Edge Davao 9 Issue 230 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

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Serving a seamless society

TO EACH HIS OWN. A dog takes a rest underneath a computer desk that is being assembled by its owner at a coastal community in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

FEDERALISM SEEN TO STOP CONFLICTS As Davao City coalition presses shift to federal government soonest

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

CIVIL society coalition has batted anew for a shift to a federal form of government to address the island’s decades-old conflict. “If this happens, it will be good for the country, particularly in Mindanao, because we will have a bigger role in crafting the development of the island,” according to Lihuk Pederal Dabaw member Atty. Ding Estores. Lihuk Pederal is an organization that consolidates pro-federal groups and individuals in Mindanao. Nereneo Navarro, also a member of Lihuk Pideral

Dabaw, reiterated the group’s call for Congress to pass a law that will pave the way for a change in the form of government. It can be recalled that Lihuk Pederal has proposed that amending the Constitution should be done through a constitutional convention rather than by converting Congress into a Constituent Assembly. “The discussion on the shift to the federal system has snowballed after the government junked a territorial deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that would have created the Bangsamoro Jurid-

ical Entity,” Navarro said. A “package of reforms” is also needed for the country’s attempt to shift to federalism to be successful, said Estores. “It has to come along with a whole package of reforms, and that package must also include a shift to some parliamentary form of government, electoral reform and the empowerment of civil society,” Estores pointed out. Meanwhile, Navarro mentioned that there are various types of federal governments, such as federal presidential republic (United States, Brazil, Venezuela); federal par-

liamentary democracy (Canada); federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy (Belgium); federal parliamentary republic (Austria, Germany, India), among others. “In a federal parliamentary form of government, the Parliament exercises both executive and legislative power, it implies that the strength of the Parliament would be a combination of the competence of the state’s executive and legislative branches,” Navarro said. Emmanuel Cifra, Lihuk

FFEDERALISM, 11

South Koreans trigger virgin coco oil demand

HE growing demand for virgin coconut oil overseas has brought about a remarkable rise in exports but authorities have slow in helping boost the industry to achieve its potentials, a local inventor says.

According to Davao Investors Association president Virgilio Sangutan, there

HIGH DEMAND. Virgilio Sangutan of Davao Inventors Association announced during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City on Monday the high demand for virgin coconut oil (VCO) in South Korea and the need to increase VCO production in the country particularly in Davao region. (Alexander D. Lopez)

FSOUTH, 11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

TAKES TWO TO TANGO. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and former President, now incumbent Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo walk on the center aisle of Sanctuario de San Jose in Mandaluyong City on Sunday as principal sponsors during the wedding ceremony of Gonzalito Nicolo Duque and Kristel Ann-Marie Bejar. ALBERT ALCAIN/ Presidential Photo

Davao City, JICA to undertake Mayor seeks dropping of murder new drainage plan study

AVAO City officials and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency are in the midst of talks for a new study on the drainage plan of the city. City Planning and Development Office head Ivan Cortez said the study will include a thorough look at the movement and behavior of the city’s riverways and waterways. He said he is optimistic the project will push through as JICA responded positively when the city proposed it during their meeting in August 2016. “The proposal was taken very positively by JICA that it

will be undertaken in the city. They will just have to finish some of their projects before they proceed with this,” he said. Once approved, JICA consultants will begin the work within the first quarter of this year. Cortez said the city needs this kind of project since it is growing fast with the entry of new investors. “We have low-lying areas and most of these are found in the urban district, the poblacion area. If we want to protect some of the investments already on the ground, we need

FDAVAO, 11

raps over killing of Sulu druglord

Seeks Duterte’s help in upholding anti-drug war By JIMMY K. LAKING

HE Municipal mayor of Luuk in the province of Sulu last week sought the assistance of President Rodrigo R. Duterte in a bid to drop the filing of murder charges filed against him and two of his policemen by relatives of a known drug lord who was killed in a legitimate police operation last year. In his letter addressed to President Duterte, Luuk Mayor

Allayon M. Arbison expressed surprise why he was included as one of the respondents in the murder charges when he had no actual and personal participation in the operation. The mayor said known drug lord Munir Rahim was killed in a police shoot-out on September 16, 2016 by members of the Luuk police force. For their efforts, the policemen were congratulated

by acting provincial director P/Supt. Mario D. Buyuccan for their exemplary achievement notwithstanding high risk to their lives. To his surprise, Mayor Arbison said it was mind-boggling to note that he was charged with the murder of Rahim together with PO2 Julmarin M. Laja and PO2 Abdulnajir J. Riario. He added that a warrant of

arrest has been issued subsequently against them despite a pending motion for reconsideration. “I am being implicated in the case for sparing no holy cows in the fight against drugs and because of this I am proud to say that Luuk is now a drug free municipality,” he said. The two policemen also appealed to President Duter-

del Sur. The ceremony was led by Davao del Sur governor Douglas Cagas who also served as chair of the CLIP committee together with DILG director Remedios Baldovino. The handing of livelihood assistance was also witnessed by Department of Social and Welfare Development Office Officer Geraldine Lano; Lt. Col. Allan Odal, 1002nd Brigade Executive Officer and Lt. Col. Ronnie B Babac Commander 73rd IB. Each of the former rebels received checks worth P50,000.00. This is not the first time that former rebels received livelihood support from the

government, the 73rd IB pointed out. Last month, three batches of former rebels received their livelihood assistance from the government – the first batch was the 24 former rebels who received a total of ₱305,000.00 assistance from CLIP program; the second batch composed of 13 former rebels also received P15,000.00 each; and the third batch of 11 former rebels who received P10,000 each from the government. To date, a total of 106 former rebels from the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental and Sarangani have already surrendered to 73rd IB since last year. Of the total surrenders,

75 already received immediate and livelihood assistance worth P65,000.00 each with a total sum amount of P4,875,000.00. More assistance is presently being processed to provide assistance to those who do not qualify to the requirements of the program. Another P1,300,000.00 CLIP assistance was also awarded last year to the 20 former rebels surrendered to 73rd IB from the period 20132014. CLIP is a national program of the government that seeks to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of armed conflicts.

Dureza: IP representation assured in expanded BTC Ex-rebels in DavSur receive assistance

RESIDENTIAL peace adviser Jesu G. Dureza assured indigenous peoples of Mindanao of their representation in the new and expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission that is tasked to draft the enabling law for the implementation of all Bangsamoro peace deals. Dureza made the assurance during an Indigenous Peoples’ peace table meeting Tuesday in Midsayap, North Cotabato. He said that in addition to the implementation of all Bangsamoro peace deals, other pertinent measures including the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 will be part of the expanded BTC negotiations. The meeting with the IP leaders is part of the continu-

ing consultation process for the “bigger peace tables” to discuss their concerns and participation in the peace process. “The negotiating table is a smaller table and only involves the government and the rebel groups, “said Dureza. “The ‘bigger peace table’ is the general public, which will be affected by the issues tackled in the smaller table.” He emphasized that it is important to listen to what is being discussed in the bigger table. As a continuing engagement, there are upcoming peace-building conversations with different stakeholders in Surigao del Norte and Compostela Valley on January 12, Thursday

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FMAYOR, 11

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

OURTEEN former members of New People’s Army on Monday, January 9, received a total of P700,000.00 livelihood assistance from the government, the army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion said in a statement. The livelihood assistance was part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Department of Interior and Local Government provided to former rebels who decide to go back to the mainstream society to live peaceful lives. Last Monday’s awarding was facilitated by the provincial government of Davao del Sur during the flag raising ceremony held at Provincial Coliseum, in Digos City, Davao

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Davao City-South Korea relation strengthened by MICE workshop By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

ITH Davao City’s attraction to South Korean culture, it is no longer surprising that there is a growing community of Korean nationals in the city. Speaking during the Tourism Capacity Building Workshop by ASEAN-Korea Center (AKC) in partnership with Philippine Department of Tourism under the theme of ‘Branding Davao as a Competitive MICE Destination on January 9, 2016 at Marco Polo Hotel Davao City, Davao City Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta expressed optimism on Davao-Korea relations, that with the 24.45 percent of Korean tourist arrivals in the

country last year, thousands have visited Davao City. “Davao City is blessed to have a growing Korean community,” she stressed. Councilor Acosta added that Korean pop culture is very popular in Davao City citing one Korean novela hit that a lot of Davaoeños, young and old, are going after. She also pointed out the numerous Korean restaurants in the city to choose from. Meanwhile, in an interview with DOT-XI Regional Director Robert Alabado, he said the AKC chooses five countries each year to collaborate

IPs outraged FMICE, 11

FOR FEDERALISM. Top movers of Lihok Pideral Dabaw led by Atty. Eduardo Estores (center) together with Nereo Navarro (left) and Emmanuel Cifra (right) emphasized their continued advocacy for federalism as they graced the regular Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City in Davao on Monday. (Alexander D. Lopez)

Justice sought for killing of Mandaya chieftain by NPAs By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

EADERS of Indigenous Peoples in Davao Oriental, government officials and representatives from various sectors on Saturday expressed their outrage as they sought justice for the killing of a Mandaya tribal chieftain and two other tribal members. Mandaya tribal leader Copertino Banugan together with his brother Ramon and relative identified as Benny Banugan were killed when attacked by heavily armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on December 30, 2016 in Caraga town, Davao Oriental. “I am deeply saddened and I strongly condemn the ruthless killing of Davao Oriental’s most respected tribal leader Datu Copertino Banugan, his brother Ramon

Banuganand relative Benny Banugan. The tragic death of Datu Banugan is ahuge loss and a big blow not only to the peace-loving, respectful, and honorable Mandaya people of Davao Oriental but for all peace-loving people in our country,” said Governor Nelson Dayanghirang in a message sent to the media on Saturday. Dayanghirang also expressed fear of “Pangayaw” or tribal war that might be resorted to by the relatives and supporters of Datu Banugan against the NPAs in the area. He said the provincial government with the support of other stakeholders, the military and the police will exert all efforts to prevent and spread of more violence in the

area. Datu Banugan was the chieftain of Sangab, an upland tribal community in Barangay Pichon, Caraga town. The governor said Banugan’s strong leadership led the IPs in Sangab along with 12 other tribal communities in Pichon to be awarded with CADT-01, considered as the first of such titles given to indigenous communities in Southern Mindanao. “With this title, the Mandaya peoples’ claim to their ancestral domain has been strengthened,” he added. Dayanghirang pointed out that Sangab, for years, has been known as the only IP community in Mindanao that has preserved its culture and traditions, making it a huge

part of the province’s cultural tourism. “Protected under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 or the IPRA Law, they are entitledthe right to self-governance and self-determination, to have their own justice system, conflict resolutions, and peace-building process through their own tribal council, and pursue economic development – things which some people may misunderstand,” Dayanghirang added. Mandaya tribal leaders also expressed condemnation over the killing of Datu Banugan, saying that they will raise their voice in the coming days to call for justice. “We will never stop until we are able to put to justice

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Jess: IP leaders asked to form advisory council for peace talks By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

RESIDENTIAL peace adviser Jesus Dureza called on the leaders of various indigenous people groups of Mindanao to come up with an advisory council that would help the ongoing peace process negotiations with the different rebel armed groups. In a press statement, Dureza emphasized that the IPs are the ones who could suggest the best solutions as they are the ones who could best understand their situations. “Therefore, you are also the ones who can recommend the best solutions – for this to happen, you also need to come together as one,” Dureza emphasized in Bisaya during an IP peace table conversation in Midsayap, North Cotabato. The advisory council will provide voices and guarantee critical parts for the “national minorities” in the peace arrangements with the National Democratic Front and in executing of Bangsamoro concurrences with the Moro fronts. Prior to this, Dureza emphasized that making an IP counseling committee would ensure that a more comprehensive and straightforward

peace process under President Duterte’s administration. “We cannot promise to give all the requirements you mentioned, but what we can promise is that we will present your concerns during the negotiations,” the peace adviser underscored. Dureza explained that there is a need for the IPs to sit down and discuss the problems and possible solutions as “we cannot solve your problems for you because we do not know what your problems are.” He also reminded the leaders that they may start working on their concerns even before the final peace agreement will happen. “We must not solely rely on the peace agreements. If we can act now for the betterment of your welfare, we can do so and not wait anymore for the signing of peace pacts,” Dureza pointed out. The meeting with the IP leaders is part of the continuing consultation process of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process with the “bigger peace tables”

FJESS, 11

‘Auring’displaces 5,000 families in Caraga region’s 89 barangays

T IT COMES WITH PRACTICE. A father holds an umbrella on one hand to cover his daughter from heavy rains and uses the other hand to maneuver his bicycle while traversing E. Quirino Avenue in Davao City over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

ROPICAL Cyclone Auring, which has weakened into a low-pressure area, has affected 5,423 families or 23,121 individuals in 89 barangays in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands in the Caraga region, the social welfare department reported on Monday afternoon. ’Auring’ has displaced 5,371 families or 22,879 persons, 4,745 families or 20,429 individuals of whom are taking shelter in 117 evacuation centers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center, said in its 1 p.m. report.

