Edge Davao 9 Issue 231 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

HI-TECH CAPABILITY. Government employees monitor on television screens traffic situation in Davao City’s main thoroughfares at the office of Public Security Safety Command Center yesterday. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) and security cameras around the city will be fully utilized as part of the heightened security measures for the upcoming Miss Universe fashion show and ASEAN summit. Lean Daval Jr.

FAKE TRAVEL FIRMS 60 Japan-bound passengers fail to board plane at Davao airport By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE Department of Tourism has called on the public to refrain from patronizing unaccredited travel agencies to avoid a repeat of an incident whereby 60 Philippine Airlines passengers bound for Tokyo, Japan failed to board the plane after they scammed by one Double A Traveling Agency. The Japan-bound Filipino passengers all showed up at the Davao International Airport for their supposed flights but discovered they were not booked by the travel agency. According to a press statement, one of the scammed passengers who was supposed to fly back from Davao City to Manila on January 6 at 9:20 a.m. and from Manila to Narita, Japan at 2:50 p.m. first discovered

about the un-booked flight. The victim told authorities it was the first time he was scammed by the agency, with whom his family had been for transacting for some time. He added that the management has not changed since their previous transactions with Arlyn Llurca, the travel agent of Double A Traveling Agency. According to San Pedro Police Station, more and more passengers had come to them to file a complaint against Double A Traveling Agency. Double A Traveling Agency was located at Door 6, Doña Segunda Building but was closed to business on Wednesday. DOT Regional Director Robert Alabado express concern about the growing

number of complaints against fake travel agencies especially those that only operate on line. “Anyone can put anything (on line), anyone can change phones, can change their account and mostly they are unaccredited,” he said. He added that even if the business is on line, it must have a business permit in the local government and accreditation issued by DOT. “It means they are compliant to all national rules and regulations,” he explained. The regional director stressed, to avoid becoming a victim of scam, it is better to go to travel agencies with physical office and with accreditation issued by DOT. “On line is fine but sometimes they also present fake documents saying they are

accredited but they are not which only increases their charges. Falsification of documents,” he said. In the case of Double A Traveling Agency, Alabado said the local government unit of Davao City will be the one to handle the complaints filed by the victims. “The LGU must remove their business permit,” he emphasized. For the side of DOT, the regional director said the agency is doing its best to raise an awareness campaign to the public to avoid being victimized by fake travel agencies. To ensure the legitimacy of the travel agency, Alabado called on the public to check http://www.visitmyphilippines.com to see the list of accredited travel agencies in the country.

Council to probe DCWD on Cabantian water crisis

Councilors say no let-up in water shortage in decade By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Davao City Council was keen on conducting an inquiry on what it termed as ‘lingering water crisis in Barangay Cabantian,’despite the promise of the Davao City Water District to address the problem. Councilor Diosdado Ma-

hipus in his privilege speech said that inquiry will determine why the DCWD has failed to provide enough water for the barangay for nearly a decade now. “The inquiry will ferret out the truth about the severe

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EDGEDAVAO Sports FREE VIEWING

Pacquiao-Horn fight in Australia won’t be on PPV P16

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

MUTUAL RESPECT. It’s all smiles for fellow Dabawenyos President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner for Mindanao Charles Maxey as they meet during the oath-taking ceremony at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace on Monday evening. Maxey was a former section editor of Edge Davao. ROBINSON NIÑAL/Presidential Photo

1,541 families in 3 regions evacuated due to‘Auring’

OME 1,541 families or 7,206 persons in Central Visayas, Davao Region and Caraga Administrative Region were pre-emptively evacuated due to tropical depression “Auring.” The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued this update Monday evening, saying that pre-emptive evacuations were carried out in these areas which were pummeled by heavy rains brought by “Auring” during its series of landfall last January 8, to prevent possible casualties. “Auring” made landfall in Siargao, Surigao Del Norte;

Dinagat Province; Paraon Island, southern tip of Leyte and Ubay, Bohol, bringing heavy rains to these areas. As of this posting, only two barangays-- Nueva Era and San Marcos, in Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur, were reported flooded due to the swelling of the Bunawan River. Three bridges and three road sections were also reported impassable in Agusan Del Sur and Surigao Del Sur due to flooding as of this posting. The NDRRMC is still waiting for reports from its units on the ground from other areas affected by “Auring”. (PNA)

Jailed drug lord behind Jan. 4 North Cotabato prison attack

JAILED drug lord has financed the January 4 siege by some 100 armed men at the North Cotabato District Jail facility at Barangay Amas here, a top provincial official confirmed Tuesday in Kidapawan City. North Cotabato acting Governor Sherlyn Macasarte Villanueva named the moneyed inmate as Melvin Casangyao alias “Hapon”, who paid the group of Esmael Nasser alias Commander Derby to “rescue” him from the prison facility. Nasser, leader of a ragtag bandit group based in Kabacan town, was once an inmate of NCDJ who managed to escape last year. According to Villanueva, Casangyao contracted Nasser

the sum of P1 million for the attack at the penitentiary. The acting governor added that the “deal” also includes an additional P1 million and two units of M60 machinegun should the mission to get Casangyao out of jail succeed. Villanueva is certain that the attack was drug-related based on record that 94 of the 158 inmates who escaped were facing drug charges. The provincial government has offered a bounty of PHP2 million for the recapture of Casangyao and another P1 million for the arrest of Nasser. Added to this, the official also offered P10,000 each for the remaining 98 inmates who remain at large.

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City councilors eye truck ban ordinance By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE City Council was looking forward to crafting a truck ban ordinance to improve the traffic disputation in Davao City, an official said. Councilor Conrado Baluran in his privilege speech said that it is proper to amend a unified truck ban in Davao City to minimize traffic congestions, inconvenience, and maintain smooth traffic flow within the city. “We noticed that the huge trucks are big culprits in ma-

neuvering on the road, particularly along the C.P. Garcia Highway [Diversion Road],” he said. Baluran believes that studies and adjustments have been made on how to decongest our main streets, including the Diversion Road and that increasing the deployment of traffic aides somehow lessened the problem. He claimed it is apparent that with the sudden increase in the city’s populace as well as vehicles coming in and out

of the CBD, monstrous traffic jams occur earlier than the usual time during peak hours. “Reality tells us that the roads and bridges are tight and small with the increased number of vehicles passing through them, particularly during the peak hours from 6 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 7 pm,” he pointed out. Baluran added the worsening traffic congestion is aggravated by the numerous construction activities in the city.

He offered the smooth flow of traffic in the city could be facilitated with proper discipline among drivers, pedestrians, contractors of public works projects and the public, who all need to adhere to traffic rules and regulations. Baluran also appealed to both the commuting and motoring public to strictly observe traffic rules and regulations as part of decongesting traffic in the central business district area, especially during rush hours.

the governor’s own choices. This correspondent tried but failed Monday afternoon to get the comments of heads of said two provincial departments. “Gov. AGR may replace those few appointed by his father (ex-Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario) of course he has his own choices of heads of offices to be part in his management team. He has of course discretion whom to put (in posts)... syempre naa siyay discretion sa iyang gusto nga empleyado,” the capitol sources added. Asked as to when would

be that reorganization, “Maybe it would be on the second quarter.” The father of the governor made at least two reorganizations in the Capitol during his time. The sources said they have no clue on the standards of preference of the present governor. Late last year, in one of the governor’s talks before provincial employees, he stressed that he would “make it clear that mediocrity has no place in my administration. I want every personnel of the provincial

government … to be the model of our performance branding, ‘Basta DavNor, the Best.” He exhorted “particularly the old-timer employees to strive to adapt to new ways and technologies in order to better deliver services to the public.” “There is no reason for us to be ineptitude whatsoever. Everyone of us has to keep pace with the new bureaucratic systems and procedures, together with rapid technological advancement influencing the way we do business” he

Davao Norte capitol shuffle of employees likely

AVAO del Norte Governor Anthony del Rosario was keen on reorganizing the Provincial Capitol early this year which would include the reassignment of at least two department heads and other chiefs of offices to other offices. Capitol sources said the department heads involved the heads of the offices of provincial environment and of the social welfare and development, and “some other chiefs of offices.” The sources said they will re-assigned and replaced with

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President urges new appointees to serve with honesty, dedication

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte led on Monday the oathtaking of newly appointed government officials in Malacanan urging them to serve the people with integrity and dedication. Duterte congratulated the officials who took their oath particularly those returning to government service. “Six years from now, I do not think that you’d be in a position to work some more. So this is the last call para may magawa tayo sa kababayan natin. Just give it to them,” the President said during a speech after leading the oathtaking ceremony. “It’s your last call to serve your nation and because I am pleading to you and I hope that we can work together, trust each other and I said give it to the people this time,” he added. He reiterated that there will be no corruption in his government and also promised to fight red tape in the bureaucracy. In his entire career as public servant, he said, he never favored anyone especially businessmen applying for permits. The President also highlighted the necessity of solving the Mindanao problem noting failure to address the concerns of the Moro people will give rise to uncertainties in the future. At the same time, he renewed his campaign pledge to get rid of illegal drugs promising that the ongoing war on

drugs will continue until the last drug pusher or drug lord is out of the street. Among the appointees who took their oath were Michael Dalumpines, chairman, Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Production Unit Inc.; Emmanuel Diwa Pineda, chairman and administrator, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan; Angelo Verdan, general manager, Cebu Port Commission; Vicente Pelagio Achacoso Angala, COO, Duty Free Philippines Corp.; and Reynaldo Berroya, administrator, Lightrail Transit Authority. Other appointees were Steve Dicdican, general manager, Mactan-Cebu International Airport; Eddie Monreal, general manager, Manila International Airport Authority; Edgardo Rama Masongsong, administrator, National Electrification Administration; Jason Laureno Yazar Aquino, administrator, National Food Authority; Andrea Domingo, chairman and CEO, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.; Alfredo Lim, president and COO, PAGCOR; and Avelino Andal, administrator-CEO, Philippine Coconut Authority. Also sworn in were Reuben Simon Lista, president and CEO, Philippine National Oil Co.; Joel Otarra, postmaster general, Philippine Postal Corp.; Alberto Agra, chairman, Philippine Reclamation Authority, Janilo Espesor Rubiato, general manager, Philippine Reclamation Authority; Sher-

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EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 3

Davao gives more help to ST typhoon victims By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE City Government of Davao has extended more financial assistance to victims of Typhoon Nina in the Southern Tagalog region. On Tuesday, the City Council approved under suspended

rules a P3million cash assistance to three more provinces that hard-hit by Typhoon Nina in December. The aid will be distributed to four towns in Marinduque and to some areas of Quezon and Batangas.

EDUCATIONAL SHOW. Dr. Roberto “Bo” Puentespina explains before the audience the role of birds in our biodiversity in his weekly Interactive Bird Show at the Malagos Garden Resort in Baguio District, Davao City over

The municipality of Gasan, Boac, Mogpog and Torrijos will receive P250,000 each, while Quezon and Batangas will each get P1 million. Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, the chair of the Committee on Finance and Ways

and Means, said that they earlier received a letter from Mayor Inday Sara Duterte to set aside a portion of the city’s Quick Response Fund as financial aid to the three provinces. “We received a letter of

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the weekend. The show does not only entertain the audience but it also educates them on environment conservation and climate change. Keith Bacongco

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EDGEDAVAO

FOR POSTERITY. Councilor Leah Librado-Yap poses for a photograph with Metro Manila Film Fest best short film director Jarell Serencio for “Mga Bitoon sa Siyudad” during yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungso.

