Edge Davao 9 Issue 210

VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

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SIGNATURE DISPLAY. Davao City homegrown artist Kublai Millan’s sculptural creation called “Ilaw ng Davao” prominently stands at the façade of the Davao City National High School along F. Torres Street.

“Ilaw ng Davao” is a project of Millan’s DCNHS batch 1991 led by its president Ariel Decena as a honoree batch for this year’s alumni homecoming set on December 18. Lean Daval Jr.

Serving a seamless society

CITY BUDGET SOARS

U candidates From P3.6B in 2016 to P6.9B in 2017 inMiss Siargao photo-ops

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE annual budget of the City Government of Davao for next year is seen to reach over P6.9 billion in line with the increase in the internal revenue allotment (IRA) worth P4.1 billion for 2017.

This is an increase of 14 percent compared to 2016’s IRA of P3.6 billion.

IRA, as defined by Bureau of Internal Revenue, is the local government unit’s share of revenues allotted by the national government through Department of Budget and Management.

Councilor Danilo Dayang-

hirang, chairperson for finance, means, ways, and appropriations, said that this year’s proposed budget approximately P six million higher compared to last year’s budget which is P6.3 billion.

He said the committee is already working on the second reading of the documents and that the council will still conduct marathon hearings so they could submit the budget to the national government by the end of December.

DBM data for 2017 IRA allocation showed that Davao Region will gain an IRA of P23.624 billion, which would

be shared to the provinces (P5.606-billion), cities (P7.455-billion), municipalities (P6.802 billion) and barangays (P3.760 billion).

Dayanghirang added that the City Mayor’s Office would have the highest budget, to be followed by City Environment and Natural Resouces Office (CENRO), City Engineer’s Office, and Sangunniang Panglungsod He added that the city’s local tax collection is projected to grow, as the government is mandating the Local Government Units (LGUs) and the regional offices of the Bureau

of Internal Revenue (BIR) to maximize revenue collections.

The law provides that each LGU is required to include in its annual budget some 20 percent of its IRA for development projects and five percent allocation for Local Disater Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

However, Dayanghirang said the local government and city assessor still has to review the 20 percent increase in the revenue collection in Davao City together with the TRAC team.

The TRAC team, according

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By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

WELVE candidates of the Miss Universe pageant 2016 arrived in Siargao Island on Sunday for their photo-shoot sessions, the information office of Surigao del Norte said.

The candidates were re-

ceived by Surigao de Norte Governor Sol Matugas together with 1st District representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas, former congressman Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and General

EDGEDAVAO Sports

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MODEST BOUNTY P16

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

RETURNING THE FAVOR. President Rodrigo Duterte salutes to the soldiers upon his arrival at the North Luzon Command Headquarters in Camp General Servillano Aquino in San Miguel, Tarlac City on Sunday afternoon. ACE MORANDANTE/ Presidential Photo

Duterte won’t sit as judge for Miss Universe pageant

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ONTRARY to reports, President Rodrigo Duterte won’t sit as a panel judge in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant on Jan. 30 at the MOA Arena.

“We established a policy not to have a government official as judge. Government officials have to be neutral,” Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart told journalists at a media briefing on Monday at the Department of Tourism in Makati City.

On the other hand, Shugart said Steve Harvey is “so excited” to be coming to the Philippines. Shugart said Harvey will have a co-host but did not

reveal the details.

“He’s really preparing and studying about the Philippines,” she said.

“We are still not ready to announce the co-host. He will be the main host but there will be someone helping him,” she added.

The American TV host drew flak when he announced the wrong winner in the 2015 Miss Universe pageant.

Some 10 candidates attended the pageant kickoff over the weekend. They will return to their respective countries for the holidays and will be back in the second week of January. (PNA)

Bloody reunion: 3 die, 1 hurt in Sultan Kudarat shooting

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HREE persons were killed and another one was wounded Sunday when a lone gunman entered a residential compound in President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province and fired at family members who were holding a Christmas reunion.

Police identified the fatalities as Peter Dumrique, Ernesto Ayson and Florante Guillermo, and the wounded victim as Oyet Mateo.

The victims were drinking and singing through a videoke when the assailant entered the compound undetected.

Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat provincial police commander

said the incident took place around 6:30pm Sunday at the Dumrique residence in Barangay, Katiku, President Quirino.

Police said their investigation showed that the gunman hid behind the bushes in the open garden and opened fired using an M-16 rifle.

The victims were brought to separate hospitals but they were all declared dead on arrival.

The survivor, Mateo, was still recuperating in an undisclosed hospital.

Threats Dumrique, who was believed to be the main target, ran for mayor of President Quirino in May 2016 but lost

FBLOODY, 11

Customs stakeholders vow to help eradicate illicit trade

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HOUSANDS of stakeholders at the Bureau of Customs have pledged to help the government eradicate illicit trade within the bureau in an oath-taking ceremony held before the general public at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday.

The event, dubbed as “Pledge of Commitment to Stop Illicit Trade”, was led by Customs Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon.

“Hopefully it will spring life in everyone’s sense of true patriotism or inspire

men and women in their call of duty to rise with the highest degree of integrity, morality and character,” Faeldon said in his message as he inspired thousands of participants coming from 17 BOC ports, members of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Marines, traders, importers, customs brokers and other stakeholders to abandon corruption and smuggling.

“We publicly declared our unwavering stance against corruption and smuggling before every Filipino as we

took the oath before them in this sweet and momentous December morning. And through it, we can proudly declare -- The old and rotten BOC will eclipse behind an enduring and genuine change,” he added.

Before his stint as head of BOC, Faeldon, as a Filipino soldier received a Gold Medal for bravery in combat and other distinguished awards.

He hopes to share his patriotism and commitment to transparent and good leadership at the BOC. “I once laid my life for my

flag, and now as needed, I will lay it again for my country.

It is what I am meant to be.

Semper Fidelis,” Faeldon said.

Last Sunday’s event also served as the highlight of the fun-filled, 5-hour sprint-jog activity, aimed “to bring-tothe-fore” one’s personal commitment and inspired each participants towards helping BOC in its tough war against corruption and smuggling.

The event was an offshoot of the first BOC ‘Run After the Smugglers Fun Run’ (RASFN) recently held along Roxas Boulevard.

the city council or the administrator’s office for the appropriation of the project? The traffic per se may change, does any changes that need appropriation need the approval of the mayor or the council?,” Dayanghirang pointed out.

He added that the department should be very careful and not be lenient of whatever the office wants to be done.

Dayanghirang added the requested budget was “too much” and asked CTTMO to submit a breakdown of the proposed expenses.

They should be realistic, Dayanghirang said, pointing

out that that CTTMO must bring all the records for the past 3 years for the signalization.

Dayanghirang added that the council would leave it to Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio on how to address or adjust the problem with the help of the city administrators.

“We are also following the ordinance to specify the appropriations for the purpose of whatever is intended for the budget, or else you will be accused… it’s an action that needs to be addressed,” he said.

CTTMO asked to justify 2017 budget of P36M

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

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HE City Transportation and Traffic Maintenance Office on Monday has been asked to justify its proposed P36 million budget for 2017’s traffic signalization and maintenance.

The amount is almost 500 percent higher than the supposed budget worth P6 million for the maintenance of the 63 pedestrian and light junctions in Davao City.

For the 2017 budget, the City Council questioned the budget during a special session in Sanggguniang Panglungsod yesterday.

“What we noticed that

CTTMO was asking for P36 million for the budget ang hiningi but they said it [the other P30 million budget] was used for other purposes such as ‘painting the pedestrian lanes’,” explained City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, who heads the council committee on budget and finance.

He added that the CTTMO is asking for P36 million for the maintenance of the 63 signal light junctions in the city.

“When you look at the traffic maintenance, are you going to conduct bidding every year depending on the cost even without the approval of

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Manhunt launched vs. suspect in gunslaying of 3 during party

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OLICE and military authorities in Sultan Kudarat have been hunting down a man who spoiled a Christmas party and reunion in Pres.

Quirino town by strafing the event, killing a defeated mayoral aspirant and two others, police said.

Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat provincial police director, told the Philippine News Agency pursuit operation was launched by town police personnel and public safety company backed by elements of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.

It was supposedly a Sunday night of fun and reunion but a spoiler, armed with M-16 Armalite rifle, turned it bloody after he opened fire on the celebration at about 7 p.m. in Barangay Katitu, President Quirino.

Peter Dumrique, who lost his mayoral bid last May, was entertaining his visitors when

the strafing occurred during the open field Christmas party inside his residence.

Dumrique, his relatives Ernesto Ayson and Florante Guillermo were killed on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds. Oyet Mateo, also a visitor, was critically injured.

“They were performing songs through a videoke when gun fire were heard,” Supiter said.

Supiter said the attacker was alone but has an accomplice who used a motorbike as they fled following the strafing.

“Our investigation showed Dumrique was the main target of the assassin,” Supiter said. “I believe it was politically motivated.”

Before last night’s shooting, Dumrique has sought security, a police officer and a soldier from 33rd Infantry Battalion, after receiving death threats.

FMANHUNT, 11

UNDERSCORING. Department of Science and Technology 11 assistant director Elsie Mae Solidum (third from left) walks members of the media through the details of the upcoming DOST’s Technology Transfer Day, a Mindanao-wide activity aims at promoting the DOST generated and assisted technologies to its intended beneficiaries, stakeholders and private sectors, slated today at SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center.

Solidum was joined by Industrial Technology Development Institute TSD chief Nelia Elisa Florendo (leftmost), Engr. Rosemarie Garvia (second from

left) of DOST 11 Food Nutrition Research Institute, Adamson University Chemical Engineering Department professor Dr. Merlinda Palencia third from right), DOST 11 Metals Industry Research and Development Center’s Maria Girlie Millo (second from right, partly hidden) and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute head of Chemistry Research Section Dr. Lucille Abad during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

DOST transfers technologies Aquino named new commissioner of SEC to industries in Mindanao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE Department of Science and Technology will bring the third and final installment of this year’s Technology Transfer Day in SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Davao City today.

DOST has previously launched the same event in Manila on April and Ormoc, Leyte September this year.

Speaking during the Kapehan sa Dabaw media event yesterday, Asst. Regional Director Elsie Mae Solidum bared that this Mindanao-wide activity sought to promote DOST generated and assisted technologies to its intended beneficiaries, stakeholders, and private sectors.

The assistant regional director also said that the event is an avenue to market tech-

nologies, cascade awareness in a regional level, promote partnership among stakeholders and generate investment.

For the Mindanao leg, Solidum said there will be 73 to 75 technologies to be presented which are the output of DOST-assisted and supported private individuals and institutions such as state colleges and universities across the country.

