Edge Davao 9 Issue 223 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BUSY DAYS. Workers of Naty’s Lechon House in Davao City faced the demanding tasks of cooking ordered roasted pork by customers yesterday. Lechon houses in the city will have their hands full as orders are piling up for the upcoming New Year’s celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

P11-MILLION FINANCIAL AID Davao City dads OK assistance to areas devastated by typhoon Nina By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS and F. PEARL A. GAJUNERA

HE 18th City Council of Davao City approved on Thursday during an emergency session the P11million financial assistance for the victims of Typhoon Nina in Luzon provinces. The emergency session was presided over by Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte through the request of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to immediately send financial assistance to the victims of typhoon Nina. Mayor Sara also expressed sympathy for the victims of the typhoon. “Davao City is no stranger

to calamities, and we understand the distress that the victims of Typhoon Nina are going through this time,” she said in a statement. The P11-million assistance will be divided to Camarines Sur with P7.47 million, Albay, P1.3 million, Catanduanes P1.06 million and Calapan City in Mindoro Province with P1.165 million. The city council said the budget for the assistance will come from the remaining P18.614 million calamity fund of the city. The remaining P7.614

million of the calamity funds will be allocated for any disaster related incident in the city for the next remaining days of 2016. Mayor Sara also mentioned that the City Government of Davao prepared the amount of P11 million from the available disaster funds of the city, as financial aid to areas affected by the typhoon. The city council approved the mayor’s request to use funds from the city’s fivepercent Calamity Fund, of which, P18.614 million remains.

Of the P11 million, Camarines Sur will get P7.47 million, Albay will get P1.3 million, Catanduanes will get P1.06 million and Calapan City in Mindoro will get P1.165 million. The remaining P7.614 million in the city’s Calamity Fund would be reserved for any disaster-related incident for 2016. The financial assistance will be turned over by the City’s Central Communication and Emergency Response Center Chief, Emmanuel

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No overnight stay for Ms U Davao tour

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

EPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo revealed on Thursday that security is still an issue to the candidates who will join the Davao tour on January 19. “Fly in, fly out,” stressed

Teo in an interview at the year-end party sponsored by the tourism secretary last Thursday at Marco Polo Hotel Davao. She added that the ladies will only spend a day in the

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EDGEDAVAO Sports REBOUND FIGHT

Donaire to get crack on Valdez P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

FINANCIAL AID. The City Council of Davao led by Vice Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte approved the P11 million financial assistance of the city government of Davao to typhoon Nina victims during yesterday’s special session as requested by Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Lean Daval Jr.

6 hurt as IED explodes in North Cotabato

IX persons were hurt when an improvised explosive device intended for an electric post went off at 10 p.m. Wednesday night, authorities said. Colonel Edgar delos Reyes, commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, said the suspected IED went off beside the national highway in Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan and injured six persons on board a 10-wheeler truck. The truck happened to be passing by when the IED was set off. It also damaged an electric post of the North Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco).

Jessie Enid of the North Cotabato provincial government health affairs identified the victims as Amerol Musa Tantos, Hanep Alipa Ayon,Yahya Kasan, Pahmi Daya Diamla, Johary Amerol and Salman Tahir. Following the incident, police checkpoints were put up to ensure safety of motorists and commuters. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but the area is a known area of operation of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) blamed for a series of roadside bombing against government forces in North Cotabato and Maguindanao. (PNA)

General lauds Dabawenyos’ high awareness on terror threat

ASK Force Davao has responded to clear more than 70 unattended baggage since it tightened the security of the city in the aftermath of the September 2 explosion that ripped through the Roxas night market. Brig. General Gilbert Gapay, assistant commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command and chief of the Task Force Haribon, said the awareness level among residents is now high considering that they actually report to authorities baggage left unattended to ensure the safety of themselves and their surroundings.

He explained that the primary mission of the TF Haribon is to deter any terror act. “There must be no repeat of the September 2 explosion in the city,” Gapay said. He said the security of the city must be enhanced knowing that it hosts several national and international activities. Gapay said that as one of the proactive measures, the security sector also monitors the movement of terror groups and conducts preemptive strike on terror groups before they can actualize their plans. “As much as possible, we

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Security officer shot dead in Tagum City By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

MEMBER of City Government of Tagum’s Security Management Office (SMO) was shot and killed outside Tagum’s old city hall on Thursday. The victim was identified as Ronnie Pascia, a resident of Barangay Madaum. Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) Andrea dela

Cerna told Edge Davao in an interview that the victim was at his post at the old City Hall along Rizal Street when shot at around 5 am by still an unidentified assailant. “May nakapagsabi na witness na bumalik yung victim sa kanyang post to after ng break niya sa isang kalapit na bakery nung pinatay siya,”

dela Cerna said, adding that Pascia suffered from gunshot wounds in different parts of the body and was declared dead on arrival at Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum. “It was figured out that Pascia was involved in a shooting incident last 2015 at the new City Hall complex in

Apokon wherein one person was killed, pero nilipat lang siya sa another post instead na finilean siya ng kaso” dela Cerna said. Dela Cerna added that the incident came 12 hours after unidentified shooters also killed an individual named Richard Aranquez at Tagum City public market.

Rajamuda and his relatives Kineg and Bobby and the group of Sultan Medalya Tidong alias “Commanders Tanda,” Naki Laguib alias “Commander Paron,” Palao and Tahir. Antao said in a radio interview that at least 15 have been killed in the sporadic skirmishes that started on December 23. Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr, speaking for police in Central Mindanao, said the raging conflict erupted when the group of Ali Rajamuda, Kineg and Boboy and their followers attacked the villages of Tinimbacan, Pantar and Poblacion 1, known to be bailiwick of “Commanders Tanda” and “Paron,” triggering on and off gun battles that lasted until today, December

28.

Evacuees told reporters that seven of the fatalities were from the group of Rajamuda and 10 from the group of Commander Tanda. But police could not confirm the fatality figure as families on both sides bury the dead immediately. “We are still confirming the report, we have not seen dead bodies,” Galgo said. Acting North Cotabato Governor Shirlyn Macasarte has asked Board Member Antao, a Muslim lawmaker, to intervene and ask warring families to disengage. “That December 8 incident of ambush against Chairperson Mantitayan caused this latest armed conflict,” Antao said. The latest skirmishes

Clan wars displace 600 families in North Cotabato

HE clan war that erupted between leaders of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the upland town of Banisilan, North Cotabato has displaced more than 600 families, officials said today. Senior Inspector Jojie Barutas, Banisilan town police chief, said the displaced families came from at least six villages where Moro clans figured in a bloody firefight starting December 23. Provincial and municipal officials are trying to defuse the tension which, according to evacuees, have already claimed the lives of at least 15 persons from both sides. Board Member Kelly Antao said involved in the “rido” (family feud) are the heavily armed groups of Ali

Galgo said the attack on Friday and the succeeding skirmishes was in retaliation to the ambush on a convoy of vehicles of Panantaon Mantitayan, village chair of Barangay Busaon, last December 8 that left Alenor Mantitayan and two others dead. Alenor is the son of chairperson Mantitayan. The forces of Mantitayan and Rajamuda have joined in fighting the group of Commander Tanda who they suspect was behind the Dec. 8 ambush. Since Dec. 23, intermittent clashes between the warring groups, all belonging to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been going on, sending about 168 families from six villages of Banisilan.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

Typhoon Nina aftermath:

DOE to restore power in Catanduanes by 2nd week of January

NERGY Department Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella said the department is targeting to energize the province of Catanduanes by the second week of January, after Typhoon Nina wreaked havoc on the Bicol region. ”We plan to restore power in the whole of Catanduanes within two weeks,” Fuentebella said during a press conference Wednesday. The official said the department was also targeting to restore power in Virac, Catanduanes by

Wednesday. He pointed out that 34 towers were toppled by the typhoon, while one linemen died due to his lack of proper gear for the repair activities. Fuentebella said the department has been tasked to ensure the safety of the linemen. The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines earlier said it has deployed 500 linemen to restore electricity in the Bicol region. The provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon still do not have electricity. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Sandigan convicts ex-Davao Oriental town mayor on medicine fraud T HE Office of the O m b u d s m a n (Ombudsman) has secured the conviction of former Baganga, Davao Oriental Mayor Gerry Morales in connection with the procurement of 11,000 pieces of Mebendazole tablets worth P196,900 in 2001. In a 21-page ruling of the Sandiganbayan, Morales, along with former municipal officials Emeritos

Jovilla, Francisco Jimenez and Reymundo Escamillan were found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or “the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.” They were sentenced to suffer six years to 10 years’ imprisonment with the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office. Morales, et al. were also

ordered to indemnify the government the amount of P196,900 as civil liability. Ombudsman prosecutors have proven during trial that the accused connived with each other and acted with evident bad faith in procuring 110 boxes of de-worming tablets under the guise of an emergency purchase to circumvent the law on competitive public bidding. The supporting

documents for the said transaction were highly questionable as they lacked signatures with the sales invoice issued before the purchase order. The inconsistent averments of the accused have also pinned them down. The Sandiganbayan said that “[t]heir inconsistencies lead this Court to believe that they attempted to circumvent

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Leyte, NorCot bombings shouldn’t be cause for alarm -- Palace

ALACANANG on Thursday said the public has no reason to be alarmed despite two explosions that rocked Leyte and North Cotabato last Wednesday night. “It’s an area of concern but not alarming,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press briefing in Malacanang. The Leyte bombing happened at around 9 p.m. at the plaza of Hilongos town while about 500 people are watching an amateur boxing match as part of the town fiesta activities. It injured 34 people. An hour later, another improvised explosive device (IED) went off beside the

national highway in Barangay Bagangan in Aleosan, North Cotabato, injuring six persons on board a 10-wheeler truck. Asked why people should not be alarmed, Abella said there are no groups who made actual claims of the bombings. “So we cannot pinpoint any specific area or person responsible,” he said. Leyte police provincial director Supt. Franco Simborio believed that the Leyte bombing could be an act of retaliation from an arrested drug suspect. The Palace official also downplayed speculations that the two bombings might lead to the declaration of martial law by President Rodrigo

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YULETIDE MESSAGE. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 11 director Efren Elbanbuena delivered his Christmas message during the agency’s annual party at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 11 office on Wednesday night. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO

CHANCE MEETING. Presidential Communication Secretary Martin Andanar together with National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) senior adviser Luis Jalandoni and NDFP peace panel member Connie Ledesma showed their respective fist gestures while having their photo taken in a chance encounter at F. Bangoy International Airport in

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

Davao City on Wednesday. While President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s and the NDFP’s clenched fist gesture may vary, both shared the same call for change and solidarity. KING RODRIGUEZ/ Presidential Photo

105.75-M Filipinos PNP urges public to cooperate by end of 2017 against indiscriminate firing T

HE Philippine population will continue to increase in 2017 and is projected to reach 105,758,850 by December 31, 2017, based on projections made by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) using data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Included in the projection are 27,293,422 women of reproductive age (aged 15-49). These women are usually the beneficiaries of Reproductive Health services under the

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law. Adolescent girls 10-19 years old will also increase to 10,080,824 next year. Based on the most recent data from the PSA (2014), it is expected that over 200,000 adolescent girls will give birth in 2017. The figures for women of reproductive age and adolescent girls continue to be the highest numbers on record. This trend is expected to continue up to 2022 when

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Chinese Embassy officials affirm support to help construct rehab facilities

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that the Chinese government through its embassy office in Manila has affirmed its commitment to help the Philippine national government’s drug rehabilitation efforts. DILG Undersecretary for Operations John Castriciones, designated focal person for the inter-agency task force, and concurrent chairman of the Task Force Agila created by DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno, said a lean delegation from the Chinese Embassy visited his office last week and personally reiterated the Chinese government’s assurance to help in the rehabilitation drive. “They were represented by

Charge d’ Affaires He Xiangqi and also by the National Police Attache’ Fu Yunfei of the People’s Republic of China. They informed us that they are very much interested to donate a facility for drug rehabilitation,” Castriciones said. The DILG Undersecretary said a previous agreement has been entered and signed between the Chinese Minister of Commerce and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, when the two met in China. “They will be sending over a delegation in order to have an ocular inspection of the possible areas where they can build the rehabilitation facility which they will finance,” he said.