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Serencio, a Dabawenyo, paid a courtesy visit to the City Council to thank and ask the local government of Davao for continue support to the local film makers. Lean Daval Jr.

8 fishermen shot Magnitude 7.2 quake dead in Moro Gulf E

IGHT local fishermen have been found shot dead in their boat off the piracy-plagued southern Philippines, the military said Tuesday. The outrigger boat was attacked in the Moro Gulf off the Zamboanga peninsula on Mindanao island on Monday night, it said, citing an account by one of seven survivors. A photograph released by the military showed the wooden fishing boat, recovered by the coast guard Tuesday, with a bloodied corpse atop another corpse. “The other (crew) members jumped off the boat and survived,” regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan told AFP.

Tan said authorities suspect the fishermen were killed either as part of an extortion attempt or due to rivalry with the crew of other fishing boats. The survivors swam to a small island, while the five unidentified gunmen left the area aboard their own boat, the spokesman added. The waters off southwest Mindanao are troubled by piracy, including by Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants based on Basilan island and the Sulu island group near the port of Zamboanga. The International Maritime Bureau said in a report Tuesday the number of maritime kidnappings worldwide hit a 10-year high last year.

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NorCot police releases names of 13 most wanted escapees

UTHORITIES in Kidapawan City released the names of 13 most wanted escapees from the North Cotabato District Jail following the January 3 attack on the facility by some 100 armed men who sprung out 158 inmates, including high risk prisoners facing terror bombing charges. In a statement on Tuesday, the North Cotabato Police Public Community Relations Office identified the most wanted men as Badrodin Escak Abid (robbery); Ali Sapal Adam (attempted homicide); Bong Solaiman Ambong (illegal possession of explosive); Guinda Manalasal Angkil (illegal drugs); Guialil Madigan Banog

(illegal drugs); Toto Balabagan Batan (illegal drugs and explosives); Also named were Bobby Adsal Dangsulao (Illegal possession of explosives); Sam Manial Hassan (Illegal possession of explosives); Nonoke Cuta Luay (illegal possession of explosive); Jonathan Dumalaba Pangawilan (illegal possession of explosives); Ali Kuyag Sultan (illegal possession of explosives); Gardo Sampolna Usop (murder & multiple attempted murder); and Jomar Pulindao Utala (illegal possession of ammunition). The 13 most wanted form part of some 90 fugitives who

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shook off Sulu Sea By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

7.2-MAGNITUDE earthquake shook southeast of Sulu on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs). Philvocs said the epicenter of the earthquake, with a

depth of 625 kilometers below sea level, was detected at 223 kilometers southeast of Tongkil, Sulu. The agency added that the quake will not cause damage but is expected to produce aftershocks. Intensity 2 was reported

in General Santos City. The tremor was also felt as far as Davao City and Mati, Davao Oriental. Meanwhile, the U.S. Geological Survey has also recorded an aftershock with a magnitude 4.9 that shook the same area 12 minutes after

the initial earthquake. The epicenter of the aftershock was at 236 kilometers southeast of Siasu, Sulu, with a depth of 586 kilometers. There were no reports of damage and injuries, Philvolcs reported.

appointment was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte and Department of Interior and Local Government secretary Ismael D. Sueno. Secretary Sueno serves as chair of the National Peace and Order Council. “President Duterte held the same position for a pe-

riod of 10 years when he was still the mayor of Davao City,” the provincial government said in a statement. Governor Uy’s appointment was personally handed over by DILG Compostela Valley provincial director Noel Duarte. “Among the basis of

Governor Uy’s appointment to head the RPOC was his best practices in ensuring peace and stability in the province that resulted to the declaration of Compostela Valley as conflict manageable and development ready area,” the statement added.

the history of the province after Datu Victor Pandian’s three-year term expired. Vice Governor Alan Dujali administered the oath of office of Datu Lig-onan before members of the provincial board in a fitting ceremony preceding the SP maiden session for the year 2017.

After his swearing in, the vice governor immediately signed Lig-onan’s appointment papers to formally accept him as SP member. In an interview, 68-yearold Datu Lig-onan said he would prioritize helping the IPs having problems claiming their ancestral lands besides working for their

livelihood and continuing self-determination. He is a high school graduate and had served as Batangas captain of Gupitan, San Isidro and is also presently the town’s municipal IPMR. Other municipal IPMRs were also present during Lig-onan’s swearing in. Cha Monforte

Governor Uy named new RPOC Chair By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Regional Peace and Order Council for the Davao region has new chairman in the person of Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy. The provincial government of Compostela Valley made the announcement on Monday, saying that Uy’s

New DN provincial IPMR sworn in D

IBABAWON Datu Marcial Lig-onan from San Isidro town was sworn in Monday afternoon as newest member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte being the provincial indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR). He is the second IPMR in

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DAR unifies for a common strategic direction in meet

OP officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) are currently conducting a conference for its third level officials to craft the department’s strategic plans and directions for 2017 to 2022. The conference entitled “Harmonization and Unification for a Common Strategic Direction” pursues to respond to changes in the DAR’s direction in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and the introduction of the genuine agrarian reform program (GAR) of Secretary Rafael Mariano. Policy and Planning Director Letecia Damole-Canales said Secretary Mariano, together with the new officials of the DAR, would elucidate to the bureaucracy the Secretary’s thrusts and policy directives for the department.

“Through this conference, the DAR organization would have a common perspective and understanding on how the department shall move forward and come up with unified efforts for the benefit of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), non-ARBs and farm workers,” explained Canales. Undersecretary for Support Services Rosalina Bistoyong said this is the first time Secretary Mariano is convening all the DAR officials from the central, regional and provincial offices. “At the end of this conference, we will have a solid groundwork on how the department would fulfil its targets to better serve the farmers,” Bistoyong said. The planning conference is being held at the Montebello Villa Hotel on Jan. 9-13, 2017. (DAR)

Infra build-up to improve connectivity, rural emergency response system

HE Duterte administration’s ambitious program to ramp up investments in infrastructure is meant not only to improve connectivity and boost economic productivity in the countryside, but also to develop the country’s emergency response system and better protect its communities most vulnerable to natural disasters. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar said infrastructure plays a key role in mitigating the effects of natural disasters and man-made conflicts as shown by the lessons learned during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda and the Zamboanga City siege in 2013. “In these separate cases, the presence of alternative gateways to city centers, which require intermodal transport systems could have saved more lives and mitigated the effects of these crises on the affected communities,” Villar said. Infrastructure is also indispensable to a robust economy in the regions, especially those farthest from Metro Manila. Villar pointed out, for instance, the need to build a direct road link between the Caraga region and Bukidnon to enhance trade in Mindanao. “Improving connectivity in the regions through physical infrastructure is necessary not only to realize the government’s goal of inclusive growth, but also to boost our emergency response systems and reduce our vulnerability to disasters, whether natural or man-made,” Villar said. “Moreover, gaps in infrastructure that deliver basic services exist and need to be funded. For instance, in the area of solid waste management, only 30 percent of the 42,028 barangays nationwide have materials recovery facilities,” Villar noted.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has also stressed the need to improve the country’s disaster preparedness to avoid “hindrances” to the economy’s continuous high growth rate. According to a statement released by the DBCC following its yearend meeting last December, “government revenues are expected to reach P2.913 trillion in 2018 once the tax reform package (submitted by the Department of Finance to the Congress) is passed.” “The projected proceeds of the tax reform package – around P206.8 billion under Package 1– will fund the government’s big-ticket development projects, particularly the infrastructure program,” read the DBCC statement. The DBCC statement also said that to sustain high growth, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Ernesto Pernia advised that the government remain vigilant of external risks such as Japan’s fragile expansion, the slowdown of China’s economy, and a possible revival of protectionist policies in the United States and Europe. On the domestic front, “the country must intensify its disaster preparedness measures as well as the logistics and infrastructure project coordination to avoid hindrances,” Pernia said. According to Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno, projects that, the total infrastructure budget--both national and local— will grow from P861 billion in 2017 to P1.898 trillion by 2022, or from 5.4 to around 7.0 percent of GDP. “These record levels of spending will align our country with its more vibrant neighbors and put us on track to achieve our vision of erad-

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INSIGHTS. Davao City Investment Promotion Center officer-in-charge Lemuel Ortonio gives some inputs to shed lights on the inquiry of Councilor Jimmy Dureza regarding Robinsons Land Corporation’s request for a favorable endorsement in connection with the company’s application to

register Robinsons Cyberpark Davao as IT Park, to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. Ortonio was one of the resources persons in yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody okays P1,000 SSS pension increase By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

RESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Ernesto Abella disclosed in a press briefing on Tuesday at the Palace that President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the PHP1,000 across the board pension increase in Social Security System. It could be recalled during the presidential campaign period that Duterte promised to push through with the pension

hike. According to Abella, the President wanted to “fulfill a social contract with the Filipino people.” Starting May 2017, the contribution rate will be increased by 1.5 percent to 12.5 percent, bringing the contribution range to P15 to P740, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said. According to SSS Chair-

man Amado Valdez, the second tranche of the SSS pension hike amounting to PHP1,000 is expected to be given by 2022 which will complete the PHP2,000 SSS pension hike. Valdez also expressed his gratitude to the President for his “sense of caring for our pensioners.” Prior to the approval, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said

that the President was looking for a win-win solution where he can give pensioners the increase they have been asking for while that SSS will remain solvent at all times. “As the President said, he does not want to use taxpayers’ money, especially money of non-SSS members, should funding problem arises because of the increase,” he added.

the Balik Scientist Program, and the creation of metrology institute, to modernizes and standardize the country’s measurement system. He had also filed an earlier bill that seeks to create the country’s space agency. Salceda said S4CP seeks to enhance and achieve a higher standard of science and technology in the country to “contribute to the development of the economy and society and towards the improvement of the nation’s welfare by prescribing the basic policy requirements for the promotion of S&T and comprehensively and systematically promoting policies for progress.” He said S4CP consists of four components: Program Expansion in seven areas, New Programs in six areas, Grand Plan for S&T Human Resource Development (HRD), and Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of Research and Development Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness. The projected total R&D

budget for 2017 is P5.8 billion. The bill proposes and estimates the R&D budget starting at P21 billion this year, doubling yearly over the fiveyear period, and reach P672 billion in 2022. In the last six years, Salceda pointed out, the Philippines’ scientific and technological indicators have improved significantly, based on the benchmark of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO prescribes that for a developing country, there should be 380 researchers, scientists and engineers (RSEs) per million population and the percentage of the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) expenditure on research and development or GERD, should be 1% at least. The number of RSEs in the country has increased from 180 in 2009 to 270 in 2013, while the budget of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has increased from P5.7 billion in 2009 to P20.8 billion in 2017,

with R&D budget allocation increasing from P1 billion in 2009 to P5.8 billion in 2017. Salceda noted that for the DOST HRD, the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) and the Science Education Institute (SEI) have significantly contributed to the RSEs. The PSHS increased the number of regional campuses from 11 in 2010 to 16 in 2016, with one PSHS campus per region to date. The number of students in PSHS has increased from 1,840 in 2009 to 8,083 in 2017, and is projected to hit 9,500 in 2021. The SEIs have likewise increased its freshman scholars intake from 1,250 in 2010 to 5,590 in 2015. It has crafted the Grand Plan for S&T Human Resource Development that aims to enable the Philippines to achieve 380 RSEs by 2022, he added. The DOST, Salceda said, must endeavor to significantly accelerate S&T and Innovation (STI) in the country through massive increase in invest-