One of the technologies that will be presented is the knee replacement system that is designed specifically for the Asians which was made in the Philippines and co-funded by the DOST. Broadly, all the technologies that will be featured are for the agriculture, food industry, health, environment and disaster risk reduction, crafts

and textiles, and the ICT sector.

For the past two roadshows, DOST has generated 58 inquiries in Ormoc and 14 transactions on the health sector alone, according to Solidum.

She added that majority of the inquiries were pertaining to technologies such as hand tractor with attached rice transplanter for agriculture, Charging in Minutes (CharM) for ICT, and food innovation-centered technologies such as vacuum dryer and freeze dryer.

In a press statement, Usec.

Rowena Cristina Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development mentioned that the technologies to presented are the products of the last three years of research

and development.

Also guesting in Kapehan sa Dabaw, Technology Transfer and Commercialization Section (TTCS) head Engr.

Rosemarie G. Garcia said that the event is DOST’s initiative of reaching out to potential investors and stakeholders who used to be the one to approach the agency for technologies.

Solidum supported the statement by adding that these technologies will be availed “with a price” but since they are government supported, investors can avail them for a lesser value.

“This is not even ROI (return of investment) but more of a token since the government has spent more than the profit of selling these technol-

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

AWYER Emilio Aquino assumed his post as new commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission replacing former commissioner Manuel Gaite whose term at the commission ended this year.

Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III led the official sworn in Aquino to his post in a ceremony held in Manila last week.

Prior to his appointment at SEC, Aquino previously held the position of Department Director in the SEC, has 12 years of experience working in the Commission in various capacities, including as head of its regional extension offices in the cities of Davao and Zamboanga.

He is also a managing law partner of the Aquino Uro and Associates and former director of the SEC Non-Traditional Securities and Instruments Department and also of the Compliance and Enforcement Department from 2000 to 2005.

He started his career at SEC as a lawyer in its Corpo-

rate and Legal Affairs Department in 1993.

From 1995 to 1998, Aquino was promoted as chief of the SEC extension office in Zamboanga City and later held the same post in the SEC extension office in Davao City for two years.

The 52-year old Aquino replaced Gaite, whose term expired on March 16, 2016. Gaite had held his post as commissioner in a holdover capacity because of the 2016 election ban.

Aquino will serve as SEC commissioner for seven years.

Aquino, who is also a certified public accountant, was a professor of Commercial Law at the Ateneo-Xavier University.

He also taught as senior lecturer at the Graduate School of Government and Management of the University of Southeastern Philippines and as associate professor of the College of Law of the Western Mindanao State University.

He completed his law degree at San Beda College and his accountancy degree at the Universidad de Zamboanga.

Davao City swipes special award for impressive quality education

A ROCK SOLID. Davao City First District Rep. and House Committee on Appropriations chairman Karlo Alexei Nograles reaffirms his family’s full support to the leadership of President Duterte during Nograles media party at The Royale House in Davao City on Sunday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

LREADY in the Hall of Fame, Davao City once again bagged this year’s Special Award for Excellence in Literacy, a recognition for its impressive record in providing quality education to the public.

The National Literacy Coordinating Council bestowed the award to Davao City despite being already elevated in the Hall of Fame in 2013 for effectively implemented literacy programs in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

Administrator Zuleika T.

Lopez said the award is recognition of the city’s efforts “in making sure that Dabawenyos are not only equipped with basic literacy and numeracy skills, but that there is an empowering environment that will allow them to learn.”

Lopez said the award was the “cherry on top of the cake as it reinforces the Hall of Fame Award you bestowed on us in 2013 and it will strengthen our resolve to improve our current literacy effort for our

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10 hydroelectric power plants await construction in Bukidnon

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HE Department of Energy on Monday has announced that 10 more hydroelectric power plants would be constructed in the province of Bukidnon.

The ten other hydroelectric power plants would be located in the municipal towns of Baungon, Libona, Dancagan, Impasugong, Sumilao, Kalilangan, Malaybalay, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, and Maramag, all located in the province of Bukidnon, the DOE said.

The DOE made the disclosure after the inaugural groundbreaking of the 10.6 megawatt Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant in the village of Lumbayao, Valencia City, Bukidnon Friday last week.

DOE officials said that President Rodrigo Duterte, who led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pulanai Hydroelectric plant, has commended the proponents of the hydroelectric power plant projects.

In his speech, Duterte emphasized the use of renewable energy such as sun, water and wind to be part of the contributing factors to the country’s power requirement.

Duterte, however, insisted that coal remains the cheapest and the most viable source of power, if the country is to accelerate its industrialization process.

In the same speech, Duterte, once again, lambasted the

developed countries like the United States and members of the European Union, which include the superpowers Russia and China, for emitting pollutants into the atmosphere.

Duterte has questioned anew the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and E.U. on smaller countries, like the Philippines, when the country’s carbon footprint is not that significant compared to the superpowers.

He said that the Philippines needs energy, mostly sourced from non-renewable like coal, in order for the country to grow at par with other developing countries.

“Every country in this world has progressed. Here in the Southeast Asia, we have remained the poorest,” Duterte said.

Last September, Duterte inaugurated the FDC Misamis Power Corporation’s 405-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental.

The operation of the FDC Misamis’ coal-fired power plant has contributed to the stabilization of the energy supply in the Mindanao grid.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, in its daily power outlook, has reported that Mindanao has a reserve of 666 megawatts, system capacity of 2,186 megawatts and a system peak of 1,520 megawatts, as of Friday last week. (PNA)

Congress into balancing act on how to redo sin tax law

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AWMAKERS pushing for the passage of a proposed bill seeking to amend the Sin Tax Reform Law on Monday stressed that the proposal to retain the present two-tier tax rate on cigarettes from going to a unitary tax system by January not only generates more revenues but also protects the country’s tobacco farming industry.

Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, chairman of the House committee on ways and means, said the proposed amendment to the Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012 is a balancing act of Congress as it takes into consideration the original objective of RA 10351, which proposed higher excise tax rates for tobacco products on one hand, and the livelihood of Filipino tobacco farmers on the other hand.

RA 10351, which took effect in 2013, provides that for 2017, cigarettes regardless of net retail price should have a unitary tax rate of Php30 per pack.

Cua said the upcoming unitary taxation is unreasonable because this is tantamount to imposing the same amount of tax in buying either an imported Mercedes-Benz or an owner-type jeep.

“Would you impose the same PHP1 million excise tax to both vehicles? Doing that would result in the displacement of the local manufacturer of owner-type jeep,” he said.

“The situation would be similar to Filipino tobacco farmers who are about to lose their livelihood under a unitary system that will be implemented starting January next year unless the Sin Tax Law is amended,” Cua stressed.

Under House Bill 4144 filed by ABS party-list Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera, a pack of cigarettes with a net retail price (excluding excise and value-added tax) of Php11.50 will be taxed at Php32; while a pack with a net retail price of more than Php11.50 will be taxed at Php36.

Cua, whose committee approved the proposed amendment, said the proposal will protect local tobacco farmers, raise more revenues for the Duterte administration and promote public health because raising tax will help lessen the number of smokers.

“Our aim is to strike a balance. We could only achieve that if we can pass a law where the livelihood of our tobacco farmers are protected, where we have reduced the prevalence of smoking and where we can increase government revenues to fund its various projects,” the lawmaker said.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza agreed with the wisdom of the proposal not to impose unitary tax saying this would kill the livelihood of tobacco farmers in the country.

VARIETY OF CHOICES. A shopper checks discounted ready-to-wear clothes on display inside a store at the Annex of SM City Davao yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

SMEs take significant leap with DOST’s tech program

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

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HE Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) of the Department of Science and Technology has brought significant improvement to Region XI’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as affirmed by Asst. Regional Director Elsie Mae Solidum on Monday.

In 2013, the DOST launched the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program to enable companies to address their technical problems through technology transfer and technological interventions to improve productivity through

better product quality, human resources development, cost minimization and waste management, and other operation related activities.

In region XI, for-rent facilities are available in the Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC) located at Philippine Women’s College.

Solidum said that due to the agency’s flagship program, SMEs in the region are more improved now than five years ago in terms of production facilities, awareness on food safety and energy audit.

Solidum also stressed that SETUP motivated SMEs who used to be disinterest-

ed in adopting technological innovations which also improved their operations in terms of hygiene and sanitation.

“The Davao Food Safety Team and Davao Region Energy Audit and Management (DREAM) Team also assisted our SMEs,” added Solidum.

In a data from DOST-XI, as of September 30 or third quarter of 2016, there were already 126 SMEs assisted, higher than the agency’s target of 114 for the whole year.

The assistant regional director disclosed that despite the numbers, the agency has still “a lot of work to do” par-

ticularly on developing more product variants to improve the country’s competitiveness in the global scheme.

She added that compared to neighboring countries, Thailand and Indonesia, Philippines is still lagging behind in terms of packaging.

“The challenge is not being on top, it is maintaining our position in the market,” Solidum emphasized.

According to the assistant regional director, the DOST has an allocation of less than P40 million for the SETUP. “For 2017, the budget will be higher than P40 million,” added Solidum.

try’s membership into the China-led multilateral institution will allow the Philippines access to funds for major infrastructure projects to sustain the momentum of economic growth that was started by the Duterte government.

“Any institution that will promote human development, accelerate economic and social progress, and further good relations with neighboring nations should be embraced and supported,” said Cayetano.

He expressed his gratitude to the Department of Finance led by Sec. Carlos Dominguez III and their counterparts in the Chinese government for their assistance, stressing how the treaty could foster a stronger relationship between the two countries. He also thanked Senator Loren Legarda, sponsor of the resolution, for making possible the passage of the measure.

Cayetano explained that, like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB), the AIIB is a multilateral funding agency owned by sovereign member-countries, which specifically aims to promote economic development and strengthen regional cooperation and partnership in the Asian region.

“Our economy has been cited recently as the fastest growing in the Asian region.

We posted a robust 7.1% growth in the third quarter are on target to achieving a 7-percent full-year GDP growth this year,” he said.

The administration earlier expressed its plan to raise the government’s share in infrastructure spending to the gross domestic product (GDP) to 7 percent before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends.

Following the Senate’s concurrence, the executive branch now has the chance to

access US$500 million annually from the Bank to finance infrastructure projects in the country. This, he said, is apart from over $20 billion that China is prepared to extend to the Philippines after the President’s historic visit to China.

“AIIB’s role as a major player in infrastructure development in Asia in the future is inevitable, and the timing of our membership in AIIB cannot be more perfect as the Philippines is at the point of development where increasing our infrastructure capacity can no longer be set aside,” Cayetano said.