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HE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday renewed its call for public cooperation in the campaign against indiscriminate firing, especially during the New Year revelry. PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa appealed to the public and to fellow PNP personnel not to use guns in welcoming the New Year due to threats to life and property. Dela Rosa thus coined two more Commandments against indiscriminate firing. These are the following:

-- 11th Commandment: “Thou shall not fire thy guns indiscriminately as it may hit, kill and injure thy neighbor”, and -- 12th Commandment: “If thy neighbor fires his gun indiscriminately, though shall make sure to take photos and videos to be reported to the PNP and uploaded.” The PNP urged the public to cooperate with the police by reporting any incident of indiscriminate firing of guns or use of prohibited firecrackers. By using mobile phones, the public can document gun holders who will fire their

weapons indiscriminately and immediately provide authorities of such information so that the police can quickly act on the violation. They can report to the police through nationwide emergency hotline 911 or through PNP social media accounts, @pnphotline for twitter or thru the official account of Philippine National Police in facebook and assures speedy response to any complaints. Likewise, Dela Rosa reminded all police commanders of the operational guidelines and

procedures to be undertaken in maintaining order, law enforcement, and in providing public safety services during the Yuletide season especially on New Year’s eve. The PNP chief reiterated earlier orders for enhanced security operations before, during and after the observance of the traditional Yuletide Holiday Season as expected to cause influx of people in shopping mall, churches, transport terminals and other public places. The operational guidelines for “Ligtas Paskuhan 2016”

HE Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) on Wednesday launched a manhunt for Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino and Chinese national Yan Yi Shou alias Randy after a Manila court issued a warrant for their arrest. PNP-AIDG Deputy Director for Operations Senior Supt. Benjamin Acorda said they sent the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) a letter and a copy of the warrant to ask for cooperation between the two agencies. “We have now the copy of warrant of arrest and it’s

our duty and obligation to follow and implement that order of the court. As of now, we are coordinating with the Philippine Navy and hopefully, iyung (the) arm of the law ay ma-implement kaagad(will be implemented immediately),” Acorda said. The Philippine Navy is Marcelino’s mother unit. He also used to be an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). As of Wednesday evening, the PNP-AIDG has not received any “surrender feeler” from Marcelino or any statement that he is willing to turn himself in. “Mas maganda isuko

na lang ng AFP para mas maganda tingnan (It would be better if the AFP gives him up, that would look better),” Acorda said. However, Acorda said that they see the issuance of the warrant as a welcome development because it shows that authorities are willing to prosecute even those serving in government. “It goes to show that iyung effort ng ating operatives doesn’t go to waste. Kahit noong una ay nagkaroon ng setback seemingly pinakawalan si Marcelino, and then eventually through effort ng legal natin in coordination with PDEA ay

nag pursue naman ang kaso,” Acorda said. Marcelino and Yan were arrested last Jan. 21 in a townhouse in Sta. Cruz, Manila dubbed as a “shabu laboratory” by the PDEA and PNP-AIDG. Authorities seized 76 kilos of shabu worth P383 million during the operation. Marcelino claimed that he was in the area for a separate anti-drug operation. His counsel, Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Rueda-Acosta also said no illicit drugs were recovered from Marcelino. Marcelino was freed last June after posting bail. (PNA)

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PNP-AIDG launches manhunt for Marcelino T

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Agri damage due to‘Nina’hits P4-B T

HE Philippine agriculture sector has initially incurred P4 billion (USD80 million) worth of damage due to typhoon Nock-ten, locally named Nina, which battered northern part of the country, the Department of Agriculture said Wednesday. According to the department, reports from its regional offices showed that 65,247 hectares of agricultural areas with an estimated volume of production loss of 268,355 metric tons were affected in Regions IV-A (Calabarzon) and V (Bicol). The commodities, which were mostly affected, were rice, corn and other high value crops, and fisheries.

The department said its personnel on the ground are continuously undergoing field validation as to the extent of damage in agriculture and fisheries. In another statement on Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved an initial allocation of P500 million (USD10.06 million) to rehabilitate the agriculture and fisheries in the areas affected. Nock-ten, which battered the Luzon Island on Christmas Day and caused at least six dead and 19 others missing, left the Philippines before midnight on Tuesday. (PNA/ Xinhua)

28-day TDF ends 2016 auction undersubscribed

HE 28-day term deposit facility (TDF) has ended this year’s auction undersubscribed while bids for seven-day facility remain strong. The short-term TDF offered at P30 billion has tendered a total bid of P37.82 billion on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) auction Wednesday. Average accepted yield for the seven-day facility was at 3.0441 percent with bid coverage ratio at 1.2602. The auction of the P150billion 28-day TDF resulted to bids amounting to P111.03 billion. The central bank awarded

P110.17 billion for the longterm facility. Weighted average accepted yield for the said facility was at 3.4646 percent with bid coverage ratio of 0.7402. Meanwhile, the BSP maintained the volume of 28day and seven-day facilities for next year’s auction. Data released by the central bank indicate P180 billion worth of TDF are set for auction on Jan.4, 2017, of which P30 billion will be shortterm facility and P150 billion will be long-term facility. The same figures will be up for auction on Jan.11, 2017. (PNA)

PH earns P10.54 billion in seafood trade in Dubai

HE government’s efforts to introduce Philippine seafood in a bigger market is paying off, generating about P10.54 billion (USD211.3 million) in a recent seafood sourcing event in the Middle East. The Department of Agriculture through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has facilitated the participation of eight Philippine seafood companies in SEAFEX 2016 in Dubai World Trade Center, UAE. SEAFEX is the largest gathering of seafood buyers from top-tier and mainstream companies in the lucrative MEASA region. This year, the seafood show brought together F&B professionals and businesses from different importing countries such as UAE, Lebanon, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Iraq, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, China, Morocco, KSA, Ukraine, and Norway among others. The participating exhibitors from the Philippines were Fisherfarms Inc., RGE Agridev Corp.,

Seaworld Commercial Trading Corp., Mega Fishing Corp., Philfresh Corp., PhilUnion Frozen Foods, Inc., Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corp., and Jam Seafoods, Inc. Except for RGE Agridev Corp. which only entertained inquiries for its canned crab meat, the seafood companies recorded an aggregate of P10,496,019,212.00 (USD210.5 million) sales under negotiation. Nuevo Fresco also closed a total of P41.7 million (USD835,200) booked sales for its fresh tuna products. Among the Philippine commodities that won big in the expo were shrimp, milkfish, canned tuna, canned sardines, varieties of fresh frozen tuna, value added seafood products, and live species such as lobsters and groupers. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol congratulated the team that worked diligently for Philippines’ involvement in the trading event.

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NIGHT VIEW. Photo shows a night view of new high-rise buildings in Davao City that tower over the downtown area along C.M. Recto Avenue. Construction boom in the city is expected to continue its upswing trend in the incoming year due to President Duterte’s appeal to big domestic and foreign investors. Lean Daval Jr.

House panel Oks ‘One Town, One Product’ bill By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

EFORE adjourning for the holidays, the Congress has recently approved two proposals seeking to create and strengthen partnerships with several civil society organizations (CSOs), local government units (LGUs), and business enterprises to develop local competitive products and services. Approved by the committee are the proposed House Bill (HB) 1615 by Representatives Delphine Gan Lee and Orestes Salon and HB 1166 or “People’s Participation in Industry Cluster-Based Programs and Projects Act” authored by Representative Ma. Lourdes Acosta-Alba of Bukidnon’s 1st District. When enacted into two new laws, the measure would ensure the continuity the “One-Town, One-Product” (OTOP), a priority program of the government that promotes entrepreneurship and creates

jobs. OTOP was inspired by Japan’s “One Village, One Product” which was replicated in other countries. Each city and local chief executives, under the plan, would take the lead in identifying, developing, and promoting an individual product or service. Acosta-Alba, author of HB 1166, said she is hopeful the bill will be passed into law by the 17th Congress since it failed to hurdle the Senate in the previous Congress although the House approved it on third and final reading. “The proposal in its current form already that includes the inputs of government agencies and outputs of technical working groups (TWGs), and regular meetings were already conducted during the 16th Congress,” she emphasized. Salon for his part mentioned that a counterpart bill has been filed in the

Senate by Senator Joel Villanueva and is pending before the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship. According to Salon, the OTOP was designed for rural and regional development and considered as one of the government’s Anti-Poverty Programs and Projects (APP). “However, OTOP was short-lived due to lack of funding,” said Salon. To recall, OTP was adopted in 2004 through Executive Order No. 176 series of 2003 to encourage the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and stimulate economic activity at the local level, and create jobs in the countryside. However, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) stopped the OTOP funding in 2011, and the Aquino administration continued the program. To ensure the continuity of

OTOP, members of the current Congress proposed that geographically neighboring LGUs integrate their local production forces such as workforce, materials, money, machine, and methods. Such set up is in agreement with the 1987 Constitution’s Article Ten, Section 13 which states that “LGUs may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them by law.” An Industry Cluster Management Board (ICMB) must be established, under the emerging version of the House proposal wherein the ICMB must be composed of local chief executives of member-LGUs, and both DTI and Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG) provincial directors. Representatives from authorized CSOs and businesses operating in

a response to public clamor to extend the period of exchange. NDS notes were launched in 1985 which features the old BSP logo with eight denominations such as P5.00, P10, P20, P50, P100, P200, P500, and P1,000. NGC notes were released in 2010, featuring the new BSP logo and have six denominations: P20, P50, P100, P200, P500, and P1,000. “So this extra three months basically is an opportunity, the last opportunity, to exchange those new design currencies for new generation currencies,”

Espenilla said. “We take this opportunity to remind our authorized banks to fulfill the responsibility and accept those New Design Series currencies,” he added. He said authorized agent banks should accept exchange of old banknotes to new banknotes even if the person transacting is not a depositor. Meanwhile, BSP Managing Director for Regional Monetary Affairs Sub-Sector Iluminada Sicat said 2.4 percent or some P23.3 billion of the original value of the old banknotes are

still in circulation. In terms of volume, 8.9 percent of the total volume released or some 295.7 million of NDS notes are circulating. Most of the NDS that are still circulating have low denominations. Since the start of the year, the old banknote series were no longer accepted for daily transactions. By April 1, 2017, NDS notes are demonetized or will no longer have value, in which only the NGC notes will remain as legal tender in the country. (PNA)

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BSP extends period to exchange old banknotes