‘Science for change’bill to boost PH’s global competitiveness

LBAY Representative Joey Sarte Salceda has filed in Congress House Bill 4581 that aims to boost the country’s scientific innovations and inventions, research and development towards social progress, and global competitiveness. The measure projects a budget that could reach P672 billion by 2022. Salceda said the measure titled “Science for Change Program (S4CP) Act” gives special focus on “science and technology education, training, and services” and supports “indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s productive systems and national life.” S4CP is Salceda’s fourth bill that seeks to pursue a strong science and technology (S&T) drive in the country, as an “essential tool for national development and progress.” The three other bills involve the creation of a nuclear commission, revival of

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DBM issues guidelines for state workers’pay hike

ALL FACTORS CONSIDERED. Department of Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella clarifies during a press briefing in Malacañang yesterday that cost of fuel in the country is affected not just by the law of supply and

demand, but also the strength and stability of the Philippine Peso, weather, access as well as the peace and order situation in the areas where they are produced. TOTO LOZANO/ Presidential Photo

SK experts press for better infra, services for Davao City By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

OREAN experts headed by ASEAN-Korea Center (AKC) Secretary General Kim Young-sun pointed out that for Davao City to become competitive as a destination, it needed more qualified hotels and improved drainage, among other things. The AKC official ‘much yet needs to be done or improved’ for Davao City to become a competitive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. In an interview during the Tourism Capacity Building Workshop in Marco Polo Hotel on Monday sponsored by AKC in partnership with Philippine Department of Tourism,

the AKC Secretary General said he also noticed during his tour of the city that drainage system in “one of the slum areas” in the city was not functioning. Professor Lee Seul Ki of Sejong University who was one of the speakers stated the need of the city to have a ‘critical mass’ of qualified hotels to cater to a bigger wave of MICE delegates. In a study conducted by Sejong University, Davao City’s “online presence” in terms of hotels advertised is the lowest number with 52 compared to Manila (110), Boracay (146) and Cebu (86). He explained, MICE delegates are very particular in the infrastructure of an area since

they are ensuring their safety and security. Meanwhile, Lee commended the low cost of transportation in Davao City and the Philippines as a whole stating that compared to other ASEAN countries, Philippines account for the second lowest spending cost on transportation after Japan. He also noted that the spending on accommodation, food, and shopping is “not very high” compared to Vietnam which has “a significantly higher mean transportation expenditure”. Lee further suggests that since Korean travelers rely more and more on smart-

phones, improvement of wireless broadband access is crucial. For MICE group package and incentives, aside from accessibility and infrastructure, AKC also emphasized the importance of having a guided program for pre-and post-conference events, special and customized events for incentive groups, and dining options and catering. “You need to diversify your package tours,” stressed Lee who added that there must be separate package tour for each of the category namely family trips, honeymooners, sports tourists, students and MICE groups.

Pimentel: 2017 budget is pork-free D

ESPITE claims of Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson that pork barrel is back in the P3.35-trillion 2017 national budget, Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday maintained it was free from pork. Pimentel said he and Lacson had a difference in the fundamental definition of pork barrel or priority development assistance fund (PDAF). He said that an allocation is only regarded as pork when lawmakers intervene after the passage of the law not before. “As a lawyer, I will limit myself to what the Supreme Court (SC) said that was is unconstitutional is the act of intervention by lawmakers so that the budget can be implemented after its passage in the law -- that is the act we should guard against,” Pimentel said.

“The act we should guard against is the post-enactment intervention of lawmakers so that the budget law can be fully implemented,” he added. He explained that several laws express ideas or sentiments from lawmakers so the budget is not exempted especially if the Executive branch is open to accommodating and accepting proposals and ideas from lawmakers. The Senate President said that this was similar to how the previous administration under former Pres. Benigno Aquino III was open to accepting proposals from local officials who were not part of the Executive branch. “The question to ask is: If you look at 2017, if no legislator acts or moves, can the budget be implemented? The answer is yes, and if that is

the case then there is no socalled pork barrel,” Pimentel explained. He said that the law can be implemented without waiting for input, communication, letters, or prompts from law makers. It’s a self-executing law not controlled by lawmakers. “That’s what makes it bad, you pass a law and you somehow enjoy indirect influence in the implementation in the law by preventing the implementation of some parts of the law without you consent,” Pimentel further said. “Once the law leaves our hands it should be self-executing already,” he added. Last January 4, Lacson lamented how huge cuts in the Calamity Fund have allowed around P8 billion worth of allocations to return to the

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the 2017 national budget after initially being allotted for free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs). Lacson claimed that the DPWH did not only reacquire what he claimed was pork at the expense of the Calamity Fund but also gained an additional P497 million. He said that he was certain that the reallocations in the 2017 national budget were indeed pork since congressmen from the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) approached him to “plead their case” during plenary debates. The senator meanwhile vowed to continue scrutinizing the misuse of public funds as soon as he gets hold of budget books. (PNA)

HE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued the guidelines for the implementation of the second tranche of pay hike for civilian, military and uniformed public servants effective Jan. 1, 2017, “These are the people who help and protect the Philippines. We want them to feel satisfied about their jobs, inspire them to be more productive workers and allow them to provide for their families. Raising their wages is only just,” President Rodrigo R. Duterte said. DBM, in a statement, cited that Executive Order (EO) No.201 s. 2016 grants compensation adjustment for government workers and additional allowances for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) in four tranches. The first tranche was implemented last year. It has issued National Budget Circular No. 568 and Local Budget Circular No. 113, which will implement the second tranche of pay increase. Specifically, National Budget Circular No. 568 outlines the guidelines, rules, and reg-

ulations for the implementation of the second tranche of EO 201 for civilian personnel in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, the Constitutional Commissions and other Constitutional Offices, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and government-owned-and-controlled corporations (GOCCs) covered by the Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS), under Republic Act No. 6758. Meanwhile, Local Budget Circular No. 113 covers all positions for salaried local government unit (LGU) personnel and all positions for village personnel that are paid monthly honoraria. Funds for these adjustments will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2017 for national government agencies while GOCCs and GFIs will have to get it from their respective corporate operating budgets. Pay hikes of LGU personnel will be sourced from their respective LGU funds upon approval of the city or municipal councils. (PNA)

BMI Research sees peso to stabilize at 50 vs. US dollar in 6-24 months

MI Research remains optimistic on the peso this 2017 as domestic fundamentals remain strong and continues to support the local currency. In a research note, the Fitch Group-connected firm has “a slightly constructive view” on the local unit as the peso has stabilized after a volatile performance before 2016 ended, wherein it touched the 50-level to a dollar. The peso is now back at 49-level and ended Monday at 49.62. ”We believe that risks are now weighted to the upside over the near-term, which is in contrast to the forward market which is pricing in continual weakness over the next 24 months,” the research note said. It explained that its more positive view on the peso was based on the temporary stop of the slide of the Chinese yuan and the Japanese yen against the greenback. ”This will likely provide some respite for the peso in the coming months,” it said. However, concerns about the policies of US president-elect Donald Trump and the path of the Federal Reserve rates, with most market players projecting three rate hikes this year as against BMI Research’s projection of two rate hikes, are seen to negatively impact on the peso. BMI Research eyes the peso to stabilize at 50-level to a dollar in the next six to 24 months. ”Certainly, anchored infla-

tion expectations and a robust economic growth outlook, facilitated by the government’s expansionary fiscal plans, rising foreign direct investment (FDI) and steady remittances inflow are likely to be constructive for the peso,” it added. Rate of price increases in 2016 averaged at 1.8 percent, below the government’s two to four percent target. The below-target average was due to the low prices of oil in the international market in most of 2016. However, prices of oil have climbed and this is the reason for the uptick in inflation rate since May last year.

Last September, inflation went up to within-target levels as oil prices continued to rise. It ended 2016 at 2.6 percent. As of last October, cash inflows from Overseas Filipinos totaled to USD22.12 billion, four percent higher than yearago’s USD21.27 billion. Robust growth of remittances is among the strong pillars of Philippines strong domestic expansion, which BMI Research eyes at over six percent in the coming quarters. In the third quarter of 2016, the domestic economy churned in a 7.1 percent output, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), the strongest in the region for the said period. In the first three quarters of last year, the domestic economy posted a seven percent growth, the upper end of the government’s six to seven percent target. (PNA)

7 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

Tuberculosis: Deadly as ever (First of Two Parts)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.”

– Charles Darwin

HREE years ago, Marianne received an e-mail from her mother. She was petitioned of going to the United States. The 32-year-old single teacher from Davao City was ecstatic to hear the news. After all, she had been dreaming of going to the land “where milk and honey flow.” Unfortunately, it has been more than six months already but her visa application is still pending. She wondered why. It all started when, after having a medical check-up, she was found to have tuberculosis (TB). Although TB cases in Davao City has gone down by 5% in the past five years, it is still way below the 50% reduction set under the Millennium Development Goal. According to Dr. Ashley Lopez, head of the city Chest Center, the decrease of TB cases was due to their “widespread campaign against the disease in every barangay and proper diagnostics.” In addition, TB medication was readily available in barangay health centers. “People should be given correct information so they would understand the nature of the disease,” Dr. Lopez was quoted as saying. TB is still common not only in Davao City but in almost parts of the country. “TB is the number six leading cause of death in the Philippines,” wrote Dr. Willie T. Ong in his column, “Mind Your Body.” All over the world,

the Philippines has the ninth-highest burden of TB. The Department of Health (DOH) says sixty percent of those who die of TB occur among the productive age group of 15-64 years old. Some P8 billion is lost annually from sickness and deaths due to TB. The regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated some 260,000 incident cases in 2011 in the country, of which 28,000 died in a year. But what alarms Dr. Ong are those Filipinos who have active TB. “This is alarming since each person with active TB can spread the disease to 10 other Filipinos each year,” he deplores. If you multiply the number of Filipinos with active TB by 10 and you get the idea why it is frightening. “Just imagine how much TB is being spread yearly,” Dr. Ong points out. “Hence, if someone in the household has been diagnosed with TB, all the other members of the household should get tested for TB, too.” An estimated 80% of Filipinos have latent TB, according to Dr. Ong. “In this condition, we already have the TB infection in our bodies, but the TB is still in the inactive state,” he explains. “Hence, we feel no symptoms and we are not contagious to other people.” In industrialized countries like the United States, they treat those with latent TB with medicines. “But we can’t help it because we are born in the Philippines,” Dr.

Ong says. “We just need to observe a healthy lifestyle, or else the TB infection might get reactivated.”

Back with vengeance Despite advance knowledge in science and recent discovery of sophisticated drug regimes, the disease has continued its deadly progression. “Tuberculosis is perhaps the greatest killer of all time,” wrote Dr. Frank Ryan, author of Tuberculosis: The Greatest Story Never Told. “Tuberculosis rose slowly, silently, seeping into the homes of millions, like an ageless miasma. Once arrived, TB stayed (and become) a stealthy predator.” Although the “predator” has been tamed in some parts of the world, it continues to take its toll in most developing countries, including the Philippines. “The disease, preventable and treatable, has been grossly neglected, and no country is immune to it,” the WHO deplores.

With every tick of the clock, a person is being infected with TB somewhere. “One-third of the world’s entire population is now infected with the TB bacillus,” the United Nations health agency claims. TB is a disease that is transmitted almost entirely by the aerial route. “When infected individual coughs, sneezes, or spits, infectious particles are released into the air,” writes Dr. Maya Santos in her column which appeared in Vital Signs. “Anyone who inhales these particles is at risk of contracting TB. Transmission is enhanced in overcrowded and poorly ventilated places.” This is the reason why TB is more prevalent among those living in squatter communities and correctional institutions. Based on a recent study of seven detention facilities in the Philippines, the prevalence of this disease inside jails and prisons is up to five times higher than among the gen-

TB bacteria

eral population.

