandy, which is Mexico’s no. 1 locally

produced brandy,” adds Richard Lañeda, senior analyst, COL Financial Group.

Just in February this year, Emperador also completed the purchase of the brandy and sherry businesses of Beam Spain, S.L., which include four iconic brands – Fundador, the oldest and largest Spanish brandy in the world; Terry Centenario, the No. 1 brandy in Spain; Tres Cepas, the largest selling brandy in Equatorial Guinea; and Harveys, the no. 1 selling sherry wine in the world.

Emperador also operates a global Scotch whisky business, which Emperador bought in 2014. Whyte and Mackay has a rich heritage of a Scottish spirits, which is the fifth largest Scotch whisky manufacturer in the United Kingdom with prestigious brands like The Dalmore, Jura Single Malt Whisky, Mackinlay’s Shackleton Malt Whisky, Whyte & Mackay Scotch Whisky, Vladivar Vodka, among others.

Emperador brands are available in 100 countries around the world.

BFAR unveils anti-poverty program for Davao Region

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HE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Davao Region has launched the Target Monitoring System and the Reorientation on Social Preparation as the last leg of the program nationwide from November 30 to December 4.

“This is the third and last leg of the National rollout of the TARGET monitoring system and the reorientation on social preparation,” BFAR11 Regional Director Fatma Idris said in an interview Monday.

The Luzon leg was held in Tanza, Cavite with close to 400 participants and the Visayas cluster training in Cebu City last week with around 330 participants.

BFAR National Office launched last year the TARGET Program which stands for Targetted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation.

The program seeks to provide a holistic approach in helping the fisherfolk improve their economic plight.

“We provided them livelihood inputs that are appropriate for their resources, including training. We even moved one step forward by establishing Community Fish Landing Centers,” Idris said.

And to be able to make certain that all these interventions are being utilized properly and are really making a difference in the lives of the fisherfolk, she said.

BFAR hired Fisheries Livelihood Development Technicians or FLDTs for the program.

The FLDTs, who were capacitated through a series of trainings, became BFAR’s development army and were tasked to validate the region’s fisherfolk and make a profile of their resources and the community.

“The said profile will serve as baseline data to assess how well our interventions are making an impact to our stakeholders,” she said.

As we continue to further improve on our services, she said, “the Bureau wants to make work simpler and more meaningful as we provide you mobile and web apps to upload the day-today economic activity of our beneficiaries.”

By doing this, Idris said, the head office would be able to monitor the progress of each fisherfolk without the need to go down to each barangay. The results are direct and broader in scope and more meaningful findings will be taken at a relatively cheaper cost.

“We hope that you would be able to master the use of these apps and to also understand better the new social preparation scheme that our colleagues from the National Anti-Poverty Commission will present. The social preparation backlog is a challenge that we need to hurdle,” she said. (PNA)

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EDITORIAL

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Why De Lima must inhibit

HE Senate inquiry on the death of Mayor Rolando Espinosa of Al- grounded on the necessity of information in the legislative process. If the inforbuera-Leyte with four of the major characters jointly present for the mation possessed by executive officials on the operation of their offices is necfirst time was smooth sailing until the fifth character walked into the essary for wise legislation on that subject, by parity of reasoning, Congress has the right to that information and the power to compel the disclosure thereof. hall.

This parliamentary privilege, however, must be exercised with caution as The questioning on drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, Ronnie Dayan, CIDG 8 official Marvin Espinosa and PNP provincial officer Jovi Espenido was progress- the nature of the investigation itself does not partake of the extremely rigid ing informatively when Senator Leila De Lima, at the epicenter of the contro- rules of procedure in regular courts.

Simply put, Senator De Lima cannot bully resource persons nor shout at versy, started asking questions.

Obviously all heated up, the lady senator’s line of questioning may be rel- them if their answers do not sit well with her, or if she disagrees with their anevant but its delivery was poorly outside parliamentary courtesy expected of swers. It is the right of resource persons to be respected of their opinion. an official of her stature.

Otherwise, Senator De Lima can cite them for contempt given reasonable Senator De Lima was hurling questions on top of her voice, stopping a wit- grounds in the same manner as her former lover-driver Ronnie Dayan was citness from arguing with her, and flatly making a sweeping pronouncement on ed by her colleagues for contempt. the witnesses that they are all lying.

Her outburst was expected. Afterall, she was already highly-charged days Let us revisit the Congressional power of inquiry as stipulated in Section 21 before the probe where Dayan and Espinosa would appear at the same time. of Article VI of the Constitution. It says: The two implicated her in the illegal drugs trade.

SECTION 21. The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its reWe have seen De Lima’s trademark outbursts in the past. In this inquiry, it spective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance would be appropriate for her to exercise parliamentary courtesy by inhibiting with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in herself from this investigation. That way, the investigation can proceed without or affected by such inquiries shall be respected (emphasis ours). force, duress and intimation.

Given this express Constitutional provision, the power of inquiry is inherent De Lima’s presence in the probe will not bring out fair results because it will in the power to legislate. The power of inquiry, with process to enforce it, is not bring out the truth.

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VANTAGE POINTS

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The queen is trapped

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HE chess game that has been ongoing for some time between President Duterte and Senator De Lima appears headed towards the endgame with one side slowly being squeezed into a corner.

To the discerning, it is a chess game pitting a tactician in De Lima and a positional player in Duterte.

Suddenly, De Lima’s queen who once lorded it on open board, found itself pressed from all corners, unable to maneuver with the advantage normally in its favor. The options are hazy at best if not dubious at worse and it seemed only a matter of time before the inevitable happens: a checkmate.

The game started long way back when De Lima donned the mantle as head of the Commission on Human Rights. Right off the bat then, she stressed no doubt as to who was in charge when she picked on then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte not as a worthy opponent but as someone to be persecuted.

It was a gross underestimation on De Lima’s part. In the end, she was left holding an empty bag and could not a pin a single EJK at Duterte’s door. Nope, she did not abscond the game at that stage but merely dallied long on the sides to make her next move like a Yank stoop-

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ing at an inREVERSED PUNCH ferior.