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced on Wednesday that the Monetary Board (MB) decided to extend the period to exchange old banknotes in authorized agent banks of the BSP until March 31, 2017 from its initial deadline of Dec. 31, 2016. In a briefing Wednesday, BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said the MB’s decision to give a 90-day extension to exchange old banknotes series or the New Design Series (NDS) for New Generation Currency (NGC) is

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DA starts bidding out 2017 programs, projects

TOURISM CITED. Tourism secretary Wanda Teo imparted her message of appreciation to local tourism stakeholders and members of the media during the Department of Tourism year end gathering held at The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

DA 11 wants to boost rice production in 2017

HE regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) rolled out the bidding process for its 2017 programs and projects involving infrastructure and farm machineries. This was revealed by DA11 Regional Director Ricardo Onate, who said they have started the bidding even if the projects will be implemented by January. Onate said DA has a total budget of P1.418 billion in 2017 that would cover various programs and projects, namely: the rice program rice with P249.258 million allocation; corn program with P124.663 million; high value crops development program with P383.403 million; livestock program with P82,311 million; organic agriculture program with P15.666 million; and farm to market development program with P260 million. DA’s regular

program has P302.864 million allocation. Onate said the budget for 2017 is lesser than what was allocated in 2016 because projects under the BottomUp-Budgeting was already given to the local government units while projects under Pamana will now be implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). The budget in 2016 was at P1.468 billion, he said. “There is already a change in the process of implementation where we will start rolling out the projects at the beginning of the year,” he said. He said their target is to put on the ground all projects by the first quarter of next year with an absorptive capacity of 70 percent. Onate said that 50 percent of the budget is for the acquisition of equipment and machineries. (PNA)

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

ESPITE being hailed as “2nd highest in rice yield performance for 2016” with an average production of 4.6 metric tons per hectare, the Department of Agriculture Region XI will not settle for less. During the Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall Davao on Wednesday, DA-XI OIC Regional Director Ricardo M. Oñarte said that since the area for rice crop growing could not be expanded, the next move of their office is to increase rice production in the region. Oñarte explained that if the country’s average annual yield is 3.9 metric tons nationwide, Davao del Sur province alone has already surpassed that level. “Yung gusto ni Secretary Piñol (Secretary Manny

Piñol) is to increase yung ating average yield to 6 tons,” said Oñarte. The regional director pointed out that the level of production could be increased by also increasing the level of mechanization. In a previous report by Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMec), an attached agency of DA, they have stated that rice mechanization is now being utilized by farmer organizations free of charge since the beginning of the Duterte administration. With the mechanization, Oñarte stressed that the postharvest cost of the farmers will be trimmed down as well as the time spent for the process. On the matter of inducing the technology to the farmers

DTI keeps focus on MSMEs amid changes in leadership in 2016

HE Department of Trade and Industry, despite a change in leadership, continues to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). When former Secretary Gregory L. Domingo stepped down at end-2015, he was succeeded by his thenundersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. who vowed to go “full speed ahead” on programs particularly for MSMEs and trade promotions and negotiations until the last day of the Aquino administration. When the Duterte administration took office, President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s appointed DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez -- an advocate of entrepreneurship, as he was the executive director of Go Negosyo -- also stressed the need to focus and further strengthen the support for MSMEs nationwide.

Ease of doing business DTI aims to hasten the process for business registration and renewal to promote entrepreneurial activities and encourage businesses to be in the formal sector. In line with the first directive of President Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address to make government transactions efficient, DTI has initiated to streamline business permits and licensing system (BPLS). The DTI, along with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), issued a Joint Memorandum Circular in August directing all local government units (LGUs) to use unified form with only two signatories -- the

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who still practice traditional farming, the regional director said the agency will be conducting a series of trainings starting January 2017. For 2016, DA-XI reported that the agency has funded P109.7 million for the infrastructure and farm machineries. In a data given by DA, under the rice mechanization program, Region XI has received a total of 499 rice production equipment within 2013 to 2016 comprised of 16 rice transplanters, 175 hand tractors, 206 floating tillers, 13 farm tractors, and 89 rice drum seeders. For the rice post-harvest, Davao region received a total of 387 equipment consist of 60 ricehull carbonizers,

63 collapsible dryers, 19 recirculating dryers with biomass furnace, 11 mobile agri-wastes shredders, 190 mobile rice threshers, 6 multi-crop threshers/ huskers/ shellers, 17 combine harvesters, and 21 rice reapers. In a previous interview with PhilMec executive director Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia (Scientist III), he said that the total budget for the country’s rice program in 2016 was P150 million where P35 million was allocated for rice mechanization. Meanwhile, for 2017, he said that due to the President Duterte’s emphasis on agriculture, there will be an increase on the budget which makes it P200 million where P80 million will be allocated for rice mechanization.

INCREASE IN RICE PRODUCTION. DA-XI OIC Regional Director Ricardo M. Oñarte told reporters on Wednesday of their move to increase rice production in Davao region in 2017. (Alexander D. Lopez)

Prices of round fruits rise in South Cotabato as New Year draws near T

HREE days before 2016 ends, residents here have started the Filipino tradition of keeping round-shaped fruits, resulting in abruptly increasing prices of these agricultural produce, at least in this city. Fruit sellers are almost everywhere now, from the market place to road sides and various places of convergence. “It’s the principle of demand and supply that dictate the prices,” Crezel Parcon, a fruit vendor in Koronadal City’s public market, said. Parcon said a kilo of yellow mango, used by many

to make mango float which is a delicious traditional Filipino dessert, now sells at P120 per kilo, double its former price of P60 per kilo. “Our acquisition price was so high that we only earn P10 per kilo of mango,” Parcon said, admitting she fears customers might shy away from buying the fruit this year. An average-sized guava that normally costs P40 a kilo now costs P70 to P75 while an average-sized apple that used to sell at P30 a piece, now costs P45 to P50. What was appalling was the price of “dragon fruit” that’s imported from China. It now costs P300 per kilo from

about P150 last week. Prices may further go up as the last day of 2016 draws near. “On the 31st of December, prices will even go higher but we expect some vendors to drop the prices by about 5 p.m.,” Parcon said even as she recalled that last year, she ended up break-even in her business. Parcon also admitted that it was a gamble on her part to acquire fruits at higher prices this holiday season, knowing she might not be able to sell them all. She and other fruit vendors here also sell 12 kinds of fruits beautifully arranged in a basket.

Parcon urged the public, especially those who will stick to the tradition of serving 12 kinds of round fruits on the table to welcome the New Year, to buy the ready-made basketful of fruits. “They no longer have to worry where to find what kinds of fruits to prepare,” she added. A ready-made fruit basket now costs about P600 to P700, depending on the kind of fruits it is made of. Many Filipinos still practice the New Year’s Eve tradition of coming up with 12 round fruits, representing each month of the year. Many believe this to

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

7 SUBURBIA

Children’s day in ComVal DavOr’s DREAMS

HRISTMAS is for kids. Indeed a season full of joy as the Provincial Government of Compostela Valley through the Human Resource Management and Development Office initiated the annual Children’s Fun Day last December 21. About 250 children, escorted with their guardians

brought Christmas cheer even louder at the Capitol Lobby in Nabunturan town. As soon as they were registered, gift packs full of sweets and toys were given to them. At the lobby, an inflatable castle where they can jump and bounce was set while a Clown entertained the kids with fun games bringing smile and

laughter to both kids and their parents. “Nalingaw gyud ang akong anak. Karon ra daw nga Christmas nakaapil siya og daghan nga party. Happy jud kaayu si Mikka (her child), labi na ‘tong niabot si Mickey Mouse, pirte jud niyang paningkamot makagakos kay magpapicture gyud lagi siya.”

A mother named “Inday,” 38, from Mawab expresses her gratitude. They were also entertained with magic tricks given by a local magician. Finally, the much-awaited dance finale of Mickey Mouse capped the kids’ party as they excitedly shouted: Miska Muska Mickey Mouse! (Wina Gonzales/IDS ComVal)

CHRISTMAS PACKAGE. A lumad with her child carried her food package for her family as they proceeded to go back home after joining the distribution of gift packages in the first ever Pamaskong Handong for Indigenous Peoples spearheaded by the city government of Tagum last December 22. (Kelvin Palermo/CIO Tagum)

Rescue 166 cited T

HE Davao Oriental Rescuers and Monitoring Stations (DREAMS Rescue 166) based in Mati City was chosen as one of the 9 national awardees in the 2016 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) out of 81 nominees nationwide during the national awarding ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Quezon City on December 13, 2016. DREAMS Rescue 166 was awarded for its significant volunteerism activities and sustained engagement in programs related to rescue and communication services. It has responded to various emergency situations such as typhoons, flashfloods, tsunami threats and manmade events. It has partnered with other nongovernment organizations, as well as local government units in enhancing its capacity to address emergencies and disasters through regular in-house trainings and drills and formulated various plans on hazard prevention, vulnerability/risk assessment, emergency preparedness and recovery & rehabilitation. Likewise, in recognition of their noble acts of volunteerism, (6) Davao Region qualifiers to the Search for Outstanding Volunteers

2016 were honored during the Social Development Committee XI meeting on December 9, 2016 namely: PakiglaUM of the University of Mindanao, for its community programs and services for the disadvantaged individuals of Barangay Magtuod and GK Pueblo Antonio in Catigan, Toril, through its Farmers Entrepreneurial Project; University of the Immaculate Conception – Community Development Service, for its community programs and services, particularly the Immaculate Conception Children’s Program/Child Development Program, Housing Project and Adopt-aSchool Project at the urban and rural areas; San Pedro College – National Service Reserve Corps, for its significant volunteerism activities that widen the scope of student volunteers in the areas of civic welfare, disaster risk reduction and management, environment, health and literacy, through engaging in Community-based Projects, Community Extension Services and various Outreach Programs; Atty. Marlisa A. Gallo, for her dedicated service and involvement in civic organizations, providing

products must be wellcooked to avoid poisoning,” he says. Llacuna warns that when handling or lighting firecrackers, light at outdoors one at a time and don’t hold item while lighting. Never pick up failed firecrackers as this may create delayed explosion, he says. However, Llacuna says that in case of injury, wounds must be immediately washed with clean, running water until visible dirt

and gunpowder residue is removed; put pressure when there is tearing of body part or skin and proceed to the nearest health facility for proper medication. Meanwhile, DOH Caraga, in its December 26 advisory, bared that three firecrackerrelated cases were reported to the department’s Surveillance Unit. The three cases came from the urban areas with piccolo as the type of firecracker used. (NCLM/ PIA-Caraga)

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Region 10 LGUs undergo training DOH Caraga:‘Welcome 2017 in a healthy, harmonious manner’ on contingency planning