“As Asia’s fastest growing economy, we surely cannot afford to pass up on this opportunity to be able to tap an additional fund source to help sustain the economic progress we have started to gain under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte,” he added.

Cayetano: PH’s AIIB membership crucial to sustaining economic growth’

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ENATE foreign relations committee chair Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano thanked his colleagues in the Senate for supporting the treaty that would make the Philippines a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

The Senate on Monday (December 5) passed on third and final reading Senate Resolution No. 241, or the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which formally ratifies the country’s AIIB entry documents. The measure got 20 affirmative votes, one negative vote, and no abstention.

Cayetano’s Foreign Relations Committee submitted last November 22 Committee Report No. 11 recommending the approval of the resolution of concurrence.

Cayetano said the Senate’s concurrence with the treaty formalizing the coun-

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1,236 contractual workers in GSC to get regular status

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SELF-RELIANCE. Instead of begging for alms, a Lumad family sells several varieties of herbal medicines at the sidewalk in front of Sangguniang Panlungsod in Davao city yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Financing cooperation with AIIB on big-ticket projects seen T

HE Duterte administration awaits promising development and financing cooperation with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to help fund the country’s big-ticket infrastructure projects, according to National Treasurer Roberto Tan. Tan said that following last week’s ratification by the Senate of the Articles of Agreement formalizing the Philippines’ entry as a founding member of the AIIB, the government may now request that AIIB send a mission to the country to discuss the proposed list of projects prepared by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for the Bank’s financing.

The National Treasurer said the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit project and the Metro Manila flood control project

would be among the first to be presented to the AIIB for possible funding.

“These are the projects that are the most prepared in terms of government approvals, feasibility studies and other requirements, and are already in the pipeline. So these projects can be processed most expeditiously for co-financing by AIIB,” Tan said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said that the BRT is also supported by the Asian Development Bank while the Metro Manila flood control project is being backed by the World Bank.

Dominguez has strongly backed the Philippines’ membership to the AIIB, which, he said, would provide the government “another source of long-term funding at very reasonable interest rates” for the Duterte administration’s

unprecedented infrastructure buildup.

“Achieving full membership in the AIIB is a significant milestone. Completing our domestic procedures for ratification puts us in solidarity with 56 other countries,” Dominguez said.

“AIIB serves as the only multilateral development bank that focuses on infrastructure.

The operations and policies of the Bank are designed to be lean, clean and green. It is committed to principles of transparency, independence, openness and accountability,” he added.

Tan said the Philippines is “looking at $300 million to $500 million for the initial year,” as financial window that it can tap from the AIIB. “Funds from AIIB will serve as an additional source of concessional financing to sup-

port our growing infrastructure requirements. Its terms and conditions are comparable to those of other multilateral development banks,” Tan said.

The Senate, voting 20-1, ratified last Dec. 5 the Philippines’ entry into the AIIB, beating the Dec. 31, 2016 deadline set by the bank for members to submit their respective “instruments of ratification.”

In its briefing paper, the DOF said “AIIB can provide financing to major capital investments of the government and the private sector. AIIB can support the government in reducing the infrastructure gap in the Philippines and accelerating annual infrastructure spending to account for 5 percent of GDP (gross domestic product).”

The AIIB is owned by 57 sovereign-member countries

gence Strategy (CARS) Program; and the Php 3.14-billion aid scheme for small and micro enterprises (SMEs) and manufacturing sector.

mestic transshipment; •creation of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing and administrative entity of the government, which is tasked to plan, develop, and promote the national ICT development agenda; •amending the R.A. No. 10881 that lifted the foreign ownership restrictions in financial industries; and •exemption from documentary and process requirements of the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) among foreign intra-corporate transferees holding executive, managerial or specialist positions who have previously been employed by the sending company abroad for at least one year, as well as contractual service suppliers who are managers, executives of specialists em-

ployed by a foreign services supplier without a commercial presence in the Philippines.

According to the report, WTO members have implemented 216 new trade-facilitating measures or an average of 18 measures per month from mid-October 2015 to mid-October 2016.

These policies counter the 182 new trade-restrictive measures or an average of 15 measures per month in the same period.

“Trade restrictive measures can have a chilling effect on trade flows, with knock-on effects for economic growth and job creation. In the context of a challenging economic scenario, it is more important than ever that WTO members adopt policies which will support trade and ensure that its benefits reach as many people as possible,” Azevêdo said.

(PNA)

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RP bares nine measures to facilitate trade in goods

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HE Philippines has introduced nine reforms from 2015 to 2016 to help its merchandise and services trade attain growth In an annual report, World Trade Organization Director General Roberto Azevêdo revealed that from 2015 to 2016, the Philippines initiated four policies to facilitate trade in goods.

The policies are temporary reduction of import tariffs on certain products such as frozen poultry cuts and offal, frozen turkey cuts and offal, pig and poultry fat, peas, walnuts, fresh grapes, rape or colza seeds, certain oil seeds, rape, colza or mustard oil and fractions, and prepared or preserved turkey meat; temporary import ban on rice and elimination of import quota on rice; the Php 27-billion Comprehensive Automotive Resur-

But the government has introduced more trade measures to improve flow of services, particularly in areas of financial services, maritime transport services, information communication and technology, and services supplied through the movement of natural persons.

These measures to facilitate trade in services introduced by the government include: •gradual lifting of the ban on the grant of licenses for the establishment of new banks; •enacting of Republic Act No. 10668 that allows foreign vessels to transport and coload foreign cargoes for do-

OME 1,236 private workers in Region 12 are undergoing regularization processes through the interventions of the Department of Labor and Employment .

Albert Gutib, DOLE Region 12 acting regional director, said Monday such development is mainly an offshoot of the agency’s ongoing campaign against companies and business establishments that were implementing illegal labor contractualization schemes.

He said they earlier found at least 60 establishments in parts of the region that were violating government regulations on labor contractualization.

The concerned establishments were subjected to a series of assessments for violation of labor laws, among them the “endo” or end-of-contract and labor-only contracting employment, he said.

Gutib said at least nine companies and commercial establishments have agreed to provide regular status to their selected workers based on government labor regulations.

These are the Gaisano Dadiangas Inc., Philippine Cinmic Industrial Corp., Brothers D & D/Fit Mart General Santos, DOLE Philippines, Lapanday Foods Corp., Bioseed Research Philippines Inc., Golden Arches Development Corp./McDonalds, TLG Shopper’s Mart, Shopping Center Management Corp.

(SM Supermalls).

“Our interventions are currently ongoing and we expect that more workers will be

added to the list in the coming months,” Gutib said.

The official said 390 of the workers are already in the final phase of the regularization process and 873 are undergoing the initial stages.

He said 1,002 of these were agency-hired workers and 182 were directly-hired workers that were regularized voluntarily by concerned establishments.

Gutib said 52 workers received regular status through the agency’s labor laws compliance system assessments.

“There are 34 cases are due for issuance of compliance orders and 15 more cases are undergoing mandatory conference,” he said.

DOLE had launched a crackdown against establishments and companies that are practicing “endo” and labor-only contracting arrangements on orders from President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello issued Department Order No. 162 in July, directing DOLE regional offices to stop accepting applications from new third-party service providers.

Labor-only contracting is an arrangement “where the contractor or subcontractor merely recruits, supplies or places workers to perform a job, work or service for a principal.”

DOLE is in the process of drafting a new policy that will replace Department Order No. 18-A, series of 2011, that was deemed to have legitimized labor-only contracting. (PNA)

Palace maintains‘wait-and-see’ stance of future of BPOs in PHL

M

ALACANANG said on Monday that it is too early to speculate on the future of the American business process outsourcing (BPOs) in the Philippines under the leadership of US President-elect Donald Trump.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar made this reaction amid concerns that American BPOs might pull out of the Philippines following threats of ‘retribution’ by Trump against US companies that continue to outsource their operations and services.

“The statement of President-elect Trump on US companies that continue to outsource their operations and services is not a policy set in stone,” Andanar said in a press statement.

“We cannot speculate on the future of American BPOs in the Philippines until President-elect Trump takes his oath of office and spells out his policies,” he added.

Andanar said US President Barack Obama had similarly appealed to American BPOs to conduct their operations back in the US “but his call fell on deaf ears.”

He said American BPOs opted to stay in the Philippines because it is more viable to do business in the country.

“They would have less

operating expenses. In the US, workers are paid per hour. In the Philippines, workers are paid per day,” Andanar said.

Andanar also the shift in the structure of the work force of the information technology-BPO sector in the country is another factor considered by the foreign BPOs to stay in the Philippines.

“It is expected that the sector will cater to more complicated requirements as the industry plans to climb the value chain from the traditional voice and IT services to animation, game development and healthcare information.

We hope we can capitalize on this where the Philippines has a competitive advantage,” Andanar said.

“It is for this reason that the Duterte Administration included in its 10-Point Agenda; one, investment in human capital development, including match skills and training, and two, promotion of science, technology and the creative arts to enhance innovation and creative capacity,” he added.

The country’s IT-BPO sector had about 1.2 million employees as of 2015, expecting around 225,000 new jobs and USD25 billion revenue this year, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

7 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Kidapawan’s Balik Pangarap Programn gains following

O

THER local government units in North Cotabato are planning to establish their own interventions for surrendering drug users with Kidapawan City’s Balik Pangarap Program as model.

According to the Cotabato Provincial Advisory Council during the recent Anti-illegal Drug Summit other LGUs in the province appreciate the city government’s approach.

The summits was participated by representatives from the academe, civil society, nongovernment organizations and local government units.

The council noted that Mayor Joseph Evangelista’s initiative is an effective and practical and effective means to fight the illegal drugs menace.

Under the program, the city government helps self-confessed drug users to change into productive and responsible members of the

society.

At least 400 recovering drug users are currently enrolled in the Balik Program and undergo weekly fellowship meeting and counseling sessions Enrolees include men, women as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual sector.

In return for their attendance to these gatherings, the enrolees are given 5 kilograms of rice.

One element of the program that attracted the LGUs to the Balik Pangarap initiative is the participation of Narcotics Anonymous in the program.

Narcotics Anonymous is a group of former drug users who have been successful in changing their lives; they join the program by sharing their experiences and help guide the Balik Pangarap enrolees recover from addiction. (PIA-12)

Cardinal Quevedo is Pope Francis’rep to beatification of 17 martyrs of Laos

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INDANAO’S lone Cardinal, Orlando Quevedo, the Archbishop of Cotabato, is Pope Francis’ personal representative to Sunday’s beatification in Vientiane, Laos of 17 martyrs, six of them members of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI).

The Pope in September named Quevedo, a member of the OMI, as his representative to the beatification rites.

According to the OMI’s Oblate Communications website, the 17 were martyred between 1954 and1970 during the Indochina war.