(GYAKU ZUKI) She dallied even longer when she donned a bigger mantle as Secretary of Justice.

As DOJ secretary, she found former President Gloria Jimmy K.Laking M. Arroyo a push-over which she quickly dispatched behind bars.

Probably she cast one look at the chessboard and at her opponent from Davao but dismissed him as another push-over not worth her time at that juncture in the face of opportunities and the perks that were beginning to land on her lap.

If she had forgotten, her opponent did not.

I do not know if Digong has played in Anda St. where the best of this region’s chess players once converged but it was plain he was a

natural, a virtuoso at play who was content on biding his time.

Unlike De Lima, Duterte was intent on strengthening his game, content on building small advantages early into the game. By fate or by destiny, fortune smiled when he found himself thrust into the Presidency no less and suddenly the position on the board brightened up as if by magic. His opponent on the other hand unexpectedly showed her real worth by stumbling into one dubious move after another, revealing herself in a new light.

She was no longer the avenging angel that raised hopes for the victims of EJKs if at all these existed but a woman given to frailties and open to the vagaries that crosses one’s head.

She probably did not notice it then but her play at the board was erratic and meaningless at best as against the resolute responses of her opponent. The tables have turned but if she had noticed it, it was probably too late to organize even a semblance of substantial defense.

Strange how the game from then on seemed to play itself out towards the endgame with Digong hardly ruffled or exerting any effort as a whole nation watches with bated breath what would come next.

There is no doubt now however that the game has since passed the middle game and the diminishing pieces on the board indicated it was only a matter before one side will capitulate.

How this will eventually play itself out is hard to tell. To her credit, leave alone her strong language and her ‘theory’ on orchestrations, De Lima is putting up a brave front. But it was obvious her best moves were ineffectual at best in the face of testimonies that cast her in a new light.

In chess, in the face of futility one can always resign. In today’s world, you need not express your resignation to your opponent’s face in the presence of today’s cellphones.

But one chess grandmaster in the 1930s, Aron Nimzovitch, the father of positional play in chess did something else. One day in a tournament in Europe he was soundly thrashed by an upstart. Refusing to believe he was beaten, Nimzovitch picked up the king at the chessboard and tossed it across the tournament room, at the same time blurting: “Why must I lose to this idiot?”

Pray tell if you haven’t heard the expletives and the cuss words falling on the sides or my name is not Jimmy Boy. (JKL)

Now to FEDERAL TALK the topic of the federalization process. I need not repeat the discussions on why we want to shift from the dysfunctional unitary system to a Federal-ParBY LITO MONICO liamentary C. LORENZANA system.

Instead I will attempt to present a case on Federalization.

We envision a federal-parliamentary government structure at the outset as a complex entity composed of autonomous states that need sound democratic fundamentals especially the inclusive democratic participation by the citizenry in governance; without which the whole configuration collapses – and the fragments subject to an even greater dominance by local traditional political elites, dynasties and the oligarchy.

Federalism is a multi-step process that must be clearly written in the Constitution.

In fact, ushering in Federalism requires the revision of the 1987 Constitution through ConAss which is the President’s option (but later he opted for Congress to convene as a constituent assembly). For Federalism to succeed, there are three steps: First – put in place four pre-conditions: political party reforms; ban political dynasties; pass a universal freedom of information law; and electoral reforms Second – Immediate transition into a parliamentary government.

have today or have had in the past several decades. Political parties are primarily formed not only to contest elections and hold power in government but they must possess an ideological core, aggregating the needs and aspirations of a diverse segment of our society.

This reform can be achieved through the passing of the Political Party Development and Financing Act (a bill pending in Congress for several years) which will: • Penalize “Turncoatism” (or the switching of political parties, “Balimbing”, “Political Butterfly”); • Enforce transparent mechanisms providing and regulating campaign financing to eliminate graft, corruption, and patronage (corporate & individual contributions); and through • State subsidy that will professionalize political parties by supporting their political education and campaign initiatives.

to the judiciary.

These preconditions have a high probability of passage while we have a President endowed with tremendous political capital and have the political will to act decisively.

Step2: Immediate transition to a Parliamentary Government The excerpts are lifted up from the comprehensive study of the 2005 Constitutional Commission created by President Gloria Arroyo. (Please accesswww.cdpi.asia) Briefly, Parliamentary system is known too as “Party Government”, as the political parties have ascendancy over personalities and because of the pivotal role of political parties in parliamentary elections, governance and public administrations. In our proposal, the legislative and the executive powers are fused in a unicameral parliament; and “Head of the Government” is the Prime Minister with his cabinet recruited from among the members of parliament; while the President is the “Head of State” with mostly ceremonial powers; elected from among the members of Parliament. The Prime Minister (Head of Government) can be booted out of office through a “vote of confidence”; not impeachment.

Step 3: Creation of autonomous territories leading towards a Federal Republic The 2005 Consultative Commission’s “out of the box” version of a Federal State (Bangsa) has its roots on the concept of autonomy, subsidiarity and self-determination.

In this version, we allow the provinces and highly urbanized component cities to evolve first to an autonomous territory. “Self-determination” is central to this decision. If a referendum is passed, within a year, Parliament must enact an organic law defining the autonomous territory’s land area, powers, obligations and sources of revenues (taxes). If 3/5 (60%) of the provinces and component cities of the Philippines become autonomous territories, then the Federal Republic of the Philippines is created.

Reaching the 60% hurdle rate may take years depending on how fast the other provinces and component cities can become autonomous territories. Provinces and cities that have not agreed among each other to become an autonomous territory will be disadvantaged, but the success of its neighboring autonomous territory would be a huge incentive to likewise convert themselves into one.

Federalism is indeed a complex process and may take several years before the country can fully implement it. However, if we do not educate and involve ourselves in the debate now, then we will never learn and be able to help build our beloved nation as immediately as possible. We need most especially to engage the millennials for they have the energy to manifest the positive changes we wish to take place in our society.

Preconditions, Process, and Timeframe towards the Future Republic of the Philippines

EDERALISM is a subject matter that has occupied its Philippine advocates over the last three or four decades but has only gained traction through the candidate Duterte.