N keeping with President Duterte’s orders for local government units (LGUs) and the national agencies to be ready with prepositioning of equipment, assets and supplies in strategic areas for emergencies, the contingency planning training is a means to enhance capacities towards this end. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 10 Director Ana C. Cañeda recalled the TS Sendong experience in the region in December 2011, which illustrates how a severe weather system can bring destruction to lives, livelihoods, and property and to communities. “That experience also showed that we could have prepared well even prevented most of the damages and losses. We learned on hindsight that we could have done better. Five years hence, we now know a lot better,” said director Cañeda during a training of trainors (TOT) spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG regional DRRM focal persons nationwide completed a TOT course on the Contingency Planning Formulation (CPF) with instructors from OCD which capacitated the DILG on hazard-specific, area-focused with window of occurrence planning method to strengthen operational capabilities of the LGUs in response

preparedness to emergency situations in their localities. Cañeda also said OCD is pleased with this development. The DILG, being the vice-chair of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) and leading the coordination of disaster preparedness interventions, is working closely with the LGUs as consistent with Republic Act 10121, known as the Philippine DRRRM Act of 2010. Meanwhile, Cañeda took the opportunity of giving the heads up on the RDRRMC’s important role in the committee on security, peace and order and emergency preparedness and response for the upcoming Philippine hosting of the ASEAN 2017 where two Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) will be held in Cagayan de Oro City in July next year. “Climate change is real and climate change has an impact as far as the Risk Reduction Management activities, projects and programs are concerned,” said DILG 10 Director Arnel M. Agabe during the opening program of the Contingency Planning Training-Workshop held in Cagayan de Oro City on 19-21 December. Thus, Agabe tells that although DRRM Plans already exist, however, there is still a need to enhance and

F REGION 10, 11

“W

ELCOME the year 2017 in a harmonious, peaceful and healthy manner,” a DOH Caraga official says. Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. DOH Caraga regional director has released an advisory encouraging everyone to use other merry-making instruments and/or activities to produce sounds and noise like car horns, ‘torotot’, ‘videoke’, parlor games, drums and other musical instruments in welcoming the

new year. For a healthy celebration, the DOH official advises everyone to consume well-balanced meals with vegetables and fruits on the table and to eat in moderation nutritious foods to sustain daily activities with avoidance of salty and fatty foods. Also, Llacuna says that in order to protect the liver from damage, too much alcohol must be avoided. “Ensure the cleanliness and freshness of the food prepared, meat

RED ORCHID AWARD. Representatives from the towns of Maragusan, New Bataan, Mabini, Compostela, Pantukan and Mawab in Compostela Valley received their Red Orchid Award from the provincial government for being declared by the Department of Health as Malaria Disease Free Zones in the area. (A. Dayao/ IDS ComVal)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Where credit is due

GRICULTURE Secretary Manny Piñol turned emotional when the subject of free irrigation for farmers in the country was raised by a militant farmers group belonging to the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). The KMP article was about the celebratory mood of the farmers over the realization of the “Free Irrigation Policy.” The free irrigation policy was recently implemented by government but the KMP claimed it as an “initial victory” of the Filipino farmers. The secretary cited a self-congratulatory statement made by KMP Secretary General Antonio Flores which goes: “We claim this as an initial victory for farmers. Farmers and irrigators associations have launched a nationwide campaign for free irrigation and formed the Pambansang Ugnayan para sa Libreng Irigasyon at Patubig or PATUBIG to assert free irrigation services.” But Piñol noted that there was never any mention of how government was able to implement “Free Irrigation” for 2017 in the KMP statement, not even a word of thanks for President Rody Duterte whose resolve actually made this farmers’ dream a reality. And so Piñol wanted to set the record straight. He recalled that it was actually in M’lang, North Cotabato in Au-

EDGEDAVAO

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gust of 2014, when then Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte publicly shared his thoughts on “Free Irrigation.” In Duterte’s mind, why ask the farmers to pay for something which is theirs? Let’s set things straight. Yes, water is national patrimony and as such, should be provided free to our farmers. Like the war on drugs, corruption and crime, free irrigation was a commitment Duterte emphasized during the whole Presidential campaign and which he did not forget when he became President. Free irrigation policy did not come easy. First, there was resistance from some members of the government economic team which viewed free irrigation as a “subsidy.” Second, even officials of NIA were adverse to the idea of free irrigation. The government’s efforts in pushing for free irrigation is the realisation of that age-old dream of the Filipino rice farmers. KMP or non-KMP. In the interest of fairness, KMP must give credit where credit is due. Simple as that. 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: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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EDGEDAVAO

HAT do corn, cotton and eggplant have one thing in common? These are some of the crops that scientists have modified by inserting the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) thereby giving them built-in resistance to pests. It was made possible through modern biotechnology, a word coined by Hungarian agricultural economist Karl Erchy by combining the two words, bio (from biology) and technology. The tools used in biotechnology include gene cloning, tissue culture, microbial culture, DNA-marker technology, and genetic engineering. The latter is the most controversial as it is the method used in developing biotech crops or those contained genetically modified organisms (GMOs). “I have always been proud of the fact that because of the commercialization of Bt corn, we have become sufficient in feed corn,” then Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano said in 2015. In another interview, Serrano was quoted as saying: “Do you think the Philippine livestock industry could’ve survived if we did not commercialize Bt corn? The single most important technological development in the Philippines was the widespread adoption of Bt corn because it made us competitive and we are now self-sufficient in feed corn. If we have to import very expensive corn, it would’ve spelled the demise of the livestock industry in this country.” Bt is a common soil bacterium. To date, there are more than 200 types of Bt proteins identified with varying degrees of toxicity to some insects.

TUDYING the genesis of Davao newspaper is an interesting field that has yet to be explored and researched extensively. Especially for students taking Mass Communication and Journalism courses, the study must go beyond Tomas Pinpin, the father of Philippine printing who published in 1637 the country’s first newsletter titled Sucesos Felices (Fortunate Events). Historically, Davao City has produced many engaging publishers and journalists, including broadcasters, who would become political stars in their own right. Names like Davao lawmakers Artemio Loyola, and Jesus Dureza, Davao del Norte governor Verulo C. Boiser, Davao City mayor Zafiro L. Respicio, broadcaster-brothers Alfredo and Antonio Vergara, Davao City councilors Zacarias Solon, Danilo Dayanghirang, and Jesus Zozobrado, and Davao del Sur vice-governor Bienvenida Saceda, to name a few. Founded in 1917, El Eco de Davao (The Voice of Davao)—most likely inspired by El Eco de Vigan, the country’s first provincial newspaper, and other Manila publications bearing the iconic ‘El Eco’ masthead before the American regime--was funded by Spanish lawyer Joaquin Rodriguez, who was appointed de facto Davao governor by Gen. John ‘Blackjack’ Pershing in 1913. It may well be considered as Davao region’s first newspaper in the absence of any contender. (Atty. Rodriguez’s grandson and namesake would later marry Sonja Habana, daughter of Antonio Habana Jr., the son of Capiz congressman Antonio Sr. who was married to the first

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

VANTAGE POINTS

Pink pineapple, anyone? In the past, THINK ON THESE! Bt was cultured by fermentation. In fact, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers around the world. It is said that organic farming has benefited from it Henrylito D. Tacio as it is one of the henrytacio@gmail.com very few insecticides permitted by organic standards. Now, here’s another news. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last December 14 that “it has completed its evaluation of a variety of pineapple genetically engineered by Del Monte Fresh Produce (DMFP).” “There are no unresolved safety or regulatory questions about the pineapple,” FDA said in a press statement of the new variety called pink pineapple. According to some reports, Del Monte has quietly been working on the fruit’s development since 2005. “DMFP’s new pineapple has been genetically engineered to produce lower levels of the enzyme already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene,” the statement explained. Lycopene is the pink pigment that makes tomatoes red and watermelons pink, so it is commonly and safely consumed.

The new species of pineapple has been given the more consumer-friendly name of the “Rose.” According to the FDA, Del Monte will label the new fruit “extra sweet pink flesh pineapple” so that people expecting yellow fruit won’t get confused by new variety. In the Philippines, the state-run Philippine News Agency said the crop science industry welcomed the news with much anticipation. This was an “interesting new development in GM (genetically modified) pineapple,” it said. Mindanao produces nearly 90% of the country’s pineapples, a large part of which comes from Northern Mindanao and Central Mindanao. Northern Mindanao is home to the pineapple farms of Del Monte Philippines, Inc., while Central Mindanao hosts Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil). Dolefil mostly exports pineapple canned goods while Davao region exports fresh pineapple mostly to Japan. Perhaps not too many Filipinos know that pineapple is not a native of the country. It is believed to have originated from Brazil, where tribal peoples have always regarded pineapple highly and have used it as a staple food and as an ingredient in some wines. When early explorers brought the pineapple back to Europe, its sweetness and unusual appearance made the fruit a symbol of royal privilege. Being popular in Europe, the Spaniards (who carved pineapples over doorways) brought the fruit in the Philippines after the latter was rediscovered in 1521. Today, the Philippines, along with Brazil, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa and Puer-

to Rico, are the top producing countries in the world. How pineapple got its name is an interesting story. When he came across pineapple in 1493 on the island of Guadeloupe, Christopher Columbus called it la piña de las Indians (“the pine of the Indies”) because, as he later told Ferdinand and Isabella, they resembled “green pine cones, very sweet and delicious.” The odd name stuck, and pineapples are still called piñas in most Spanish-speaking countries. In fact, the word pineapple originally meant “pine cone” in England. Aside from eaten raw, pineapple is also added to fruit salad, pies, cakes, ice cream, yogurt, punches, and other desserts. Pineapple is an ingredient in most sweet and sour dishes and is used in many savory dishes. Throughout all this history, the pineapple was valued strictly as a table delicacy. All but forgotten were the early explorers’ intriguing observations that Indians had used pineapple poultices to reduce inflammation in wounds and other skin injuries. Then, in 1891 an enzyme called bromelain was isolated from the flesh of the pineapple and was discovered to be proteolytic – that is, it breaks down protein. Hence it is a natural meat tenderizer (the pineapple rings atop a baked ham are not there just for the flavor) and a digestive aid. It can also break down blood clots-proteins are what hold blood platelets together to form clots – and clean away the dead tissue left by burns, abscesses, ulcers, and various kinds of surgery. Bromelain also has proved effective in killing parasites such as worms.

cousin of postFAST BACKWARD war president Manuel Acuña Roxas.) A year later, another newspaper, El Sur (The South) followed suit; this was published by the Davao Pub- Antonio V. Figueroa lishing Co., Inc. in 1918. Year later, another local paper, Maguindanao, was born. Edited by pre-war critic and later Davao governor Celestino Chavez (1922-25), it was the voice of dissent and public outrage. Cesar M. Sotto, who became Commonwealth-era assemblyman (1939-41), took over as second editor. Contrary to claims, Mindanao Times, formerly known as the Davao Times under its Japanese owners, is not the oldest newspaper in Southern Philippines. It adopted its present name only in 1946, five years before Mindanao Mirror, then a weekly, was established by Dean Demetrio Flaviano and wife Anita. The contemporary of these iconic papers was the defunct Mindanao Mail founded by Emilio Abarico, father of the late Davao City press secretary Angelo Abarico. Founded by Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) missionary Gerard Mongeau, the first bishop of Cotabato, the Mindanao Cross came out with its maiden issue on Feb. 6, 1948, mak-

ing it as the oldest Catholic publication in Mindanao. This is far older than The Sentinel, which released its first issue in January 1952 in Manila. On August 23, 1952, The Sentinel came out with its local edition renamed as Davao Sentinel. In 1973, it was independently published as Ang Taboan (The Marketplace) by the archdiocese of Davao and ten years later adopted the new name The Catholic Herald, to highlight its denominational afiliation. Commercially, only early post-war papers Mindanao Times and Mindanao Mirror have survived after their founders had died or ventured into other business. In December 1978, San Pedro Express surfaced as a newsmagazine edited by who’s who in Davao literature but later joined mainstream community papers; it also came out with a short-lived weekly magazine. People’s Daily Forum, meanwhile, started in 1979 as Davao Forum and later evolved as Mindanao Forum before it became a daily publication in 1983. Sun-Star Daily, one of four daily papers in Davao City, started as Ang Peryodiko, then Davao Peryodiko, but was later renamed after a Cebu company took over it. And who would forget the iconic Davao Star and its controversial publisher Jose Santes, a feisty World War II veteran? Briefly, The Fiscalizer created a stir when it came out in February 1990, carrying its much-ballyhooed ‘Sexcapade’ column (which this author created). Fiscal constraints forced itspublisher, Jesus Pauliño, to shift from daily tabloid to weekly, then later to monthly. In Au-