“Seventeen followers of Christ in Laos suffered martyrdom for the sake of His name,” it said.

Pope Francis authorized the promulgation of the decrees for the beatification of Fr. Mario Borzaga, OMI of Italy and his Laotian catechist on May 5, 2015 and on June 5, of 15 others who were martyred in Laos, the Vatican Radio reported on August 27 last year.

The Martyrs of Laos, who will be collectively referred to as “Father Joseph Tiên and his Companions” are: Joseph Tien (1918 – 1954), catechists Paul Thoj Xyooj (1941-1960), Joseph Outhany (1933-1961) Thomas Khampheuane Inthirath (1952-1968), Luc Sy (1938-1970), Maisam Pho Inpeng (1934-1970)]. Members of the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP) — Fr. Jean-Baptist Malo (18991954), Fr. René Dubroux (1914-1959), Fr. Noel Tenaud (1904-1961), Fr. Marcel Denis (1919-1961), Fr. Lucien Galan (1921-1968)] and the six members of the OMI — Fr. Mario Borzaga (1932-1960), Fr. Louis Leroy (1923-1961), Fr. Michel Coquelet (19311961), Fr. Vincent L’Hénoret (1921-1961), Fr. Jean Wauthier (1926-1967), Fr. Joseph Boissel (1909-1969).

Two of the 17 – Denis and Tenaud – are desaparecidos.

They disappeared in 1961. Fr.

Courtesy of the Oblates Communications websitet

FCARDINAL, 13

Law enforcers complete crime investigation class I

N its bid to capacitate and equip law enforcement personnel with skills in the field of investigation and solving crimes, the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (DOPPO) has produced a total of 57 new graduates in the recently conducted Crime Investigation Course.

A total of 57 law enforcement personnel consisting of 49 policemen, 3 military personnel, and 5 Non-Uniformed Personnel have recently completed the said 45-day training course which has been capped with a graduation rites held at Menzi Beach Park and Campsite in Barangay Dahican here on December 6, 2016.

Regional Investigation

and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) Chief PSSUPT Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV highlighted the significance of the activity which aims at upholding the country’s justice system, particularly in terms of law enforcement. “The police force is one of the indispensable keys in crime prevention and part of crime solution,” he said. He stressed the need of enhancing further their knowledge and skills since their role as investigators, which spans from identifying, arresting criminals and gathering substantial evidences to file a solid case in court, is considered crucial.

He added this training has a significant impact to the

community as it assures increase in crime clearance and crime solution efficiency with the presence of additional investigators.

Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, who was guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites, challenged the new graduates to intensify investigation efforts on cases yet to be solved especially in the City of Mati.

He also underscored the law enforcers’ huge role in the anti-drug campaign which the national government strongly pushes. “As a regular law enforcement institution, you are responsible for the efficient and effective law enforcement, particularly in the relentless campaign being

waged now by our beloved President, Rodrigo Duterte, against the illegal drugs trade,” he said.

“As new graduates of the criminal investigation course, I hope you will bring the Philippine National Police to another auspicious year of successful operations. Certainly, this course will boost the morale of the police personnel and will uphold the reputation of your institution. May this course not only strengthen even more your core values but also strengthen your relationship with all stakeholders. This would lead to the application of new strategic approaches especially in the conduct of advocacy campaign,” he added.

NGO highlights values formation in children’s program in R-12

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LARMED with the degradation of moral values among children and youth, nongovernment organization World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF) will embark on values and spiritual formation programs for children in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sarangani.

Dubbed Spiritual Nurture for Children, the five-year project will provide children and youth the opportunities to participate in fellowships, workshops, and camps that would promote values.

Parents and caregivers will also join seminars on responsible parenthood to develop deeper sense of re-

sponsibility and confidence to guide their children better.

Spiritual Nurture for Children will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education, City Social and Development Office, and church partners.

In a press release, World Vision noted that today’s youth have faced with com-

plex issues like dysfunctional families, teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, joblessness, among others.

“Unfortunately, this vicious cycle spins on if we will become apathetic. If we desire for positive changes in our country, investing in our children is important,” says Sam-

FNGO, 13

PABLO ANNIVERSARY. Compostela Valley Governor Tyron Uy led the 4th year commemoration of the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 that devastated the province particularly the town of New Bataan. (ComVal PIO Photo)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

T

State of sports

HE Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Friendship Games had just concluded its ninth edition in the Indonesian city of Samarinda in East Kalimantan.

Although the word Friendship has been often dropped in the mention of the Games in reports, the sports conclave was created as the friendly athletic competition component of the multi-economy BIMP EAGA as a way of cultural and skills sharing. The choice of the events are a shared consensus of all member economies.

In the most recent staging, Davao City once again represented the Philippines-Mindanao in the biennial sports event. Not much is being bragged about the 55-man contingent when it set sail to Samarinda but it came home with a good enough medal harvest of 15 with one gold in men’s basketball.

Davao City’s performance in the event is once more a clear reflection of the state of sports in this side of the country. The gold won came from basketball which is out of the question because it is almost every Dabawenyo kid grew up playing the sport. And then

EDGEDAVAO

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there’s tennis, beach volleyball and sepak takraw which are also naturally enmeshed with us being very popular sports.

The medal-rich athletics did not produce a single gold medal this time although it came through with some silvers and bronzes. The lack of track facilities clearly showed where we need to improve.

While 15 medals may not be that bad, the point to contend with is looking forward to the next staging of the event which happens to be the turn of the Philippines to play host. Davao’s turn to host the event supposedly was way back the 8th edition but without the facilities to stage the games, it was relinquished twice over.

The BIMP EAGA Games will be staged here in 2018 and we have two years to prepare for that. Although the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex is ready to be its main venue, Davao City remains the hub of the BIMP EAGA economy in the Philippines.

Without decent sports facilities to show, it would not give Davao City a good image to our neighbors. Hence, investing on some sports facilities this early should be enough for us to host some, if not all, of the next games.

ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: • HENRYLITO D. TACIO • EDCER C.B. ESCUDERO • ATTY. EMILY ZEN CHUA • GREGORIO G. DELIGERO JOHN CARLO TRIA • BORBONCARLOS • MARYMUNDA ANN “ADI” C. QUISIDO • LEANDRO DAVAL SR., • NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN • NICASIO ANGELO•AGUSTIN • EMILY VIDA S. VALVERDE C. LUMBA • HENRY J. SCHUMACHER • VANESSA KATE MADRAZO• JONALLIER Economic Analysts: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG ZENMIA CHUA • CARLOS• FRED MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG M. PEREZ

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EDGEDAVAO

O

DA Kyosaburo (1876-1917), or simply Ota, was “a Kobe merchant who had come to Manila at the turn of the century with a profound belief in the future of Japanese-Philippine trade and who had made his mark both with the American authorities and his fellow Japanese.”

Ohta’s achievements lured more Japanese to invest in and organize corporations in Davao. Interest in the expansion of abaca plantations was feverish, and it was Yoshizo Furukawa, who was among those who capitalized on the opportunity. In 1914, after a brief sojourn to Davao to learn abaca cultivation, Furukawa organized the Furukawa Plantation Company, Ltd., with the assistance of Ito Trading Company, with himself as president and Leopoldo R. Aguinaldo as secretary. Given his agriculture background, his firm soon hit pay dirt. Four years later, his holdings expanded beyond expectation. Some 1,010 hectares of land that were developed as abaca plantation were placed under his name.

Furukawa’s first acquisition was the plantation owned by Captain James Burchfield, the frontiersman man from Louisville, Kentucky, which he bought in 1915. Here he established his first office and built factories inside the sprawling farm. At the time there were no roads linking the town proper to Daliao, and reaching the poblacion was mainly by horseback. Apparently buoyed by the positive results from his initial venture, he expanded his holdings by purchasing another Burchfield firm, the Davao Mercantile Corporation, aside from get-

“I

do come home at Christmas,” Charles Dickens – the man who wrote A Christmas Carol – once said.

“We all do, or we all should. We all come home, or ought to come home, for a short holiday – the longer, the better – from the great boarding school where we are forever working at our arithmetical slates, to take, and give a rest.”

But what do you tell your children about Christmas? What do you understand about Christmas? Is Christmas all about giving and receiving presents? Or is it about Christmas trees and Santa Claus?

Why am I asking those questions? Well, I received an email from a friend. I am not sure if he wrote it or the story was forwarded to him, but it made me ponder: What is the true meaning of Christmas? Please read the story below before answering the question: Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

“What are you doing?” I inquired. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement: “Teach the children…”

VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Davao’s thrive in Ecuador

VANTAGE POINTS

9

ting positions FAST BACKWARD in other firms where the Japanese corporate capitals he had gathered were invested.

Departing from Ohta’s concept of developing virgin forests into Antonio V. Figueroa abaca farms, Furukawa concentrated his acquisitions mainly on American plantations and companies, including subsidiaries sold for a profit by their owners who were decided to return home to the U.S. Because of sufficient capital and his growing reputation as an astute investor, he had little problem gobbling up numerous corporate interests in Davao. Over a short period, Furukawa nearly approximated the plantation holdings of the Ohta company during its heyday.

By 1918, with Japanese population surpassing the 10,000 mark, the number of Japanese-managed agribusinesses operating in town reached seven, encouraged in part by the lease of government lands by many private companies. Since the cultivation of Japanese-owned abaca plantations brought about lucrative production, Davao would later be called Dabao-kuo, after Manchu-kuo, the state established by the Japanese colonists in northern China.”

The economic gains achieved by the Japanese in Davao afforded them the chance to branch out to other investments, including large-scale import-export and merchandising concerns. Aside from abaca production and processing, deep-sea fishing was another significant area that would later be placed under their control. Japanese imagination, industry and perseverance helped transform Davao into a bustling and prosperous region. This was visible with the sprouting of Japanese corporate names like Mitsui Bushan Kaisha, Ltd. and the Osaka Boeki, Inc., which were organized to supply Filipino and Japanese needs at prices relatively cheaper than in Manila, Cebu, or Iloilo.

Although the Japanese were the minority, half of the taxes collected in Davao were paid

by Japanese. Because of their numerous interests, they employed around 14,000 local workers that made the formidable Japanese investment machinery operational.

It is a little known fact that Furukawa is acknowledged as the father of the abaca industry of Ecuador. As early as 1930, with abaca experience from Davao coming in handy, he started testing hemp seedlings for cultivation in South America using samples of strains originating from the Philippines. This was confirmed by a 1953 U.S. research showing that the planting materials, mostly the Tangongon variety that were first brought to Panama before these were exported to Ecuador came from Davao. In fact, six rhizomes that were traced from a Philippine coconut variety were discovered in the seedlings.