A lot of us are somewhat familiar with the concept, but allow me to examine Federalism thru the prism of the people of the South – particularly people from Mindanao – where the concept is much more understood.

Lito Monico C. Lorenzana tells participants of the Kusog Mindanaw conference in Davao City on 29 November 2016 that federalism is a multi-step process. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas The longing for a separate country or nation by the Muslims of the south centuries ago is the precursor of the autonomy and federalism debate; starting a crescendo of injustices from the Spanish regime swelling towards the American colonial tutelage until it began to climax in pockets of insurrections in the 1950; foremost of which is the Kamlon rebellion in Sulu. The grudging debate assumed a deadly metamorphosis with the appearance of the organized secessionist movement of the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the 1970s to 1980s; this time in the more articulate and compelling language of armed conflict.

In the recent decade or so the language of arms has switched back to the realistic dialogue of negotiations; having recovered from the “allout war” of President Erap.

Federalism seems to be the common ground that both the GPH (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and the MNLF/MILF are converging on; being underwritten by a President who is investing his political capital on an “all-in gambit”.

But he needs a consensus of the Philippine citizenry to be built around Federalism.

This needs massive political education without which the whole initiative of a paradigm shift in governance will fail; which by definition government bureaucracy is unable to engage in.

The process of Federalization

Third – Creation of autonomous territories leading towards a Federal Republic Step1: Put in place four preconditions.

First precondition is political party reform.

We need real political parties. Not the type we

Second precondition is to enact a law banning the Political Dynasties as mandated in Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. This will ban the concentration of powers by the dynastic families in the barangay, local, and national positions. If Congress will not again pass an enabling law, then what should be written in the revised constitution should be self-executory.

The third precondition is the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) to enforce transparency in all transactions in government.

This law will allow public access to information pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions, and compel transparency and accountability in public service.

The fourth precondition is initiate electoral reforms that would put in place a system that will not pervert the will of the populace. Any system that adheres to the democratic principles should consider clean and fair elections as imperatives. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) must be reformed to remove all quasi-judicial work and transfer electoral contests

10 NEWS

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PAGCOR... FROM 1 Mayor Duterte-Carpio, on the other hand, said that the City Government of Davao will also contribute for the operations of the new rehabilitation facility.

“The Drug Rehabilitation

Office has one year to plan everything for the operations and the budget for running the facility,” she pointed out, adding that they will also discuss the same matter with the Department of Health.

township project in the city, while the other 4 hectares of the area will be developed for office buildings, lifestyle mall and upcoming learning center.

According to Claveria, the One Lakeshore Drive has four 21-storey towers with more than 1,700 units with prices ranging from P95,000 to P100,000.

With the outstanding sales of One Lakeshore Drive, Claveria said that the Two Lakeshore Drive, which will be composed of another four towers with more than 1,200 units, is open for selling for its tower 1.

“The township project is set to be formally launched on the early part of 2017,” added Claveria.

The turn-over of the units is set on 2020.

Built around the concept of “live, work, learn, and play,” unit owners will not just own

a condo unit but also an entire township.

One Lakeshore Drive is part of the 11.2-hectare master-planned Davao Park District which will offer an eco-tourism project with its 8,000-square-meter manmade lake formed by a natural spring, various resort style amenities, fine dining restaurants, school, lifestyle mall and Davao Finance Center, a 15-storey building for offices.

Megaworld is now ramping up the construction of its first office building inside the township, the 15-storey Davao Finance Center at a budget of P1.2-billion.

It will have 20,000 square meters of leasable space.

Strategically located in Lanang, Davao City, One Lakeshore Drive is accessible to the city’s international airport and port, as well as premier business, learning and leisure destinations.

in five children experience psychological violence in the form of verbal abuse, threats or neglect, while one in five children below 18 has experienced sexual violence while growing up.

It also found out that the common perpetrators of sexual violence are brothers or cousins.

Among males who experience sexual violence, the perpetrators are cousins, fathers and brothers.

The study also cited that nearly half of the children experience violence online, whether sexual violence or cyber bullying.

“It is of deep concern that so many forms of violence pervade and harm the lives of Filipino children across all

settings, committed by people they trust,” said UNICEF country representative Lotta Sylwander.

Sylwander emphasized that the study requires a high-level of commitment on the part of the government and its partners to support the National Action Plan.

She acknowledged the interventions being made under the Philippine government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to end violence against children by addressing its ‘drivers’ or root cause.

Among the reasons for VAC are poverty, occurrence of disaster, migration and prevailing social norms.

lines of the Presidential Committee on Bail, Recognizance and Parole (PCBREP).

Twenty-five of them are elderly, sick and women. The NDF claimed 434 rebels are still being held in different detentions all over the country.

Four rebels convicted for murder and kidnapping were already given presidential pardon as announced by the Secretary Bello Friday last week.

They were identified as Martin Villanueva, Bonifacio Suyon, Dindo Absalon and Rico Bodina.

They have served sentence ranging from 18 to 26 years. All are farmers.

Although both the government and the NDF have declared their own unilateral ceasefires, the two camps have been complaining of reports of violations from the field.

But Bello said until both panels agree to a set of guidelines, “there are technically no violations.”

The labor secretary said it

is to the best interest of combatants from both sides and especially the civilians caught in the middle of the armed conflict that a “formal ceasefire is in place so that we can monitor any claims of violations.”

“Remember, one life saved is one more happy family,” the government chief negotiator said.

During the formal opening round of the peace negotiations, both the GRP and NDF panels agreed to submit drafts on bilateral ceasefire. But the NDF later said the ceasefire is tied to the release of ‘political prisoners’.

President Duterte earlier ordered the release of 21 rebel leaders who are now acting as consultants of the NDF panel holding peace talks with the government.

The president made a campaign promise to reopen peace negotiations with the NDF, which is representing the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing the New People’s Army. (PNA)

One... FROM 1

EYE-CATCHER. Round-shaped fruits are starting to flood Davao City’s public markets and fruit stalls as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are fast approaching. Lean Daval Jr.

14 persons... FROM 2

men or MSMs, and others who engage in unprotected sex and with multiple partners.

Lastimoso said they have been detecting at least a case of HIV in the city in every two to three days.