gust 1993, the Mindanao Gazette, published by Ben Diansay, was launched as daily but, again, funding issues hounded it along the years, forcing it to publish weekly with hugely decreased circulation. Other community papers and magazines that entered the competitive world of newspaper publishing are Edge Davao (published by Antonio Ajero), Southern Post (Pablito Salinas), Mindanao Post (Elena Baron), Prime (Salvador del Rosario), Southern Philippines Chronicle (Pat Tubat), Mindanao Journal (Serafin Ledesma), Mindanao Business Reporter (Angelo Abarico), Barangay Balita (City Government of Davao) Mindanao Free Press (Isidro Sandoval), Fourth Estate News ( Jose Pascual), and Mindanao Punch (Bong Saberon). Moreover, the list of newspapers also includes Star Superbalita (sister publication of Sun-Star Davao), Mindanao Standard (Dorita Flaviano), Mindanao Today (Senforiano Alterado), Davao Tribune (Cesar Villamor), Mindanao Pulse (Elmer Yaun), Trends and Time (Dennis Denora), Pacific Tribune (Tagum City), and Mati Tribune (Mati City). And who can forget the now-online publications such as Durian Post (Roger Balanza), Mindanao Insider (Virgilio Bermudez), and internet newcomer Davao Today (Webworks Multimedia ventures, Inc.)? The local magazine landscape has also seen the rise of hometown publications like Pag-asa (Carol Arguillas), Dimensions (Willie Rola), M Life and Living in Mindanao (Cr8ve Minds, Inc.), Madayaw (sister publication of San Pedro Express), and Mindanao (MindaNews).

A brief history of Davao papers

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

Modular housing components manufacturer firm gets BOI approval

HE Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the application of Schmidt Konstruktion Systems Corp. (SKSC) as a new domestic producer of modular housing components. The Php13.7 million project qualifies all the requirements under the current Investment Priorities Plan’s (IPP). Economic and Low-Cost Housing (horizontal and vertical) is among the preferred activities listed in the IPP. This covers the development of economic and low-cost housing and the manufacture of modular housing components. “The company, classified as a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) augurs well with the administration’s efforts to put the SMEs at the front and center, generating further employment opportunities for our countrymen,” Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon Lopez said. “With the government’s 10-point socio-economic agenda in full swing, we expect more SME registrations in the future as the incoming IPP is expected to expand the coverage of industry sectors to scale up productivity of these SMEs with innovation-driven-driven growth models,” he said. Modular Housing components cover the manufacture of

modular housing components preferably using indigenous materials. These include roof/ framing systems, wall/partition systems, flooring systems, door/window systems and finishing/ceiling systems. SKSC’s project is into production of steel frames for wall and roofing systems. The locally-owned company has already started operations in November 2016 with 53 people in its payroll. They are expected to supply wall and system requirements for houses intended for typhoon Yolanda victims in the Visayas in partnership with related government housing agencies, local government units (LGUSs) and non-government organizations (NGOs). They are also targeting to supply mass housing for the military, schools for the Department of Education (Deped) and construction of regional hospitals. Other targeted markets include property developers and construction firms engaged in socialized or mass housing. The National Housing Authority (NHA) has endorsed SKSC to the BOI. NHA has attested that the company’s products have better quality and easier installation over the conventional finished con-

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BEAUTY FROM ABOVE. The iconic Aeon Towers residential condominium and business tower along J.P. Laurel Avenue is now on the last floor of its 33-level construction. The project, a maiden venture of FTC Group of Companies, will soon be topping off.

AboitizPower donates 50 more computer DAP runs first public-private partnership course for LGUs units to public schools in Mindanao

NE of the pioneering Christian-Muslim public schools in Davao Oriental is among the recipients of the 50 brand-new computer sets recently donated by Mindanao electric cooperatives in partnership with Aboitiz Power Corporation and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI). The computer donations, which also included com-

puter desks and chairs, were separately turned over to Bobon National High School in Davao Oriental, Molave Regional Pilot School in Zamboanga Del Sur, Lubilan Elementary School in Misamis Oriental, Nasipit National High School in Agusan Del Norte, and San Roque Central Elementary School in Surigao Del Sur during the last quarter of 2016.

Each school received 10 brand-new computer sets with desks and chairs. Each school also received a multi-functional printer. AboitizPower and AFI have partnered with Zamboanga Del Sur I Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO-I), Misamis Oriental I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO-I), Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO), Agusan Del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), and Surigao Del Sur I Electric Cooperative (SURSECO-I) for the computer donations. In one of the turnover ceremonies, MORESCO-I General Manager Julie B. Real thanked AboitizPower and AFI for helping and reaching out to communities, especially to public schools located in far-flung areas of the electric cooperative’s franchise locations. ANECO Board President Nolie Namocatcat and SURSECO-I General Manager Joceler Moralda, during their respective computer turnover events, emphasized that they are one with AboitizPower

not only in providing reliable and ample power supply to communities, but also in its commitment to explore better ways to integrate good social development into their business operations. Apart from computer donations, AboitizPower and AFI in cooperation with Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative (MOELCI-I) and Zamboanga Del Norte Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) also updated the electrical wiring of classrooms in Mobod Integrated School in Misamis Occidental and Napuyan Elementary School in Zamboanga Del Norte. Officials from the Department of Education, local government units, and beneficiary schools were all very grateful to the donors of computer units, which will help them in producing promising students and in building a better future for the next generation through quality education. In September this year, Aboitiz Power Corporation and Aboitiz Foundation Inc. donated another 50 brandnew computer sets to New Sagay Elementary School in Zamboanga Sibugay, Tikalaan National High School in Bukidnon and Mulu and Muluan Elementary School in Mercedes, Zamboanga City, Piñan Central School in Zamboanga del Norte and the JH Cerilles State College in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.

HE Development Academy of the Philippines Center for Governance (CfG), through its Local Governance and Development Office, has conducted the first run of the Introductory Course on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for LGUs, gathering local officials and key representatives from different local government units for the publicly offered course that took place at the DAP Conference Center in Pasig City earlier in the fourth

quarter of this year. Palawan Vice Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates and Tiwi, Albay Mayor Jaime Villanueva were among the 25 participants who were oriented on the Philippines’ PPP program and processes and trained on how to develop a project concept note for a PPP project. Participating LGUs Other participating LGUs came from the provinces

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NGCP deploys 500 linemen to restore power in Bicol

OWER grid operator, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), has deployed 500 line personnel to restore power in the Bicol region following the devastation brought by Typhoon Nina. In a release issued Wednesday, the NGCP said the personnel were called from its operations and maintenance groups in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It noted that hours after the typhoon crossed Bicol and Quezon on Monday, more than 100 linemen from the region were deployed to make initial assessments. They reported that 34 towers had been toppled and 33 transmission lines had been affected. The Sy-led company also deployed 385 linemen to Bicol

on Tuesday and Wednesday to star repair work. “Apart from the line crews and equipment pre-positioned in the typhoon-affected region as part of our Integrated Disaster Action Plan, the NGCP also tapped line crews and engineers from other regions, from North Luzon to as far as Mindanao, to expedite restoration,” it said. It said its line and chief engineers are working 24 hours to complete the power restoration by the New Year. ”We ask for the support and understanding of our stakeholders as they can also be assured that NGCP is doing its best to further speed up the restoration process, including working over the holidays until we energize all the affected facilities,” it said. (PNA)

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

FOOD

Have fruitty NEW YEAR By HENRYLITO D. TACIO SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL, fruits – whether fresh or dried – have been a natural staple diet of human beings. Replete with minerals, vitamins, enzymes, they are easily digestible. In some parts of the world, fruits serve as medicines and can treat ailments. Fruits, eaten raw or consumed as fresh juice, are excellent ways to retain and balance the moisture level in the body. The low level of sodium in fruits plays an important role for people who would like to avail of a salt-free diet. Recent scientific studies have also claimed that the naturally occurring

antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetable juices can help lower a person’s risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, fruits are known for their ability to promote detoxification in the human body. Fruits help to cleanse the body, especially those with high acid levels. Being a tropical country, fruits are available throughout the year and in any parts of the country. During Christmas season, fruits are aplenty at home. They add color to the celebration: yellow, red, green, brown, and in-between. Children and adults love to eat them. After Christmas, comes New Year’s Eve is on December 31, the final day of the Gregorian year, and the day before New Year’s Day. Generally, Filipinos celebrate New Year’s Eve with the company of family and close friends.

FOOD A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! EVENT

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A fairy-filled affair THE DAVAO WELLNESS AND SPA ASSOCIATION (DAVWELL) celebrated their Christmas Party at the Ballroom of HomeCrest Hotel last December 21. Going with the theme of “Let’s be Merry and Fairy”, the fairyland themed party was attended by the organisation’s members which are composed of spa, wellness centers, and beauty clinics. The event coincided with the organisation’s general assembly where new members were inducted as well as the new set of officers led by the very active and able Cherry Faye Al-ag of Elysia Wellness Spa as its president. In her opening speech expects DavWells membership to grow as well as standardise and professionalise further the spa and wellness industry in the Davao Region. Also in attendance were DavWell’s media friends as well as Department of Tourism XI director Roberto “Robby” Alabado III and Benjie Lizada of the 2017 Visit Davao Fun Sale committee. “With Davao region’s slogan of ‘Explore. Relax. Repeat.’, the wellness and spa sector plays a big role

in Department of Tourism’s thrust,” said Robby, “DavWell members are an integral part offering weary tourists as well as convention goers a way to relax and unwind after a day exploring the city and its destinations.” “DavWell also serves as a venue for all members to learn the best practices in each of our spas,” added Cherry, “We may be competitors to a certain extent but the association allows each

of us to grow better with each other.” DavWells set of officers for 2016 to 2017 are Vice President, Fides Castañeda of Pressure Points, Secretary; Caryl Lim of K1 Spa, Asst. Secretary; Maria Karen Faye Cachero of Solaz Massage and Spa; Treasurer, Anne Gempesaw of Basic Kneads Massage &

Wellness; Auditor, Mimi Joquiño of Scents and Oils Massage Centre; P.R.O.: Elaine Ortonio, Body Bliss Palm Massage; Founding President/Ex Officio: Dr Jill Savellano of Zhi Ya Spa; and Committee Chairpersons Marn Rondina of Sadya Salon and Spa, Mary Anne Arellano of Holiday Gym and Spa, Menchie Layno of Soothing Strokes Massage, Christine Marco of Olive Leaf Wellness Spa, Ronelyn Llanos of Miso Spa, and Pearl Maraasin of My Dream Spa. Congratulations to DavWell for giving Durianburg’s guests and residents proper places to unwind, recharge, and rejuvinate.