The DSWD said it continues to monitor the status of the affected families in evacuation centers through its field office in CARAGA to ensure the continuous provision of assistance. The department has also activated its Quick Response Teams in the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, along with the action teams stationed in every city and municipality to monitor the possible effects of ‘Auring’. It has prepositioned food and non-food items in the provinces. To date, the department has extended PHP801,108 worth of relief assistance to the affected families, with

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EDGEDAVAO

4 ECONOMY Former finance, NEDA Sokor experts say certification chiefs back DOF tax plan on safety to boost local tourism N VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

INETEEN former heads and deputy chiefs of the Department of Finance (DOF) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) have given their full support to the DOF’s comprehensive tax reform program, which, they said, would “correct the structural weaknesses” of the country’s system and serve as a tool to decisively attack poverty and achieve inclusive growth. Comprising 12 former DOF and NEDA bosses and seven finance undersecretaries, they “fully endorsed” the DOF’s tax reform proposals as they expressed in a manifesto their solidarity with the NEDA goal of transforming the Philippines into a “prosperous, predominantly middle-class society” in one generation or by year 2040. “We, the former Secretaries and Undersecretaries of the DOF and the NEDA fully support the DOF’s comprehensive tax reform program as a long needed corrective to our tax system’s structural weaknesses and as a tool to achieve inclusive growth and transformative poverty reduction in our country,” the erstwhile senior government executives said in their joint statement. They said that, “The DOF’s proposed comprehensive tax reform is progressive, timely, and well-crafted to achieve the vision of a prosperous Philippines free of poverty. For these reasons we strongly support the reform and urge the public to do the same.” The manifesto was signed by former DOF secretaries Cesar Virata, Jose Isidro Camacho, Jesus Estanislao, Roberto De Ocampo, Jose Pardo, Cesar Purisima, and Juanita Amatong; and former NEDA directors-general Arsenio Balisacan, Emmanuel Esguerra, Cielito Habito, Felipe Medalla, and Romulo Neri. It was also signed by ex-DOF

undersecretaries Joel Bañares, Romeo Bernardo, Cornelio Gison, Lily Gruba, Milwida Guevara, Jose Emmanuel Reverente, and Florencia Tarriela. “Overall, tax policy reforms are needed to make the tax system fairer, simpler, and more efficient, to put more money in people’s pockets, and encourage investment, job creation, and poverty reduction, while making our country more competitive regionally,” they said in the manifesto. “We share NEDA’s goal— that by 2040, the Philippines will be a prosperous, predominantly middle-class society where no one is poor, and our people will live long, healthy lives, be smart and innovative, and live in a high-trust society,” they said. “The Philippine Government aims to triple real per capita incomes and eradicate hunger and poverty by 2040, if not sooner,” they said. “We fully endorse the DOF’s tax reform as part of the solution toward achieving these aims.” For them, the Duterte administration should carry out the proposed tax plan right away so it could sufficiently bankroll its inclusive growth and 2040 agendas, because “tax administration and budget reforms alone” will never raise the high level of revenues needed for the unparalleled investments in infrastructure, human capital and social protection for the poor and other vulnerable sectors. The DOF’s proposed tax reforms are needed, they said, to correct the domestic tax system’s weaknesses that “make our economy less competitive relative to our neighbors and deprive our people of deeply needed investments to improve their lives.” In the manifesto, they commended the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for focusing on “improving taxpayers’ satisfac-

HE board of directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) elected Wednesday, January 4 former Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) officer-in-charge (OIC) Cecilia Borromeo as its president and chief executive officer (CEO). Before her election as president-CEO, Borromeo, along with Maria Lourdes Avancena Arcenas, took their oaths of office as members of the DBP Board of Directors before Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III at the bank’s Head Office in Makati City. Borromeo, who had served since August last year as LandBank OIC, has 27 years of banking experience. She joined LandBank in 1989 and rose from the ranks as a project assistant at its Program Management Department to later handle various core banking operations, and become its Executive Vice President (EVP), first for the bank’s Institutional Banking

and Subsidiaries Sector in 2009, and later for its Agricultural and Development Lending Sector in 2012. As EVP for the bank’s Agricultural and Development Lending Sector, Borromeo spearheaded the delivery of financial services for farmer organizations; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); local government units (LGUs); government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), corporations, other financial institutions and consumer clients. Under her leadership, the bank’s agricultural lending sector achieved an 89 percent total loan portfolio growth from P233.1 billion in July 2012 to P421.5 billion in June 2016. She also supervised over treasury and investment banking operations, which covers the management of the bank’s foreign exchange and foreign securities investment portfolios.

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By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE ASEAN-Korea Center (AKC) underscored Monday that Davao City’s reputation as the “safest city” in the country could be used to lure more foreign tourists. Marketing Team Director of Jeju Convention and Visitors Bureau Jo Ji-hun said during the Tourism Capacity Building Workshop in Marco Polo Hotel, that Davao City’s MICE could expand to international scheme through the tourism certification issued by international organizations. The workshop was sponsored by AKC in partnership

with the Department of Tourism. Jo shared that Jeju Island is using a certificate on safety issued by international organizations such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which is one of the factors being considered by MICE participants. Prof. Lee Seul Ki of Sejong University also pointed out Davao City’s Central 911 unit as a “plus factor” in promoting the city as a competitive MICE destination. “Korean tourists do water sports activities such as scuba

diving and they are looking for assurance on their safety. You could use that since Davao City is one of the three cities that provide 911 for free along with US and Canada,” he said. Meanwhile, Alex Paik, Managing Director of AP Communication who discussed Marketing MICE: Online Promotion said the country could also make use of the travel advisories issued by foreign countries in a good way as he cited the security measures being implemented by the city PNP as an indicator for foreign tourists that Davao City government is serious on ensur-

ing safety in the city. According to DOT-XI Regional Director Robert Alabado, the AKC chooses five countries each year to collaborate with and this year, upon the recommendation of Raul Hernandez, Philippine ambassador to Korea, AKC has chosen Davao City to be the recipient of AKC’s assistance on MICE program. He also expressed his hopes that the AKC’s assistance would not end after the workshop but until Davao City could attain its brand as one of the main MICE destinations in the country.

BACK TO SQUARE ONE. Meat vendors at Agdao Public Market are experiencing quiet days anew as business became slow after the Christmas holidays. Lean Daval Jr.

DBP board elects lady as bank president-CEO House OKs estate tax amnesty T T HE House Committee on Ways and Means, prior to the congressional adjournment, approved two bills seeking to increase estate tax collection by granting tax amnesty and lowering the tax rates of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The committee chaired by Rep. Dakila Carlo E. Cua (Lone District, Quirino) approved House Bill 1889, authored by Rep. Arthur R. Defensor (3rd District, Iloilo) and HB 3010 by Deputy Speaker and Marikina City Second District Rep. Romero Quimbo. Cua said the proposed estate tax amnesty applied to prior years of incurred penalties. He said the prospective was it could be for the next five years with restructured rate or it could even be restructured permanently until the law was further amended. “What you are trying to achieve, what you are championing is really not impossible,” Cua told the authors during the hearing. Quimbo said the purpose of HB 3010 was identical with that of Defensor’s bill, which is to make the tax amnesty a mecha-

nism by which the government can generate more revenues. As it stands, Quimbo said only a small percentage of the BIR tax collection pertains to estate taxes. In 2013, he said only 28, 634 were registered estate tax payers. Quimbo said data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also showed that there was a total of 531, 280 deaths in the same year. “After deducting the registered estate taxpayers from the total deaths in 2013, data show that 94 percent did not file the required estate tax return. Even if the estate is exempt from taxes, the filing of a return is still required under the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC). Just looking at the number of deaths that year and looking at the estate tax filing, which is needed to be filed over a 120 day period, less than 7.2 percent actually filed for estate tax filings with the BIR,” said Quimbo. Quimbo said several concerns were also raised about the filing of the estate tax return. For one, the failure to file such within six months from the death of the decedent, extendible by the BIR

Commissioner for 30 days, subjects the taxpayer to penalties and interests under the NIRC. Moreover, compliance with the tax filing and payment is rendered more difficult by the arduous procedure the taxpayer has to go through. “This results in a situation wherein the heirs of the deceased resort to non-compliance of the law’s requirements, hindering them from using these properties. Thus, the decedents’ properties become idle and unproductive, providing a disincentive to the heirs, as well as to the economy, given the potential income that can be derived from these stagnant properties,” said Quimbo. The issue becomes more incongruous considering that in 2013, only 2.69 percent of the total collection of the BIR comprise of collection of taxes on property, including estate taxes according to Quimbo. This, he said, created a double whammy: the government is not able to derive revenue from these properties; and the heirs are not able to productively use said properties.

“To unlock this impasse, HB 3010 bill seeks the grant of tax amnesty for all unpaid estate taxes at the time of the bill’s passage, as well as those which shall be due three years from the time of its enactment. It proposes a revised schedule of tax due for each estate to encourage the declaration of tax returns and payment for non-compliant estates,” said Quimbo. Quimbo said the government should be able to provide an amnesty program because the estate tax was something the BIR was not able to collect. “It is not like an amnesty program over something that the BIR is poised to collect at this point in time. It has been shown in the last three decades that these are literally bad debts for lack of a better term,” he said. He said the first step was condonation then second was to levy a tariff that was identical, if not similar to capital gains. Defensor said his House Bill 1889 was more than just an amnesty as it sought to replace the present tax base for estate taxes, which is considered rather high or unreasonable. (PNA)

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ECONOMY 5

ASEAN to lure trade, investments; boost country’s economic growth

HE Philippines stands to benefit from hosting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit this year through increased trade and investments in the region and high economic growth in the next few years, said the country’s foremost economist. In an interview, Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Professor at University of Asia and the Pacific, said Filipino companies are opting of protecting domestic market, while a few of them have led in expanding their businesses towards the ASEAN region. “I hope that more and more companies will think of integrating their businesses all over the 650 million consumers in the ASEAN,” he said. “We have to get more and more of our business people to think beyond Philippine shores.” Villegas said the ASEAN meetings here will open up a lot of networking opportunities for businesses in the region. He stressed that the country’s hosting of ASEAN Summit can also create investment opportunities among member countries. “A lot more Filipino cor-

porations (have to) leverage their relationship with ASEAN companies so that they can invest here and vice versa. We can open up markets in the ASEAN countries,” he added. The economist believes its hosting can also pave the way for the Philippines to fully maximize the benefits of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), especially country to country agreement on services. “We can just send our lawyers, our engineers, architects, unless we agree with the respective governments. That is the competitive advantage of the Philippines. Filipino professionals are among the most sought-after in the ASEAN,” Villegas said. Further, he is also optimistic that the holding of ASEAN meetings in the country will boost the economy. “Whatever they will spend when they are here, that will definitely increase GDP (gross domestic product). But it will take time before investments come here. It will not be this year but in the next three to five years,” Villegas added. The government will officially launch the ASEAN 2017 at the Davao SMX Convention Center on January 15. (PNA)