The CHO conducts regular HIV screening and submits the samples for confirmation at the Department of Health’s (DOH) Sexually-Transmitted Diseases/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory in Manila.

The DOH provides HIV/ AIDS patients with free maintenance or ARV drug treatment, which mainly stops the multiplication of the infected person’s viral load and eventually prevents them from further spreading the disease.

In some countries, the use of antiretroviral drugs has helped effectively lower the incidence of HIV infection to about one percent and eventually stabilized the detected cases.

In line with the observance of the World AIDS Month, the local government launched free testing services in a shopping mall here.

Lastimoso said none among the 80 residents who volunteered to undergo the tests have turned reactive to the disease.

Last year, she said they already found 10 reactive samples at the opening day of the HIV testing activity.

“This is a good indication so far. More people are also becoming aware about HIV/AIDS and submitting themselves for testing,” she said.

The official said they will continue with their HIV/AIDS testing activities, which they expanded to the barangay level earlier this year.

“We will continue with our testing activities and in searching for possible cases among our residents,” she added.

(PNA)

long-term drug treatment.

“Based on the studies of PhilHealth, ang paggamit sa drugs naay addictive effects and dependency. Brain is being targeted, so there are chemical and molecular changes in the bran. The end-part is it will cause severe damage to memory and emotion, the reason why drug users are very much related to crimes,” she explained.

Citing figures from the Dangerous Drugs Board, Dublin said there are around 1.8 million drug users in different levels of addiction in 2015. At least 90 percent were shabu users.

She said the package is PhilHealth’s contribution to the war on drugs of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

She clarified that the funds used for this new package comes from the contributions to PhilHealth.

Patients who want to avail themselves of the package must secure a doctor’s recommendation, she said.

“The doctor who will recommend the detox package for this package may have criteria,” she said.

She encouraged private rehabilitation centers to have themselves accredited with the Philhealth.

“The package may be availed in accredited hospitals and Drug Abuse treatment and Rehabilitation Centers licensed by DOH and accredited

by PhilHealth. Only the facility can file for the claim,” she said. (MindaNews)

12 firecracker-related injuries in the entire region from December 21, 2015 to January 5, 2016, which was lower than the 16 cases recorded for the same period--December 21, 2014 to January 5, 2015.

She said those injured by firecracker explosion were aged 10 to 54 and majority of them were males.

There were also four people who were injured by stray bullets.

She said that 67 percent of the firecracker-related injuries were caused by “piccolo”.

The others were injured by sky rocket fireworks locally known as “kwitis” and the ear-splitting five-star firecrackers. (PNA)

PhilHealth... FROM 2

Zambo... FROM 4

Davao... FROM 2

provide P24 million to fund the land development for the first phase of the project. The agency will also extend technical assistance in the project implementation The PMPF, on the other hand, will be tasked to provide livelihood and other forms of assistance to the residents of the resettlement areas.

The local government will identify the project beneficiaries, which will be coming from areas identified as danger zones. The Los Amigos and Lasang resettlement areas are government-owned properties.

Davao City has passed the Comprehensive Urban Shelter Services Development Code to promote just, dynamic, and

comprehensive land tenure security and urban services development program.

With the growing number of informal settlers, the local government has also strongly recommended the development of more relocation projects and liveable areas through the Davao City Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

The project, according to the involved parties, is meant to “address the foreseen challenges in the housing sector in Davao City.”

“There is a need for the construction of more housing units to improve the condition of the underprivileged and homeless through an affordable social housing project,” the agreement noted. CIO

main contributor to price adjustments,” added Pernia.

He explained that international and domestic risks are tilted upward from a possible

rally in oil prices, depreciation of the peso against the United States dollar, and pending petitions for electricity rate increases. (PNA)

by the World Bank; New Cebu International Container Port, which will get its funding from Korean ODA; and the Panglao Airport, which is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Dominguez said.

He said these projects will be implemented with transparency and proper accountability, as President Duterte had already issued an executive order on Freedom of Information covering the executive branch. (PNA)

and extension support; infrastructure and development support, market and credit assistance; and regulatory and program management.

In particular, the assistance given by the Department of Agriculture is summarized under the acronym FIELDS: fertilizer, irrigation, education and training of farmers and fisher folk, loans, dryers and other post-harvest facilities, and seeds of high-yielding varieties.

“Today, as we gather to have a holistic discussion on the challenges, including the advances and breakthroughs in agricultural and fishery sector, there is even more reason for us to be optimistic, with a new administration of a fellow Mindanaoan, President Rodrigo Duterte, who is truly committed to working with us. Indeed, we are at a turning

point in the history of Mindanao, where this region’s complete transformation from the ‘Land of Promise’ to the ‘Land of Promise Fulfilled’ is close at hand. In the past, generations of Filipinos could only talk of the vast potentials of Mindanao. But the next step--- fulfilling that potential--- always seemed elusive. Let us make our intention very clear now: No longer will Mindanao be known as the ‘Land of Promise.’ It shall become the ‘Land of Promise Fulfilled.’ Let us make a strong statement now of our firm belief that long-standing problems can be solved not simply by choosing the easy solution, but by embarking on the right solutions which require a thorough understanding of the problem, and careful consideration of all factors involved,” he said. FERDINAND ZUASOLA

Removal... FROM 4 DOF... FROM 7

DavOr... FROM 13

DSWD... FROM 2

Duterte... FROM 4

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

RED THE COLOR RED is all about giving cheer and happiness and for this holiday season there is no other color that is best suited for the upcoming reunions and parties. So instead of the typical little black dress, why not put on a little red dress instead?

Here are some tips on

Red A2

Student-artists join DCWD’s art contest

FIFTY-TWO junior high school students showcased their talent in the visual arts in Davao City Water District’s 22nd On-the-Spot Poster Making contest last November 25, 2016 at SM City Davao Annex.

The participants were given two hours to paint their perspective on the theme I am a water hero: Saving water today, saving lives tomorrow using water-based medium. The posters were judged by local artists Welehito “Lito” N. Pepito, Daryl D. Descallar, and Amanda Fe C. Echevarria based on concept, artistry, and originality.