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ENTERTAINMENT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

ABS-CBN to air 65th Miss Universe pageant live NOW SHOWING

December 27-30, 2016

SEKLUSYON Rhed Bustamante, Neil Ryan Sese Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:25 | 2:20 | 4:15 | 6:10 | 8:05 | 10:00 LFS

ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK 2 Eugene Domingo, Jericho Rosales Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

12:35 | 2:25 | 4:15 | 6:05 | 7:55 | 9:45 LFS

DIE BEAUTIFUL Paolo Ballesteros Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

12:40 | 3:00 | 5:20 | 7:40 | 10:00 LFS

SAVING SALLY Rhian Ramos, Enzo Marcos Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

12:45 | 3:00 | 5:15 | 7:30 | 9:45 LFS

THE WHOLE COUNTRY can watch and cheer for Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Maxine Medina on ABSCBN as she tries to defend the Miss Universe crown and be the 4th Miss Universe from the Philippines in the pageant slated on January 30, 2017. ABS-CBN formally inked the deal with Solar Entertainment last Thursday (December 22) to become an official network partner of the 65th annual Miss Universe pageant. The country’s leading media and entertainment company will air the highly-anticipated pageant live via satellite from the SM Mall of Asia Arena from 8 AM to 11 AM with a replay on Feb 5 on Sunday’s Best. Present in the contract signing were ABS-CBN chief operating officer of broadcast Cory Vidanes, Solar Entertainment president and CEO Wilson Tieng, ABS-CBN head of integrated acquisitions and international sales and distribution Evelyn Raymundo, Solar Entertainment vice-president for networks operations, marketing & branding Tessa Alviz, and ABSCBN finance head of broadcast and integrated news and current affairs Catherine Lopez. “I’m very happy because it’s been weeks of hard work to get everybody together, and now

finally we have ABS-CBN on board,” said Tieng. “We’re very happy to be part of this with Solar and the other networks to bring to our Kapamilyas the Miss Universe on January 30. So abangan po ninyo,” said Vidanes. The coming Miss Universe marks the return of the prestigious beauty pageant in the Philippines since it was held in the Manila in 1994, which was aired on ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN has been the home of the Miss Universe on Philippine television since 2010, the year Philippines’ bet Venus Raj paved the way for the country’s re-entry to the top five. The network was also there to show the

whole country how the other Miss Universe-Philippines like Shamcey Supsup-Lee, Janine Tugonon, Ariella Arida, Mary Jean Lastimosa, and reigning Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach used their beauty, wisdom, and poise in competing for the coveted crown through its via satellite broadcast of the pageant from the United States (2010, 2012, 2014, 2015), Brazil (2011), and Russia (2013). Aside from ABS-CBN’s freeto-air TV channel, the “Miss Universe” pageant can also be seen on digital television via ABS-CBN TVplus. Solar Entertainment, the biggest content provider and channel operator in Southeast Asia,

the official broadcast partner of the 65th Miss Universe takes pride in collaborating with ABSCBN, the country’s media giant and other free TV networks in the country, in the hope of delivering the optimum broadcast quality coverage for this momentous event, showcasing the wonders and beauty of the Philippines to the world, and giving our fellow Filipinos the ultimate Miss Universe experience. ETC, Solar Entertainment’s homegrown female channel in free TV and cable, dubbed as the new home of Miss Universe, is the front line channel of the network for this prestigious event coverage, available in SkyCable Channel 16.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! FOOD A1

Traditionally, most households stage a dinner party named Media Noche in their homes. Typical dishes include pansit, hamon, and if the family could afford it, lechon, which is usually considered as the centerpiece of the dinner table. Barbecued food is also an integral part of the menu. Most Filipinos follow a set of traditions that are typically observed during New Year’s Eve. Included among these traditions is the customary habit of wearing clothes with circular patterns like polka dots, this signifies the belief that circles attract money and fortune. Throwing coins at the stroke of midnight is said

to increase riches that years. There’s also that tradition of gathering of 12 kinds of rounded fruits before the coming of the New Year. Again, the reason for such tradition is to augur the good fortune, health, and wealth in the year that comes. But there are people who also gather more than 12 fruits. These people don’t believe that number 13 brings bad luck. So, they buy fruits like apple, lanzones, chico, orange, melon, guava, rambutan, santol, mangosteen, mango, grapes, and pomelo. At the center of these fruits is a pineapple because, according to Chinese folks, the many eyes reflect good luck winking many

“

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

Being a tropical country, fruits are available throughout the year and in any parts of the country. During Christmas season, fruits are aplenty at home. They add color to the celebration: yellow, red, green, brown, and in-between.

times. As the clock is clicking, just remember the songs of the words penned by Barry Banilow: “Tonight’s another chance to start again. It’s just another New Year’s Eve, another night like all the rest. It’s just another New Year’s Eve, let’s make it the best.”

#TravelGoals KMJS Special on New Year VIEWERS PREPARING THEIR 2017 BUCKET LIST of must-visit places will be inspired by Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s (KMJS) episode this January 1. Because 2017 is a “Visit Finland Year”, KMJS looks back at the much-talked about visit of host Jessica Soho to this European country where she personally experienced Winter Wonderland. Meanwhile, relive the Pikachu Outbreak during the height of Pokemon Go craze last 2016 as KMJS reminisces that Japan trip where viewers were also taken to the Tsukiji Market for a gastronomical adventure. Of course, nothing

beats the country’s world class tourist spots. Get to see once more the hidden beauty of Romblon, and wander around the exceptional sandbars of the gloriously blessed Philippine islands. KMJS also went to Mt. Melibingoy in South Cotabato, where the breathtakingly gorgeous Lake Holon could be found.

Other travel-worthy places to check out are the Isla Gigantes and Tangke Lagoon in Iloilo. For those who want adventure, the huge waves of Babuyan Islands will sure bring them the adrenaline rush they are looking for. Don’t miss #TravelGoals KMJS Special this Sunday after Hay, Bahay on GMA-7.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

P11-MILLION... FROM 1

Jaldon to the local government units of the affected areas. Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, for his part, said it only fits that the remaining calamity funds of the city will be used to help others who are hit by

disasters. The assistance will be handed through cash or check. The team that will hand out the financial assistance is scheduled to leave the city last Thursday evening.

city.

To assure the candidates that there is nothing to fear in Mindanao, according to Sec. Teo, the Miss Universe organizers will be coming here on January 7 to assess the place and look at the venue for the fashion show as well as the security measures of the city PNP. “We will have two securities. Aside from the PNP that will be handling the Miss Universe, there is the LCS Group (LCS Group of Companies headed by Chavit Singson),” said Sec.Teo. Meanwhile, the tourism secretary emphasized that the cultural fashion show in SMX Convention Center will push through after the consultation conducted by DOT and the pageant organizers together with the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. (DFDCFI). It could be recalled that on December 14, DOT USec Kat de Castro announced on her social media account the cancellation of the auxiliary event due to controversies arising after DFDCI expressed their sen-

timents for not being appointed to dress the candidates in showcasing Mindanao fabrics and tapestry. During the consultation held on December 17, it was decided that DFDCFI will dress 10 candidates. Apart from the fashion show, Teo said that as soon as the ladies arrive, they will have a photoshoot at Eden Nature Park followed by a tour in Philippine Eagle Farm. “After that they have to be back at 1PM for the rehearsals, for the fitting,” added Sec.Teo. Before the Miss Universe cultural fashion show, there will also be a side event featuring the designs of Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. (DFDCFI) worn by the local models. According to the tourism secretary, the committee is still working out the number of ladies who will join the Davao tour. “Actually we’re working on the 30 to 40 candidates,” said Sec. Teo who added that as of now, 88 candidates have raised assurance on joining the competition.

have to neutralize them in their respective areas,” he said. Gapay said threat groups must not be allowed to enter the city. He said intelligence and information gathering is also enhanced to peer on the activities and locations of terror leaders and members no matter how hard it is, knowing that they operate in

small numbers. Gapay also guaranteed the core competence of TF Haribon given its equipment and skills, night flying capability, air and naval components. Task Force Haribon is composed of the Task Force Davao, 3rd Infantry Battalion, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy. (PNA)

flared up at about 4 p.m. Tuesday, police said. Early today, the municipal peace and order council met to find solutions to the conflict and how to attend to the displaced families, mostly family members of warring Moro rebels.

Barutas said police personnel backed by soldiers have been deployed to protect the affected families. Government forces did not intervene in recognition to an existing ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF. (PNA)

The list of areas being considered to house the Chinese-funded drug rehabilitation center are the 10-hectare land in Rosario, Cavite,and another 10-hectare property in Tagaytay, as well as a four-hectare area in

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya among others. However, Castriciones said the embassy officials during their meeting expressed that they are more keen on acquiring properties that are near Metro Manila. (DILG)

“We are glad that seafood commodities from the Philippines are attracting greater international attention. The success of our exhibit in Dubai proves that strong collaborations between the government and private companies can help us catch the big fish,” Piñol said. Piñol also noted the

importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market to the Philippines. UAE alone consumes up to 100 tons of seafood annually at a rate of 33 kilograms per capita, the highest among GCC countries. This entails huge trade opportunities for the Philippines, the Secretary added. (BFAR)

NEWS 11

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TOTAL PERFORMANCE. Homegrown human beatbox Neil Llanes showcased his talent in a performance during the Department of Tourism year end gathering held at The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City on Tuesday evening. Lean Daval Jr.

DSWD relief operations continue after exit of ‘Nina’

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Wednesday it continues to provide relief assistance to families affected by Typhoon Nina, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before midnight Tuesday. Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said her department continues to coordinate with concerned field offices to ensure the flow of assistance for the typhoon victims.

Taguiwalo added that volunteers continue to prepare family food packs (FFPs) at the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City. Based on the 4 a.m. report of the DSWD Disaster Response Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), the number of families affected by ‘Nina’ has increased to 132,908 or 602,770 individuals in 785 barangays in the Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Eastern Viasayas regions. The typhoon displaced a to-

tal of 77,925 families, or 340,835 individuals, and 42,531 families or 179,269 persons are still staying in 507 evacuation centers. The number of damaged houses also rose to 30,927 in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon in Bicol, of which, 21,255 were partially damaged, while 9,672 were totally damaged. As of 4 a.m. on Wednesday, some 16,155 passengers were still stranded in 20 seaports -two in Calabarzon, three in Mi-

maropa, 11 in Bicol, and four in Eastern Visayas. To date, the DSWD has provided a total of P31,018,264 worth of relief assistance to typhoon-affected families. These include food packs and non-food items, such as malongs, mosquito nets, blankets and hygiene kits. Taguiwalo assured the public that it will continue to extend relief supplies to the victims of ‘Nina’, as the number of evacuees remains high. (PNA)

the more exacting rules for public bidding by classifying the procurement as an emergency purchase.” Medicine for deworming cannot be, in all honesty, considered as an emergency purchase even in the face of a Sangguniang Bayan

Resolution which states that there is a calamity,” the Sandiganbayan added. Earlier this year, Morales was also convicted by the Sandiganbayan over irregular purchase of oil and grease, sentencing him to six up to 10 years’ imprisonment. (PNA)

Duterte. “These are not indicators at that context of being set up for, let’s say, declaration of martial law,” he said. Abella also explained that Hilongos is not area that has been the subject to threats like bombings.