Two stages The disease can occur in two stages: primary and secondary. “In primary TB,” explains Maria Luisa Padilla in Encarta Encyclopedia, “a person has become infected with the TB bacteria but often is not aware of it, since this stage of the disease does not produce noticeable symptoms. Macrophages, immune cells that detect and destroy foreign matter, ingest the TB bacteria and transport them to the lymph nodes where they may be destroyed or inhibited.” TB is not contagious in the early stage. “About three weeks after initial infection,” Padilla continues, “bacteria may be inhibited, destroyed, or allowed to multiply. If the bacteria multiply, active primary TB will develop.” Symptoms of carriers include coughing, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. A chest X-ray may show shadows or fluid collection between the lung and its lining. At the primary stage of TB, the disease does not progress, but bacterial may remain dormant in the body for many years. If the immune system becomes weakened, the tubercle opens, releasing the bacteria, and the infection may develop into active disease, known as secondary TB. In the secondary TB, the formerly dormant bacteria multiply and destroy tissue in the lungs. They also may spread to the rest of the body via the bloodstream. Fluid or air may collect between the lungs and the lining of the lungs, while tubercles continue to develop in the

lung, progressively destroying lung tissue. Coughing of blood or phlegm may occur. At this secondary stage, carriers of TB can infect others. Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( MTB), the microorganism that causes TB, divides every 16 to 20 hours, an extremely slow rate compared with other bacteria, which usually divide in less than an hour. Considered a “wily foe,” MTB can live only in human beings. “It cannot be carried by animals, insects, soil, or other non-living objects,” the Merck Manual of Medical Information states. “A person can be infected with TB only from another person who has active disease. Touching someone who has the disease does not spread it, because the bacteria are transmitted only through the air.” The MTB usually attack the lungs, but it can also attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. The WHO says a person with TB may demonstrate some or all of the following: persistent cough for at least two weeks; significant weight loss, with or without loss of appetite; fever and night sweats (persistent low grade fever of more than a month); chest pains (breathlessness) or back pains; and, hemoptysis (blood-tinged sputum). “Symptoms depend on the organ affected,” says Dr. Ong. “TB of the spine causes severe back pain, while TB of the kidneys can cause bloody urine. Hence, TB should be checked and treated as early as possible.” – (To be concluded) (Photos taken from the net)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

Headstart

S a headstart for the year, the government has approved a pension hike for Social Security System (SSS) members worth P1,000. President Rodrigo Duterte approved the increase for SSS pensioners starting this month. It likewise came with the corresponding 1.5 percent increase in SSS contributions to be implemented starting May 2017 and an increase in monthly salary credit to P20,000 from P16,000. With the contribution increase, the rate would also go up to 12.5 percent from the current 11 percent, bringing the contribution range from P15 to P740. The measures were geared towards responding to the government’s social contract with the Filipino people, especially

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the elderly and the poor. At the same time, it also showed this administration’s regard for fiscal responsibility. The SSS being a private fund, the government’s measure is laudable as it did not utilize taxpayers’ money to fund the increase in pension. The funds covering the increase will be through current contributions and investment reserved fund. While the P2,000 pension hike may not have been given at the moment, the government forecasts its coming the earliest in 2018 and the latest in 2022. For now, it should bring smiles to the elderly who have been waiting for increase in their pension. It’s a fine start for the year.

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

The Philippine Sports Commission: Glued to a fresh start

HE winds of change have finally caught up with the state-run Philippine Sports Commission for good. Or so that was the impression we gathered from Davao boy William “Butch” Ramirez who sits at the helm of the PSC for the second time once more. Thanks to a new mandate determined to make up for a so-so performance over the past 26 years since it was created by virtue of Republic Act 6847. That law mandated the PSC “to serve as the sole policy-making and coordinating body of all amateur sports development programs and institutions in the Philippines”. Its primary function: “to provide the leadership, formulate the policies and to set the priorities and directions of all national sports promotion and development, particularly giving emphasis on grassroots participation”. But for the past 26 years, the PSC was content on merely shooting the breeze, unable to exercise the mandate the law intended it to be. And for the past 26 years, the fortunes of Philippine sports floated with the ebb and flow of the priorities of whoever was in power.

VANTAGE POINTS

In fact, REVERSED PUNCH the PSC (GYAKU ZUKI) has spent roughly P10 billion over the past 26 years but has nothing to show in return. It failed miserably in fulfilling its mandate. Jimmy K.Laking B u t Ramirez said his team was not to go into fault-finding. “Besides, they were not given the chance to excel as they were deprived of freedom.” Ramirez was (he first sat as chair in 2005-2009) no newcomer. But his second tenure comes under different circumstances, this time under a Philippine president determined to wipe out corruption, including the field of sports. It shaped up initially as a problem of

house-keeping. But after having given the situation what amounted to a thorough checkup and reflection, Butch realized the personnel was not at fault. The PSC was not simply ran the way it was supposed to be. To make the story short, Team Butch has hit upon a two-pronged approach in fulfilling the mandate of PSC. One novelty was the putting up of a Philippine Institute of Sports, that will eventually link up with the institute of sports of South Korea, Australia and Russia. The institute, certain to operate initially this January courtesy of a P75 million appropriation, will be equipped with bio-mechanics and exercise physiology machines and equipment, among other things. Region-wide, the PSC would be putting up modern high performance training centers (equipped with weights and conditioning equipment) in 12 regional training satellites. Five regional training directors and at least 50 sports coordinators will also be working for the first with the League of Governors and Mayors to develop sports at the grassroots. At the Institute itself, a staff comprising

of five sports psychologists, five physiologists, five nutritionists and five medical doctors will be employed on a full-time basis as a pool of expertise in linking up with the provinces and with the different national sports associations. By reckoning, the institute shapes up as a game-changer for henceforth, the quality and efficiency of athletes will be processed scientifically and systematically. Change has finally begun to shine on Philippine sports. The PSC will also be providing support to the NSAs The needed support in sports development and will help ensure that no one goes astray. Added Butch Ramirez: “If the NSAs will not reform or will not behave, then we will focus our budge on the grassroots sports program though the sports institute. It is a delicate and serious discussion. If we tolerate the situation without discussing seriously about the people’s money, I will not be part of it, because we will be leaving a legacy. I don’t need 1,000 athletes to the SEA games. If we have to send only a hundred or 200 and deliver a good performance, then we will do that.”

a study which showed that THINK ON THESE! coastal areas in the cities of Davao, Navotas, Malabon, Cavite, and Legazpi sank by 15 centimeters from 1970 to 1999. The Philip- Henrylito D. Tacio pines is one of henrytacio@gmail.com the most vulnerable countries to climate change, said Dr. Rodel D. Lasco, a member of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). For one, the country “has a long coastline where millions of people live including in urban centers such as Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.” Sea level rise within this century will affect a larger percentage of the Philippine coastline compared with that of other developing countries of Asia and the Pacific region, a World Bank report said. “By the end of this century, sea levels in the region are expected to rise by about 125 centimeters, exceeding the global average by 10-15%,” noted the bank report, Getting a Grip on Climate Change in the Philippines. “Even assuming the sea level in the region rises at the global average rate of about 100 centimeters, about 14% of the Philippines’ total population and 42% of its total coastal population will be affected by intensifying storm surges resulting from more intense typhoons.” The Philippines, with 7,107 islands, has coastline stretching 18,000 kilometers. As such, the country is very much vulnerable to sea level rise. In fact, it ranks fourth in the Glob-

al Climate Risk Index. A recent study showed fifteen of the 16 regions of the Philippines are vulnerable to sea level rise. Let’s take Davao City as a case in point. The Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts, published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), said that sea-level rise may create problems for Davao City’s ports. “Located along the relatively shallow channel between the city and Samal Island, these port facilities are a nerve center for Davao City’s economy, and serve a variety of ships handling both cargo and passengers,” the risk assessment said. Sea level rise is also expected to make groundwater becomes salty in taste. “Salinity intrusion into groundwater resources occur naturally to some extent in most coastal regions via the hydraulic connection between groundwater and seawater including through canals and drainage channels,” explained the World Bank report. A United States Agency for International Development study in 2013 projects changes in salinity intrusion under a 30-centimeter sea-level during the 2045-2069 period, “are expected to be moderate during the wet season but significantly more severe during the dry season.” Salt intrusion is indeed bad news for the people of Davao City. “Davao has traditionally tapped surface water from its rivers as its main water source,” the WWF/BPI report said. “It prides itself in the relatively high quality of its drinking water. However, salt intrusion has already been reported in city districts to shore, especially in portions of the city where groundwater extraction continues. Sea level rise may aggravate this situation.”

Sea level rise is one of the certain outcomes of climate change. Respected scientists claim the change is caused by an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases spewed into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases refer to carbon dioxide and other industrial gases. In their studies, scientists found out that for every meter the sea level rises, some three kilometers of inland would be inundated. The sea will literally rise to flood the plains. The question is: are we ready for such scenario? To answer that question, allow me to mention the story of American bestselling novelist Tom Anthony. He came to the Philippines when he married his Filipina wife, whom he met in Singapore. Since his wife is from Mindanao, he decided to settle in Davao City. Three years ago, Anthony built a house near a beach front. The place was so beautiful as it reminded him of another home in California. Trees were trimming all over; there was also a cemented pathway along the shoreline. Then, something happened. After a vacation in the United States, he returned to his home in Davao only to find out cracks in the cemented pathway a few blocks away from home. Some portions are no longer passable as it was dangerous to walk above it. In fact, the dead end of the long road from the entrance is now placed with orange signage with the word: DANGER. The cemented fence of a house built near the seashore may soon give way as the waves of the sea kept on encroaching the backyard. “This is a proof that sea level rise is for real,” says Anthony, the man who wrote the best-selling Rebels of Mindanao. “I think people should stop thinking that climate change is a state of mind. We need to do something about it now before it’s too late.” I concur!

Ready for climate change’s consequence?

LMOST always, when there’s rain, there’s flood. At least in some parts of Davao City, the country’s biggest in terms of land area. But then, flooding is only part of the problem. You better ask Secretary Jesus G. Dureza, the presidential adviser on the process. When he was still writing a column, “Advocacy Mindanao,” he believes the constant flooding in the city is due to sea level rise. “My calculation is that (the sea level) has risen by one foot over a period of 20 years,” he wrote. “Hence, rain waters and floods no longer easily flow or empty out into the sea. They are clogged in the waterways and spill out into the riverbanks.” According to Dureza, when flood waters rush down during high tide, they get stuck, at times and worse, a “backflow” of seawater during high tide. When seawaters rise high, it flows back inland through rivers. Hence, low-lying areas or subdivisions or residential areas around or near riverbanks are in trouble. “I know this because I personally witnessed how the sea level had gone up over the years,” he pointed out. “Our family lived for four years in our resort house by the sea in the 1990’s while we were slowly renovating our house in the GSIS area inland. Our beach house was in fact built over the water, jutting out into the sea, with stilt cement posts and under our floor was sea water rising and ebbing.” Dureza said the highest water level during high tides left water traces on the cement posts. “I would notice because every time I woke up in the morning, I could see the water markings,” he pointed out. Some years back, a weather specialist said in a weekly forum that the waters around the archipelago rose by 1.8 millimeter every year from 1961 to 2003. The speaker presented

EDGEDAVAO

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

Ata Manobo is DSWD Rody’s micro fund program community facilitator

to pilot-run this month: DTI

ERSISTENCE begets triumph. Community faciltator Bobit O. Dalatag, 33, believes in this. “From dawn to dusk, I witnessed my father day in day out tilling the land. That never-ending grind pushed me to persevere and now I am the person I never imagined I could become,” Bobit related. Bobit graduated Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Liceo de Davao in Tagum City with flying colors. For over a year now he has served his community in Sto. Tomas as Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Community Facilitator under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP). An Ata Manobo, Bobit is a single parent and was a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary before he got hired at DSWD. He has nine siblings and both his parents are farmers.