Commercial production of Ecuadorean hemp, though, did not start until 1965. In Furukawa’s plantations adjacent to Santo Domingo de los Colorados, a fourth of the 20,000 hectares set aside for abaca were owned by and planted with seedlings the Japanese investor provided. Compared to its Philippine counterpart, the Ecuadorean hemp, except for the benign nematode, is not susceptible to abaca mosaic, and the location of the plantations is storm-free.

Furukawa also introduced a five-point scale “that incorporates the quality of cleaning location of the fiber in the plant, and its texture and color.” Another added factor that helped South American plantations is the lack of government intervention. Fiber transactions are made based on commitments, an arrangement that is hugely different from the Philippines where control of hemp in terms of quality, pest control, and planting technology is handled by the Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA).

Despite Furukawa’s early introduction of abaca in South America, the stability of the Ecuadorean hemp, like the Davao experience, is dependent on world market prices. Although he focused his energy in South America after the war, the more than 1,000 hectares of hemp estate he left behind in Bago Oshiro have since been apportioned by squatters. Only 80 hectares are left in government hands and are now home to a state-run research laboratory established for detecting hemp diseases, and a nursery that cultivates different varieties of abaca.

I was puzzled. What did THINK ON THESE! Santa Claus mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. Henrylito D. Tacio As I stood be- henrytacio@gmail.com wildered, Santa said again, “Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas, the meaning that modern Christmas has forgotten.”

Santa Claus then reached in his bag and pulled out a fir tree and placed it before the mantle. He explained, “Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man’s thoughts turning toward heaven.”

The Father Christmas again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant star. “Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago,” he said. “God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.”

Then Santa Claus reached into his bag once more and pulled out a candle. “Teach

the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness,” he said.

Once again Santa Claus reached into his bag and removed a wreath and placed it on the tree. “Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love,” he said.

“Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.”

Santa Claus then pulled from his bag an ornament of himself. “Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December,” he pointed out.

He then brought out a holly leaf and then explained, “Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.” Next Santa Claus pulled from his bag a gift and said, “Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son.” (Please read John 3:16.)

Santa Claus then reached in his bag and pulled out a candy cane and hung it on the tree. “Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds’ crook,” he said.

“The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keeper.”

Father Christmas reached in again and

pulled out an angel: “Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.”

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a bell. “Teach the children,” he said, “that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.”

Santa Claus looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He reminded, “Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our Lord, our God.” This reminds me of the words of Frank McKibben. “This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols,” he wrote. “But the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift – the Christ.”

To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of an author: “Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display-so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn’t the holly, it isn’t the snow.

It isn’t the tree not the firelight’s glow. It’s the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.”

Merry Christmas!

The true meaning of Christmas

EDGEDAVAO

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE Law enforcement Asia’s top CHR advocate nets P1.4-B at SSS VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

E

MPLOYERS who disregard their obligations with the Social Security System (SSS) can expect criminal and civil legal actions against them following the directive from the new SSS management to intensify the agency’s enforcement of their compliance with the law.

SSS Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Counsel Voltaire P. Agas noted that SSS has initiated legal actions such as issuance of demand letters and filing of cases against over 34,000 delinquent employers since 2010, bringing in almost P1.4 billion in collections to date.

“We will not hesitate to go after and file cases against those discovered to be violators of the Social Security (SS) Act, such as non- and under-reporting of employees, as well as non- and under-remittance of contributions. For the past several years, SSS has been actively going after delinquent employers, and we will continue to strengthen our campaign to ensure that companies obey the law,” he said.

The efforts of SSS also resulted in a total of 41 employer convictions since 2010, with a corresponding collectible delinquency of P61.66 million.

SSS plans to further intensify its campaign to bring down employer delinquency using the full strength of the law under the current administration.

Agas emphasized the need for the pension fund to maximize the powers provided by the SS Act so that it can increase its contribution collections to enable the fund to grant higher pensions and benefits.

Under the law, employers who fail to report workers for SSS coverage and remit

employees’ monthly contributions will be punished with a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, imprisonment of six years up to 12 years, or both based on the discretion of the court. Employers with delinquent employee contributions are also charged a monthly penalty of three percent until the overdue SSS premiums are fully paid.

“Employers who deduct SSS payments from their workers’ salaries but fail to remit these to the SSS are likewise guilty of committing the crime of estafa, which is also punishable by imprisonment under the Revised Penal Code,” Agas said.

Under the SS Act, private companies are required to report new workers for SSS coverage within 30 days from the start of employment and remit the proper amount of contributions – including the employer and employee share -- to SSS every month.

“We will craft policies and improve our monitoring systems to ensure that employers faithfully comply with their SSS obligations. May this serve as a stern warning to all erring employers to start changing their ways and start doing things right,” Agas said.

He also urged employees to take an active role in asserting their right to social security protection by reporting to any SSS branch their employers who neglect to report them for SSS coverage, underreport their salaries resulting in lower contribution payments, or fail to remit their contributions on time.

“Every private company, regardless of its size, should fully comply with the SSS obligations provided by the SS Act. It is the mandate of the law and everybody has to follow,” Agas said.

GSIS pensioners to receive Christmas cash gift Dec. 16

S

TATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System was set to release the yearly Christmas cash gift to a total of 281,000 old-age and disability pensioners starting December 16.

According to GSIS Officer-in-Charge and Senior Vice President for NCR Operations Atty Nora Malubay-Saludares, a total of PHP2.67 billion has been earmarked for this benefit.

Pensioners whose 2015 Christmas cash gift is above PHP10,000 will be granted an amount equivalent to onemonth current pension up to a maximum of PHP12,600.

While, pensioners whose 2015 Christmas cash gift is PHP10,000 and below will be granted an amount equivalent to one-month current pension up to a maximum of PHP10,000.

Those who resumed their regular monthly pension after

December 31, 2015 (after the five-year guaranteed period) will be granted an amount equivalent to one month current pension up to a maximum of PHP10,000.

Pensioners living abroad and those in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao who are on suspended status as of 31 December 2016 are also eligible to receive this benefit provided they activate their status not later than 30 April 2017. They will receive their cash gift not later than 31 May 2017.

Survivorship and dependent pensioners, and retirees who received in advance their guaranteed pensions in the form of lump sum and who are still within the guaranteed pension and are resuming their regular monthly pension after 31 December 2016 are not entitled to receive the cash gift.

Also ineligible to receive

FGSIS, 13

A

BOITIZ Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) was recognized for its excellence and outstanding contribution to corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the recent Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2016.

AEV was named as one of three “Top CSR Advocates in Asia” (under the Sustainability category) at the ACES 2016 awards ceremony held last November 17 at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. This award, which recognizes successful companies and individuals in Asia across leadership and CSR, is presented to companies that lead various CSR initiatives integrated into its policies and operations, and have a high level of employee and top management involvement in the programs.

“The CSR initiative’s focus areas include community engagement, environment, and social empowerment. Ultimately, the top CSR advocates are companies with genuine interest in the well-being of all of its stakeholders,” ACES said.

“As we continue on our growth journey, keeping focused on making a difference in the lives of the communities that we serve, we will continue to embed sustain-

ability and CSR as a core part of our business strategy, while always making the right long term decisions that balance the interests of people, planet and profit,” said Erramon I. Aboitiz, AEV President and Chief Executive Officer.

AEV implements various CSR interventions—especially in communities where Aboitiz communities operate—through its social development arm, the Aboitiz Foundation. Established in 1988, the Aboitiz Foundation focuses its efforts on education, enterprise development, environment, and health and well-being, which all form part of its BetterWorld campaign that in turn strongly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Another major CSR effort of AEV is WeatherPhilippines Foundation, Inc., which provides the country with a premier weather sensing and forecasting system made possible by technology, inclusive partnerships, and engagement. Founded in 2012 by the Aboitiz Foundation, UnionBank, and Meteogroup, it delivers free, more localized, and accurate weather information accessed through weather.com.ph and WeatherPhilippines free mo-

ABOITIZ EQUITY VENTURES IS TOP CSR ADVOCATE. Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) was recently named as one of Asia’s Top CSR Advocates at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES) 2016. Malou L. Marasigan, AEV VP for Reputation Management (center), received the award on behalf of the company. She was joined onstage by Dr. JayanthiDesan (left) and ShanggariBalakrishnan, MORS Group CEO. bile application. WeatherPhilippines complements government’s nationwide efforts on disaster risk reduction, and aims to help build a #WeatherWiser Nation. To date,

WeatherPhilippines has already deployed 780 automated weather stations nationwide and trained more than a thousand public and private sector partners on weather.

· San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp-Cebu Beverage Packaging Plant · Maynilad Water Services, Inc.La Mesa Treatment Plan 2 · Hawaiian-Philippine Company · ON Semiconductor Philippines, Inc.- Carmona Plant · SM City North Edsa-Annex · Asurion-Techlog Center Philippines · B/E Aerospace BV-Philippine Branch · Glorietta 4 · Centrio Mall · Central Azucarera Don Pedro, Inc. · Canon Business Machines (Philippines) Inc. · CitiCenter Condominium Corporation · Marco Polo Ortigas Hotel · SMC Yamamura Fuso Molds Corporation

· Ibiden Philippines Inc. · San Miguel Brewery, Inc-Davao Brewery · Manila Water Company, IncSiruna Pumping Station · Greenbelt 4

DOE lauds recipients of awards for energy efficiency and conservation

S

ECRETARY Alfonso G. Cusi today extended his congratulations and awarded outstanding establishments and energy managers who have undertaken or who were responsible for conducting energy efficiency and conservation programs resulting to considerable savings in their energy consumption.

“The entire Department of Energy family congratulates and holds in the highest esteem the recipients of this year’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards.

They collectively represent the ideal standard of excellence that we want society to uphold, and that we want others to emulate and replicate in the fast-evolving field of energy efficiency and conservation (EEC),” Cusi said in his remarks.

“The other candidates and participants themselves are likewise deserving of praise for the equally commendable effort they have put in this endeavor. All is not lost for them because of the actual tangible benefits they have reaped for their organizations, as well as the altruistic feeling of having contributed to the common good and the triumph of the higher cause of e‎ nvironmental preservation.”

“Regardless of the results, all of you should be extolled as worthy examples and inspiration for the rest of your respective communities.

Cusi emphasized that “The success of this event proves not just the importance of our social objective, but more so the growing awareness and interest of members of society and their ability and willingness to join the movement.”

Organized by the Department of Energy as one of its activities in celebration of National Energy Consciousness Week every

December, this year’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards held at the Passion Restaurant, Maxims Hotel, Pasay City recognizes the private sector’s effort to promote and to implement energy conservation.