He said the authorities are investigating the twin bombings which happened five days after unidentified persons threw a hand grenade near Sto. Nino Parish church, injuring 12 people in Midsayap, North Cotabato. (PNA)

involve police presence, focused law enforcement operations, target hardening, police community partnership and information operations. Dela Rosa said the police presence will be intensified through increased foot and

mobile patrol operations and deployment of Route Safety Marshalls in areas and times where and when they are most needed. Police Assistance Hubs will also be established in places of convergence. (PNA)

member LGUs and the Cluster Advisory Committee must provide technical and policy guidance to the Board. Industry cluster entrepreneurs may avail of low-interest government credit, preferential access

to government-initiated promotion programs, and tax exemptions. The bill also proposes a Cluster Common Fund to finance the operations of industry cluster-based programs and projects.

the numbers of women of reproductive age are expected to peak at 29.1 million and adolescent girls at 11.3 million. “The continuing increase in population is due to relatively high fertility rates of Filipino women which is 3 children on average; however, 11 of the 17 regions show higher fertility rates than the national average. ARMM, Bicol and Western Visayas continue to have rates ranging from 3.8 in Western Visayas to 4.1 in Bicol and 4.2 in ARMM,” Executive Director Juan A. Perez III of POPCOM noted. Other population

trends being tracked by POPCOM for 2017 are number of schoolchildren which are expected to rise to 31.5 million, labor force of 66.7 million and population over 65 years old at 5.2 million. Based on the number of births in 2014 reported by PSA, there were 3.33 Filipinos born every minute that year. More males than females were born with 1.02 males born for every female. Based on PSA projections of 1,691,897 births in 2017, the number of Filipinos born per minute will go down to 3.22 births per minute next year. (PNA)

bring happiness, prosperity and good health to the family during the next 12 months. Copied from the Chinese, the tradition has come across various faith and religions and according to a “Feng Shui”

expert, these “lucky” fruits will bring prosperity and good luck to the family. Among the most popular round fruits are apple, lanzones, pomelo, melon, grapes and chico. (PNA)

strengthen the operational capabilities of the LGUs to respond appropriately, adequately and timely to all possible hazards—natural or manmade. “There’s a need for us

to come up with a plan—a plan that is holistically, comprehensive enough and specific enough to every hazard that we have to face,” he added. (OCD10 with reports from DILG10)

social services to various communities in Davao Oriental Province; Mr. Norman B. Baloro, for his dedicated service and humanitarianrelated activities in Badjao and Lumad communities; and, Mr. Alexis H. Micutuan, for his dedicated service in promoting peace and self-sufficiency among the youth, and in providing social services to various communities in Compostela Valley Province. The SOV is a platform for recognizing the exemplary

performance and dedication of Filipino volunteers and their contribution to development and nation-building. The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) conducts the annual Search among individuals and organizations providing volunteer assistance in the Philippines, assisted by the Davao Regional Development Council and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office XI. (Janice May A. Cerezo, Senior EDS, DRD)

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12 SCIENCE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

Coming soon:

Biotech eggplant

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

OUSEWIFE Saturnina Dela Rita from Bansalan, Davao del Sur loves cooking eggplant. Today, she slices about five pieces of eggplant and mixes it with other vegetables. She’s preparing “pinakbet,” the favorite dish of her son.

Yesterday, Saturnina grilled 10 eggplants. Once cooked, she peeled them off and placed them in a saucer that was full of beaten eggs with salt. In a prepared fan, she fried the eggplant. After cooking, she brought them to the table where her daughter, Gerry, was waiting. He ate the eggplant omelet with much gusto. But what the family really like is the fresh eggplant salad. Saturnina boils about 8 eggplants in a hot water, then mashes them. After that, she pours some vinegar and soy sauce. It is served with onions and tomato. “I can cook eggplant in various ways,” Saturnina says. “But the big problem I have with this fruit vegetable is that some of them have worms inside them. My children abhor seeing worms in already cooked eggplant.” Saturnina may no longer has that problem soon. Thanks to Bt talong which farmers will be planting once it is already approved for commercialization. Currently, it is undergoing some studies to ensure that it passes through many tests and safety assessments. Bt stands for Bacillus thuringiensis and talong is the local term for eggplant. Bt talong is a product of modern biotechnology thus it is also called genetically modified (GM) crop. Biotechnology, as defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity, is “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.” In traditional, non-genetic engineering form, biotechnology has already brought in a lot of benefits. But modern biotechnology has allowed scientists to further enhance what the

nature has already done. “Bt talong was developed by genetically engineering a gene from the bacteria so that the GM eggplants now produce a protein that defends it against insect attacks,” explained Dr. Michael Purugganan, a Filipino plant geneticist who is the Dean of Science at the New York University. Bt, a common soil bacterium, produces a protein that paralyzes the larvae of some harmful insects, including the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB). Scientifically, it is called Leucinodes orbonalis, a moth specie prevalent in Asia and Africa. A briefing paper published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) gives this bit of information: “Female moths deposit eggs mostly on eggplant leaves. Upon hatching, the young larvae, after an hour or two of probing, feed on the leaf tissues and tunnel inside shoots, resulting in wilting or drying up. When the fruits are available, the caterpillar bores inside the fruit, producing feeding tunnels. This makes the fruits unfit for market.” EFSB feeds almost exclusively on eggplant. An entire crop can be lost from EFSB infestation. “The EFSB can cause as much as 50-75% loss of fruits,” said former Science Secretary Emil Q. Javier. The current methods used by some eggplant growers in controlling the EFSB, however, are unacceptable, said Dr. Emiliana Bernardo, a member of the Department of Agriculture’s Scientific and Technical Re-

view Panel which reviews and assesses the safety of gene modified foods. Many eggplant farmers spray chemical insecticides every other day, or up to 80 times per growing season to control EFSB infestation in their farms, pointed out Dr. Bernardo, an entomologist or a scientist who studies insects. But the use of insecticide is effectively only against newly-hatched EFSB. Other than chemical sprays, some farmers apply different methods to control the pest, among them: following regular crop rotation or intercropping the eggplant with other vegetables; using nylon net barriers to protect plants from the insects; trapping male insects using pheromones to prevent insect mating; growing eggplants in a screenhouse before transplanting into the field; using judicious pesticide to keep populations of natural enemies of EFSB; and harvesting fruits regularly. Most of these methods, however, are not 100-percent effective and labor intensive. Intensive pesticide use, on the other hand, often leads to environmental and health issues aside from increases the total production costs. Unfortunately, there is

no known genetic resistance to EFSB in cultivated and wild eggplants. “The insects are concealed in the shoots and fruits and are difficult to reach,” said Dr. Javier, who is the president of the National Academy of Science and Technology. One possible solution is to introduce Bt into the vegetable crop, thus giving birth to Bt talong. “When ingested by the larvae of the target insect, the Bt protein is activated in the gut’s alkaline condition and punctures the mid-gut leaving the insect unable to eat. The insect dies within a few days,” the ISAAA briefing said. Bt is present in the Philippine soil and had been in use for years without any harmful effects. As it comes from the earth itself, Bt is very natural, according to Dr. Bernardo. In 1901, Bt was discovered to have an insecticidal property. By 1950s, it became a wellknown biological insecticide. “Bt is easily cultured by fermentation,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “Thus, over the last 40 years, Bt has been used as an insecticide by farmers worldwide. Organic farming has benefited from Bt insecticide, as it is one of the very few pesticides permitted by organic

standards. The insecticide is applied either as a spray or as ground applications. It comes in both granules and liquefied form.” Edgar Talasan is an eggplant grower from Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. He is batting for the growing of Bt talong among Filipino farmers. “I tried the organic farming system, the system of crop rotation and fallowing as well as the application of integrated pest management but the organic system does not provide as much yield as Bt eggplant (would give), while the other systems are labor-intensive and cumbersome.” Meanwhile, the first-ever field study of Bt talong reported that “no negative impacts on the biological diversity of non-target organisms.” It is consistent with previous studies on insect-resistant Bt crops such as cotton and corn. Dr. Anthony Shelton, international professor of entomology at Cornell University and co-author of the study, commented: “This study confirms the environmental safety of Bt eggplant to non-target organisms under field conditions in the Philippines. Our previous study documented the effective of Bt eggplant against the destructive eggplant fruit and shoot borer. Combined, these studies clearly document the benefits of Bt eggplant to growers, farm workers, consumers and the environment.” Bt talong is not commercially available. But once it is approved, seeds will be made available to farmers. Eggplant production in the country covers approximately 22,000 hectares. But the big question is: Is the Bt protein found in Bt talong safe to non-target organisms? On tests conducted on dogs, guinea pigs, rats, fish, frogs, and even birds, the Bt protein was found not to have any harmful effects, according

to Extension Toxicology Network (Extoxnet), a pesticide information project of several US universities. “The specificity of Bt for its target insects is one of the characteristics that make it an ideal method of biological pest control,” the ISAAA briefing paper said. “The specificity rests on the fact that the toxicity of the Bt protein is receptor-mediated. This means that for an insect to be affected by the Bt protein, it must have specific receptor sites in its gut where the proteins can bind. Fortunately, humans and majority of beneficial insects do not have these receptors.” According to Dr. Bernardo, cooking the Bt talong can completely denatured the Bt protein. “It is non-detectable in any cooked food therefore there is no human exposure to Bt proteins in eating cooked Bt crops,” she said. On the other hand, the US Environmental Protection Agency has already administered toxicology assessments, and Bt proteins have already been tested at relatively higher dosages. Here’s what the Extoxnet said in its report: “No complaints were made after 18 humans ate one gram of commercial Bt preparation daily for five days, on alternate days… Humans who ate one gram per day for three consecutive days were not poisoned or infected.” If that is not comforting enough, here’s what the GM Science Review Panel of the United Kingdom says about GM crops: “For human health, to date there is no evidence currently commercialized GM crop varieties or foods made from them, are toxic, allergenic or nutritionally deleterious. On balance, we conclude that the risks to human health are very low for GM crops currently on the market.” (Photos taken from the website of SEARCA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 223 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 - 31, 2016

Modular... FROM 10 crete exterior and interior wall systems and said systems have no wastage in production and are ergonomically designed to promote efficiency. The current housing backlog is around 3.9 million households. Assuming that production of housing units would average 200,000 units yearly up to the year 2030, the backlog would still persist and hit 6.5 million units by then. Still, the domestic housing sector has enormous potential for growth, as demand for living spaces continue to increase. The biggest demand comes from the economic housing segment, followed by

socialized housing, and lastly by low-cost housing. Through several industry-led initiatives, the sector hopes to sustain its robust growth and development at affordable price for the domestic household. The industry envisions an increase of housing production capacity to sustain a target of 12% annual growth rate, the implementation of a comprehensive government housing subsidy for targeted segments, improvement of the regulatory environment for housing and the further generation and mobilization of funds for end-user financing. (BOI)

of Cebu, Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, and Siquijor; the cities of Muntinlupa, Santa Rosa in Laguna, Sagay in Negros Occidental, and Iloilo; and the municipality of Garcia-Hernandez in Bohol. Program management officers from a private company, Maynilad Water Services Inc., also joined the course run. Participants in the course engaged in discussion and group exercises to better understand their roles and possible benefits from PPP as well as the key steps that they need to undertake from conceptualizing a PPP project till its implementation.

project The participants were also guided on how to develop a potential local project for PPP in the form of a project concept note, which they later presented to a panel of experts from the PPP Center and the DAP CfG. The potential PPP projects presented by the participants included a local public market, a provincial hospital, a mini hydro-power facility, a pedestrian and bike lane-furnished green park, and a waste reduction facility. The course is the first public offering of the DAP on PPP after forging a memorandum of understanding with the PPP Center as one of its institutional partners in providing capacity-building interventions to LGUs. (DAP)

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Developing a potential

NEWS 13

EDGEDAVAO

DOF acts on cases vs 14 erring employees, sets reforms in e-reporting for LGU treasurers

HE Department of Finance (DOF) has so far taken punitive action against 14 officials and employees under its supervision and introduced reforms in the electronic reporting system for treasurers of local government units (LGUs), in line with President

Duterte’s commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in government on his watch. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has ordered the implementation of separate rulings of the Office of the Ombudsman to either suspend or dismiss from the service the erring officials

in just six months into the Duterte administration. He has also required treasurers of LGUs to include in their quarterly and annual financial reports to the DOF all environment and natural resources revenues and expenditures, particularly the payments made by the mining and other extractive

industries to their respective LGUs. The directive earned for the DOF the 2016 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Chair’s Award last February during the EITI Global Conference held in Lima, Peru. The Philippines was cited for its “impactful implementation” of the EITI.