Hard life My family life was never easy. We lived in a very remote village sans neighbors and far from community structures. Government services could not even make it to our community. My six siblings died of illness due to poverty, Bobit sadly recounted. “I did not want to end up a farmer hence I decided and was determined to pursue schooling.” “From grade school through high school, I endured hiking eight kilometers forth and back every day to attend my classes. This and all the sacrifices we have mustered in the family inspired me to continue my studies notwithstanding the imminent hardships.”

Driven “I started college when I was already 26. I was very much unsure then if I could survive without any financial help from my parents.” However, Bobit’s dream to survive the tertiary level started to become a reality through a scholarship from a national government organization. He received Php 5,000.00 every semester to augment his school needs. When life in college was getting harder, Bobit knew he could not pull through if he could not make an extra income to cover for his additional school expenses. “One day, I was informed that our school was looking for a part time janitor. I immediately applied so that my 18 units every semester will

be paid off,” Bobit animatedly shared. Realizing that his extra effort was not enough especially in his course, Bobit decided to work in a bar as a singer and guitarist which paid Php 300.00 for five hours. “I was a janitor in the morning, student in the afternoon until evening, and acoustic singer and guitarist from late night until dawn,” Bobit proudly narrated. “There were times when I almost gave up but I knew I will be just like everyone else in our community -tilling the land until the end of time just to survive. I badly wanted to finish college so that I could offer a better life to my family.”

Life goals After graduation, Bobit decided to apply in DSWD with the goal of helping his fellow Ata Manobos, especially the children in his community. He wanted them to value education and to inspire them to pursue their own dreams. Since then, Bobit has influenced many children in his area of responsibility. He also supports his relatives who are in school so that they would also succeed in their different endeavours. MCCT-IP caters to families belonging to the Indigenous Peoples living in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). “I hope this MCCT-IP program will continue so that indigenous peoples in the Philippines would still have a chance to change and improve their lives through giving importance to education and health,” Bobit urged. Poverty will always be, yet people who persist will always triumph. Bobit lives by this by heart. Pantawid Pamilya has been helping 233,864 families in Davao Region attain their dreams and gain better opportunities. The program is also assisting 29,884 IP beneficiaries thru MCCT-IP. (DSWD)

OLLOWING President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to replace the “5-6” money lending system and provide an affordable micro-financing for the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the government’s Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program pilots this month in Mindoro, Sarangani and Leyte, among the top 30 poorest provinces, to represent Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, the country’s trade chief said. “The P3 is designed to bring down the interest rate at which micro-finance is made available to micro enterprises,” said Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez. The 2017 General Appropriations Act has included an initial funding of P1 billion for financial assistance, a part of the planned P19 billion financing initiative for micro

and small businesses in the next five years. Helping the poorest The program’s fund will be lent out in the business centers of the poorest provinces (based on poverty incidence), where the participating microfinance institutions (MFIs) and the Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) can operate. An attached agency of DTI, SB Corp. shall administer the P3 Program, including the creation of a Program Management Office (PMO), which will open a separate back account for the P3 Program, to oversee the management and monitoring of fund. “Fund delivery to microenterprises shall be carried out in either by wholesale lending to non-bank financial institutions like MFI-NGOs, and cooperatives which shall on-lend the fund to beneficia-

NEW DIRECTORS. The UP Alumni Association Davao Chapter held elections for directors on 7 January 2017. Re-elected were Marie Glenn Cedeño-Sorila, Benny Corcolon, Michael Gatela, Joel Laserna, Trisha Lopena, John Carlo Tria, and Charmaine Valentin. Newly-elected were Vergel Jay Bautista, Carla Louise Bayquen, Kelly Marie Conlon, and Joel Sagadal. The elected directors

ries or by direct lending by SB Corp,” Sec. Lopez said.

Beneficiaries Priority beneficiaries include microenterprises and entrepreneurs that do not have easy access to credit, or are accessing credit at very high cost, such as, micro-entrepreneurs, market vendors, agri-businessmen and members of cooperatives, industry associations and co-operators. Loanable amount per end-borrower can range from P5,000.00 for start-ups to P300,000.00, with maximum interest rate of 26% per annum with no collateral requirement. This rate is significantly below the 20% per day/ week/ month charged by “5-6” lenders. It is also lower than what is charged by most MFIs. MFIs may opt for portfolio guarantee cover of up to 15%

of their P3 loan portfolio from SB Corp at a guarantee fee of 0.4%. The guarantee feature is seen to help MFIs address the P3 Program’s inherent risk. The guarantee fund will be sourced from the P3 fund. P3 allocates P100 million for direct lending by SB Corp. Target loan beneficiaries are the small enterprises in priority and emerging industries, start-up businesses and technology innovators. Minimum loan amount will be P300,000.00 with interest rate capped at 10% p.a., with or without collateral cover. “This alternative funding dedicated for micro and small enterprises is meant to discourage the 5-6 money lending system in our country,” said Sec. Lopez, adding that through the established MFIs, the government will reach even the smallest of entrepreneurs in the country. (PR)

will join continuing directors Amador Siapno, Sherwin Ramos, and John Labay, and the ex-officio directors, composed of immediate past president Roberto Puentespina, the presidents of the UPLB Alumni Association Davao and the UP Mindanao Alumni Association, and UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion.

PTT launches coffee shop in SCTEX O

IL company, PTT Philippines, has launched its coffee shop, Cafe Amazon, at its largest branch along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) last week. PTT Philippines Corp. president and chief executive officer Sukanya Seriyothin said in a statement that the coffee shop promotes nature, while

providing its own recipes. She added that the brand aims to provide a full service hub for the lifestyle of the present generation. PTT said it will open nine more Cafe Amazon shops this year, while existing Cafe Jungle stores will be converted into Cafe Amazon. The shops will be in PTT stations located

along Dasmariñas, Cavite; Lubao, Pampanga; and Sta. Maria, Bulacan. PTT added that the brand is open for franchising, especially for malls or stores. In Thailand, the coffee shop has 1,500 branches scattered across its provinces. It is also offered in Laos and Cambodia.

The company said earlier it is also studying to expand its operations in the Mindanao market, as it only operates in Luzon and Cebu. PTT Philippines is one of the wholly owned subsidiary companies of Thailand’s largest oil and gas company PTT Public Company Ltd. (PTTPLC). (PNA)

State University. Completing the SWEEP Awards Top 10 were groups from Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, and Wesleyan University in Nueva Ecija. The teams will compete for the P300,000 top prize in the final judging to be held on February 9. The school

of the first placer will get a P150,000-grant. The second placer will get P200,000, while the third placer will receive P100,000. Their respective schools will get a grant equivalent to half of their prizes. Smart received a total of 230 applications from 52 schools for the 13th SWEEP Awards, which has the theme “Changing Lives Through Mo-

bile and Digital Innovations.” Projects that made it to the top 10 include an app that can link farmers and potential investors, a traffic app for people with multiple destinations, a platform for mapping agricultural landscapes, and an app to connect blood donors and people that need blood. To help the finalists im-

Smart names finalists of 13th SWEEP Awards

EN student teams from six schools were recently named finalists to the country’s biggest technology competition, the SWEEP (Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program) Innovation and Excellence Awards. Four teams from University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu made the cut, as well as two teams from Batangas

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WOMEN

EDGEDAVAO

Blankgo by April San Pedro.

Olivia Women - Plans and Purposes.

Setting goals and keeping resolutions ANOTHER YEAR HAS COME TO A CLOSE. Everyone loves a fresh start and it’s exciting to look forward to see what the future holds in the coming days. I believe we become better and stronger each day, and we have the past to thank for that. As we continue our journey, we need to look back at all the good things that came, in order for us to assess how we can make life better in the coming years. No matter the challenges you encountered, there is always something to be grateful for. Reflect on what you accomplished, give yourself a pat on the back, and move on. As one song says, “Carry on, carry on.” Welcoming the new year also means making new plans, goals and resolutions. What did you have in your set of goals the past years? How many have you actually completed and ticked off your bucket list? Jotting down plans and resolutions may seem so easy, but once you start going through all the nitty-gritty details and actions needed to realize those goals, we sometimes tend to think twice. In other cases, some dreams are just left on paper and not put into action as the year progresses. They say following through

life goals is pretty much like a business plan. I guess coming from the corporate world, I can very much relate to this. Creating goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based is one of the best strategies to define and stick to your goals. The more specific you are, the greater the probability of you achieving it since you know exactly what you want. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I work best with life

goals written down on a notebook, instead of saving them on my smart phone or computer. Both gadgets, to me, present so many distractions, and, when it comes to planning my days, I need undivided attention. So, I rely on my notes. This year, instead of buying an organizer, I got myself a workbook, for a change. Plans and Purposes is a 12-month workbook created by Olivia Women, a group of la-

dies in Manila brought together by faith and calling. Plans and Purposes is a tool which can help everyone write down plans they want to pursue, detail out the action steps, review progress and setbacks, using worksheets that will help track your three top plans for a year. It helps breakdown your goals into smaller action steps, which you can then review at the end of every month. Think of it as that one notebook to track your progress and setbacks, list all your contacts, and even a journal where you can compose a prayer about those plans. Another one that’s worth keeping is Blangko by April San Pedro. It is a hardbound journal from the Artisan Paperie line, with blank sheets where you can compose your vision board. A vision board is a powerful visualization tool, serving as a concrete representation of where you are going. Your mind responds to visual stimulation. The pictures and images that

METRO MOM A4

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Blueberry Pavlova.

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22k Live Band on stage.

Park Inn holds glowing New Year bash

Hotel Manager, Emelyn Rosales with Princess Nikki Lumanta the 2nd prize winner of 3 days and 2 nights stay at Park Inn by Radisson Clark.

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January 11 – 12, 2017

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PARK INN BY R A DI S S ON DAVAO CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR C OU N T D OW N with glowing colors last December 31, 2016. Dubbed as the Ready, Get Set, Glow Countdown party, the event gathered the city’s prominent families and residents.

Guests were treated to a delightful feast with the Whole Roasted Pork Lechon taking center stage. Another sight to behold was the dessert station with the Neon Galaxy Cake, Blueberry Pavlova, Matcha Mousse in Green Tea Cone and Smores Tartlet. The 22K Live Band entertained everyone towards the countdown while the Host, Mr. Don Gonzales livened up the guests with exciting minor prizes. The crowd’s energy were hyped during the grand raffle draw of the major prizes--- an accommodation at Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Clark and Park Inn by Radisson Davao for 3 days and 2 nights’ with daily breakfast for 2. With the presence of the Hotel Manager, Emelyn Rosales and DTI Representative, Linda Lopez, 3 lucky winners took home one of the hotel accommodations. As minutes turned to seconds the guests were gathered on the dance

Guests welcoming the New Year 2017.