The 2016 Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards were given to the following establishments: · Central Azucarera Don Pedro, Inc. · CitiCenter Condominium Corporation · SMC Yamamura Fuso Molds Corporation · San Miguel Yamamura Packaging CorporationCanlubang PET & Caps Plant · Hawaiian-Philippine Company · San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation-San Fernando Beverage Packaging Plant · San Miguel Brewery, Inc.Mandaue Brewery · San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation-Manila Plastic Plant · SM Cyber Makati One · TriNoma Mall · IBM Philippines, Inc.-Building J UP AyalaLand Technohub · Greenbelt 5 · DOLE Philippines-Calumpang Operations · San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation-Metal Closure and Lithography Plan San Fernando · San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation-Cebu Glass Plant · DOLE Philippines, Inc.Polomolok Cannery Complex · Pavilion Mall-Binan · Nestle Philippines, Inc.Cabuyao, Laguna · ON Semiconductor SSMP Philippines Corporation · Shell Shared Service (Asia) B.V · BPI-Philam Life Makati

Citation Awards were given for the following establishments: · Coca-cola FEMSA PhilippinesCanlubang Plant · One Evotech · IBM Philippines, Inc.-Building E UP Ayalaland Technohub · Manila Water Company, Inc.Kingsville Pumping Station · San Miguel Yamamura Asia Corporation · The District Imus Mall · Glorietta 5

Special awards were given to: · Citibank Square Condominium Corporation · Coca-cola FEMSA PhilippinesBacolod Plant · Manila Water Company, Inc.San Juan Pumping Station · Vishay (Phils.). Inc · Glorietta 1 BPO · SM Cyber Makati Two · San Miguel Brewery, Inc.-Polo Brewery · SM Corporate Offices · Eagle Cement Corporation

Association of Southeast Asian Nation Energy Awards 2016 were given to the following establishments: · Holcim Philippines, Inc.Bulacan Plant · AGC Flat Glass Philippines, Inc. · 6750 Office Towers · North Triangle Depot Commercial Corporation (TriNoma) · Holcim Philippines, Inc.-La Union Plant · SM Corporate Offices · One Evotech Building · SM City General Santos · Net Lima · SM City North EDSA · Robinsons Place Palawan · SM City Baguio · Market! Market! · Tower 1 and Exchange Plaza

“The challenge is upon us, the DOE, to propagate with tireless vigor the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program‎.

Let us do this by continuing and broadening the base of this annual tradition, and cascading proactively to the public not only the results and achievements, but the current best practices and other relevant information about EEC,” Cusi expressed.

“The biggest savings will be gained when we shall all soon be united in purpose and act out of sincere effort, regardless of any material rewards or recognition.”

“The 2016 Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards aims to encourage various establishments to reduce their energy consumption without sacrificing their business productivity,” Cusi concluded.

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Marco Polo Davao shines at 18 THE MARCO POLO DAVAO CELEBRATED A MILESTONE LAST DECEMBER 6 as it marked its 18 years of providing Dabawenyos and travellers visiting Durianburg, five-star accommodations and service.

With the theme “Shining at 18”, the event was attended by Davao’s consular corp, officers and members of Hijos de Davao, Marco Polo Davao’s VIPs, Halifax Hotel Davao’s board of directors Cynthia Dominguez, Rosie Alcantara-Dominguez and Francis R. Ledesma, as well as officers from Marco Polo Hotels, led by its president Jennifer Cronin.

The chic affair started with lavish cocktails while guests waited for the Grand Ballroom to be finally revealed. Once inside the lavishly decorated ballroom, the feasting continued with a spread of delicious treats created by Marco Polo Davao’s executive chef Alex Destriza and his team.

In her opening remarks Marco Polo Davao’s general manager Dottie Würgler-Cronin said “Today marks a milestone in the history of our beloved hotel. As we are one in celebrating this very special occasion, I stand here before you very proud to belong to this wonderful family, the dynamic team of the Marco Polo Davao.

18 years of serving Filipinos gives us enough reason to come together and celebrate our existence as Mindanao’s first and only premier hotel. I would like to pay tribute to the very people who stood with us and patronized Marco Polo Davao through all these 18 years.”

“I distinctly remember our message during the soft opening on December 17, 1998—that we have merely set the stage for the real stars who are our associates.

We have many pleasant memories since then even as we faced setbacks and challenges in our search for excellence. Thank you all for giving us the pleasure of serving you the ‘Marco Polo Way;’ and we look forward to our journey ahead,” said Halifax Davao Hotel, Inc. president Francis R. Ledesma in his inspirational message.

The highlight of the evening was the jewellery fashion show featuring the fantastic creations of top Philippine jewellery designer Ann Ong and modelled by Manila and Davao’s socialites.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 One doesn’t even have to be at the beach to go mermaiding.

Pools can be a fun alternative for a change. Photo by RJ Lumawag.

10 ways to spot a real life mermaid SOMETIMES, we need to be told things that are obvious to others but not to ourselves.

There are times that we love to do something and because of what we do, there tends to be attention drawn and we shy away from this.

I’m talking about mermaiding. It’s actually a thing. It used to just acceptable for children but lately, even as adults, mermaid dreams can come true.

The first time I took out my mermaid fins for a saltwater swim was around in 2014 in Isla Jardin in Gumasa, Sarangani.

Photo by RJ Lumawag.

I bet there a lot other mermaids out there, and they just need to get their tails out and swim. With my utmost desire to make life simpler, I came up with eight ways (based on experience) to know if you were born to be a mermaid or if you know anyone who is actually a mermaid in real life.

1. You love the water. A lot. Even if you don’t really know how to swim or when you start panicking when the water suddenly gets cold, you still can’t be away from the water for too long.

2. When you do go swimming even if it’s just in the pool, you imagine that you’re a mermaid but you don’t tell anybody that. *Dives, swim like a mermaid, repeat* Sounds familiar?

3. You’re afraid of deep water but you jump in anyway. Why? Because mermaids are brave even when they don’t think they are.

4. Getting sunburn is the least of your worries.

In fact, you don’t care if you get burnt or forgot to wear sunscreen. Maybe, you don’t wear sunscreen at all! High five! But you know, we should at one point in our lives (more on this soon).

5. You spend hours surfing the internet for merspiration. From clothes to journals and bouts of mermaid tail window shopping even though that customized tail is going to cost $$$ (but you still do it anyway).

6. Whenever somebody asks you what you want for your birthday or Christmas you ask for a mermaid tail or fins… or a surfboard (okay maybe this is just for me *winks*).

7. You soon find your bathing suit full of trash - you’re the automatic garbage collector when you’re in the sea or by the beach. Even if it’s not ‘your’ trash, you pick it up because you care.

8. There were more times that you wished you were a mermaid (like Ariel) more than you wanted to be Barbie.

9. You own a lot of mermaid-inspired items from clothes to accessories… or even have a tattoo of one!

10. Your hair resembles a real mermaid’s whether you’ve had beach waves or ombre or fancy colorful highlights. A mermaid always has perfect hair whether they know it or not.

I hope I didn’t miss out anything but if I did, you can let me know by sending me a message through my site at www.millennialmermaid.com

Even without the fins, you can spot a mermaid easily, just look for those who love to play with the waves. This was taken in Mahican’s shore.

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Big 8 Embarks on the Yuletide Season

TRAVEL

BIG 8 CORPORATE HOTEL, the leading establishment that provides a refreshing place for guests and visitors in Tagum City, officially marked the holiday season this year with the lighting of its Christmas Tree last December 6, 2016.

The tree represents what the Nativity season is all about: a classic red, green and gold decorated with colorful lights. It is mounted at the main carport of the building to welcome the guests with the joyful season of love and giving.

The recent lighting is the hotel’s commitment to keep the tradition which started last year.

Roxan Obregon, the hotel’s general manager, formally opened the program and later joined business partners, local government officials and guests in the countdown to light the Christmas Tree.

Tagum City National High School’s “Conexus Harmonia Chorale” provided the excitement of the

crowd with its repertoire of Christmas carols. The same choir is the champion in the Festival of Talents 2016, Division and Regional levels. It was also a regional qualifier for NAMCYA in 2014, first runner up in the Musikahan sa Tagum also in 2014. Last year, it was the official choir group of a famous mall in Tagum.

Shortly after the Christmas Tree was lit, the guests happily toured the Christ-

mas Bazaar which also commenced on the same day at the covered parking of the hotel. DavNor Divas welcomed the visitors with their extra-ordinary talents in singing and in comic acts and spiels. To cap-off the night, staffs and employees had a Zumba session at the main carport of the hotel.

Indeed, the most wonderful time of the year has certainly arrived in the midst of Big 8 Corporate Hotel.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

Advertise with

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

Tel No. 082.221.3601/224.1413 Email: edgedavao@gmail.com marketing@edgedavao.net

VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

City... FROM 1

to Dayanghirang, is a group of people who sees the calculations of the tax in the city.

“We will work with TRAC team in parallel to have a consensus with the assessments,”

Dayanghirang said, adding that they will be submitting the calculations on the assessments of the tax revenue collection by January or February 2017.

ogies,” stressed the assistant regional director as she added that a portion will proceed to the intellectual property rights of the technology developers.

The Technology Transfer Day is organized by the DOST Region XI in collaboration with Technology Application and Promotion Institute, Science

and Technology Information Institute, MindaDOST, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), and Mindanao Business Council (MinBC).

Around 500 participants consist of investors, stakeholders and LGUs from across the island region are expected.

His escorts, SPO1 Jonathan La Forteza, managed to return fire but missed the suspect who fled on board a motorbike driven by a companion.

Army Corporal Ruel Dordas was not around during the attack.

“I talked to him the other

day, he told me he has been receiving death threats from still unidentified group,” Supiter said.

“I appealed to anyone who has the information on the identification and whereabouts of the suspects,” Supiter said.

(PNA)

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Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Case No. 2013-XI-00061 GEMMA A. EDUAVE, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: CALINAN and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on November 14, 2016.

In the petition filed on November 11, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 9, 2017 at 09:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-InCharge, this 14th day of November 2016 at Davao City.

MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a TH FREIGHT TRUCK Service.

Case No. 2011-XI-01043 R & S CARGO CORPORATION, Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY and from said place to any point in the Island of MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on October 3, 2017. In the petition filed on November 22, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 17, 2017 at 09:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/OfficerIn-Charge, this 23rd day of November 2016 at Davao City.

MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

HAVE FUN WILL PLAY. High School students spend their lunch break playing at the playground of Magsaysay Park in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr. Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Petition for Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS Service.