HR moves to revert idled fishponds to forest lands

HE House committee on natural resources has approved a proposal allowing the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to revert to forest lands those fishponds which have been unutilized or abandoned for a period of three years. The committee chaired by Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate (Party-list, Bayan Muna) approved the proposal embodied in House Bill 854 authored by Rep. Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica (4th District, Bulacan) prior to the congressional adjournment. Villarica said environmental laws must be attuned to the demands of climate change as well as the socio-economic needs of the increasing number of people living in communities. Villarica, however, said Presidential Decree No. 705, otherwise known as “The Revised Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines” requires that for the DENR to revert fishponds with Fisheries Lease Agreements (FLAB) to forest lands, the fishponds must have been unutilized and abandoned for a period of five years from the time these were released for such purposes. “The five-year period is deemed too long for such fishponds to be utilized for purposes other than what they were intended for, such as for mangrove propagation to address the devastating effects brought about by climate change or for promoting eco-tourism activities to

jumpstart the economy of communities wanting in socio-economic development,” said Villarica. To effectively implement the provision on the reversion of fishponds as well as the Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLAs) issued by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) covering fishponds, Villarica said the DA should be mandated to prepare with the DENR joint guidelines in determining abandoned, undeveloped or underutilized fishponds. “House Bill 854 seeks to address these concerns. The bill was filed during the 16th Congress, but was not taken up due to time constraints. It was refilled for the consideration of the 17th Congress,” said Villarica, chairperson of the committee on foreign affairs. The bill seeks to amend Section 43 of PD 705 titled Swamplands and Mangrove Forests, so that “Mangrove and other swamps released to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for fishpond purposes which are not utilized or which have been abandoned for three years from the date of such release shall revert to the category of forest land.” Moreover, the amendment provides: “The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall determine in a set of joint guidelines, abandoned, undeveloped or underutilized fishponds covered by Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLAs). (PNA)

FISH BE WITH YOU. Dried fish in different sizes and varieties are neatly arranged at a makeshift stall inside Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Sino investor plans to build aqua-culture plant in Davao By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

CHINESE investor plans to build an Aqua-culture processing plant in the city that will generate thousands of jobs for Davaoeṅos. On Monday, officials of the Zhe Jian Fang Yuan Ship Industry Co. LTD. met with Davao City officials of the city in a bid to lay down their plan to put up an Aqua-culture processing plant in the city. The investors were led by their chairman, Wen Lin Jin. Davao City Investment and Promotion Center Head Lemuel Ortonio said the Chinese investor was on the

look-out for an area where it intends to build its plant that will process marine products that will be exported to China and other countries as well. “The plant will process marine products to dried goods that will be exported mainly to China,” he said. Ontorio said that this will be a big boost to the city’s economy as it will generate development and more work for the Davaoeṅos. Though the business will be solely owned by the Chinese investors, the management vowed to hire 10,000 Davaoeṅos that will work with them.

“The city will not hold any ownership, it will be owned by the Chinese investors only, however, it can create job opportunities to 10,000 Davaoeṅos,” he said. Ontorio said that aside from job opportunities, they will also provide technology transfer for the latest technology on fishing. The company also ventures on the ship building and repair that will be part of aqua-culture plant. They will be needing 3,000 hectares for their long term investment worth P3 billion. Ontorio said that the Chinese investors decided to

invest here in the city after President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit in Chia. Last year, officials from the city government led by Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte went to Shanghai, China for the investments of the Chinese government that they will pour in the city. The Shanghai government vowed to pour investments on the tourism and infrastructure development in the city after their meeting with the Vice Mayor. Several direct flights from the city to the different provinces in China are also on the hook.

ance coverage is necessary to sustain this,” he added. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) earlier reported that inflation in December grew at its fastest pace in two years owing to higher food and transportation costs. Inflation was at 2.6 percent last December, up from 1.5 percent in the same month in 2015, and 2.5 percent in November, bringing the full-year 2016 rate to 1.8 percent. But the full-year inflation was below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s target range of 2.0 percent to 4.0 percent. “For two consecutive years, the average inflation rate has fallen below 2.0 percent, largely on the back of lower fuel and energy prices,” Beltran said. “Stable rice prices also muted inflationary pressures.” In the past two years, food contributed 1.1 percentage point to the inflation rate, while the share of non-food items doubled from 0.2 to 0.5

percentage point. Meanwhile, Beltran said inflation would continue to manageably pick up in the coming months because of the normalization of oil prices in the world market. “In the foreseeable nearterm, the general price increase may be above 2.0 percent as indicated by above 2.0 percent core inflation, [which is] an indicator of inflation outlook,” Beltran said. Amid the expected higher inflation, Beltran said the BSP has “significant credibility” in managing price expectations, aided by the newly implemented interest rate corridor system that will make its operations more efficient. “This and the government’s prudent fiscal management will continue to help maintain macro-economic stability in the country, which in turn fosters a conducive environment for generating investments,” Beltran said. Last December, the general price increase for food

and non-alcoholic drinks further rose to 3.6 percent from 3.3 percent, contributing 1.1 percentage point to inflation. Vegetable prices accelerated by 11.5, while the cost of rice increased 1.6 percent. But year-on-year, rice inflation fell 0.3 percentage point. “Rice inflation has dropped due to production recovery and timely importation,” Beltran said. “Programs to enhance vegetable farming are needed to temper the double-digit inflation in this sector which has continued for more than a year now.” Meanwhile, prices of alcoholic drinks and tobacco declined to 6.3 percent from 6.5 percent in November; health decreased to 2.5 percent from 2.6 percent; while housing, utilities and fuels remained at 1.3 percent. Likewise, furnishing, household and equipment remained at 2.4 percent; transport jumped 1.9 percent

DOF expects inflation to remain favorable this year

HE Department of Finance (DOF) expects the rate of increase in consumer prices to remain favorable this year after inflation dipped to its lowest level in almost three decades in 2016. DOF undersecretary and its chief economist Gil Beltran said that ensuring sufficient food production through investments in infrastructure is crucial to keeping the country’s favorable inflation rate. Beltran also said the government needs to ensure that credit and insurance coverage are available to agriculture stakeholders. “The country’s inflation rate remains favorable; the average annual inflation rate of 1.8 percent for 2016 is the lowest in 29 years,” Beltran said in his report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. “Food production is crucial to maintaining this favorable macroeconomic scenario. Support to production through infrastructure development, credit availability and insur-

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

THANKSGIVING. Over 5,000 Maitumians participate during the Handog Pasasalamat of the provincial government and the local government unit of Maitum at the municipal gymnasium Friday, January 6. They availed themselves

VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

of free medical, surgical, and dental services. Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit gave free meals to the beneficiaries, visitors, and well-wishers. (John James I. Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

ARMM disaster responders are capable, well-prepared T

Online price monitoring strengthened in Region 12

ISASTER officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are prepared and capable of responding to man-made and natural disasters. This was the assurance Monday of regional disaster and civil defense officials given to visiting National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad. Jalad paid a visit to Office of Civil Defense (OCD-ARMM) and met with military and police officials over the weekend in his efforts to get updates on disaster preparedness of regional disaster units. Jalad, who hails from Mid-

sayap, North Cotabato, met with 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and OCD-ARMM regional director Myrna Angot. “We have established communication and coordination with OCD-ARMM and ARMM in general. We have a very good relationship with agencies concerned in DRRM,” Galvez told Jalad. In a meeting, Jalad received updates on both human-induced and natural disasters in the region’s five component provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Hataman said because of preparedness, disaster

Koronadal City celebrates bountiful harvest in 2016

AME any Filipino fruits and vegetables and you can find it in this city. As the city celebrates “Festival 2017,” hundreds of farmers took center stage and paraded along major city streets to showcase all kinds of fruits and vegetables, making the city as the fruit basket of South Cotabato. “Hinugyaw” is an Ilonggo term that means rejoicing or jubilation for bountiful harvest in the preceding year. It is a weeklong celebration that culminates with a grand parade and street-dancing performers dressed in vibrant costumes. Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel said farmers’ festival is an annual thanksgiving festival the people of Koronad-

al celebrate every January 10. Participating in this year’s festival are farmers’ groups from the city’s 23 highly agricultural villages. During the parade, farmers display what they’ve got in makeshift transport vehicles like top-down pedicab and “trailer,” a transport vehicle drawn by tractor. “The festival simply shows the city is blessed with bountiful fruits and the Hinugyaw is thanksgiving for this blessings,” Koronadal City agriculturist Emelita Miguel told Radio DXOM-AM Koronadal. “These agricultural products undeniably contributed much in the economic development of the city,” she added. She said through the fes-

FKORONADAL, 11

officials have cushioned the impact of the recurring flood problem in the region’s low-lying areas. “Flooding in some areas of the region is manageable since there are weather forecasts,” said Hataman. Angot has expressed optimism on the resilience of the ARMM populace. “This is due to our countless capacity building and advocacy endeavours on the DRRM. We have zero-casualties in flooding incidents in ARMM for the Calendar Year 2016,” Angot said. Jalad together with Angot also met with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - Humanitarian Emer-

gency Action Response Team (ARMM-HEART) headed by Regional DRRM Officer Ramil Masukat with the presence of DRRM focal persons from various agencies. “We are pleased with the presence of our Civil Defense Administrator. It only proves that the ARMM is being prioritized by the national leadership when it comes to DRRM. ARMM HEART is here and always ready 24/7 to respond come any disaster,” Masukat later told reporters. OCD-ARMM has its hands full this year with more capacity training and seminar to continue capacitating disaster responders, especially at the grassroots level. (PNA)

HE Department of Trade and Industry 12 (DTI12) facilitated a round of Online Price Monitoring System (OPMS) launching in various parts of the Region last December 2016. In Koronadal City, the launching was done by DTI South Cotabato and DTI Regional Office through a Business Registration Seminar cum OPMS Launching at EMR in Koronadal City last December 9, 2016; a presentation at the Regular Sangguniang Bayan Session last December 22, 2016 at the SB Hall of Surallah; and a Stakeholder’s Planning cum DTI e-Presyo Launching at Villa Amor Hotel in Koronadal City last December 27, 2016. In North Cotabato, a launching was also held at Dawn’s Café last December 21, 2016 with the Konsumo Kidapawan Association Incor-

porated and members of the media. A separate launching of e-Presyo was also facilitated in Sultan Kudarat on December 23, 2016 at the Municipal Hall of President Quirino, and in the Municipal Hall of Bagumbayan in the morning and Municipal Hall of Lambayong in the afternoon of December 29, 2016. In Sarangani, the launching was held through a DTI Business Forum cum e-Presyo Launching in Glan Gymnasium last December 23, 2016. In General Santos City, the launching was held at the Phela Grande Hotel last December 22, 2016. On the same day, the DTI 12 staff distributed t-shirts and briefers/ brochures as Promo Collateral for the e-Presyo. In Cotabato City, launching was held at Circuit Resto through an OPMS Launching

FONLINE, 12

CONDEMNATION. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang condemned the ruthless killing of Mandaya tribal leader Copertino Baugan and two others during a press conference held on January 6, 2017 in the City of Mati. (DavOr PIO Photo)

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE PIDS urges gov’t to cut costs of agri lending

ABOITIZ CARE PACKAGE TURNOVER. A total of 14,285 Care Packages, manufactured by Aboitiz food business unit Pilmico, were turned over to Kaya Natin last January 3 for immediate distribution to families affected by Typhoon Nina in Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA. Aboitiz Equity

Ventures First Vice President for Government Relations DJ Sta. Ana led the turnover of The Care Packages to Kaya Natin, represented by Lead Convenor and Trustee Harvey Keh.