F&B Manager, Potcholo Mercado with Timothy Te the Hotel Manager, Emelyn Rosales with Jennifer 3rd prize winner of 3 days and 2 nights stay at Park Bernales the Grand prize winner of 3 days and 2 nights stay at Radisson Blu Cebu. Inn by Radisson Davao.

Whole Lechon. floor and they were joined by some of the hotel representatives with

their noise makers ready at hand. At exactly twelve midnight, everyone bid

farewell to 2016 and welcomed the year 2017 with a lively dance party.

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EVENT

EDGEDAVAO

Celebrating a

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Top AM, UM and PS with Mr. Eldon Dela Pena and Mr. Andrew Bautista.

TOWERING YEAR

Aeon Towers holds Christmas Party and Annual Sales Awarding 2016 By NEIL BRAVO WORK HARD AND PARTY HARDER that’s because if celebration breeds success, the more you should celebrate.

Top agency manager Ms. Nancy Acapulco.

Top PS Col. Simeon Sultan.

That’s the vibe that filled the air as Aeon Towers celebrated its Christmas Party and Annual Sales Awarding last December 16 at the Grand Regal Visayas Ballroom at the posh Grand Regal Hotel. The event was attended by agents, top management and staff of Aeon Towers. On hand were

Top Unit Manager Ms. Editha Pieza.

the top brass led by FTC Group of Companies President and CEO Ian Y. Cruz, Sales and Marketing director Andrew P. Bautista and Sales manager Eldon Dela Peña. Sharing the limelight for the night’s glitzy awarding ceremonies were the year’s Top Agency Manager awardee Nancy Acapulco, Top

Unit Manager Editha Pieza, and Top Property Specialist Col. Simeon Sultan. Cruz thanked the Aeon Towers family for a successful year that saw the prime property’s residential units sold out. “Let’s look forward to more successes in our future endeavors,” Cruz said.

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you use to characterize your goals strengthen and stimulate emotions and energy, which can then activate the Law of Attraction. You are also programming your brain to affirm and achieve the statements and goals you give your

subconscious mind. When mapping out actions and strategies, it’s a good idea to keep your sheet free from clutter --- the same way that you don’t want to draw in chaos into your days. Keep everything simple and clear, to help you

focus on the words and images which put meaning to your purpose and inspire optimism and enthusiasm. To accomplish all your goals, you have to make an effort to go through them every week or every day, whether you

are into creative journaling or written words. These writings and images will continue to play repeatedly in your subconscious mind, and help you attract the right energy and vibes to act on those plans. Giving yourself a constant

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

reminder of your goals will keep you motivated, while setting a well-defined and realistic schedule and time frame will create a sense of urgency. Remember to measure your progress, so you can also keep track of where you are in your

timeline. To order a copy of Plans and Purposes, log on to https://www.oliviawomen.com/. Blangko is available at the Artisan Paperie shop, located along V. Mapa, Mabini Street, Davao City.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

NEWS 11

Jailed... FROM 2

Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan have approved the reward system for the escapees. Currently, a total of 49 es-

capees were recaptured, 10 died and one was wounded during the continuing military and police pursuit operations. (PNA)

win Smith Rigor, chairman, Poro Management Corp.; and Emmanuel Dooc, president and CEO, Social Security System. Also appointed were Wilma Eisma, administrator, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; Allan Cayao Guisihan, executive director, Philippine Center on Transnational Crime; William Ramirez, Philippine Sports Commission; Benjamin Panganiban Reyes, chairman, Dangerous Drugs Board; Terry Ridon, chairperson, Presidential Commission for Urban Poor; Wifredo Campasas Roldan, executive director, Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, Jose Miranda Layug Jr., chairman, National

Renewal Energy; Alfegar Menchavez Triambolo, inspector general, International Affairs Service, PNP-DILG; Joel Egco, executive director, Committee on Media Killings, DOJ; Luisito Clavano, executive director, Road Board, DPWH; Penelope Belmonte, executive director, National Parks Development Committee; Cesar Montano, COO, Tourism Promotions Board, DOT; Jim Sydiongco, director general, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines; Jose Alvarez, chairperson, Regional Development Council, Region IV-B, NEDA; Marilou Mendoza, chairperson, Tariff Commission, NEDA; and Bernelito Fernandez, associate justice, Sandiganbayan. (PNA)

terrorism and internal security operation. Initially, about 600 personnel from the Air Force, Navy and Army were committed to the more or less 1,000 personnel already deployed to support the security of different activities relative to the launching. “Our plan is in support to the PNP Plan and we consider different possible scenarios and we are closely coordinating with different concerned agencies particularly the PNP,” he said. Gapay also bared that sea, air and land capabilities and assets will be on standby alert for the ASEAN activities security

requirement. As part of the preparation, table top exercises were initiated by the Joint Task Force Haribon to ensure that all areas will be covered. Last January 6, a joint exercise was held in Davao Gulf to fine tune naval security measures and enhance inter-operability among committed units. Furthermore, Joint Task Force Haribon conducted a security forum in Babak, Island Garden City of Samal last January 9 to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders in securing the island, which is one of the potential areas to be visited by ASEAN delegates. (PNA) to the victims, according to Dayanghirang. “We also authorized Mr. Jaldon to check the condition of the provinces and to monitor that the money will be used for the benefits of the people,” he added. It can be recalled that Jaldon also distributed the P11 million financial assistance that the City Council approved for the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Mindoro, and Catanduanes last December. Some 20,000 food packs along with the financial assistance were also sent and distributed to the said provinces before New Year’s Eve. 3) Collaborative R&D to Leverage PH Economy (CRADLE) for RDIs and Industry, P3.2 billion; 4) Business Innovation through S&T (BIST) for Industry, P14.25 billion (25 industry sectors, at P50M to P100M per sector x 75); and 5) S&T HRD (STRAND, STAR, SRCUR). (PNA)

President... FROM 3

STRESSING A POINT. Councilor Conde Baluran reiterates the need for a revised ordinance imposing a total truck ban within the city’s central business district (CBD) as his team’s study concluded that these vehicles are

Council... FROM 1 water shortage in Cabantian and other areas in Davao having the same experience,” Mahipus pointed out. The water shortage worsened in the Cabantian area, according to Mahipus, when all applicants for land development industry applied for a locational clearance and came back saying “it [the place] is good for locational settlement,” hence applied for a construction permit. “We all know that there must be a certification from DCWD at they can provide potable water to the subdivisions and settlements, and no development permit can be granted unless provided with the certificate,” Mahipus stressed. He added that the certifications given to the communities in the area have “empty” assurances, leaving most inhabitants relying on water rations from Dumoy to meet their daily water needs. Mahipus stated that the DCWD only assured that the pipes are already placed, and until now the residents still haven’t received any stable water supplies for them. “You cannot leave them in that situation; we are not living in Uganda or the deserts of South Africa, but the site reflects how people in those areas who do not have potable

water are experiencing, it is sad,” he added. Mahipus pointed out that there are many water resources in Davao City such as Davao River, Tamugan River, Lipadas River, and many private sectors wanted to apply for a water system operations. “We are in a situation where we have plenty of water in the city, and the DCWD has the authority to utilize the water unless the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) grants permits to the private companies to operate in Davao City,” he said. NWRB is the government sector’s agency that is responsible for ensuring the optimum exploitation, utilization, development, conservation and protection of the country’s water resource. Mahipus suggested that NWRB should stop entertaining the “opposition” of the DCWD and allow private companies the opportunity to assist in the distribution of water because of their limited pipelines and capability to provide supplies. “Davao City has been taking pride that the city has clean water and has the best water reserves in the world, but how can we truly be proud if the residents in the area do not have water to drink?” he wondered.

prove their projects before the final judging, Smart introduced them to technical and marketing mentors who gave them advice in a session recently held at the Asian Institute of Management. Among the mentors were IdeaSpace Foundation executive director Diane Eustaquio and startup founders, including SWEEP Awards alumnus Chino Atilano who is now CEO of TimeFree Innovations. The mentors taught finalists the importance of knowing their market and checking out competitors, as well as how to guard against fraud. The SWEEP Awards was

launched in 2004 to provide college students with the platform to create innovative applications that solve consumer pain points. It is an initiative under SWEEP, a long-running collaboration between Smart and the academe which aims to raise the standards of engineering and information technology (IT) education in the country. Because of SWEEP, Smart was cited last year by international magazine Fortune as one of 50 companies that have “changed the world.” For more information on SWEEP and the SWEEP Awards, please visit smartsweep.ph

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the cause of the worsening traffic condition in Davao City. Baluran made the statement in his privilege speech during yesterday’s regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod. Lean Daval Jr.

TF Haribon to help secure ASEAN Summit 2017 launch

HE anti-terror component of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC), the Joint Task Force Haribon will help secure the launching of the Philippines’ hosting of the ASE-

AN Summit 2017 in Davao City on Sunday (January 15). Joint Task Force Haribon commander Brig. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay said Tuesday his unit will focus on disaster response,

was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the same source said that the two department heads suspended by the Ombudsman for six months last year relative to allegedly irregular bidding of vehicles had received in lumpsum the salaries they did not receive while serving their suspension. “Mora rag sila nagbakasyon ato kay nadawat man nila ilang sweldo lumpsum pa gyod,” he said. He said that the lawyer of the two department heads who are still working in the provincial government “might have won in the appeal to reverse the Ombudsman ruling.”

It would be recalled that provincial treasurer Regina Ricafort and provincial budget officer Norma Lumain along with former provincial legal officer Edwin Salvilla (who is no longer in Capitol) were meted with penalty of suspension by the Ombudsman middle last year stemming from the case of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for the allegedly illegal procurement of six vehicles worth P3.6 million in 2005. It was the time of the governorship of late Gov. Gelacio “Yayong” Gementiza in 20042007. CHA MONFORTE - CORRESPONDENT

It cited the Sulu Sea between eastern Malaysia and the Philippines as an increasing dangerous region. The Abu Sayyaf boarded at least one cargo ship and several coal barges last year, abducting dozens of Indonesian, Malaysian and other foreign crew members. Some were later freed after the reported payment of ransoms. Tan did not say if the Abu

Sayyaf had any role in Monday’s attack. It came a week after suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen on board two boats tried to board a Philippine-registered container ship off Basilan. The ship’s hull was hit by bullets but it continued on its course with all 27 crew members safe after the gunmen failed to board the vessel, Tan said. (AFP)

urgency from the Mayor’s office for the approval of the additional P3 million financial assistance for the victims of Typhoon Nina. The fund will be coming from the Calamity Fund of the city for this year,” he said. Dayanghirang said that the city can always extend financial assistance to calamity-stricken areas, provided that these areas will be declared under a state of calamity first. The financial aid will help the 43,620 families affected by the typhoon in the said areas. As in the past, Central 911 Chief Emmanuel Jaldon will also deliver the financial aid

remain at large. Of the 158 escapees, the provincial police office said 10 died in the ongoing manhunt operation. An update said that Sr. Supt. Alberto Balauag, director of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Central Mindanao, and Supt.

Peter John Bongat, NCDJ officer-in-charge, were relieved of their posts due to the incident. Chief Insp. Jesus Singson, newly designated NCDJ warden, is set to impose stricter security protocols inside the facility and its perimeter to prevent similar attacks in the future. (PNA)

ment on S&T HRD and R&D through the S4CP. The program, he stressed, must be provided sufficient budget to underwrite all R&D efforts for the 5-year period, as follows:1) Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER), P3.2 billion; 2) R&D Leadership Program (RDLead), P6 billion;

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Philippine Eagle breeding pair in Maitum, Sarangani?