Case No.2011-XI-01020 (12-0802)

ROGER C. PABILONA, Petitioner

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of an AIRCONDITIONED UV EXPRESS service on the route: DAVAO CITY-MANGAGOY (BISLIG CITY) AND VICE VERSA with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on May 10, 2017. In the petition filed on November 22, 2016, petitioner request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized.

NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on JANUARY 17, 2017 at 09:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/OfficerIn-Charge, this 23rd day of November 2016 at Davao City.

MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

Senate to investigate delayed text messages

S

ENATOR Nancy Binay on Monday urged the Senate to probe the recently reported delay in the delivery of text messages between Smart and Globe mobile subscribers.

Under Senate Resolution No. 246 Binay cited complaints posted online by Smart mobile subscribers about the

delays in sending and receiving text messages which they experienced on Dec 3.

Smart Communications, Inc., in an advisory, explained that delays were caused by technical difficulties in the receiving network.

Globe Telecom explained that it was coordinating with the other network to resolve

the issue.

While Smart clarified in its next advisory that the delays were resolved later that night, Binay said that it was still imperative that the Senate meet with the concerned telecom companies and government agencies to discuss how the issue will be prevented in the future. (PNA)

Luna town mayor Jaime Plaza Rusillon.

They arrived at Siargao Island on Sunday at the Sayak Airport in Del Carmen town.

The 12 candidates were accompanied by Miss Universe officials, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and former Governor Chavit Singson.

The Miss Universe candidates include Miss Malaysia Kiran Jassal; Miss Philippines Maxine Medina; Miss Indonesia Kezia Roslin Cikita Warouw; Miss Vietnam Ngo Tra My; Miss Japan Sari Na-

kazawa; Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Htun; Miss Australia Caris Trivil; Miss Thailand Chalita Suansane; Miss USA Deshauna Barber; Miss China Li Zhenying; Miss Korea Jenny Kim; and Miss New Zealand Tania Dawson.

The candidates explored some of the key tourist sites in the island particularly at the Cloud 9 Surfing site in General Luna town.

They were also welcomed by leading resorts in the island to include the Siargao Bleu, Dedon Island and Isla Cabana.

Singson chartered the flight of the participating Miss Universe candidates from Manila to Siargao’s Sayak airport.

He was accompanied by Tourism undersecretary Frederick Alegre.

The staging of the photo-shoot session of the 12 candidates was made possible through the support of House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez.

The Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Mall of Asia in Manila on January 30, 2017.

in a three-cornered fight won

by Azel Mangudadatu.

Supiter said Dumrique acquired two security escorts because of persistent threats to his life. However, it was not known where the threats came come from and if these were politically motivated.

Dumrique’s security escorts were SPO1 Jonathan La Forteza of Lambayong police and Corporal Ruel Dordas of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Only La Forteza was present when the attack occurred.

He fired back but failed to hit the gunman who fled with an

accomplice aboard a single motorcycle.

The Army escort had gone home some two hours before the shooting.

Police were still investigating the incident. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

people, especially as education is among the 10-point agenda of the City Government.”

Chief Information Officer Jefry Tupas said Davao City is the only contender for the 2016 Special Award of Excellence in Literacy during an assessment of its programs by NLCC. Tupas said the assessment included an examination of the continued implementation of the programs on literacy and their impact on the public.

In the assessment earlier this year, Tupas said, Sr. Rose-

anne Malilin, chair of NLCC Board of Judges, noted that the service excellence award is the topmost honor singly recommended for contenders who have been bestowed the Hall of Fame Award.

Tupas said Davao City is the only qualified city in the Philippines in the past 10 years. It has been implementing education programs in urban and rural communities -- benefiting lumads, Muslims, children, mothers, persons with disabilities, children of prostituted women, and the

youth, Tupas added.

According to Tupas, the validated sites were the Samahan ng may Iba’t-ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw in Los Amigos, Bahay Pag-asa, Children’s Village Davao City, the Davao City Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Drug Dependents (DCTRCDD) in Bago Oshiro, the Ray of Hope inside the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology compound, Public Security and Safety Command Center, Central 911, and the Davao Healthy Lifestyle Programs.

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Financing... FROM 6 with a total capitalization of US$100 billion.

Its member countries include Australia; China; South Korea; United Kingdom; the ASEAN countries of the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam; and European states such as Austria, France, Germany, and Italy; Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa.

Out of the 57 members, 37 are from Asia , and 20 are non-regional members.

The AIIB became operational on Jan. 17, 2016. To date, the Board of Directors of the Bank has approved six infrastructure projects totaling to US$829 Million.

According to Dominguez, the Duterte administration needs at least P8 trillion to

close the infrastructure gap over the next six years.

“AIIB can contribute in closing the country’s infrastructure gap for the next six (6) years, which is estimated at P8 trillion. The funding that we can tap from AIIB will support the infrastructure priorities under the Duterte Administration’s 10-Point Socio-Economic Agenda,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said an initial list of 18 big-ticket items worth P427.5 billion combined have already been approved by the NEDA for this unparalleled infrastructure buildup.

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

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All unredeemed items pawned during the month of July 2016,if not redeemed/renewed on November 30, 2016 will be put on Auction Sale December 1, 2016 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan Hulyo 2016,kung dili malukat sa Nobyembre 30, 2016 isubasta sa bulan sa Disyembre 1, 2016 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St., Davao City: Km. 13 Panacan 252 San Pedro St., Boulevard 167 San Pedro St., Buhangin G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada Cabantian 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao Cabaguio 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., 2nd Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, Gaisano Grand Mall of Toril Davao del Norte G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Ave., Norte Centerpoint Plaza Matina Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Fronting San Pedro College Tagum City Guerrero St., Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.,Agdao Tagum City NCCC Mall Matina Davao del Sur Saavedra St., Toril Gaisano Grand Mall of Kidapawan

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Cardinal... FROM 7 Malo died from exhaustion in his march as a captive in 1954, Father Dubroux was killed in 1959, and Father Galan in 1968.

According to an account of the disappearance of Denis, cited in the liturgical text for the beatification published in the OMI website, the 17 were martyred during the Indochina war “The vast expanse of his area was alternately crossed by government or revolutionary troops without one or the other able to impose their law. Depending on the ebb and flow of each, you could come across an ambush, or be caught in a skirmish or a shootout. Depending on the direction in which you were traveling, you could be accused of treason or espionage, and all this amid the looting, burnings, and denunciations, which led to bloody repression and vengeance. It is in this climate that the missionaries moved about every day, with the quiet conviction of doing their duty in an ordinary world,” wrote F. Marcel Vignalet-Verges, MEP in “In memory of Father Marcel Denis, missionary in Laos,

who disappeared in 1961.”

The account said Denis was in Thakhek when he learned that the village of Phon Sa-at, some 30 kilometers away, “was threatened by the Viêts who had already taken the entire eastern part of his sector.”

“He had left his catechist Unla and his family there. He decided that he needed to go cover for them and take responsibility for all the complaints that the revolutionaries were surely going to make against the head of the small Christian community. He was fully aware of the risks and knew that he would be treated as an enemy of the people, a servant of imperialism, a spy of colonialism and other similar crimes. He knew how little concern the Viêts had for human rights, for the dignity or the lives of those who were not on their side. Yet he went to parry the blows and divert to himself the charges he foresaw.”

Unla last saw Denis leave Phon Sa-at “at the wheel of his jeep, surrounded by his jailers who could not drive.” (MindaNews)

the cash gift are pensioners under Republic Act 7699 (Portability Law) as well as pensioners receiving pro-rata pension.

Retirees from 2012 to 2016 and members who were separated from the service from 2006 to 2016 before reaching age 60 who started

receiving their regular monthly pension in 2012- 2016 will be entitled to the benefit five years after regularly receiving their pension.

Questions on the grant of cash gift may be directed to the GSIS Contact Center at 8474747. (PNA)

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Sepulveda named new DOJ prosecutor general

D

EPARTMENT of Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has announced that Davao Assistant City Prosecutor Victor Sepulvida will be Prosecutor General of National Prosecution Office, replacing Makati City Chief Prosecutor Jorge Galvez Catalan Jr. as officer-in-charge of NPS until January 5.

Sepulvida, a law graduate of Ateneo De Davao University, served as a government prosecutor for 29 years.

Justice Undersecretary Erickson Balmes said Catalan will be back as chief of Makati City Prosecutor since he has assumed as

officer-in charge replacing Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, who filed a leave after being appointed as head of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Earlier, Aguirre ordered the transfer to provincial posts of two top prosecutors of the DOJ – Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva and Miguel Gudio Jr. In separate department orders, he designated Villanueva as acting provincial prosecutor of Guimaras and Guido as acting provincial prosecutor of Compostela Valley.

(PNA)

uel Ocon, a World Vision Program Officer based in North Cotabato.

Aside from providing leadership opportunities, World Vision aims to nurture the values of our children and they would appreciate their spiritual journey together with their families.

World Vision has designed age-appropriate modules that can be facilitated by a church worker, youth, children, and community volunteers who

have the heart to nurture the spiritual well being of their target constituents.

“We aspire to reach out to 118,000 children and youth, 4500 families, 300 churches and faith based organizations, and 120 schools in the entire country for the next 5 years, who will become agents in nation-building,”said Erber Fe Tirado-Arro, the World Vision Program Manager for South-Central Mindanao.

(PIA-12)

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EDGEDAVAO

14 BIGGER PICTURE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Ending violence against women

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO “At least one in five women has been physically or sexually abused by a man at some time in her life.” – World Health Organization

I

N one of the most popular movies of Robin Padilla, the actor said: “Ang babae, minamahal ‘yan, hindi sinasaktan.” (A woman is to be loved and not to be hurt.)

But the reality is: women are still being miffed, abused (sexually and verbally), abandoned, exploited and battered. Feminists, health volunteers and social workers call it violence against women (VAW).

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (199 3) defines VAW as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

In the Philippines, Republic Act 9262, more popularly known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children, was passed in 2004.

It broadened the definition of abuse to include physical, emotional and economic harm. It also made violence by an intimate partner (anyone with whom a woman has a sexual relationship) a public crime, and made it possible for anyone – not just the victim – to file a case against a perpetrator.

Intimate partner violence refers to “behavior in an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors.”

Sexual violence is “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting.” It includes “rape, defined as the physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration of the vulva or anus with a penis, other body part or object.”

Every year, the world commemorates the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW; this year, it starts on November 25 and will end on December 12.

In a press statement, Senator Loren Legarda – who

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authored various laws on the protection of women, said that the responsibility to end VAW does not only lie with the government but also with everyone in the community, starting with the family.

“We all have significant women in our lives—mother, wife, sister, daughter, or even a close friend. We all have to support this cause if only to ensure that the women in our lives would not be helpless, discriminated, or abused and would have the strength to fight for their rights. We can only stop VAW through our collective efforts,” the senator pointed out.