TOTAL of 14,285 affected individuals in Bicol, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, & Quezon), and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, & Palawan) are expected to benefit from adequate nutrition and a sustainable food supply following Typhoon Nina, thanks to the nutritious high-energy biscuits recently donated by the Aboitiz Group. The Aboitiz Foundation, the corporate foundation of the Aboitiz Group, in coordination with Pilmico Foods Corporation and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. turned over 205 boxes containing

14,285 The Care Packages to non-government organization Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership, for immediate distribution to areas affected by Typhoon Nina. Kaya Natin Lead Convenor and Trustee Harvey Keh was present during the turnover of The Care Packages at the organization’s office in Quezon City. The Care Package, developed by Aboitiz food business unit (BU) Pilmico, contains packs of 100-gram high-energy biscuits loaded with 450 kilocalories (equivalent to one full meal) each, designed as an

efficient disaster relief solution that not only addresses hunger but provides adequate nutrition via a sustainable food supply. During disasters when viable food sources are scarce and time is of the essence, The Care Package serves as an effective emergency provision, with each 100-gram pack containing essential proteins, vitamins A, B1 to B12, C, D3, and E, carbohydrates, added sugar, fat, iodine, iron, magnesium, and calcium necessary for one person’s nourishment and energy needs without sacrificing taste. “We hope that our Care

Packages would be able to nurture our affected brothers and sisters and feed them with the strength to rebuild and get back on their feet,” said Maribeth L. Marasigan, Aboitiz Foundation First Vice President. The Aboitiz Foundation is an organization of compassionate service, one that can be counted on to provide assistance to those in need as part of its thrust to promote Health & Well-Being for a BetterWorld. It is among the first to respond during disasters while providing access to medical services through the help of Aboitiz BUs.

food processing such as product development, food safety and regulations, food packaging, nutrition labelling, product costing, and marketing strategies. “We have done a project on building up the confidence of our personnel in the FICs. As such, we would like to culminate this project by looking at the competence of our personnel in terms of their development of prototypes which we would find most innovative,” said Dr. Maria Patricia Azanza, DOST-ITDI director, after the initial screening which came up with five food products from each technology. The finalists were further tested in terms of the innovativeness, market viability, consumer acceptability, and soundness of process. Judges came from the academe, public and private organizations and institutions.

sors of the University of the Philippines Diliman, got the title. These are healthy ready-todrink juices made from lemongrass, calamansi blend infused with turmeric and ginger. All ingredients are known to have potential health benefits. Cagayan State University-Carig Campus placed second in this category through Uved, a traditional Ivatan food made from banana roots. The product is attractive to health-conscious consumers and travelers. It is also developed with a longer shelf-life so tourists visiting Batanes can buy it as pasalubong. Region II bagged awards under the freeze drying technology: Gracilaria won as the Most Innovative Product, while Arius got the second place. Gracilaria is a kind of seaweed mass produced in Buguey, Cagayan that can be used as flavoring or processed as seaweed chips. Arius, on the other hand, is a tree that can grow anywhere in the Philippines but can only bear fruit in Batanes due to climate conditions. Its fruit gives off natural

food colorants that can substitute imported berries. For spray-dried products, Sea Grapes Powder or lato of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology in Region IX nabbed the Most Innovative Product. It claims to have natural salty, peppery taste which can be used as flavoring for chips, noodles, and baked products. Also, it can be mixed with beverages. Bukolyte, developed by the Philippine Women’s College-Davao in Region XI, then got the second place in this category. Bukolyte is powdered form of the coconut water with no artificial flavor and preservatives added made from young coconuts. Lastly, the Most Innovative Product for vacuum frying technology went to Crispy Sprouted Monggo of Region II which claims to contain more nutrients compared with ordinary monggo. It can provide energy and help strengthen the immune system of lactating or pregnant women. Fried Mayahini or barinday of East-

Aboitiz donates 14K care packages to Typhoon Nina-affected areas A

DOST offers new food products from innovation centers

ITH the result of the recent awards organized by DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) with support of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the DOST’s Food Innovation Centers (FICs) may be the newest places to hunt for newly-developed innovative and nutritious food products. Recently, DOST’s ITDI and PCIEERD recognized the Most Innovative Products developed from the Food Innovation Centers (FIC)technologies and came up with exciting new products developed using inhouse equipment such as water retort, vacuum fryer, spray dryer, and freeze dryer. The award is part of DOST’s program in developing the competence of FIC managers and technical personnel, particularly in product development and innovation. The DOST aims to achieve this by providing more detailed training on important aspects of

The winners For the Most Innovative Products for Water Retort Technology, Tea Tums, developed by students and profes-

FDOST, 11

HE government needs to reduce costs of agricultural lending and smallholder finance to make environment more conducive to increased private sector participation in smallholder finance, according to a paper released by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The discussion paper, titled “Comprehensive Study on Credit Programs to Smallholders,” looks at the existing credit programs for smallholders, including agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). It also assesses the Agrarian Production Credit Program, a program being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Land Bank of the Philippines for ARBs using agrarian reform beneficiary organizations as retailers. The researchers noted that smallholder finance is considered more costly by banks because smallholders live in hard to reach areas with dispersed population and low literacy rates. Banks and formal financial institutions, on the other hand, are located in the towns and cities. “Also, smallholders require relatively smaller amount of loans resulting in higher transaction cost per borrower. Because of these, extending loans to smallholders entail addi-

tional transaction costs for the banks,” they said. The researchers recommended that in the short-term, the government needs to strengthen and build capacities of smallholders’ and/or farmers’ organization as viable and sustainable conduits of financial services in rural areas, in particular cooperatives. “Capacity building support should focus on enabling and strengthening these smallholder organizations (e.g. coops) to meet banks’ criteria for credit screening,” they said. It can also allow banks to use innovative means of delivering financial services to the rural areas within a reasonable risk management framework. The PIDS paper said promoting the use of mobile technology will also allow roaming agents to distribute finance and collect information from smallholders. “The current framework of the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) in the use of digital finance for reaching far-flung rural areas would help in reducing the banks’ transaction cost in lending to small farmers in these locations,” it said. In the medium-term, the researchers underscored the need to build the required support infrastructure, such as farm-to-market roads that will reduce the costs of reaching the small farmers. (PNA)

DepEd: Relevant teacher trainings uplift country’s education status

DUCATION Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones recently noted the importance of relevant trainings to teachers during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) concerning the operation and funding of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMAO INNOTECH) held at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City. For Briones, relevant teacher trainings will equip educators with proper knowledge and expertise in honing the minds of the Filipino learners. The improvement of the capacity of teachers, education leaders, and other DepEd personnel is one of the major items in the 2017 DepEd budget.

PH’s partnership with SEAMEO At the MOA signing, Briones expressed her gratitude to the SEAMEO INNOTECH for allowing the DepEd to utilize its facilities for trainings and other capacity building activities of the Department. “We are deeply grateful for your [SEAMEO INNOTECH] unending support to the projects and programs of DepEd, and also, for allowing us to

utilize the Center’s facilities,” Briones said. Briones mentioned some points in her Agenda, which the SEAMEO INNOTECH may tap for their current and future programs and projects. Citing that uplifting the status of education in the county is everyone’s responsibility, Briones stated, “We are hoping that the SEAMEO INNOTECH will continue to support and build on the various efforts of the Department, especially in the areas of reproductive health, disaster risk reduction, and Alternative Learning System (ALS).” Undersecretaries Jesus Mateo and Victoria Catibog, and External Partnerships Service Director Margarita Consolacion Ballesteros were among the witnesses from the DepEd in this MOA signing. This MOA sets forth the understanding between the SEAMEO and the government of the Republic of the Philippines for the SEAMEO INNOTECH’s 9th Five-Year Development Plan from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021. The SEAMEO INNOTECH is dedicated to identifying common and unique education problems and needs of Southeast Asian countries, and developing innovative and technology-based solutions to address these problems. (DepEd)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Loida’s lame excuse

HILANTHROPIST Loida Nicolas-Lewis, a known supporter of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running-mate Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas, may have denied that she and her opposition group are out to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. Reacting on the exposed Yahoo! Group Filipino Diaspora Council, Nicolas-Lewis maintained innocence and that they are only a dissent group. She said “dissent is NOT equivalent to a plot or conspiracy.” Nicolas-Lewis may have been blessed with a fortune from her marriage with an American billionaire but she is not as blessed with her choice of political alliance and their group is definitely not too blessed with the keen attention for confidentiality. Oh yes, Nicolas-Lewis admitted the group existed and it is not a private group. She said it is public and that is why it cannot be discussing conspiracy. She must have asked her spokesperson to do the state-

EDGEDAVAO

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ment without her examining the contents of the Yahoo! Group. Had she gone through with it, she would have had a different statement. Clearly, the group discussed on their strategies, the web they will spin as well as their excuse to the criticisms hurled at their bet, Vice President Leni Robredo. In her statement, Nicolas-Lewis said: “First: No plot to oust Duterte. Resign Duterte Movement is based on President Duterte’s own words that he would resign if drugs are still rampant six month(s) after his inauguration.” “Second, Global Filipino Diaspora Council is a Public Site. If there is a conspiracy, would it be discussed in a public page?” Who is she fooling now? It is not enough to say she or her group is only out for dissent or criticism. ‘Lenileaks’ is more than just criticism. It involves a strategic plan composed of various stages of activities aimed at one thing: get the President out of Malacanang. Frankly, it’s pretty clear. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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EDGEDAVAO

Commuters must be taught to walk

EHICULAR and pedestrian traffic in Metro Manila and other urban centers elsewhere in the country will aggravate before they are eased. My premise is based on the fact that our population – and the world’s – is ever growing. Add also the reality of the unabated continuous cultural migration from the rural areas to the cities where they usually find work and income opportunities and then settle in and raise families of their own. My take is that, as the title of this piece suggests, the government, in frenziedly attempting to find an appropriate solution to the traffic mess, must apply practical wisdom and institute something good and positive from the past. In the fifties, people in Manila and its then surrounding towns and cities from Rizal province (San Juan, Pasay, Caloocan, Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City) were just walking their way to their destinations. In those days, in Manila especially, streets were lined with trees that provide shade to the

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

pedestrians. SPECKS OF LIFE The weather was cool and breezy and there were yet no irritating emissions and pollutants emanating from factories, cars Fred C. Lumba and other vehicles. Taft avenue was dotted with leafy trees from Plaza Lawton (now Liwasang Bonifacio) that led visitors and tourists to the old Luneta and other attractive destinations like the famous Jai Alai and the Manila Zoo up to the Manila-Pasay boundary. You must have missed Luneta then when it was blossoming with huge foliage and lush greenery such that it has become popular (or notorious, depending on your perspective) as a dating ground for lovers and couples.

The EDSA problem has become huge and herculean and government planners and even Congress seem confusingly divided on what quick solutions they can apply to alleviate the suffering of the travelling public. As gas and fuel consumption increase and transport fares become expensive, my humble suggestion is for the government to transform EDSA into one beautiful, attractive and walkable area where thousands of commuters would enjoy the sight just like a promenade. If it is not too late and government planners only approve, the entire length and breadth of EDSA should be planted with trees that provide shade and oxygen. This will encourage commuters to use their feet and exercise by walking two or three blocks (even farther) if their offices and destinations are within walking distances. And then, government should provide dedicated bicycle lanes along the long shady EDSA route that will, in effect, lessen the use of motorized vehicles. Wouldn’t it be fun, huh? (Sometime ago in China, from the hotel

where I was billeted, I saw – like ants - hordes of bicyclists, garbed in their office clothes, leisurely pedaling their way to work.) Senior citizens then would not have to compete with other commuters for seats in the bus if their destinations are just close by (again, in walking distances) and they choose to take the challenge. If, say 50% of the commuting public just walk their way to the office along EDSA, I am inclined to believe that public conveyances would also diminish and there wouldn’t be any crowded lanes. I leave it to government planners and executives to think and ponder about offering incentives to commuters who should opt to walk and bicyclists, too. Sometimes, if you just think about it, governance is so simple even the unlettered would easily comprehend. Why complicate it then? There are many ways to skin a cat, right? (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.). God bless the Philippines!

tools. Developing and preparing the options to suit and respond to the needs, inclination and interest of knowledge-seekers is a serious concern that parents and education people need to give a hard look in building a rational and pragmatic teaching-learning environment for kids. Along this, the inclinations, aptitudes or skill preferences of school children should be systematically observed and monitored from grade school to high school, in order to develop curricula or programs that match their needs rather than just to push them to college after high school. On free college education to poor and deserving students, a sustainable intervention model that will outlive the echo of political hypes is wanting. Other than the existing DOST science-oriented scholarship program from high school to college, it may be worth looking, too, at the Mindanao State University Scholarship Program in the early 1960s and 1970s. In a nutshell, upon its establishment in 1961 in the heart of Morolandia – Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, the University offered scholarships to the top 5 percent of all high school graduating students in Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago and Palawan via a competitive admission and scholarship examination. The top 50 percent of the successful examinees (full scholars) enjoyed the privileges of free matriculations and other school fees, books, board and lodging, transportation allowance from home to the campus and back. The lower 50 percent of the successful examinees (partial scholars) enjoyed the same privileges minus the board and lodging. Anybody from this latter group, may, however enjoy the full scholarship privileges if he is able to get the prescribed grade point average (1.5) by the end of a semester. To enjoy the privileges up to the comple-

tion of the chosen course in the university the full and partial scholars must at least secure a grade point average of 2.5 and 2.75, respectively, every semester. The students from various ethnic, cultural and linguistic origins in Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago and Palawan were housed together initially in makeshift dormitories with Spartan facilities and ate their meal together in one dining place. The MSU model was not simply an academic intervention to provide the poor with high quality college education but at the same time served as a social laboratory in cultural integration. The young individuals from different cultural and religious climes interacted freely despite, in some points, distinct irreconcilable social and religious upbringings, and somehow learned from each other and developed along the way behavioral skills, attitudes and traits on patience, tolerance and respect for one another. Provided adequately with the basic necessities of survival, the scholars’ primary responsibility then was to study hard and to remain healthy and resilient in adapting to the new social and physical environment for them to endure and enjoy the rigors of high quality university education. The entire environment also encouraged everyone to excel academically with the rest of the cream of the crop. Needles to say, the Spartan-like rigorous training in the cold rolling cogonal hills of Marawi City paid out dividends to society in the turn outs of highly competent, reliable and dedicated professionals, entrepreneurs and industry and community leaders. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan is a retired professor and former chancellor of the Mindanao State University Naawan campus in Misamis Oriental).