Nine entries were selected in the preliminary judging wherein the student-artists orally interpreted their artworks before the panel of judges. Out of these, the works of Rubejean N. Canoy of Ma-a National High School, Kint Adrian D. Tesorio of Davao Wisdom Academy, Inc., and Cedrick Kloue H. Berico of Sta. Ana NHS main campus were hailed as the top three entries. The other six finalists were Leonard A. Tecson of Catalunan Pequeño NHS, Eujane Mae E. Alcos of Lamb of God SPED Academy, Karlo Gabriyel R. Agaban of Assumption College of Davao, Regelle Anne A. Josol of Davao City Special

NHS, Raffael David G. Westram of Philippine Women’s College of Davao, and Ken Carlo I. Corbito of Mulig NHS. The top three finalists each received a cash prize and a plaque while the six finalists received consolation prizes and certificates.

All contestants, coaches, and schools received certificates and customized freebies bearing various environment protection and water conservation messages.

DCWD Human Resource Department officer-in-charge Ruth G. Jabines representing acting general manager Mildred G. Aviles thanked the participants for being responsive to the water utility’s advocacies and encouraged them to use their craft to inspire positive social and environmental change.

Said contest is the culmination of the citywide inter-school competitions conducted in celebration of the Davao City’s Water Consciousness Month in November themed kNOW H20: One Drop, One Life: Conserve Water. Live Better. The other contests were the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest for college students on November 18 and Science and Math Quiz for elementary students on November 11 and high school students on November 9. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

DCWD’s 22nd On-the-Spot Poster Making contest held. Participants paint their interpretation of the theme “I am a water hero: Saving water today, saving lives tomorrow”.

STYLE

EDGEDAVAO

for the

HOLIDAYS

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FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

Glam holidays at Seda IT IS A SEASON OF GLITTER AND GLAM AT SEDA ABREEZA as it introduced its holiday offerings to its media and blogger friends in an intimate party last December 1.

First off, Seda Abreeza’s all-day-dinnig-restaurant, Misto now offers Yuletide Set Meals available for lunch and dinner from December 2016 to January 2017, which includes an indulging threecourse set that goes with the season. The menu options feature dishes as Chargrilled Veal Chop, Orange-glazed Pork Ribs, Honeycomb Cannelloni, and Misto’s Christmas sundae.

For Christmas Eve, Misto diners are in for a culinary showcase from the hotel’s culinary team headed by its Executive Sous Chef Bangs Garcia. On the menu is Seda Abreeza’s signature SlowCooked Roasted Angus Beef Short Plate with Rosemary Gravy, along with favorites as lechon, beef bourguignon, and a wide array of sought after and well-applauded desserts.

Aside from good food and live music all night long, surprise raffle items will also be up for grabs.

The buffet is available at Php 1480 nett for adults, Php 780 nett for kids aged 7-12, and free for kids aged 6 and below.

Guests who are staying at the hotel on Christmas Eve also have first dibs to meet and greet Santa on Christmas Morning with treats and gifts in the bag at Seda Abreeza’s hotel lobby as guest performers sing all-time favorite Christmas songs.

For New Year’s Eve, Seda Abreeza is holding a white and gold “Gliteratti” Party. Before the countdown party, a Me-

dia Noche dinner buffet is available in Misto which includes free-flowing drinks and cocktails from 7PM to 1AM, with exciting games and prizes the entire night. The upbeat and enthusiastic dance partying vibe is up ‘til midnight with a live band and a guest DJ to keep the music going.

The dinner and countdown package at Seda is at Php 2880 nett for

adults, Php 1480 nett for kids aged 7-12, and free for kids aged 6 and below.

A separate rate of Php 1880 nett each for either just the the dinner buffet or countdown party is also available.

For inquiries and reservations on any of these upcoming dinners and events, please call Seda Abreeza at (082) 322 8888 or email them at dvo@sedahotels.com.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Cyrus Villanueva enchants Davao LAST NOVEMBER 25, X Factor Australia 2015 grand winner Cyrus Villanueva enchanted hundreds of Davaoeños at SM City Davao Event Center.

Not many are aware that Fil-Aussie Cyrus has family in Davao, his father being from Mindanao. It was apt that the show was dubbed as Home for the Holidays. Last Friday was the artist’s first time to perform in his father’s hometown. The SM Davao leg is the only show he had in the country, outside Metro Manila.

Family, friends and fans alike was awed by Cyrus’ performance. He opened the show with his original song Stone, followed by another original Keep Talking. Cyrus joked that his “lola”, who was at the audience, was his usual back-up dancer and since there was no enough space on the stage, he proceeded to dedicating a moving cover of the song A Wonderful World to her instead. He also sang his moving rendition Hold Back the River.

Much to everyone’s surprise and delight, the charming crooner performed a soulful version of Asin hit Balita. The audience was also treated to his cover of Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud.

In keeping with the Christmas atmosphere, he then closed the show with a soulful O Holy Night.

He was joined on stage by pianist Beau Golden and drummer Din Cenen Cabrera. After the show, fans got the chance to have their CDs signed by Cyrus himself and take a photo with the 20 year old singer.

After his successful self-enti-

tled album which features cover tracks, Cyrus has been working on his all-original album. Early this year, he released singles Keep Talking and Hurt Anymore. He is excited to share his new album because the public has not heard much original songs from him.

Cyrus writes songs as well.

Cyrus’ mall concert is part of the celebration of 70 years of Philippines-Australia friendship brought to Davao by the Australian Embassy in the Philippines.

Catch more exciting Holiday celebrations at SM City Davao.

Like SM City Davao on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram for event and promo updates. SM City Davao has extended its mall hours this season until 10PM. The mall is open until 12MN on December 9-10, 16-17 and on the 23rd.

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to have the compliment coming at you like spit fire. Choose a silhouette that flatters your body work with it.

Afraid of being too bright? Look for a dress that mixes and matches red with contrasting colors and patterns. Pair that with a pair of black sexy heels and you are ready to go.

Break away from being a Plain Jane. Choose a red dress with fun and exciting details such as laser cut-outs and embroidered flowers. The intricate details are sure to turn heads when you enter the party.