In Davao City, the office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched the commemoration at the People’s Park the advocacy “Orange Your Icon,” with the theme, “Violent-free community starts with me.”

In a speech delivered before a group of people who attended the launching, tourism official Eden Josephine David said: “DOT, being the lead in hospitality industry, ensures that respect for women and children’s rights is upheld and more importantly laws for equality of gender is observed.”

But what is alarming is that the Integrated Gender and Development Division of the Mayor’s Office is receiving five cases of VAW each day. According to officer-in-charge Lorna Mandin, about 980 cases had been recorded in the first semester of this year alone. The figure was higher compared to 600 cases posted in the same semester last year.

In 2011, the regional division office of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) singled out Davao City as having “the most number of victims of violence against women in all age brackets” in Davao region.

Quoting data from the Philippine National Police Region Regional Command XI, NSCB said VAW cases such as rape, physical assault, acts of lasciviousness in the city, increased from 2009 to 2010.

In 2010 the reported cases of VAW increased by 46.5% mostly in terms of RA 9262.

When combined with rape cases, the reported cases of 48.6% increased by 84.5%.

“These increases may be attributed to: either

more women are being raped; physically, sexually, psychologically harmed or economically abused in Davao City or more Davaoeñas are willing to come out and report on the gender based abuses committed against them,” the NSCB surmised.

VAW is happening not only in Davao City but in most parts of the country as well. The 2013 National Demographic and Health Survey showed that one in five women has experienced physical violence since age 15. Some 6% have experienced sexual violence.

About 30% of women sought assistance after being physically or sexually abused while 4% experienced violence while pregnant.

The same survey showed that one-fourth of ever-married women experienced emotional, physical or sexual violence from their husbands.

One in every 10 women is frequently accused by their husbands of being unfaithful.

Two in every 3 ever-married women got abused by their alcoholic husband.

But adult women are not the only ones who experienced violence; girls under 18 are not spared. In 2014, the division of the Department of Social Welfare and Development that handled child abuse cases recorded 3,168 girls who experienced abuse. Some 131 of them were babies under 12

months.

About 1,149 girls were abandoned and neglected.

On the other hand, 1,157 girls were sexually abused. At least 448 cases involved incest.

The Department of Health doesn’t consider VAW as just a crime but also a gross violation of human rights. “It does not affect women’s physical and reproductive health, but especially their mental and emotional state,” the health department explained. “VAW limits human development and curbs their capacity to participate in social development.”

The London-based Panos reported that VAW causes more death and disability among women aged 15 to 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or even war. “Women are more at risk from their husbands, fathers, neighbors, or colleagues than they are from strangers,” it pinpointed.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), only 3 of 10 women sought help to stop the violence.

“Many victims of abuses choose not to report these incidents due to lack of awareness about their legal rights. We have diligently toiled to enact pieces of legislation to protect the rights of women and promote their welfare. The greater challenge is to effectively implement these laws and ed-

ucate women on their rights.

Women around the country should be aware that they are sufficiently protected under various laws,” Legarda said.

Aside from RA 9262, there are other Philippine laws that protect women’s rights. These include: Anti-Discrimination Against Women Act (RA 6725), Women in Development and Nation Building Act (RA 7192), Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act (RA 8505), Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208)

and its expanded version (RA 10364).

Although many Filipinos are now aware of VAW, there are still cases that go unreported. The reason: these people believe violence against women is accepted. “There is too much tolerance of violence in our culture,” explains Tet Balay-on, the knowledge management officer of Women’s Crisis Center. “Men think it is part of being a man, women think it is part of being in a relationship.” (All photos were taken from the net)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 210 • TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

Go torches 38, tows CMO to 3rd C

ITY Mayors Office edged Police Regional Office 11, 83-77, to clinch third place in the 2016 AFP-PNP Basketball Tournament on Friday at the Davao City Recreation Center Almendras Gym.

Sec. Christopher “Bong” Go capped his season performance with a bang, leading the City Hall dribblers in scoring and setting up its plays.

The sweet-shooting special assistant to Pres. Rodrigo

Duterte and PMS chief fired 38 points on a great display of shooting prowess.

He nailed ten baskets from behind the arc to remain the most deadshot from that range in the entire league.

tricks’ transition.

On Friday, 31 athletes from 15 countries battled for 16 slots of to the quarterfinals.

Three players represented the Philippines but only Gertsson made it to the top 16.

In the quarterfinals, two players battled in every four-minute set. Each o f

after beating the Japanese champ.

However, even as Ahmadreza carried the momentum after beating the champ, Kamatsuka outperformed the Iranian, who committed some mistake in the semifinal showdown.

Gertsson, who won his first championship in 2014, beat Indonesian Ardhi Andyadi in their semifinal showdown.

In the battle for third, Andyadi outperformed Ahmadreza.

This year’s judges were ace freestyle footballers: Norwegian Erlend Fagerli, a runner up in the 2015 Red Bull Street Style World Championship Polish Syzmon Skalski, the 2013 Red Bull Street Style champion; and Argentinian Carlos Iacono, the 2016 Red Bull Street Style

John Lamparas paced with 11 points for the PRO which drew substantial contribution from several players.

Kristopher Sabsal made nine points as four others led by spot-up shooter Rommel

Cameros made eight points apiece.

JR De Guzman chipped in 13 points as Rodel Bantilan had 11 for CMO.

Fil-Norwegian bags Asian Freestyle title F

ILIPINO-NORWEGIAN Phillip Warren Gertsson captured his second freestyle football crown during the 4th edition of the Asian Freestyle Football Championships at SM Lanang Premiere here on Saturday, December 10.

The 25-year old Gertsson beat Yo Kamatsuka of Japan in the final battle.

K a t suyama showed some blazing tricks but Gertsson was smooth and perfect in h i s

them was given 30 seconds to per-

form one after the other.

In the semifinals Iranian Ahamdreza Falsafi dethroned the 2015 champion Kosuke Takahashi in the showdown.

Falsafi broke down in tears as he lay down on the floor

BALL SKILLS. Filipino-Norwegian Phillip Warren Gertsson shows his skills during the final round of the Asian Freestyle Footbal Championship 2016 at the SM Lanang Premiere in Davao City on Saturday, December 10. Gertsson won the event.

Mindanews Photo

Wo r l d Champion.

T h i s year’s Asian Freestyle Football Championships was organized by Maharlika Sports. It is the first time that the country hosted this international event.

Philippine Azkals’ stars Misagh Bahadoran, Simone Rota and Dabawenyo Amani Aguinaldo were also present in the championship round. (MindaNews)

WINNERS. Gertsson is surrounded by Ardhi Andyadi of Indonesia (3rd) and Yo Kamatsuka of Japan (2nd). Athena JIllian Bravo photo

MODEST... FROM 16 de Davao University players took the gold over Indonesia’s Sulsel, sweeping the competition undefeated in four games and averaging a whopping over 50-point margin against the competition.

The team is composed of Joshua R. Aguilon, Harry D. Dumagan, Mark Brian Francisco, Michael Jay L. Gonzaga, Christian Junior Y. Gonzales, Kenneth John Gudes, Bernard R. Gutierrez II, James Clarn T. Linares, Lean Vincent H. Martel, Harold John G. Nebria, Jhayston D. Oquias, John Patrick J. Quidato, Christian Ivan Jaive D. San Diego, Loid Prince B. Unson, and Joromeo Yap. Assistant coaches are Adel Gino Paulo C. Nobleza and Juan Carlo O. Salvador.

Diana Mae R. Memoracion won silver in the women’s 1,500-meter run and added another bronze in the 3,000 meters. She later anchored the women’s 4x400 meter relay team to the silver to become the delegation’s most bemedalled athlete.

HUDDLE. Members of the men’s basketball team of PhilippinesMinndanao huddle around coach Ice Gravador during a timeout. CIO

The women’s quartet are also composed of Joanna Marie L. Agudo, Jollymae P. Gabaisen, and Suzette A. Jumawan.

The men’s quarter also duplicated the feat of their women counterparts after the team of Agustin Y. Anciano Jr., Briely Jay A. Briz, Fritz Clarence B. Lantaco, and Jezreel A. Medel won silver in the men’s race.

The women’s beach volleyball team of Samantha Dizon of Ateneo de Davao University and Kween Marie Dawang of Holy Cross of Davao College arlier won a silver. The men’s team of Jan Ashley Jacob of the University of Mindanao and Rex Paller of Jose Maria College won bronze in the men’s side.

The other medalists in athletics are Sailormon R. Arnaiz in men’s discus throw (bronze), Irish G. Marquez in women’s discus throw (bronze) and javelin throw (bronze).

Joanna Marie L. Agudo took the bronze in the women’s 400 meters.

The athletics squad is

coached by veterans Emilio A. Lacanaria Jr. and Harrish M. Ratag.

In men’s tennis, John Jeric M. Accion settled for the bronze meda while the men’s Sepak Takraw Regu and doubles teams also finished bronze.

The seak takraw team is composed of Paul C. Abenojar, Bryan P. Borras, Jayrix Fel S. Cabero, Jundy T. Puton, Dominic James P. Sagosoy, Nomar B. Sencio, and Alion L. Ypon.

Coaching the team are Grendel P. Ilogon and Nilda T. Sebellino.

The biennial games is the sporting side of the multi-economy cooperation among East Asean growth areas Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The delegation’s participation is funded by the city government of Davao thru Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, and the Philippine Sports Commission thru Chairman William Ramirez and Commissioner incharge Charles Maxey.

INJURED. A trackster from Philippines-Mindanao is attended to by a member of the medical team during the 9th BIMP EAGA Games in Samarina, Indonesia. CIO

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. VOL.99ISSUE ISSUE210 210••TUESDAY, TUESDAY,DECEMBER DECEMBER13, 13,2016 2016

MODEST BOUNTY PHL-Mindanao ends BIMP-EAGA Games campaign with 15 medals

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO MINDANAO ATHLETES. Members of the PhilippinesMindanao delegation take a pose after the close of the 9th BIMP EAGA Games in Samarinda City, Indonesia.

T

njb@edgedavao.net

HEY left with modest hopes and will return with a modest bounty.

The Philippines-Mindanao delegation composed of athletes from Davao City ended its

campaign in the 9th BIMP-EAGA Games with fifteen medals in its basket in the East Kalimatan city of Samarinda in Indonesia.

The lean 55-man delega-

tion culled from various Davao colleges had only a solitary gold to show but it came from the sport closest to its heart— basketball. The Dabawenyos also added 4 silvers and 10

bronzes.

The men’s basketball team coached by Isaias Gravador and commposed of Holy Cross of Davao College and Ateneo

FMODEST, 15