CBMS GADGETS. Sarangani Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta (2nd from right) and Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Alain Alcala (center) lead the turning-over Monday, January 9, of gadgets and equipment to all municipalities needed for the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) during the first day of the five-day training on Accelerated Poverty Profiling. The training centers on capacitating CBMS focal persons in all

municipalities. Also in photo are Thomas Montefalcon (2nd from left), municipal planning and development coordinator of Alabel; Rommelyn Damasco (extreme right) of Department of Interior and Local GovernmentRegion 12 and Jelyn Apura (extreme left), assistant PPDC. (Jake Narte/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Stricter safety measures up in North Cotabato jail T

HE newly designated jail warden of the North Cotabato District Jail on Tuesday vowed to improve security measures in the jail facility to avoid another jail break or jail attack. “Safety measures are already in the pipeline and in fact, being implemented now,” Chief Inspector Jesus Singson, acting NCDJ warden, told reporters after he replaced beleaguered Jail Supt. Peter John

Bongngat Jr. Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno relieved Bongngat and Senior Superintendent Alberto Balauag, BJMP Central Mindanao Director, upon the recommendation of the North Cotabato Special Action Committee (SAC). North Cotabato acting Gov. Shirlyn Macasarte-Villanueva, who chairs the SAC, recommended the relief of jail

officials to ensure an impartial investigation on the January 5 jail attack that left 10 persons killed, including a jail officer, and the escape of 158 inmates. Pursuit operations are still going on in North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces for about 90 inmates who remained atlarge. Of the 158 escapees, 60 have been accounted for. Singson said additional jail officers will be deployed to

augment the jail’s manpower in securing about 1,450 inmates. North Cotabato Board Member Soc Pinol has recommended to the provincial board to pass a resolution that seeks to transfer the jail facility to a more secure area in the province and away from the provincial capitol grounds. He also suggested to Sec. Sueno that “high risks” in-

the 363 passengers, bound for Manila and Bohol, who were stranded due to the inclement weather brought about by Tropical Depression Auring. The assistance that were provided are two boxes sardines, two boxes corned beef,

two boxes 3-in-1 coffee, and 308 pieces bath soap. The monetary value of the assistance will total P21,536. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the said municipality spearheaded the distri-

bution of goods to the passengers. DSWD Caraga OIC regional director Mita Chuchi-Gupana Lim released an official statement assuring the public on the readiness of

In his memorandum to Municipal Tourism Officer Rodel Hilado dated January 3, ordered that while the lake is closed to visitors, the LGU will conduct training and refresher course for the frontline service providers, rehabilitate the facilities and conduct biodiversity assessment in the area. Dubbed as the “The Crown Jewel of the South,” Lake Holon is the crater of Mt. Melibengoy (also known as Mt. Parker). It sits at 1,756 meters above sea

level and recognized as the cleanest inland water in the country. Lake Holon is popular to local and foreign adventure seekers who must endure 3 to 5 hours of trekking, depending on the pace, through trails that offer a firsthand experience with nature. A tour to the place also offers visitors an encounter with the Tboli people and their culture. Along with Lake Sebu, Tboli were recognized as among the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in World in 2016 by the international environment advocacy group Green Destinations. Other popular tourist spots in Tboli, including Hidak Falls, Bakngeb Cave and others remain open to public. (DEDoguiles-PIA 12)

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Stranded passengers at Nasipit get help from DSWD

N response to the request of the municipal local government unit (LGU) of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga provided on Jan. 8, 2017 augmentation support to assist

Lake Holon in SoCot closed to tourists

NCE again, popular tourist destination Lake Holon in Tboli town, this province, is closed to local and foreign tourist. The temporary closure of Lake Holon, took effect last Saturday (January 7) and will be enforced until March 10, 2017. This is the third time that the local government unit blocked entry to the area to allow the lake and its environment “to refresh.” Tboli Mayor Dibu Tuan,

Photo from Lake Holon facebook page

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ITH the rescue of a juvenile Philippine Eagle in Maitum, Sarangani, the immediate step would be to verify if there is a breeding pair, look for their active nest and install a community-based conservation program spearheaded by the local government units (LGU) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This is the recommendation of Dr. Jayson Ibanez, director for research and conservation of the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), after assessing the physical condition of the young Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), the national bird. He said the implication is that “we still have a breeding pair, a nesting pair” in Maitum specifically in Barangay Batian. “We are quite excited about this because I think this would become the entry point. It would become the start of a systematic Philippine Eagle conservation program within Maitum and also across the mountain range, Mt. Busa,” Ibanez told Sarangani Information Office. The eagle was found Monday (January 2) by Gibson Badal, a resident of Barangay Batian which is within Mt. Busa complex, a declared key biodiversity area and an important bird area. It is home to critically endangered, threatened, vulnerable and rare bird species. “The presence of an eagle pair means there is an adequate habitat,” Ibanez pointed out. “The nesting territory is very special because the Philippine Eagle is very loyal to the place. They use it across generations, meaning as long as the nesting place is intact, the reproduction will continue, which is really very important for a critically endangered species

like the Philippine Eagle.” The rescued eagle arrived at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Calinan at 2am. Wednesday (January 4). Maitum municipal accountant Elizabeth Ramos, who represented Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit during the turnover of the bird to PEC, said “the rescue of Maitum Philippine Eagle was made possible thru the joint effort of the DENR-CENRO Kiamba, LGU Maitum, and the Philippine Eagle Center.” “Initially, a video and photos of the juvenile Philippine Eagle was sent to me via Facebook messenger by my relative Alver Caasi, informing me about the capture of this creature. The rescue followed after,” said Ramos, who is also the municipal information officer. According to Ibanez, the bird was severely dehydrated. It is overly thin, which “means it has not received adequate nourishment from the parents.” X-Ray result showed an embedded pellet in its left groin area. A PEC veterinarian inspected the possible entry point of the bullet but “there was no entry wound which means that it is an old wound that has healed.” The eagle has received fluids to address dehydration as well as shots of vitamins and antibiotics. The bird’s appetite is “okay” and the bird is “relatively healthy.” “Overall, our prognosis is medium to good,” Ibanez said. “If it is cleared by our veterinarian for release, we will return it to its territory.” He said the bird is more or less one year old. “At that age it is very dependent its parents. If we can release the bird within two to three weeks, we are confident its parents will still feed it.” (Sarangani Information Office/DED-PIA12)

RPOC CHAIR. Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy has been appointed as chairperson of Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in Region XI pursuant to the Executive Order No. 773, s. 2009, signed and approved by Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte on December 16, 2016. The certificate of appointment is handed over by DILG Provincial Director Noel C. Duarte during the employees’ convocation program last January 09, 2017 at the Capitol Lobby, Nabunturan, Comval. (M. Lasaca/IDS-ComVal)

NEWS 13 DSWD’s IP beneficiary levels up as gov’t community facilitator VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

ERSISTENCE begets triumph. This is one mantra that 33-year-old Bobit O. Dalatag believes. Indeed his persistence to lead a good life paid-off. “From dawn to dusk, I witnessed my father day in day out tilling the land. That never-ending grind pushed me to persevere and now I am the person I never imagined I could become,” Bobit related. Bobit graduated Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Liceo de Davao in Tagum City with flying colors.

For over a year now he has served his community in Sto. Tomas as Department of Social Welfare and Development Community Facilitator under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples. A member of the Ata Manobo tribe, Bobit is a single parent and was a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary before he got hired at DSWD. He has nine siblings and both his parents are farmers. “My family life was never easy. We lived in a very remote

the DSWD-Caraga to provide augmentation support to the LGUs. “We have strengthened our preparedness measures to provide quick and responsive support to the needs of the LGUs, communities, and families in the region who will be affected by calamities such as TD Auring,” Lim said. “As we feel the discomfort experienced by the stranded passengers in Nasipit, the agency, in partnership with the MLGU and within our mandate and resources,

would ensure that their basic needs are provided while they are waiting for their re-scheduled trips,” she added. As of reporting time, the regional warehouse of the Field Office has a stockpile of 14,416 family food packs and re-packing activity is on-going for additional stockpile. Also, the Quick Response Team (QRT) of DSWD-Caraga continues to monitor the situation in the region after TD Auring made landfall on Sunday at Siargao Island. (Eunice G. Montaos/PIA-Caraga)

mates be transferred from the district jail to Bicutan in Taguig to avoid similar attacks in the future. Since 2007, the jail facility, located about two kilometers

from the Amas provincial capitol grounds, had been attacked thrice. Last week’s attack was the worst and with the biggest number of escapees. (PNA)

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village sans neighbors and far from community structures. Government services could not even make it to our community. My six siblings died of illness due to poverty,” Bobit recalled. “I did not want to end up a farmer, thus I decided and determined to pursue schooling,” he said. From grade school through high school, Bobit said he endured hiking eight kilometers to and from school every day to attend his classes. “This and all the sacrifices

we have mustered in the family inspired me to continue my studies notwithstanding the imminent hardships.” Bobit entered college at age 26. “I was very much unsure then if I could survive without any financial help from my parents,” he said. However, Bobit’s dream to survive the tertiary level started to become a reality through a scholarship from a national government organization. He received PHP 5,000.00 every semester to augment his funds for school

needs. When life in college was getting harder, Bobit knew he could not pull through if he could not earn extra income to cover his additional school expenses. “One day, I was informed that our school was looking for a part time janitor. I immediately applied so that my 18 units every semester will be paid off,” Bobit said. Realizing that his extra effort was not enough especially in his course, Bobit decided to work in a bar as a singer

and guitarist receiving PHP 300.00 for five hours. “I was a janitor in the morning, student in the afternoon until evening, and acoustic singer and guitarist from late night until dawn,” Bobit proudly narrated. “There were times when I almost gave up but I knew I will be just like everyone else in our community - tilling the land until the end of time just to survive. I badly wanted to finish college so that I could offer a better life to my family,” he added.

icating extreme poverty and transforming our economy into a high-income one by 2040,” Diokno said. Diokno said, though, that this unprecedented infrastructure spending can happen only if the government were to raise a lot more revenues to ensure the financial viability of such an ambitious program. “This can only be done by implementing broad and deep reforms in tax policy and administration through the enactment of the Department of Finance (DOF)-proposed Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) now pending in the Congress,” Diokno noted. The first package of the CTRP was submitted by the DOF to the Congress last Sept. 26. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the DOF

welcomes the recent statement of Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, who chairs the House ways and means committee tackling tax reform, that the first package would be approved by his panel in January this year. In the medium-term, Dominguez said tax reform is expected to help reduce the poverty rate from 21.6 percent in 2015 to 14 percent in 2022, lifting some six million Filipinos out of poverty, and helping the country achieve upper middle income country status where per capita gross national income increases from $3,550 in 2015 to at least $4,100 by 2022, which is where China and Thailand are today. If this momentum is sustained, the country would be well on its way to becoming a high-income economy by 2040

with a per capita gross national income of a least $12,000, or where Malaysia and Korea are right now, he added. Package One of the CTRP proposes to lower personal income tax rates, broaden the Value Added Tax (VAT) base, and increase the excise taxes on oil products and automobiles. The lowering of personal income tax rates, a promise that President Duterte made during the 2016 poll campaign, will increase the take-home pay of workers and make our tax rates more competitive, Dominguez said. A broader VAT base will level the playing field and reduce massive leakages, while higher excise taxes on oil products and automobiles will improve the progressivity of the tax system as richer house-

holds consume far more of these products, he said. “For instance, the top 10 percent of households consume around 50 percent of oil products (per 2015 FIES). Higher excise taxes can also help address traffic congestion and pollution,” Dominguez noted. “Meanwhile, to protect the poor and vulnerable sectors, highly targeted transfers and subsidies will be provided as part of the ramp up of social spending from 37.3 percent of the 2016 budget to 40.1 percent of the 2017 budget,” he said. According to a report quoting BMI Research, sustaining the country’s high growth path is dependent on the Duterte administration’s ability to roll out big-ticket infrastructure projects. (PR)