If a lot of red is really not your thing, then why not try to add red accents instead? Go for a structured dress in a neutral color but with red patterns or designs all over for a pop of color and sexiness.

Plains & Prints recently unveiled their Little Red Dress Collection for the yuletide season featuring dresses in a variety of shades and silhouettes. You might want to check out the collection at Plains & Prints stores at the Chimes flagship store at Sales Street, Felcris Centrale, Abreeza Mall, SM City Davao, and Gaisano Mall of Davao.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

11 ENVIRONMENT

Saving marine turtles from extinction

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

(Second of Two Parts)

“(Marine turtles) are majestic creatures found throughout the country. However, because of poaching, theft of their eggs for commercial purposes, and destruction of their habitat, they are in danger of becoming extinct.” – Senator Loren Legarda

M

ARINE turtles are one of the longest-lived creatures Earth has ever known. Individual turtles can survive for centuries, bearing silent witness to epic swaths of human swagger. These air-breathing reptiles live their long legendary lives mostly in the sea.

Unknowingly, human beings hardly know them. All they understand is that this type of turtles belongs to the order Chelonia, an order of reptiles that has existed and flourished since pre-history.

“They’re a mystery,” commented Dr. Archie Carr, a visionary herpetologist who earned the moniker “Father of Marine Turtle Research.”

And despite so many studies conducted on them, they remain vague. “I don’t know any branch of science where we have applied so much effort and learned so little,” complained Dr. Richard Byles of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

If marine turtles survived in the past, they may become soon extinct. “Today, man’s need for survival has endangered the very existence of these sea-dwelling creatures,” wrote Jonas H. Liwag in an article published in Mabuhay. “All over the world, these reptiles are threatened with extinction by indifferent and relentless commercial exploitation.”

Marine turtles are killed for meat and leather; their eggs are taken for food and aphrodisiacs. Their nesting sites have to go for development. They are ground up by

Marine turle eggs and fetus

*** dredges, run over by pleasure boats, poisoned by pollution, strangled by trash, and drowned by fishing and net.

Marine turtles need to be saved – if they have to survive in the Philippine waters. In Davao City, a marine turtle sanctuary in Punta Dumalag was established to serve as home and sanctuary of some of the marine turtles thriving in the Davao Gulf waters.

But that’s going ahead of the story. A long, long time ago, Punta Dumalag was an isolated island. People had to ride an outrigger (banca) to go to the area. In 1962, a freak storm washed-in sand to its shore that created a natural land bridge during low tide.

In the late 1970s, developers came, dumped more sand and gravel and cemented the land bridge. Today, it is now connected to Matina Aplaya.

As a result, the former island is now teeming with houses and people. Some resorts built comes cottages near the shore. During summer and weekends, the beach fronts are full of people. Far from the island, you can see fishing cages.

But what the newer generations don’t know is that the entire island was — it still is!

— a nesting ground of marine turtles, particularly Hawksbill turtle. Known in the science world as Eretmocheyls imbricata, it is now considered “critically endangered” because they were hunted for its “shell” which was used for guitar picks, combs and bracelets, among others.

There were also some

sightings of Green Sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) in the area.

Marine turtles spend most of their life in the sea and get all the things they need there. They even mate in the sea. It has been said that most female marine turtles come ashore several times every two to three years to nest.

And they usually go in the same place where they were hatched.

“If you imagine a first-time nester approaching its place of birth, how much do you think of its birth place or nesting beach remains over the last 35-50 years?” asked Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, founder and director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines.

“I would guess there would be very little space left for it to nest and enough disturbance developed to shoo it away. We are preventing them from fulfilling their life purpose. For me this is very tragic.”

The late councilor Leonardo Avila III was very much aware of this. That was the reason why he sponsored a bill which led to the declaration of the 37 hectares of Punta Dumalag as nesting ground for marine turtles. The government also created the Task Force Pawikan Davao, whose primary objective is to protect and conserve the marine reptiles.

Enter the Aboitiz Group, which owns eight hectares in the southeastern portion of the island. As its corporate responsibility, the power company decided to convert

Geo-tagging of olive ridley the place into a biodiversity learning center, which would be managed by its subsidiary, the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC).

One of its main objectives is to save the critically-endangered marine turtles. “They are on the verge of extinction because of habitat loss due to coastal development and human settlement,” said Fermin Edillon, the community relations officer of DLPC. The 2-kilometer stretch of white sand peninsula of Punta Dumalag was once called the Marine Turtle Sanctuary. It is part of the 37-hectare Marine Protected Area that was established through Council Resolution No. 02504-03.

Swimming and fishing are not allowed in the area.

Rodolfo Manib, Jr., the 51-year-old DLPC caretaker, grew up in the area. He said that when he was still young, he used to see a lot of marine turtles nesting the beach fronts. Some children took these eggs to their homes and cooked them.

This was in the past. Today, whenever he sees a marine turtle laying eggs, he tries not to disturb it. Once the mother is gone, he carefully handpicks the eggs and transfers them to higher area so the seawater could not reach the eggs. The hatching area is also surrounded with screen to keep away natural predators.

Once the eggs are hatched, the hatchlings are released into the sea. Only the sides are dug; the hatchlings are allowed to emerge and eventually crawl towards the shoreline. “Only one hatchling survives out of every 100 to become an adult,” says Edillon.

Imprinting purposes is the reason cited why the hatchlings are not helped when they emerge from the nest and crawl towards the sea. “The hatchlings make an imprint, which is called mag-

netic field imprinting in their nest and in the sand, and another imprinting called chemical imprinting in the sea. This enables them to identify the area of the nest where they were laid, and after 20-25 years, the surviving one percent of these hatchlings will come back here to lay eggs,” Edillon was once quoted as saying.

Although man learned only very few things about marine turtles, recent studies have shown some progress.

Each marine turtle species reportedly exhibits a distinctive behavior, habitat preferences and diet requirements. But in terms of reproduction, they share some behavioral similarities.

“Under this particularly life stage of marine turtle is critical to its conservation and management since it is during this period that they are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of human activities,” wrote Marizal Calpito and Lourdes P. Calacal in an article published in Canopy International.