Rethinking the educational intervention for the poor

N external intervention aimed to improve a state of affair, particularly one coming from the government, should be evaluated even at planning stage on how it would impact on the target population and society at large. At first glance, the abolition of tuition fees in state universities and colleges (SUCs) appears truly a benevolent, pro-poor policy of the government. But looks can be deceptive. Come to think of it, would free tuition really make a dent on the high cost of college education? Tuition is only one of the expenses to pay upon one’s admission to college. There are other fees the sum of which could be much bigger than the tuition. These fees are known as miscellaneous to include library, athletic, medical/ dental, Internet, laboratory, publication fees and student organization fees on top of the contributions for course-prescribed educational tours and projects. In fact school fees constitute only a small percentage of the cost of college education. The killing is in the board and accommodation, clothing/uniform, transportation and communication and other personal allowances of the student. Thus the free tuition student privilege will not benefit the students from poor families but only the students whose families can afford the many other expenses in sending a child to college. Suffice it to say that free tuition privilege does not equate to free college education. The jubilation in some quarters over this pro-poor education policy is therefore hollow and empty. An honest-to-goodness government intervention to help the poor acquire college education should not simply focus on lightening the financial burden of poor parents but should be addressed directly to the educational needs

MINDAVIEWS

BY WILLIAM R. ADAN of and consider the motivation and capacity of poor but deserving students. These are the students who from the grades to high school had stood out from the rest of the flock because of their dedication to studies and their perseverance to maintain high scholastic standing notwithstanding the dragging and depressing burden of their poor family background. These highly motivated students ought to get the untrammeled support of the government and other sectors of society to succeed in their chosen endeavors. The patronage scholarship program (matriculation and living allowances) in recent past catered whimsically to the political constituents of senators and congressmen from out of their PDAP shares was misplaced. It was based purely on political consideration and nary on the qualifications or capacity of the grantees to pursue college education. At the end, it was wasteful and meaningless. Meanwhile, it is common knowledge that many students are not prepared or deserving of college education. In fact a lot of children hate to go to school or college for that purpose. Apparently a good number of those who are found in college are pushed there by their parents because putting them there is a natural thing to do; it is a parental responsibility. Moreover, many perceive college education, rightly or wrongly, as a way out from poverty. It escapes from parents and educational planners that not everybody is inclined to engage in cerebral academic undertakings but have other preferences in the search for knowledge or future meaningful livelihood

10 BIGGER PICTURE EDGEDAVAO

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Where have all our forests gone? Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“A person without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless.” – Theodor Roosevelt, American president

“I

WAS a shabu (crack or poor man’s cocaine) dealer for six years,” admitted Bagut, who’s from Agusan del Sur. “I was also in prison and even there, shabu dealing continued. I operated here in the Agusan marsh area. But I realized that it was almost like killing people and their families as well, even with all the money I earned. “I did not realize that I was killing them, I just sold shabu so I can have money, but I never knew that I was also killing their families. It really has a great effect, it shouldn’t have been my business. I promised myself then that I would not do anything that harmed other people, so I shifted to chainsawing.” Bagut is one of the 53 people featured in the book, Forest Faces: Hopes and Regrets in Philippine Forestry, published jointly by the regional office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC). “It’s been two years since I stopped (selling shabu) and I went into the chainsaw business last year,” he said. “I have expanded and I have a mini-sawmill and a bandsaw now. But what I am doing is illegal because I don’t pay forest charges, I have no permit, I have no license. But that’s only where I am illegal, because of the government and what it requires of me.

“But my work with people is legal,” he continued, “because this is how they source what they need to be able to eat. I may be illegal now, but I’m not harming anyone. I keep people alive, and I’m providing a livelihood to people.” Farmers who live around three kilometers away from his mini-sawmill supply him the wood, mostly lauan. “They got their wood from their kaingin areas,” Bagut was quoted as saying in the book. “They cut the trees so they can plant rubber. This is what we call salvaging, this is the purpose for cutting the trees and then they will plant rubber trees after. I don’t tell them to cut the trees so that I can buy their wood; this is theirs, they are cutting down the trees so they can plant rubber. Sometimes, they also plant falcatta, but it is mainly rubber.” Bagut doesn’t choose any kind of wood as long it’s not rotten. He sells the woods mostly for house construction. When asked if he is damaging the forest because of his business, he replied negatively by saying, “I do not disturb the forest.” Bagut also supplies for free the coffin demand in the municipality where his sawmill is located. He doesn’t make the coffin himself but just supply the wood needed. “The coffins cost around P5,500 but I donate this to the town for free,” he said. “That’s my contribu-

tion. So even if I don’t have a permit nor a license for my business, my work is needed. And I don’t abuse.” “Today’s degraded forest reflect a history of logging and abandonment,” wrote Peter Walpole, ESSC’s executive director, in his introductory of the 242-page book, which is full of photos and quotable quotes. “A forest is more than just trees,” said the late scientist Dr. Dioscoro L. Umali, who received a Ramon Magsaysay Award in 19 for public service. “It is a community throbbing with life – an ecosystem of plants, animals and their surroundings; an all-embracing web of life woven into soil, water, and air. These elements interact with each other. All are essential parts of a whole system.” Umali said that tampering any one of these elements disrupts the balance of ecosystem. “In nature,” he pointed out, “there are no rewards and punishment; there are only consequences.” So, where have all our forests gone? The first nationwide forest inventory was completed in 1969 and only 10.4 million hectares of forest were left out of the 17 million hectares that used to occupy the country’s land area of 30 million hectares. By 1980, only about 7.5 million hectares of forest were left. At the end of 1990, only 6.64 million remained. Most of those considered “old growth forest” were confined to steep and very steep areas and were not often accessible. In 1995, the country barely had 5.6 million hectares (less than 19% of the land area) of forest cover. “For at least 20 years now, we have this forest

crisis which has been getting worse every year,” Dr. J.A.V. Revilla, then a visiting professor at the Forestry Development Center of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB), told a conference organized by the National Academy of Science and Technology. “At the rate we are re-establishing forest cover during the last 20 years, it would take us 250 years to reforest (the country),” Dr. Revilla deplored. “That is assuming that forest cover loss stops immediately and that we finally become effective in our reforestation efforts.” More often than not, illegal loggers in cohorts with politicians were blamed for the rapid disappearance of the country’s forest cover. In 2002, a report which appeared in The Manila Times said that 354,00 board feet of giant trees – many already sawn to sizes – were discovered in Don Salvador Benedicto, a mountain town in northern Negros. “Government officials, environmentalists and the public were reportedly shocked by the magnitude of forest destruction in the town, part of the 35,000-hectare wide Northern Negros Forest Reserve,” the news report said. Loggers are not the sole culprit. Even farmers them-

selves are partly to be blamed. In a news report published by the Manila Bulletin, this information was taken: “Vast tracts of forest lands which were once lush now stand barren, unproductive due to widespread and continuous practice of kaingin (slash-and-burn farming). As a result, severe denudation and soil erosion have made it almost impossible for these lands to recover, if at all.” Other causes of deforestation include mining, overgrazing and road construction. Is there a way the country can reverse this tide? “The generic response to forest degradation is to plant tree, but we don’t know what this accomplishes or does not,” Walpole wrote. “We have lost most of our forests of old growth over the past 50 years and, along with them, many of the ecological services they provide.” In 2005, the FAO regional office came up with a book entitled, In Search of Excellence: Exemplary Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific. It shattered the myth that there is no positive forestry being practiced in the region. The book featured three success stories from the Philippines. One of them is the forestry program is the Kalahan Forest Reserve (KFR) which is located between Sante Fe,

Nueva Vizcaya and San Nicolas, Pangasinan. “Why should I be ashamed of the forest when it our home and it sustain us?” said a native Ikalahan (“kalahan” literally means “forest” while the prefix “I” means “from” or “living in”). The KFR is a compelling example of an indigenous ethnic group using forestry practices to help maintain cultural identity. It has emerged as “a model for community-based forest management, and for reducing threats to ancestral lands.” In fact, the Ikalahans have gone far beyond that in developing a holistic system on forest management. The system incorporates crucial aspects of Ikalahan culture, coupled with entrepreneurship and forward-looking leadership focused on maintaining a viable ethnic culture in the modern world. Another success story came from Kalibo in Aklan. “Forest from the mud” was the title of the case of Buswang Mangrove Plantations. In the past, the area was nothing more than a bare mudflat that left the nearby town exposed to flooding caused by high tides and typhoons. Something must be done so a group called Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association (KASAMA)

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EDGEDAVAO

TRAVEL

This is what mermaids do when told that it’s time to head back to the city.

VALUABLE I learned from LESSONS solo travel

I ALMOST DIDN’T WANT TO GO. For an extreme extrovert like myself, I dreaded being alone. Holiday season in the Philippines almost equals getting together with people. This was my biggest problem - nobody was available to go with me. It has been my annual tradition of spending a weeklong surf trip during the onset of the Amihan season. This is the time of the year where the waves get bigger and suitable for surfing. Being able to control my own time, I didn’t want to waste this precious opportunity. I never got to do this before and whether in a group or by myself, I vowed to myself that I would go, so I did. Here are the lessons I learned during the weeklong trip:

Don’t be afraid to invite people. It could be an invitation to come with you or if you just met them, have a meal together. One sincere invitation can open a lot of opportunities. In my desperation, I actually posted an open invitation on Facebook (almost short of an advertisement). I didn’t end up going with people but I found that a lot would have loved to have the chance to go.

Mingling with more locals like this beach dog I named, Balud which means wave in the local dialect.

myself.

Also, I could surf wherever and whenever I want. No matter the size of the waves, I could surf to my heart’s content. Since I didn’t bring company, I didn’t have to take care of anybody but myself. Sounds selfish but this was my vacation after all.

I tried not being too attached to my gadgets and so here’s the only photo with a few of the locals.

2 3

A smile can go a long way. I always believe in this principle that people, even if they were shy, would never turn down a smile especially if given by a stranger.

Go and ask questions. You’ll be surprised how people love to answer them. Keeping in mind what are the appropriate questions to ask a person you’ve just met, try asking the easy questions following the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where and Why). It was around my third day when I noticed again this lone surfer who stayed in the same resort. Since I kept passing him by on the way to the beach, I smiled at him. When we were both wait-

ing for waves in the lineup, I asked him a few questions. He responded rather enthusiastically and I found out he was also traveling solo. I lost my longboard fin lock on my last day surfing and he gladly gave me his – you lose some, you win some.

It’s okay to be alone, really. It was quite difficult for me to adjust being just by myself. I was used to always having company around. Even if the resort was almost like my second home, the usual people I knew weren’t around at that time. As the days passed by, I got to discover myself more than I expected. I learned that being alone made me realize that the only person who thinks I’m lonely is only

Talk with the locals: learn their way and make new friends. I had time for this now. Surprisingly, the conversations always ended each night with a movie as per their request (I brought a laptop with me because I thought I could work). I may not have worked as much as I could but I ended up with more friends and local tips (cheaper food, secret surf spots) by the end of my trip.

I believe that it’s not just the destination that makes a travel experience amazing, it’s also the company you keep. I used to think that it was only the people you bring with that would make the difference. Now, I’ve learned that the company you keep could be the very people you meet.

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Marco Polo General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin.

Marco Polo Davao stages CGD Cup By NEIL BRAVO MARCO POLO DAVAO recently hosted the 2016 Carlos G. Dominguez Cup shooting competition held at the Team Davao Inc. Pistol and Rifle Shooting Range in Ma-a, Davao City.

Marco Polo General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin, Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez and Marco Polo Head of Security Francis Suan.

The shootfest, held in cooperation with Philippines Shooters and Match Officers Confederation and Gold Cup Shooters Club, Inc., was participated in by hotel patrons as well as shooting enthusiasts from the business and government sectors. Secretary of Finance Carlos G. Dominguez together with Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. President Francis Ledesma

and Marco Polo General Manager Dottie V. WĂźrgler-Cronin were present and participated in a practice shoot after the competition. The CGD Cup 2016 is a Philippines Shooters and Match Officers Confederation-sanctioned match on handgun, mini-rifle and shotgun shooting competition. Participants from various private groups as well as private and government companies took part in the tough one-day competition.

Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez with DACBOYS Team.

Marco Polo Security Supervisor Alfred Ferrer.

Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez with the Philippine Army Team.

Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez with Team ARDEXCOR.

Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez with Philippine Shooters and Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez with the Match Officers Confederation, Inc. Midway Holdings Team.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Jerome completes Big Brother’s dream team THE BEST OF plete Kuya’s firstTHE BEST ever Dream Team. H O U S E M AT E S Last Friday, regufrom each edition lar housemate Jerome of ABS-CBN’s hit Alacre was selected reality show “Pi- by the Lucky 7 teen noy Big Brother housemates to get the Lucky Season 7” third and last Lucky have already been House after his fellow chosen to com- housemates Tanner

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Mata and Aura Azarcon had been picked. Jerome got three out of seven votes from the teen housemates, who made their decision based on how Jerome and other remaining regular housemates Cora Waddell, Baninay Bautista, and Wil Dasovich handled themselves in the White Room task and how they answered very personal questions in an intense face-to-face Q and A. Now that Big Brother’s Dream Team is complete, the Lucky Houses from the regular edition composed of Tanner, Aura, and Jerome; Lucky Suns from the teen edition Edward Barber, Kisses Delavin, and Maymay Entrata; and Lucky Stars from the celebrity edition Jinri Park,

two-in-one housemates McCoy De Leon and Nikko Natividad of Hashtags, and Nonong Ballinan will embark on another exciting and must-see journey inside the famous yellow house in the coming weeks. What challenges will the Dream Team face? What other surprises does Big Brother has in store for them? Since its launch in 2005, “Pinoy Big Brother” has mirrored the hopes, plight, and aspirations of Filipinos through its diverse mix of housemates. Big Brother formulates tasks and challenges for the housemates to bring out their best, test their strengths, and foster camaraderie as they undergo a transformative journey inside the

house. Keep watching “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7,” Mondays to Fridays after “Till I Met You” on ABS-CBN or on ABSCBN HD (SkyCable Ch 167). Viewers can also catch up on the program’s past episodes via iWanTV.com and for Sky subscribers. “Pinoy Big Brother Lucky Season 7,” meanwhile, airs weekday afternoons at 5PM while “Pinoy Big Brother Season 7 Online Show” goes live online Mondays to Fridays at 7 PM viawww.pinoybigbrother.com For updates, follow @PBBabscbn on Twitter, @pbbabscbntv on Instagram or like https:// w w w.f ac eb o ok .c om / PBB a b scbntv/ on Facebook.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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EDGEDAVAO

Federalism... FROM 1 Pederal Dabaw member, on the other hand, said it is necessary for the Philippines to study the different models of federalism to find the right fit for the country based on the specific needs of each region. “Distinct regions have distinct identities — regional culture, languages — and different needs,” he explained. Cifra added that Philip-

pine regions would be given the main responsibility for developing their local industries, public health and safety, education, transportation, and culture. “If people don’t know about it [federalism], they will not see the benefits of it and they will not embrace it as a right kind of reform,” Cifra added.

is a demand for Davao’s virgin coconut oil (VCO) in the international community, particularly in South Korea because it is used in the Korean cosmetics industry. Within 15 days, he said, the inventors’ group is set to send 26 container vans or an estimated 20 metric tons of VCO to South Korea. “Some Korean investors have already placed their orders for the VCO, which we will send to them in a few days from now,” Mr. Sangutan said. “The trade involving exporting virgin coconut oil from Davao Region is thriving,” said Sangutan. Sangutan pointed out that is only in Davao region where processing plants for VCO can be found and that the coconut industry is one of the dominant sectors in the Philippine agriculture. “Davao is still leading in supplying traditional coconut products with coconut oil, copra meal and desiccated coconut as the leading top products,” he added. Among the primary commodities derived from coconut is coconut oil, dried coconut and copra while by-products include copra meal, activated carbon, coconut shell charcoal and coconut coir and coir dust.

Sangutan, however, rued the lack of support from the government and said: “Mindanao’s farmers and inventors could accomplish more with enough support from Philippine Coconut Authority.” He stressed that coconut trees are considered as “trees of life” and that multi-cropping can be encouraged in planting coconuts aside from it various usages. “Intercropping coconut gardens with ginger, calamansi, mangosteen, coffee, cacao, lemon grass, and other fruit crops would create sustainable farming,” Sangutan pointed out. He added that coconut’s dwarf variety has also been tested in several local farms and turned out to be an alternative way of planting coconuts. Sangutan stated that the farmers may also opt to plant dwarf varieties aside from the taller ones which may be toppled down by strong winds as experienced in the eastern part of Davao Region. He also observed the reduction of coconut plantations in Davao Region not just due to climate change but also due to the shift of many farmers to banana and palm tree planting. TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

te for assistance in a separate letter, copies of which reached media outlets in Davao City. The two policemen said that after they were commended by the provincial commander, they were surprised to know that provincial prosecutor Annie Marie Pierreangeli P. Ledesma, acting on the complaint of Rahim’s relatives, conducted a preliminary investigation that was made the basis for the filing of the murder charges. “We find it totally incomprehensible that Fiscal Ledesma will charge with the griev-

ous crime of murder when she knew ver well that the death of Munir Rahim stemmed out of a legitimate police operation,” they added. The two policemen called on President Duterte to have Fiscal Ledesman investigated “for appearing to be protecting drug pushers instead of working together with the police in the war against drugs.” They warned that what is being done to them will only embolden drug syndicates in Luuk and will effectively demoralize efforts of the PNP to wipe out illegal drugs.

PHP779,572 coming from local government units (LGUs). “Based on reports that we have received, concerned LGUs still have the capacity to meet the needs of their constituents affected by ‘Auring’. Nonetheless, the DSWD is ready to provide augmentation support when needed,” Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said. “We want to make sure that all the prepositioned relief goods and other materials we have to help tide over our affected ‘kababayans’ are utilized. It is important that these resources be turned over as

soon as possible to those who need them. After all, it is easy to replenish the family food packs, etc. -- so there really is no excuse to keep our ‘kababayans’ waiting for the assistance,” she said. Despite its weakening, ‘Auring’ is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the Bicol region and Samar. Taguiwalo reminded residents of these areas to coordinate with their communities’ disaster agencies as flash floods and landslides are still possible. (PNA)

South... FROM 1

Mayor... FROM 2

Auring... FROM 3

NEWS 11

NEEDED RESPITE. Task Force Davao personnel gather after conducting an hour of random checkpoint as part of the tighter security measures being Implemented as preparation for various upcoming events in Davao City such as the Ms. Universe 2017 fashion show and this year’s ASEAN summit. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao... FROM 2

to have a modern approach with our drainage projects,” he said. Last year, city engineer Joseph Felizarta said they met with JICA representatives and the Department of Public Works and Highways to discuss the upgrading of the city drainage masterplan. He said the masterplan needs updating to include the rivers and canals in the suburbs to come up with a better plan for anti-flooding infrastructure projects.

He said the masterplan upgrade will be conducted within the year. He said the masterplan may include actions on the informal settlers along the riverbanks, which are considered to be a danger zone. He said JICA has chosen the city because it is easy to implement a project here. The JICA chose the city as the sole recipient of a P4-million technology which converts throwaway cooking oil to biodiesel.(MindaNews)

with and this year, upon the recommendation of Raul Hernandez, Philippine ambassador to Korea, AKC has chosen Davao City to be the recipient of AKC’s assistance on MICE program. Also speaking during the Tourism Capacity Building Workshop Department of Tourism under the theme of ‘Branding Davao as a Competitive MICE Destination on January 9, 2016 at Marco Polo Hotel Davao City, AKC Secretary General Kim Young-sun expressed his gladness as he shared his experience in going to Davao City’s tourist destinations . He said he enjoyed his stay at Pearl Farm Resort, calling it the “best” tourist destination in the city and Durian as one of the most delicious fruits in the region. According to Gwen Javier, Assistant Secretary for Tourism Regulation, Coordination & Resource Generation (TRCRG) of DOT, from January to September 2016, Korea is still the biggest visitor-generating market with arrivals summing up to 1,091,646 covering 24.45 percent of the total tourist arrivals in the country. “Koreans are one of the biggest tourism receipt contributors to the county where they spend an average of $170 per day. For the length of stay, Koreans stay around six to

seven days in the country enjoying our beaches, learning English as second language, shopping and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Philippines,” said Javier. She added, in the previous collaborations, AKC has assisted the Philippines in conducting Korean language course in Pampanga in 2013. In 2014, the two countries had the ASEAN Tourism: Human resources development seminar in Davao City. “We thank AKC for today’s seminar on MICE Tourism which is one of DOT’s nine product portfolio or main tourism products and we also thank them for choosing Davao as the venue as Davao is one of the country’s main MICE destination,” stated the assistant secretary. During the workshop, tourism experts delivered lectures to share Korea’s experiences in becoming a competitive MICE destination and in conductive effective online marketing to approximately 100 MICE professionals from both private and public sectors. It was followed by a roundtable discussion with policy makers and professionals in the Davao tourism industry, where they exchanged views and explore joint collaborations between the two countries.

tival, the farmers proved that hard work bear fruits. “A recognition to farmers’s contribution to overall development of the city and its environs,” she

added. She said the festival forms part of the 77th foundation anniversary of Koronadal City. (PNA)

MICE... FROM 3

Koronadal... FROM 6

Dureza... FROM 2

Government Implementing Panel Chair for the Bangsamoro Peace Accords Irene Santiago was present in the said peace-building conversation with IP groups. Dureza also visited the municipalities of Alamada,

Midsayap, and Carmen, where he led the inauguration of a 42-kilometer road project under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, the government’s peace and development program. BY CANDIDO APARECE JR.

to discuss their concerns and participation in the peace process. Dureza explained that the negotiating table is a smaller table which involves the government and the rebel group while the ‘bigger peace table’ is the general public, which will be affected by the issues tackled in the smaller table. “It is necessary to listen to the bigger table,” Dureza said. As a continuing engagement, there will be an upcom-

ing peacebuilding conversations with different stakeholders in Surigao del Norte and Compostela Valley on January 12, Thursday. Dureza guaranteed the representation of the indigenous groups in the new and expanded Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) in drafting the law for executing of all Bangsamoro peace deals and other correlated measures, including the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.

ern Visayas State University in Region VIII was awarded as the second Most Innovative Product for this category. In the process of frying, Fried Mayahini retains its natural and nutritional qualities, thus it can be an alternative to unhealthy chips available in the market. For the special awards, Region II received the “FIC with the Most Number of Qualifying Products” with their seven food product entries. Another special award, the “Industry Choice Award”, is given to Regions II and IX for Crispy Sprouted Monggo and Sea Grapes Powder, respectively. This award recognizes product/s that scored high in the following criteria: novelty, consumer appeal, manufacturing feasibility, and can be priced competitively.

sectors of the society. “I believe that we have the products to make the Philippines food secure. Making these available, affordable, and accessible will only happen if we have the FICs,” said Dr. Guevara.