Mayor and the Treasurer or Business Permits and Licensing Head with alternate approving signatories. The JMC also cuts processing time for new business registration to 48 hours and 24 hours for renewals. The departments likewise target for automated BPLS through the DICT.

90 centers in Visayas and 88 in Mindanao. The facilities have assisted 483,711 clients and the department was able to conduct 6,002 seminars for MSMEs across the country through the Go Negosyo Act. “We are proud that we have established more Negosyo Centers more than what we have expected to establish,” said DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Group Zenaida C. Maglaya. Also this year, DTI launched 10 fabrication laboratories (fab labs) nationwide amounting to P88 million. Fab labs help grassroots communities translate their design ideas into physical forms through advanced technology. These facilities also allow MSMEs to access prototyping technologies and software in designing and manufacturing, which will help them be more competitive in the market.

was also launched by DTI in partnership with Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation Inc. or the Go Negosyo, founded by Joey Concepcion, the Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship. Under the Kapatid Program, both public and private sectors encourage big businesses to partner with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) -- using an inclusive business model -- to scale up MSMEs. The Kapatid Program likewise rolled out Mentor Me seminars with some 91 seminars conducted this year in different regions. This provides mentoring seminars to MSMEs from large enterprises. In order to promote linkage between large enterprises and MSMEs, DTI’s investment promotion agency Board of Investments (BOI) has included inclusive business in 2017 Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). Under the IPP, companies that will engage in inclusive business will be given fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

P1-B MSME funding Lopez also highlighted that the Duterte administration will be rolling out P1.0 billion worth of funding for MSMEs next year as an initial funding for a program called “Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso” or P3. The P3 will be a new source of funding for start-ups and microenterprises for them to avoid tapping loan sharks such as the so-called ‘5-6’. “We will try to do the funding, retailing of these micro funds that will reach to microenterprises,” said Lopez. The trade chief said the government intends to roll out the program through wholesale funding via DTI’s financing arm Small Business (SB) Corp., which will do the retailing to microfinance institutions. Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, MSMEs account for 99.6 percent of total establishments in the country with job generation reaching 4.89 million in 2014. (PNA)

DTI... FROM 6

MSME facilities DTI’s Negosyo Centers, aside from facilitating MSMEs’ business registration, have helped the MSMEs by providing business advisory services, promoting business information and advocacy, as well as monitoring and evaluating their business processes. As mandated by Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, DTI shall establish Negosyo Centers nationwide. As of Dec. 6, the department has established 204 Negosyo Centers, surpassing its target of 150 facilities for 2016. Some 226 Negosyo Centers are in Luzon while there are

Linking to big firms The Kapatid

Program

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REBOUND FIGHT Donaire to get crack on Valdez T

HE last time we saw Nonito Donaire, he lost his WBO super bantamweight title to Jessie Magdaleno on the night of November 5th on the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie Vargas payper-view undercard at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. ‘The Filipino Flash’ has spoken openly about want-

ing a rematch, but his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank has other ideas. Arum would like to match Donaire against WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (210, 19KOs), who is one of Top Rank’s up and coming future stars. “That’s a great fight for Donaire and it’s a fight that we look to make for the first three months of the year. It would

be Donaire at 126 fighting against Oscar Valdez,”Arum told BoxingScene.com. Valdez captured the WBO featherweight title over the summer by stopping Matias Rueda in two rounds and then made the first defense of that belt on the Pacquioa-Vargas card by halting Japanese challenger, Hiroshige Osawa, in seven.

ANOTHER CHANCE. After losing to Jessie Magdaleno, Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire gets another shot at the world title.

Donaire is a former featherweight champion himself. He captured the WBA title by winning a technical decision over Simpiwe Vetyeka in May of 2014, but in his first defense - in October of the same year - he was knocked out when he went down swinging in the fifth round against the much larger Nicholas Walters, who not long after that fight

went up to super featherweight - while Donaire dropped back to 122.

Phoenix coach pays tribute The fabled Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz to late mentor Go What does the future hold for Rizal Memorial Sports Complex?

HOENIX Fuelmasters coach Ariel Vanguardia honored the memory of his late mentor Adriano “Bong” Go. Vanguardia dedicated the Davao-based franchise’s 10199 victory on Wednesday to the man who gave him the break that led him to where he is today in his coaching career. Go, a veteran coach in both amateur ranks and the PBA, died on Monday night following a stroke. Go once coached the Davao Eagles in the defubct MBA. “It’s been an emotional week (for me). I lost my mentor coach Bong Go. I started coaching with him,” said Vanguardia, who couldn’t hold back tears as he talked about the former St. Benilde mentor. Vanguardia recalled how he applied as a walk-in assistant of Go while the 66-yearold mentor was the man on top of the Blazers. Go was more than pleased to take the newbie coach under his wing, even if he hasn’t had any experience sitting on the bench, not even at the barangay level. “He’s just a selfless person,” said Vanguardia. When Vanguardia was named head coach of the

Westport Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) four years ago, he initially thought of bringing Go with him. “But he suffered his first stroke back then” he recalled. Still, Go kept in contact with his former protege. “He gives me advice especially when I’m overseas,” Vanguardia added. Just like him, Vanguardia is sure Go had also touched the lives of many coaches, mentioning such esteemed names like Yeng Guiao, Norman Black, Louie Alas, and even Bill Bayno.

MENTOR. The late veteran basketball coach Adriano “Bong” Go.

Ivanovic retires from tennis

ORMER world number one and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic has retired from tennis at the age of 29. The Serb has been out with injury since August and dropped to 63 in the world rankings, having won just 15 matches in 2016 - the most recent in June. “I can only play if it is up to my own high standards. I can no longer do that so it is time to move on,” she said. Ivanovic spent 12 weeks as world number one in 2008 and won 15 career singles titles. She reached the French Open semi-final in 2015 and was runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in

2007 and at the 2008 Australian Open. “It has been a difficult decision but I have so much to celebrate,” Ivanovic added. “I began dreaming about playing tennis when I was five and saw Monica Seles playing on TV. “I have seen heights I never dreamt of achieving.” Ivanovic, who married Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger earlier this year, said she will explore opportunities in business, beauty and fashion in retirement and said it will allow her more time for her work with Unicef, with whom she holds the position of National Ambassador for Serbia.

Editor’s Note: This is a reprint of a feature story written by Reuben Terrado and published on SPIN.ph

HE Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has become a hot topic of late following news about a plan to sell the historic property to a private entity. The 84-yearold stadium may be ageing and decrepit, but it has always been close the hearts of Filipino sports fans, having stood witness to the glory days of Philippine sports. SPIN.ph now breaks down the issues surrounding the future of the Philippines’ national stadium.

When will the sale of Rizal Memorial happen? Past mayors of Manila had their own plans for the complex, but current mayor Joseph Estrada caused a stir when he told the Philippine Star in an interview that he wants to sell the property to a private entity which, in turn, will convert it into a mall while keeping some of the ‘heritage sites.’ However, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez said any plans for the Rizal complex will have to wait until the issue on who has the rightful claim to the property is settled. By wait, Ramirez meant ‘a long wait.’ The PSC is, in fact, still seeking the opinion of the Department of Justice regarding the ownership of the complex. “Not in a month and a year. It will take time. It will take long,” said Ramirez. Regardless of who owns the property, the PSC stands to receive a substantial amount from relinquishing the control of the stadium, which they can use to construct a new training facility to replace the ageing facility.

PSC CHAIRMAN William “Butch” Ramirez Who owns the Rizal Memorial Complex anyway? For several years now, ownership of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has been a contentious issue. Naturally, resolving the issue on ownership will also resolve who has the right to sell the 10-hectare complex which is considered a prime property by developers. The ownership is being contested by the Philippine Sports Commission and the City of Manila. According to records, the family of Vito Cruz - a former alkalde of Pasay for whom the main street fronting the complex used to be named after (now renamed Pablo Ocampo Sr. street) - donated the lot to the City of Manila for the purpose of the construction of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, which hosted the 1934 Far Eastern Games, the precursor of the Asian Games. But while the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex sits in Manila, the PSC has over the years been tasked with the management of the facilities as per Republic Act 6847. Throughout the 26-year history of the PSC, it has already spent millions for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the venues. Where will the new training center for national athletes rise? Talk of the sale of Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was sparked by plans of the PSC as well as the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) to move na-

tional athletes out of the ageing sports complex and into a soonto-be-built training center. The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has already allocated a 100-hectare property located in Angeles City, Pampanga for the future training center. Ramirez said the proposed sports complex is located inside Clark Green City. Once completed, Ramirez said the site is capable of hosting the Asian Games. It will be accessible from Manila once the planned railway linking Manila to Clark is completed. More importantly, the new training center, sports officials said, offers a clean environment conducive for the athletes’ training. Where will the funds from the construction of the new training center come from? The bulk of the funds for the training center, sports officials said, will come from the amount the PSC will get from relinquishing control of the Rizal complex.The PSC chief, however, made it clear they are not in a hurry to move to Clark and jumpstart the construction of the site. “Without the money, we will not transfer,” said Ramirez. Ramirez, in fact, said he is also open to the idea of rehabilitating Rizal Memorial and even the PSC-managed Philsports complex (formerly Ultra) in Pasig City if there won’t be enough money to fund the

construction of a new training center. “I-rehab na lang natin. You have to be practical. We are prepared for Ultra as we will completely rehabilitate it in the first quarter of 2017,” said Ramirez.

So what does the future hold for Rizal Memorial? With plans of a new training center in Clark being drawn up, the next question is what will happen to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Estrada’s statement has already drawn mostly negative reactions. As it is, there is already an online petition put up at change.org to save the historic venue. The Heritage Conservation Society has also issued a statement on its Facebook account disagreeing with Manila’s plans. “Manila residents deserve affordable sports facilities and public open spaces, even as a new national sports complex will be built in Clark. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex should remain as a sports complex, and should be dedicated to the people of Manila,” said the Heritage Conservation Society in a statement. Ramirez doesn’t expect anything to happen in the near future. “Puwede ba nating ibigay ang rights sa Manila? Kailangan din namin ng opinion ng DOJ para maging legal. Mahaba ang proseso,” said Ramirez. (Reuben Terrado, SPIN.ph)

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