If left alone, marine turtles would survive several

centuries. In March 2006, a news dispatch reported of a giant tortoise said to be as old as 250 years which died in a Calcutta zoo. “Having been taken to India by British sailors, records suggest, during the reign of King George II,” the news said.

Three months later, newspapers around the world noted the passing of Harriet, a Galapagos tortoise that died in the Australia Zoo at age 176 - 171 years after Charles Darwin “plucked her from her equatorial home.”

Behind such Biblical longevity is the marine turtle’s stubborn refusal to senesce - to grow old. As such, don’t be fooled by the wrinkles, the halting gait and the rheumy gaze.

Here’s something for Ripley’s Believe It or Not: Researchers lately have been astonished to discover that in contrast to nearly every other animal studied, a turtle’s organs do not gradually break down or become less efficient over time.

But the question remains: Will marine turtles still exist in the next century?

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13 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

PAMAST is now ISO 9001:2008 certified T

HE Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) is now ISO 9001:2008 certified following the audit of Anglo Japanese American Registrars .

The state-run academic institution underwent the AJA audit from November 9 to 10, 2016.

AJA is an independent third-party registration and training service provider that operates across diverse range of industrial and commercial sectors worldwide.

ISO 9001:2008 provides a framework for quality management system that could be easily adopted across all areas of industry and commerce, including academic institutions.

Dr. Irvin Generalao, SPAMAST president, attributed the school’s success in ISO certification to the hard work of the college’s faculty and staff.

“This is made possible by our vision to be the leading institution of higher learning in the fields of aqua-terrestrial and techno-preneurship that are responsive to the develop-

ment needs not only in Mindanao but also in Southeast Asia and beyond,” said Generalao.

He added the certification is an affirmation of SPAMAST’s mission to provide quality instruction and services, which are hoped to contribute to peace and equity, especially in Mindanao.

Generalao said throughout AJA’s audit and screening

farming, describing the economic integration as a gigantic battle for all stakeholders.

He added: “Let us inspire our farmers to dream big and help them to efficiently cross the bridge between production and marketing, so they will eventually survive the challenge that may confront them at the other side. The coming year will open up opportunities because it means that our market for agricultural and other products will expand to more than one billion people instead of only 100 million. If we are ready, we should not be afraid. Let us create opportunities and strategies to achieve the best for our farmers. The best, and nothing less. Like free trade, the future holds two leads --the worst for those who chose to lose hope and the best for

those who prepared.”

Agriculture in the Philippines is dominated by crop production, with rice and corn as the major annual crops.

Rice is cultivated in about 5 million hectares of land, and corn, in roughly 3 million hectares. The combined area of these two crops is roughly 60 percent of the total area planted to agriculture. Domestic production of rice rose at an average of 3.7 percent annually, the result of increasing yields and other interventions. Nonetheless, total production is still insufficient to meet the growing needs of the population. The shortfall in domestic production is filled by imports.

The Philippine Development Plan envisages a competitive, sustainable and technology-based agriculture

and fisheries sector, driven by productive and progressive farmers and fisherfolk, supported by efficient value chains contributing to inclusive growth and poverty reduction. It also aims for an environment that is healthy, ecologically-balanced, sustainably productive, climate change-resilient and provides for the present and future generations of Filipinos.

“These visions should be the basic foundations of our collaboration as we think of those who wakes up not knowing whether they will have enough to

Davao Oriental gov bats for opportunities to help farmers D

AVAO Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang batted for the creation of opportunities and strategies that help farmers survive the challenges posed by ASEAN economic integration that will be in full swing next “Let us play our cards right by not succumbing to the glumness that wraps the general predictions on ASEAN economic integration,” he said. “Instead, let us continue to find the brighter road to free trade by helping our farmers prepare for a gigantic economic battle to survive.”

Dayanghirang is the guest speaker of the 12th Mindanao provincial agricultural and fishery council summit held in Mati City.

He said the major task of government is to bring about new ways of thinking and

processes, SPAMAST’s client satisfaction, improved productivity and efficiency, transparency, and accountability, among others, were evident.

“While these are our core functions – inherent to a government institution like SPAMAST – we take pride that we deliver as affirmed by the ISO audit,” he said.

Generalao stressed that

eat. These are the most vulnerable and voiceless people in our community: poor, hungry families suffering from the prolonged impact of high food prices, financial crisis, and the increased climate-related disasters. We should do our part to fight poverty,”said Gov. The government’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Master Plan identified several interventions to boost production.

These included introduction of high-yielding varieties and new farming systems; technology development; information

F DAVOR, 10

the challenge now is for the school to sustain its gains in quality management system that conforms to internationally accepted standards on management, policies, resource mobilization, and customer relations.

SPAMAST is the second state-run academic institution in Mindanao that received ISO certification.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Panabo’s Inson wins WBO title in Japan P

ANABO City’s Jayar Inson adjusted well to jumping two divsions up in weight, knocking out Japanese fighter Ryota Yada in 7 rounds at the EDION Arena in Osaka, Japan on Sunday.

Inson (13-0, 9 knockouts), a stalwart of Manny Pacquiao’s boxing stable, dropped Yada (12-4, 10 KOs) once in the second and seventh rounds before the fight was waved off at the 2:26 mark, according to Inson’s trainer Nonoy Neri.

The 26-year old Inson’s victory gave him the vacant WBO Asia Pacific welterweight title, which could position him among the top contenders in the

147-pound division.

The towering Inson, a prized find at 5-foot-10, has typically fought at 135 pounds since turning pro 3 years ago. Neri believes that Inson’s best weight is the junior welterweight division. “Welterweight is too big,” said Neri before adding: “No problem because Inson has a big power.”

Neri, who trains the southpaw Inson out of the MP Boxing Gym in Davao City which is owned by Manny Pacquiao, adds that Inson will likely fight again in April of 2017 in Japan as the Tokyo-based Misako Promotions has an option on Inson’s next fight.

NEW CHAMP. Jayar Inson shows off his WBO Asia Pacific belt with trainer Nonoy Neri of MP Boxing Stable.