Jess... FROM 3

DOST... FROM 7

The Challenge Commercialization of these food products poses the biggest challenge after the awarding ceremonies. Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development recognizes this challenge in her closing message. To the judges, she says that they can do much in helping promote these food products as they came from different

What are FICs? Food Innovation Centers were developed in 2015 housing five DOST-developed technologies, namely: vacuum packaging machine, water retort, vacuum fryer, spray dryer, and freeze dryer. The spray dryer transforms liquids into powder instantly, while the freeze dryer produces dried materials but prolongs shelf life and enables a more convenient way of transporting these materials. The water retort machine improves shelf-life of food products even in non-refrigerated conditions, and the vacuum fryer creates crunchy products that are low in fat and high in fiber with minimal changes in color and flavor. As of 2016, DOST has established 10 FICs nationwide located at the NCR and in Regions 2, 4B, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 with the main FIC located at ITDI, DOST Compound. FICs are open to scientists, technologists, and academicians who are in need of the said technologies. (DOST)

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 230 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

Meet the roomier, Chevrolet Traverse C

HEVROLET used the North American International Auto Show to take the wraps off its 7-seater mid-sized crossover, the Traverse. Boasting a more refined styling, the 2018 Traverse delivers the best-in-class thirdrow legroom, maximum cargo room, and passenger volume together with an enhanced set of safety features. Could this be better than the Ford Explorer this time around? Inspired by Chevrolet’s bigger SUVs, the Traverse gets premium styling cues such as chrome accents, LED signature lighting, and LED headlights. For those who have an allergy to chrome trim, a new RS package swaps out the shiny bits for blacked-out ones such as in the grille, bowtie badge, and 20-inch alloy rims. Boasting a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, the

2018 Traverse is expected to deliver best-in-class passenger room as well as a 2,789-liter maximum cargo capacity. More storage options and larger bins are also found throughout the redesigned cabin delivering enhanced convenience and versatility. And speaking of convenience, a new handsfree tailgate makes loading stuff easier as is a spotlight located in the rear Chevrolet bowtie badge that illuminates the ground. Inside, a new split-folding second row improves on the Traverse’s Smart Slide feature. The curb side (right side) seat is capable of tipping up and sliding forward even with a forward-facing child seat in place. The third row itself is spacious with 856 mil-

limeters of available legroom. And to make it even more kid friendly, a rear seat reminder feature is standard. To keep occupants happy, the Traverse features the MyLink infotainment system that integrates both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passengers in the third-row meanwhile will have access to USB charging points while wireless charging is available as an option. Performance for the 2018 Traverse is delivered by Chevrolet’s 3.6-liter V6 engine that offers 10 percent more horsepower than the current model (about 317 horsepower). For the RS, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides more torque than the V6 (more than 366 Nm). Both engines are paired to a 9-speed automatic. Keeping it pointed in the right direction, the Traverse is fitted with Traction Mode Select that allows the driver to make real-time adjust-

ments to the vehicle’s driving modes depending on the road conditions. On models with allwheel drive, it also allows the system to completely disconnect the rear axle which helps save fuel. On models with Advanced AWD, a twin-clutch system optimizes traction for every condition it encounters. Other safety features include

Ford, Toyota establish SmartDeviceLink consortium

ORD Motor Company and Toyota Motor Company are forming SmartDeviceLink Consortium, a nonprofit organization working to manage an open source software platform with the goal of giving consumers more choice in how they connect and control their smartphone apps on the road. Mazda Motor Corporation, PSA Group, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) and Suzuki Motor Corporation are the first automaker members of the consortium. Elektrobit, Luxoft, and Xevo join as the first supplier members. Harman, Panasonic, Pioneer and QNX have signed Letters of Intent to join. SmartDeviceLink provides consumers easy access to smartphone apps using voice commands and in-vehicle displays. Adopting the open source platform gives automakers and suppliers a uniform standard with which to integrate apps. Developers benefit because they can focus on creating the best experience for customers by integrating one linking solution for use by all participating automakers. “Encouraging innova-

tion is at the c e n t e r of Ford’s decision to create SmartDeviceLink, and this consortium is a major step toward that goal,” said Doug VanDagens, global director, Ford Connected Vehicle and Services, and a board member of the consortium. “Consumers will win with new, innovative app experiences from increased collaboration and developer engagement.” Shigeki Tomoyama, president of Toyota’s Connected Company said, “Connectivity between smartphones and the vehicle interface is one of the most important connected services. Using SmartDeviceLink, we can provide this

service t o o u r customers in a safe and secure manner. We are excited to collaborate with many auto manufacturers and suppliers who share our view.” SmartDeviceLink enables smartphone app developers to seamlessly integrate their app functions with in-vehicle technology such as the vehicle display screen, steering wheel controls and voice recognition. With this new level of integration, drivers enjoy their favorite apps on the road in an enhanced, user-friendly way. Consumers also benefit because developers and automakers working together

will contribute improvements to the open source code – increasing the quality and security of the software. Industry-wide adoption of SmartDeviceLink is expected to give app developers broad scale as their innovations could be applied to millions of vehicles worldwide. Participating companies and suppliers will be able to deliver user experiences that meet their individual standards while retaining control over how much access apps have to vehicle data. SmartDeviceLink technology is based on Ford’s contribution of its AppLink software to the open source community in 2013. Ford AppLink software is currently available on more than 5 million vehicles globally. Toyota plans to commercialize a telematics system using SDL around 2018. Popular apps such as Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, AccuWeather and others are already available to Ford AppLink users. Livio will manage the open source project and provide guidance to the SmartDeviceLink Consortium and its members.

Surround Vision (360-degree camera), lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, front-pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, and low/ high speed forward automatic braking. Chevrolet Philippines once brought in thefirst-generation Traverse locally where it sought to do battle with the

likes of the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. Though it’s been largely replaced by the bodyon-frame Trailblazer, here’s hoping Chevy Philippines will bring in this second-generation model in once more. There might be room for a premium-priced, but loaded 8-seater.

from November’s 0.5 percent; clothing and footwear down to 2.5 percent from 2.6 percent; restaurants & miscellaneous services maintained the 2.1 percent level. On the other hand, communication (0.1 percent) and education (1.8 percent) were steady while recreation and culture were slightly up to 1.7 percent from 1.6 percent. Last month, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) for an average of 300 kilowatts-permonth consumption slightly increased to P8.70 from P8.60 in November, but still lower

than P8.90 a year ago. Meralco’s generation rate per kWh also increased to P3.90 during the month from P3.80 in November, but still below P4.10 in the previous year. Also, the average price of diesel in Metro Manila among the “big three” oil companies jumped to P29.10 per liter from P27.30 in the previous month, which is also higher than the P23.90 registered in the same month in 2015. Average price of gasoline during the month also increased to P44.80 per liter from P42.70 in November and P41 a year before.

cum Consumer Organization Forum last December 21, 2016 wherein OPMS Flyers/information materials and media interview was held. Participants who attended the launching are businessmen and members of the consumer organizations, local government officials, market vendors’ association, municipal mayors, municipal treasurers, market supervisors and local and national government officials. Dubbed as e-Presyo Access, the OPMS can be accessed thru the www.dti.gov.ph website and through mobile in the form of an application that can be downloaded from Google Play for Free. It is a tool that helps consumers to monitor prevailing prices of basic and prime commodities that are covered by the DTI’s mon-

itoring activities. Here, the Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) of the Basic Commodities can be seen as well as the prevailing, lowest and highest prices. Consumers can also monitor stores which have lowest prices of goods. Consumers can obtain from the said mobile application the following benefits: 1) Additional knowledge on the prices of basic commodities; 2) Serve as a guide for the consumers to ensure that they get “value for their money” and 3) It helps protect consumers against unwanted and exorbitant increase in prices of basic goods or commodities. Link to the website and mobile application can be accessed through the DTI.Region12 Facebook fan page. (DTI 12 RO/VTP)

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Former... FROM 4 tion, protecting revenues and recapturing the public’s trust, including the expansion of the Large Taxpayers Service, simplification of forms and procedures, and improvement of electronic payment systems and risk-based audits.” They lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) as well for its “anti-corruption and anti-smuggling efforts, including the full implementation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, upgrading of electronic systems to achieve paperless transactions, and review of fuel marking, border patrol, and other measures to prevent technical

smuggling.” The DOF submitted to the Congress last September this proposed tax program’s first package, which is anchored on personal income tax cuts primarily for the benefit of wage earners and other low- and middle-income taxpayers. To offset the projected revenue loss from such a reduction in personal income tax rates, Package 1 of the DOF reform package includes revenue-enhancing measures that seek to index the fuel excise tax to inflation, restructure the tax on automobiles, and expand the Value Added Tax (VAT) base. (PR)

was born and together they effectively planted and maintained a mangrove forest. A key challenge for the group in the beginning was to protect the area, and later the forest from encroachers, including attempts by powerful individuals to appropriate part of the area for their own use. KASAMA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources eventually signed a Community-Based Forest Management Agreement that awarded secure rights over the mangrove forests and enabled the group to establish a successful ecotourism venture, capitalizing on its forest asset. Lastly, there’s the muyong as practiced by the Ifugao people. In landscapes, other-

wise characterized by deforested hillsides, the time-tested muyong are patches of forest adjacent to Ifugao settlements, which help protect against runoff and erosion, and ensure a steady supply of water to nearby rice paddies even in times of drought. Muyong are cultivated to provide building materials, wood for carving traditional handicrafts, and other non-timber forest products that have been a part of the Ifugao cultural system dating back many hundreds of years. Philippines should not look for reforestation models from other countries. It has already such practices and all it has to do is apply them in areas where can be managed sustainably.

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those who brutally killed Coper Banugan. It will be a deafening voice of protest,” the Mandaya leaders said in a statement. They also condemned the “violence and intrusion” committed by the communist rebels into their ancestral land. “They may have succeeded in killing our respected tribal leader, but we can never be cowed by these rebels. We will continue to fight against these rebels who only bring trouble and violence to our peaceful communities. With the help of the military and the police, we are confident we will be able to shoo them away effectively from our communities. We will never allow them to enter our ancestral domains. We do not welcome their violent culture,” the IP leaders emphasized. Punishment The NPAs Comval Davao East Coast Sub-regional Command, through its spokesperson Roel Agustin II issued a statement on Friday, January 6, admitting to the killing and justifying their act as a punishment against Datu Banugan for his alleged atrocities against the Mandaya tribesmen in the area. “Red fighters belonging to the New People’s Army Comval Davao East Coast Sub-Regional Operations Command served an order to disarm the fanatic paramilitary group MANADU or the Mandaya Ancestral Defense Unit when

they were attacked by its notorious leaders on the evening of December 30, 2016 in Sitio Calatagan, Brgy. Poblacion, Caraga, Davao Oriental,” the NPA statement said. The statement also pointed out that the NPAs acted on self-defense, fought and killed the tribal leader and his companions. Two high-powered firearms were also seized by the rebels from Datu Banugan while four guerrillas were also wounded during the firefight, the NPAs added. Agustin also accused Datu Banugan of being controlled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the area. “The suffering masses of Caraga rejoice over the killing of the Banugans who, with the aid of the fascist AFP, have wielded absolute fascist control over the peasant and Lumad communities in Caraga since the US-Arroyo regime under the Oplan Bantay Laya counter-revolutionary campaign,” the NPA statement added. Support to law enforcement The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army said they will support the investigations being conducted by the PNP over the killing of Datu Banugan and companions. Captain Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th ID said in a phone interview on Sunday that the army will also

NEWS13 support the Mandaya tribe’s quest for justice. “We are one with the people of Davao Oriental and the Mandaya tribe in seeking the truth and justice on the death of Datu Banugan,” Batchar emphasized. He added that the army will also extend support to the newly-created Special Investigation Task Group Banugan (SITG-Banugan) created by the PNP. The SITG-Banugan, he said, will conduct in-depth investigation on the killing to possible identify the identities of those involved and gather more witnesses to strengthen the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the perpetrators. “The 10th ID will be support the law enforcement efforts of the PNP on this case,” Batchar said.

Beefing up security The military said on Saturday that their forces will beef up their security operations in Sangab and nearby areas to ensure the safety of residents. “We will continue to secure them,” said Lt. Col. Michelle Anayron, commander of the army’s 67th Infantry Battalion. Anayron added that the army is ready to provide support and protection to the Mandaya people especially those who actively support the government’s anti-insurgency drive.

“We are beefing up our forces around Sangab area,” he stressed. Report from the Philippine National Police in the area confirmed of the fierce fighting that occurred between Datu Banugan’s group and the attacking NPAs last December 30. “The victims were able to put up a fight, seriously wounding several rebels,” the PNP added. The provincial government will also continue to extend its support to the Mandaya people of Sangab and the nearby areas, Governor Dayanghirang said. “On behalf of a grieving people, I stand with the people of Sangab in Caraga town who are deeply affected by this senseless and terrible attack on a leader who stood for his people’s rights for a peaceful and harmonious living,” the governor stressed. The Mandaya leaders also called for peace to allow them to continue to harmoniously live in their respective communities. “We want peace, that’s all we want. Most of the time, we are caught in the crossfire between the warring government and rebel forces because the rebels would want to enter our communities. They should spare us. We, the Mandaya natives, abhor violence. So, please, spare our communities from violence. We are a peace-loving people,” the Mandaya leaders said.

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OZ-MERIZED Aussie Pinoys thrilled of Pacquiao-Horn fight prospects

HOPEFUL. Jeff Horn wants a title shot and he wants it with Manny Pacquiao.