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Arum close to sealing Manny’s Aussie fight M

ANNY “Pacman” Pacquiao (596-2, 38 KO’s) is 38-years old and is on his 22nd year as a professional boxer. That’s over two decades of service to a sport which has earned him millions of dollars in total income, worldwide fame and a guaranteed spot among the list of the sport’s immortalized legends. He began his career as a scrawny light flyweight in 1995. It is now 2017, and he’s still at it, ready to book another fight this April–his 68th professional bout. The fighter Pacquiao is targeting undefeated 28-year-old welterweight Jeff “The Hornet” Horn (16-0-1, 11 KO’s) of Brisbane, Australia. In a recent interview with The Sunday Mail, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum said Pacquiao is excited to get back in the ring. “Manny has seen some of Jeff Horn’s previous fights, we’ve shown him tapes,’’ said Arum. ”Manny thinks Jeff is a very live fighter — in the sense he’s a comeahead guy and he says it will be a tremendous fight and a good challenge for him. Manny is on board for this fight.’’ The bout is rumored to be close to signing, with Arum scheduled to finalize the deal this week. If the bout pushes through, it will be

Pacquiao’s first time to fight in Australia. The proposed date is April 23 at the Suncorp Stadium in Queensland. Pacquiao will be defending his WBO welterweight strap. “I’ve cleared it with Manny and I’ve cleared it with his people. He’s all set and ready to go if they can raise the money in Australia,’’ he said. “Manny would love the opportunity to fight in Australia. A lot of people from the Philippines would come over to watch and a lot of Filipinos in Australia would be at the stadium.” Pacquiao came back from a brief retirement last year to earn two solid wins over Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas, proving that he still had much to offer the sport despite being on the tail end of a long and prosperous career. “We are very excited about this fight,’’ said Arum. “Jeff Horn is the kind of young man who really enhances any sport. He’s well spoken, looks good, comes from a good family and being a former schoolteacher is a well-educated young man. He’s a real asset to the sport and a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn is something that is great for boxing.” Horn last fought in a tough bout against Africa’s Ali Funeka in Auckland, New Zealand. Horn overcame a thunderous yet accidental clash of heads to

AUSSIE FIGHT. Manny Pacquiso is set to fight for the first time in the land Down Under.

win by sixth-round technical knockout over the world-ranked Funeka. A l though Horn is undefeated, young and with confidence on his side, Arum isn’t completely con- vinced he could hang with Pacquiao, who is known as one of the sport’s all-time greats. “Jeff is a very good fighter — I don’t know if he beats Manny Pacquiao but he’ll give him a tremendous fight,” Arum added. Horn obviously believes he can beat Pacquiao, and he has stated as such in the media. “Manny is still a great fighter — one of the greatest boxers ever,” said Horn. “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 realise my dream.” (Fox News)

PSC sets new guidelines for subsidies SEA Games screening begins T

HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has set new guidelines in granting assistance to National Sports Associations (NSA). PSC has directed that all those duly accredited national sports associations are required to submit two months in advance their request for financial assistance. While one month lead time for duty tax exemption, venue usage, billeting and borrowing of sports equipment. For athletes, monthly training allowances were pegged at Priority Athletes : Gold Php43,000; Silver - Php33,000; Bronze - Php28,000; and by Class: Class A - Php28,000;

Class B - Php21,000; Class C Php15,000. Training Pool and Non-medalists will also get Php12,600 while New Entries at Php10,200. The following amount are given to the training allowances for coaches: Head coach A receives Php41,000; Head coach B Php35,000; Head coach C Php29,000; Assistant coach Php23,000. For the coaching staff: Trainer/Strength and Conditioning coach Php17,000; other staff like – masseur, armorer, physical therapist and training aide all get Php17,000. On meal subsidy, provision for nutritious meals to

athletes and coaches on top of the monthly training allowance, and to fully implement the Nutrition Program of the Commission, the PSC Nutrition Unit shall supervise and oversee the implementation of the said nutrition program. The Commission has proposed that monthly meal allowance of Php5,000 will be converted as Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) following government’s audit rules. On medical assistance, a maximum of medical assistance in the amount of Php150,000 shall be given to athletes who sustained injury while on training or while in competition.

Kerber, Murray banner Dubai netfest

UBAI Duty Free (DDF), the title sponsor of the annual DDF Tennis Championships, announced here Monday that world number one Andy Murray will participate in the tournament, while seven-time Dubai champion Roger Federer will return after the Swiss ace abstained last year. The women’s line-up will be led by world number one and winner of two grand slams in 2016, 28-year-old Angelique Kerber from Germany. The female line-up includes 2012 Dubai champion and world number three Agnieszka Radwanska, along with 2015 Dubai champion and world number four Simona Halep. Also in the men’s line-up of top 10 players will be Dubai defending champion, winner of three grand slams and world number four Stan (“Stan the Man”) Wawrinka, and two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych. Colm McLoughlin, Exec-

utive Vice Chairman a n d CEO o f Dubai Duty Free, the tournament owners and organizers, said, “We are looking forward to some thrilling matches and some great entertainment as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the tournament.” Four Chinese player ladies, Zhang Shuai (ranked WTA 23), Wang Qiang, Peng Shuai and Zheng Saisai. Zheng’s winning streak in the first rounds last year was halted by Italian player and 2016 DDF Tennis Champion Sarah Errani who according to the entry list will not participate this year. The 25th DDF Tennis

Championships run from Feb. 19 until March 4. The first week of the challenge is marked by the women’s competition, and the men’s challenge follows from Feb. 27 onward. Last

year’s tournament triggered a streak of disappointments and some empty rows in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai-Garhoud, as Federer missed the challenge after undergoing knee surgery and because Novak Djokovic suffered from an eye infection, forcing the Serb to retire in the semi-finals. (PNA/ Xinhua)

Effective this month (January 2017), provision for a Comprehensive Medical Insurance will cover all athletes and coaches. PSC explained that medical assistance will no longer apply upon effectivity of the said medical coverage. PSC is the government’s sports body that provide the leadership, formulate the policies and set priorities and direction of all national amateur sports promotion and development, particularly giving emphasis on grassroots participation, and supplement government appropriations for sports promotion and development. (PNA) Angelique Kerber will take her top ranking to Dubai.

OUTHEAST Asian Games (SEAG) Task Force has started screening athletes bound for the biennial meet to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this August. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chairman Tom Carrasco, head of the task force, said his group will also evaluate the budget requirements of the various National Sports Associations (NSA) and training equipments to be used by their athletes. Aimed at improving the country’s standing in the sports conclave and acknowledging the seriousness of the government through the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to give full support to our athletes in all fronts that include training and international exposure, Carrasco emphasized that his group will strictly implement the criteria set by the task force. The following criteria set for selection are: previous SEA Games performance, 2015 SEAG result, Competitiveness, active and deserving athletes. According to the Malaysian Organizing Committee, among the 38 sports disciplines (405 events) up for grab for top honors include: athletics, aquatics,

archery, badminton, basketball, billiard & snooker, boxing, cricket, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, gymnastic, hockey, ice hockey, ice skating, judo, karate, rugby football, sailing, sepak takraw, shooting, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, tenpin bowling, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, lawn balls, water ski and wushu. To promote the region’s indigenous sports, Malaysia has revived the following games -- Muay Thai, Netball, Pencak Silat and Petaque. Meanwhile, Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz will not be seeing action as Malaysia has scrapped the women’s category in weightlifting. In boxing, where Philippines is predicted to figure well, however, lightweight and welterweight events in men’s boxing as well as three weight categories in women’s boxing were scrapped, and also the individual time trial in the women’s cycling. In 2005, Philippines as a host, won the over-all championship, but in span of 11 years it has yet to duplicate the feat. In the 2015 edition of this friendship games that begun 28 years ago, the country placed sixth. (PNA)

Confusion over missing Rose

ARMELO Anthony questions referee Dan Crawford, moments before picking up two technical fouls and getting ejected. (AP) An hour and a half before tipoff of the New York Knicks’ Monday meeting with Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans, Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek told reporters that w on his roster was available save for reserve forward Mindaugas Kuzminskas, who’d been sidelined by

an illness. Just under 10 minutes before tipoff, though, news came down that another Knick wouldn’t be suiting up on Monday. Rose started 33 of the Knicks’ first 37 games this season, averaging 17.3 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 31.9 minutes per game. After going 4-for-14 from the floor through the first three quarters of the Knicks’ Friday game against the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach Jeff Hornacek sat Rose down in the fourth quarter, going with third-string point guard Ron Baker and riding the scoring of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis to a 118-116 comeback win. Rose returned the next night, scoring 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting in the Knicks’ 14-point road loss to the Indiana Pacers.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports NEXT FOE. Looks like it’s going to be Brisbane native Jeff Horn who will get a shot at Filipin boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 231 • WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

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Pacquiao-Horn fight in Australia won’t be on PPV

O B Arum would prefer to show the Manny P a c -

quiao-Jeff Horn fight on premium cable, not pay-per-view. The Australian promoters will meet with him in Las Vegas to talk about the details of the fight this week. “Our preference is to have it free for customers in the United States,” Arum told Boxing.com. “But if that’s not possible, if nobody will step up to the plate and do it, it’s not only HBO, then what we do is maybe put on some of our fighters from the

United States and do a split-site type of event and put it on pay-per-view.” Arum added that enthusiasm on the fight in Australia is very high and it was headlined in all the Aussie papers. There were reports that thousands and thousands of people have already requested tickets. Horn’s trainer Glenn Rushton said the planned fight with the eight-division world champion is a win-win for Arum. “If Jeff wins Bob Arum has a world champ with a lot of miles left in him, he has a great fighter for the next seven years who just beat a living legend. If Manny wins it’s business as usual,” Rushton told Courier Mail. But he said his boxer Jeff will win because he is like a younger, stronger Pacquiao. “He has the same deception in his moves, the angles, a very high work rate. They’re both hunters,” Rushton added. Rushton predicted a devastating fight as the two boxers move very well and can hit and knock an opponent out. “It’s going to be a blistering fight. Two busy guys who can both bang and move really well.’’ According to Horn, Arum is pushing for his fight with Pacquiao

to happen sooner than later because the veteran promoter sees the match as a “changing of the guard.” Horn would love to fight at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane because it is his homecourt, his own city with the crowd support inspiring him. “The roar of the crowd would be fantastic, very motivating,” Horn told Courier Mail. There were plans to let Horn fight Jessie Vargas or Timothy Bradley and after winning he would be matched with Pacquiao. But the plan seems to have changed. Horn is not carefree about Pacquiao’s ability, pointing the fighting senator and IBF champion Kell Brook as the two most dangerous fighters at welterweight. He considered Pacquiao as a magnificent fighting machine coming up from lightflyweight to be a world lightmiddleweight champ and all the divisions in between. “He’s a credit to his country and I’d say people who come to the fight would be coming to see him more than me. He’s a huge drawcard and he’s been a super champion for a long time,” Jeff praised Manny.