55 Dabawenyo athletes fly to Indonesia for BIMP-Eaga Games

S

OME 55 athletes from Davao City flew to East Kalimantan in Indonesia Tuesday to compete for the 9th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) Friendship Games slated from December 8 to December 12.

The athletes were accompanied by 16 coaches and 5 officials from the Davao City Government, including Michael Denton Aportadera, the chief of the Davao City

Sports Development Division.

They will compete in seven different events.

Aportadera said the athletes are ready to show off their skills and competitive edge in athletics, sepak takraw, lawn tennis, karatedo, beach volleyball, basketball, and Badminton.

In 2014, the 8th BIMP EAGA was held in Labuan in Borneo.

Davao trackster Sonny Wagdos won a gold medal in men’s 5,000 meters and 1,500 meters. CIO

Petalcorin captures IBF Pan-Pac title

WINNERS. Winners of the recent 3rd Batacan, Montejo and Vicencio (BMV) Law Firm Golf Invitational pose with their trophies during the awarding ceremonies at the Rancho Palos Verdes Clubhouse. Atty. Ed Batacan (seated

right, front row) who won Class A gross title, headed the organizing group of the event held in celebration of the firm’s 18th anniversary.

Tiger hopes to play full swing in 2017 Woods, who closed with a fourover 76 to finish on four un-

T

IGER Woods is determined to play a full schedule in 2017, but admits he will make the “smart play” when finalising his plans for next year.

Woods completed his first tournament in almost 16 months at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas and, despite finishing 15th of 17 players in the field, he could not contain his delight at returning to competition.

The 14-time major champion, who turns 41 later this month, revealed he felt fatigued over the weekend at Albany, but he is now looking forward to continuing his way back to full fitness over the festive period before deciding when and where he will make his first start next year.

“In my heart of hearts I would like to play a full schedule next year,” said BACK. Tiger Woods returned this week to golf after being absent for 15 months.

der par - 14 shots behind champion Hideki Matsuyama.

“I’ll have a couple weeks off, work with my physios, get a little bit stronger and then really assess the plan, and what is the smart play.

F

ORMER world champion Randy “Razor” Petalcorin scored a knockdown in the 6th round to score a convincing unanimous decision against Arnold Garde and captured the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Pan Pacific light-flyweight title Sunday night at the Robinson’s Mall Atrium here.

Petalcorin displayed his world-class act against the current Mindanao Professional Boxing Assocation (Minproba) light-flyweight champion from President Roxas, North Cotabato in the main event of the “Brawl of the Mall: Return of the Gensan’s Finest”.

A quick left straight by Petalcorin sent down Garde on the canvas in the 6th round. Garde kept on clinching on Petalcorin after the first three rounds. Garde could only throw one punch and was even deducted in the 7th round for throwing low blow on Petalcorin by referee Ramil Ovalo.

Petalcorin was quicker and was able to elude Garde’s counter with his hit-and-run tactic. Petalcorin also hit more left-right combinations in the 10-rounder fight.

All three judges scored in favor of Petalcorin – Romy Fordaliza (97-91), Sabas Ponpon Jr. (100-88) and Brembot Duladas (98-90).

The IBF pan pacific belt was awarded to Randy Petalcorin

by IBF supervi-

sor and Games and Amusements Board Commissioner Fritz Gaston.

Petalcorin, 24, improved his record to 25 wins with 18 knockouts, 2 losses and 1 draw, while 26year old Garde dropped to 7 wins (4 Kos), 3 losses and 2 draws.

In the main supporting bout, former WBC International super featherweight champion Eden “Mr. Showboat” Sonsona showed a little bit rusty from his 18-month layoff but still beat former champion Jaime Barcelona by a majority decision in their 8-rounder match.

Sonsona tried to score a knockout but the 38-year old Barcelona also used his ring experience in defending himself.

Sonsona, 28, improved to 35 wins, 6 losses, 2 draws and 12 knockouts while Barcelona, current Minproba featherweight champion, suffered his 61st loss against 39 wins and 1 draw.

Seven other fighters from the Sanman Promotions including the two new ones also all won in the undercard.

Reymart “Gensan Assassin” Gaballo, John Vincent “Mulawin Moralde and Mike “Magic” Plania all proved that they are ready for their upcoming training with Cuban trainer Moro Fernandez in Miami, Florida, USA next month by stopping their opponents.

Moralde (18-0-0-9 Kos), reigning World Boxing Federation International featherweight champion, landed a solid left body punch to knockout Joas Aparicio (12-18-1-9 Kos) in 1:23 of the first round.

Plania (13-0-0-6 KOs), also the present WBF International bantamweight title-holder connected left-right combinations to knockout Minproba lightweight champion JP Macadumpis (11-8-1-5 Kos) in 28 seconds of the 2nd round.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 206 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016

BIG WIN IN TURIN Fil-Am Kiefer beats 2-time world champ to snatch gold in Italy

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

A

njb@edgedavao.net

FTER a disappointing stint in Rio, Filipino-American fencer Lee Kiefer is back with a vengeance.

The 22-year old Kentucky native, daughter of a Dabawenya doctor Teresa Kiefer, took gold in the women’s foil event of the Turin Grand Prix in Turin, Italy over the weekend.

Ranked no. 3 in the world, Kiefer faced her first major test in the semi-final against Arianna Errigo of Italy, a two-time world champion and 2012 Olympic silver medalist.

Playing a very tactical gameplan throughout the match, the half-Pinay beauty walked away with a 15-11 win over her rival. Errigo had beaten Kiefer in the 2012 London Olympics quarterfinals to deny her of a medal.

In the all-USA finals, Kiefer faced compatriot Nicole Ross and scored a 15-8 convincing win.

After suffering a minor injury in the match, Kiefer picked herself up to earn the gold medal and stretch her career record to 4-1 against her 2012 Olympic teammate.

The final was the first time Team USA finished gold-silver at a women’s foil grand prix.

Kiefer recently won gold in the Penn State Championships for her team Notre Dame University. Her brother Axel likewise won a gold medal in that event.

POINT. Lee Kiefer (right) reaches out to score against Ariana Errigo of Italy.

BREAKTHROUGH WIN. Lee Kiefer hoists her trophy after winning the gold in Turin, Italy.