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ERTH, Australia -- Filipinos around Australia are excited of the prospects of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao fighting in the land Down Under this year. Reports of the Filipino eight-division world champion circulated here last week after reports came out in the internet that an offer from the camp of unbeaten Brisbane native Jeff Horn is in the offing. According to latest reports, Horn’s co-promoter, Dean Lonergan, is flying in to Los Angeles on Tuesday to discuss with Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter, the mechanics of the World Boxing Organization welterweight title bout to be held in Brisbane on April 23. The bout reportedly has been booked for April 23 at the 52,500seat Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane but there are talks from Australia that Sydney or Melbourne are also in the mix for the hosting rights to the fight owing to Pacquiao’s stature. Although boxing is not as popular in Australia, it has a rich history of boxing champions including Jeff Fenech, David Green

and Michael Katsidis. Vic Darchinyan, who lost to Nonito Donaire twice, is also considered an Armenian-Australian. The most notable world title fight in Australia was way back in 1991 when Fenech fought Azumah Nelson for the second time and won in nine rounds before 30,000 fans at the Princess Park in Melbourne. Now if everything goes well on the monetary side, reports said the Pacquiao-Horn is likely to be finalized before the week ends. Arum told The Sunday Mail that Pacquiao and his camp have cleared the negotiations and are ready to fight the unbeaten Horn (16-0-1, 11 knockouts) once the money have been raised by Duco Events, headed by Lonergan. The 5-foot-9 Horn, a former schoolteacher, earned Arum’s respect when he stopped former champion Ali Funeka of South Africa in six rounds in Auckland, New Zealand, last month. Arum signed the Aussie fighter after being impressed by his skills and demeanor. That led to a co-promotional deal with Duco Events.

Horn thinks he has a good chance of shocking the boxing world. “Manny is still a great fighter— one of the greatest boxers ever,” Horn told The Sunday Mail, “but I feel I have the skills to beat him. He’s 38 and I’m 28. He’s slipped a little from his very best and I think now is a great time to challenge him. I know with my home crowd behind me I can realize my dream.”

Remaining Gilas pool known on Jan. 22 Teng debuts in D-League J T HE remaining 12 PBA players of the Philippine national men’s basketball team pool that will compete in major international competitions this year will be announced on January 22. The announcement will be held before the scheduled game between Ginebra and Phoenix at PhilSports Arena. Gilas Pilipinas already has 12 sure players on its roster, all of whom are currently playing in the PBA after entering the league through a special draft last year.

Upon the agreement of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA, the national team will also pick one player from each PBA team to complete the 24-man roster that will be the source of the team’s players for major FIBA tournaments. Comprising the cast of players already signed up with Gilas are Blackwater’s Mac Belo, Phoenix’s Matthew Wright, Star’s Jio Jalalon, Ginebra’s Kevin Ferrer, GlobalPort’s Von Pessumal, Meralco’s Ed Daquioag, Rain or Shine’s Mike

Cavs acquire Korver T

HE Cleveland Cavaliers completed the trade to acquire guard Kyle Korver from the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, giving the defending NBA champions another premier shooter. The Hawks in return received guard/forward Mike Dunleavy, guard Mo Williams, cash considerations and a future firstround draft pick. “We are extremely pleased to be able to add a player and person the caliber of Kyle Korver to our Cavs family,” Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said in a statement. “Among the most prolific and dynamic three-point shooters in NBA history, a selfless, and teamfirst competitor, Kyle brings all of the elements of Cavs DNA that we covet on and off the floor.” The 6-foot-7, 212-pound Korver played in 32 games (21 starts) for the Hawks this season with averages of 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 27.9

minutes. He is shooting .889 from the foul line and .409 from the 3-point line, while scoring in double figures 16 times in 2016-17. Korver, 35, spent the last four-plus seasons with the Hawks and currently ranks first on the team’s all-time free-throw percentage list at .887 (329 of 371) and third on the club’s all-time 3-point field-goals made chart with 818 triples. Korver shot .452 (818 of 1,811) from the 3-point line in his career with Atlanta and hit at least one triple in 311 of 332 games played with the team. Cavs star LeBron James expects Korver will increase his 49-percent mark on wide-open 3s in Cleveland.

Tolomia, Alaska’s Carl Bryan Cruz, Mahindra’s Russell Escoto, TNT’s Roger Pogoy, San Miguel’s Arnold Van Opstal and NLEX’s Fonzo Gotladera. Expected to be called up by returning Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes are reigning backto-back MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, Calvin Abueva of Alaska, Terrence Romeo of GlobalPort and Japeth Aguilar of Ginebra, among others. TNT s t a r

Jayson Castro is also reportedly coming out of his national team retirement to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas. Gilas Pilipinas’ first task this year is the SEABA Championship in April where the team needs to win the crown to qualify for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup. The FIBA Asia Cup is a tournament that will determine the competing teams in the six-window qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup starting in November this year. NEW CAV. Kyle Korver will have plenty of good looks to the basket in Cleveland.

ERON Teng’s much-anticipated PBA D-League debut will happen right on Day 1 of the season-opening Aspirants Cup. As announced by the league on Sunday, Teng and the rest of his new crew, the AMA Titans, will battle newcomer squad Batangas in the first game of the conference on January 19 at 3 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, right after the opening ceremonies at 2 p.m.. While the full schedule will be released at a later date, the D-League also announced the format of the 10-team tournament. All the teams will play each

other in a single round robin elimination round. The top two teams after the eliminations will enter the best-of-three semifinals outright. Meanwhile, the next four clubs will play in another round to determine the other two semifinalists. The third and the fourth ranked teams have twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals. The semifinal survivors will engage in another best-of-three affair to decide the champion. Games will be played every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday with the first game at 3 p.m. and the second game at 5 p.m. (PNA)

Warriors’loss creates doubts

HE Golden State Warriors’ summer acquisition of Kevin Durant ensured that every bump in the road this season would make headlines. It’s not a terrible surprise, then, that Friday night’s especially bad fall-from-ahead loss to the Memphis Grizzlies has brought about some controversy. The Warriors led by as many as 24 in the second half and by 19 to start the fourth quarter before allowing the Grizzlies to come back and win 128-119 in overtime. The clearest issues came at the offensive end, where Golden State did not make a field goal until nearly nine minutes into the fourth quarter and struggled to execute in crunch time. It was an odd sight for a group with as

much as offensive talent as any team in recent memory. One play has come to represent the problems in the loss and the issues at play for the Warriors moving forward. Up 111-109 with about 40 seconds remaining in regulation, Kevin Durant saw an apparent mismatch against Zach Randolph and called for the ball from Stephen Curry, who begrudgingly gave it up. Draymond Green immediately began to show his disapproval and only grew more upset as Durant questionably settled for a pullup 3-pointer with no attempt to get his teammates involved. Green pulled Durant aside after the timeout and made his opinion known, although the teammates did end that discussion by slapping hands.

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France whips USA for Hopman Cup title By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

ERTH, Australia -France bagged its second Hopman Cup title in an exciting finals against the United States on Saturday night that stretched to the FAST4 mixed doubles. Richard Gasquet opened up France’s bid with a marathon win over American Jack Sock 6-3 5-7 7-6 (6) in the men’s singles rubber. It did not come easy though as Gasquet had to save a match point in the third set tiebreak. The Americans came back to lock the tie at 1-1 after Coco Vandeweghe posted a 6-4 7-5 win over Kristina Mladenovic in the women’s singles. France then took the trophy with a 4-1 4-3 in the FAST4 mixed doubles, ending

CHAMPS. France won the 2017 Hopman Cup with Richard Gasquet and Kristina Mladenovic. Hopman Cup photo America’s bid for a record seventh Hopman Cup crown. France’s only other title came in 2014, when Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Alize Cornet defeated Poland in the final. “We came up short today. It’s my fault. I’m sorry,” Sock said after the doubles loss but he was loudly cheered on by the crowd for his gamesmanship. A big crowd came to watch the finals although the team that has been expected to be playing that night--Switzerland--was not. The Swiss, starring Roger Federer and partner Belinda Bencic, lost to the French duo last Friday night 1-2. The new champs Mladenovic and Gasquet, who will

Parks lead Alab past Kaohsiung 86-77 R AY Parks put on an allaround performance to help Alab Pilipinas down the Kaohsiung Truth for the third straight time, 8677, in the ASEAN Basketball League Sunday at Kaohsiung Municipal Senior High School in Taiwan. Parks paced his team with 28 points, eight rebounds and six assists. He made 10 out of his 15 shots from the field for an impressive 66 percent clip. He got ample help from import Sampson Carter who scored 23 points, six rebounds and six assists in his team debut. Alab Pilipinas improved to 3-2 but remained at third place in the six-team tourna-

have their names etched on the perpetual trophy, said they were keen to return next year to defend their title. They received solid gold tennis racquet jewelry studded with diamonds. “A lot of great players have won here, so that’s why we’re happy to have our names on the Cup. We are very proud,” Gasquet said. Vandeweghe smashed her racquet on the floor during a tense period in the second set of her singles match and got a warning from the chair. The world No.36 ended up saving break point on the way to winning that game, and she broke

RAY PARKS JR. 28-8-6 night.

to keep Gasquet alive. Gasquet went on to win the match in two-and-a-half hours. “I let it slip away at the end,” Sock said. “I was holding fairly comfortably for a while. So when I got the break I felt pretty good about it. “And then later when I had the match point, I played way too tentatively on it. “If I had it over again, I’d be more aggressive and not decelerate on the ball like I did. “But he puts you under pressure like that, and he comes up with the great shots. It is what it is.” Gasquet said he didn’t panic when he was match point down. “I tried to focus on my-

self and be tough mentally,” Gasquet said. “It’s very difficult. I know him very well. He’s a great friend of mine. “But on the court, it doesn’t count. We need to fight against each other to win the match. This time I won, last time he won, so that’s the sport.” Stopping the USA in its bid to win a seventh title, France becomes the fifth nation to win multiple titles in the unique world team event. “Just the fact that we are now holding the trophy is something very nice,” said Mladenovic. “To have our names on the trophy means a lot because some great players won that. We are just very happy really.”

Warriors taking their first lead midway through the third quarter on the way to a 117-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. Once the 3-pointers began to fall, the Warriors were on their way. Kevin Durant had 28 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four blocks, and Klay Thompson added 18 points. With their 17th straight victory after a loss, the Warriors reached 124 regular-season games in a row without suffering back-to-back defeats. ‘’It’s deflating for other teams when we can get stops and protect the rim, get steals, force them into tough shots and tough misses and on the other end we’re just running it right back down the paint,’’ Curry said. ‘’We have to allow that part of our game to shine.’’ Green had 10 assists for his 12th game with double digits assists and third in four, while Zaza Pachulia scored 10 points to reach double figures for the

fourth straight game. Yet one for the highlight reel was Pachulia’s no-look, backward over-the-head pass to Curry after the big man got the ball when Durant blocked a shot by Cousins. ‘’We scored, right? Nobody’s going to say anything. If it was a turnover, first thing on the film,’’ Pachulia said. Sacramento’s Rudy Gay scored 15 of his 23 points in the first quarter. Cousins had 17. Golden State had 30 assists for the 26th time this season and won its 13th straight against the Kings, seventh in a row in Sacramento. The Warriors woke up after halftime, starting the third with a 19-7 burst and outscoring the Kings 39-22 in the period. Golden State didn’t lead until Curry’s 3-pointer with 7:34 left in the third, following Durant’s tying 3 the previous possession. Curry hit five 3-pointers and has at least 30 points in three consecutive games.

GSW rebound past Sacramento S

ment. All of their wins came at the expense of the Truth who are making their apmaiden pearance in the league. Alab Pilipinas will r e turn to action on January 15 against defending champions Westports Malaysia Dragons.

Mladenovic a short time later to secure the win in 97 minutes. After the match, she gave her broken racquet to a fan in the crowd. “Was it smashed? I don’t remember doing it,” Vandeweghe joked. “I was just trying to keep my team alive.” Earlier, Gasquet capitalised on Sock’s nerves to give France the perfect start to the final. Sock was serving for the match at 6-5 up in the third set, only for Gasquet to break back to love to send it into a deciding tiebreak. The American then held a match point in the tiebreak, but hit a forehand into the net

TEVE Kerr pulled a Gregg Popovich. One missed defensive assignment with no backdoor help on DeMarcus Cousins, and Kerr called a timeout 18 seconds into the game. ‘’Nobody can make a move like Pop, I’m a very cheap version of him, if at all,’’ the Golden State coach quipped about Popovich, the longtime San Antonio coach. ‘’It definitely made a statement,’’ Draymond Green said. Stephen Curry scored 30 points and the defense started rolling after halftime, with the

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