Edge Davao 9 Issue 245 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

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BIG BIKES GALORE. Riders walk by hundreds of motorcycles parked inside the Davao City Recreation Center during a gathering of motorcycle owners and enthusiasts over the weekend. Lean Daval Jr.

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‘NO DUMPING GROUND’ Transfer of rogue cops to ARMM assailed By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE reassignment of rogue members of the Philippine National Police to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao does not sit well with ranking officials in the area. Speaking before the members of the press at the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City in Davao on Monday, Department of Tourism for ARMM Secretary Ayesha Mangudadatu-Dilangalen added her voice to the region’s call that it should not be made as a dumping ground of undesirable members of the PNP.

“Ang ARMM ay hindi basurahan. It is a place rich in culture,” Dilangalen pointed out. She added that the leadership is working to welcome more investments in the ARMM and turn some of its areas into tourism destinations in Mindanao. DOT-ARMM, together with the provincial government of Maguindanao is now preparing for the upcoming “Inaul Festival” slated from February 1 to 15. Dilangalen said it will be unfair to the people of the ARMM to make the area as

dumping group of scalawags in uniform, particularly among the members of the PNP. Earlier this month, Governor Mujiv Hataman called on the leadership of the PNP to reconsider its plan to transfer erring policemen to ARMM. Hataman emphasized that such action is a way of treating ARMM as a trash can. Dilangalen also told reporters that ARMM, particularly the province of Maguindanao has 200 tourist police who are tasked to secure tourism activities and visiting tourists in the area.

They are expecting thousands of visitors to come to Maguindanao in time with the celebration of “Inaul Festival”. She said the recent skirmishes reported in Maguindanao only took place in one municipality and that the case is isolated and not affecting the general peace and order situation of the province. “Maguindanao has 36 towns. The recent clashes only happened in Ampatuan town. It does not represent the entire province of Maguindanao,” she added.

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Mega harbour “veto” denied Contract still under study -- Mayor Sara T

HE contract signed between the city government of Davao and the Mega harbour Port Development Inc. for the P39-billion mega harbour port development project is still under study by two third parties, Davao City Mayor Sara Duter-

te-Carpio said in a message to the media on Monday. Mayor Sara’s message was in reaction to the growing talks that she vetoed the ordinance giving authority to former mayor now President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the Joint Ven-

EDGEDAVAO Sports Federer wins P15 Aussie Open at 35

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

CUTTING EDGE. Newly-acquired vessel, Barkong Republikang Pilipinas Andres Bonifacio, is seen docked at Sasa Wharf hours before its departure for Iligan City yesterday in the continuation of its tour of duty. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao region incurs damage worth P117M due to flooding By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Office of Civil Defense has renewed its calls for the public to heed warnings issued in connection to the weather disruptions arising from incoming low pressure areas in Mindanao. Speaking at a press conference Monday, OCD Regional Director Leoncuo Cirunay said residents in the coastal areas and near the landslide prone areas should listen to and follow the advisories of authorities. “Dapat maging alert sila and dapat makipagugnayan Silva same mga lokal na opisyal at rescuers para handa silang matulungan,” Cirunay said. He also suggested that several disaster heads of Davao Region should activate incident command posts in the barangays just like what Davao Oriental did. Cirunay explained that

the incident command posts would serve as center for coordination, information, and communication for relief operations. “It will also help ensure faster disaster response in the affected areas of calamities, including the far flung communities,” he added. Meanwhile, the total cost of damage caused by the twoweek weather disruption in Davao Region rose to PhP 117.5 million due to agricultural and private property damage. Damage caused by the weather disruption was placed at PhP 117,545,829 so far, including PhP 533,000 in private properties and PhP 114,669,299 in agriculture. The death toll, on the other hand, reached 10, with 3 injured and none missing. Cirunay added a total of

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City police ready to secure series of ASEAN meetings By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

HE Philippine National Police in Davao region has expressed readiness to provide security for a series of Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) meetings that are scheduled to be conducted in Davao City starting January 31, Tuesday. In a statement to the media, Chief Inspector Andrea dela Cerna, spokesperson of PNP PRO 11 said almost 1,500 security personnel including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other government agencies, the Explosives and Ordnance and

fied to be members of the New People’s Army’s Sandatahan Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) – Lumad, Front Committee 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under the leadership of Florencio Llano alias “Ricky”. He added the trooper was with youth volunteers and they had just finished a cleanup drive in the vicinity of Lumondo Falls, a popular tourist destination in the area, and were heading back to Barangay Budlingin when stopped by the rebels who then

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K9 units and Road Discipline Teams will be fielded to maintain peace and order during the conduct of the meetings. Series of ASEAN Ministers’ and Senior Officials’ meetings will be held in the city Davao City starting January 31 until February 22 this year. The upcoming events are reflected in the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 Notional Calendar of Meetings and Events. Dela Cerna added that the Multi-Agency Coordinating Center (MACC) was already reactivated by PRO 11 regional

director Chief Supt. Manuel R. Gaerlan together with the Task Group Davao. The center and the task group will be tasked to monitor the safety, security and welfare not only of the delegates, visitors and guest but most importantly the citizens of Davao City. A headcount and briefing was already conducted by the members of TG Davao and the PNP personnel who will be deployed starting Monday, January 30 to start their security and safety tasks and responsibilities.

“PNP PRO11 continuously asks for the public’s support, cooperation and vigilance for the success and uninterrupted conduct of ASEAN Leaders Summits, Ministerial Meetings and other ASEAN collateral activities in the region,” dela Cerna said. The police is also asking the public to report any suspicious activities, personalities, unattended bags and vehicles or any vital information pertaining to security, peace and order. The PNP text hotline is 0917-7078547.

clared the top 6. The Philippine bet Maxine Medina was the first up in the competition’s critical question and answer. Medina was provided an interpreter to translate the question in Filipino, but she answered in English. Two-time Miss Universe host Steve Harvey asked the Filipino beauty queen: “What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the world in the last 10 years?” To the cheers of the audience, Medina answered, “In the last 10 years of being here in the world, I saw all the people bringing in one event like this in Miss Universe. It’s something big to us that we are one. As one nation, we are all together. Thank you. Maraming salamat po.”

Medina, along with Thailand’s Chalita Suansane and Kenya’s Mary Esther did not make it to the last cut of the competition. For the last round, the top three were asked “Name something over the course that you failed at and tell us what you learned.” “I failed several times in my life… When you fail you have to be elevated and you have keep going. If tonight I will not be the winner I am still honored that I’m still one of the three finalists. For me this is a great opportunity,” Mittenaere answered. 23 year old Mittenaere was born North of France in a town called Lille. She has kept

Ms France crowned Ms Universe; RP 6th

NPA abduct trooper I in Surigao del Norte N EW People’s Army (NPA) rebels have abducted a member of the 30th Infantry Battalion working as a member of a peace and development team in Alegria town, Surigao Del Norte Sunday afternoon. No motive was given for the abduction of Pfc. Erwin R. Salan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. Padilla said Salan was abducted at 3:40 p.m. in Barangay Budlingin in Alegria by around 15 armed men identi-

adlopez0920@gmail.com

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

RIS Mittenaere of France bagged the 65th Miss Universe crown over 85 other ladies of different nationalities at the Mall of Asia Arena yesterday. Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier was declared 1st runner up followed by Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar who was hailed as 2nd runner up. The first cut of the competition featured the top 13. The pageant changed its format this year; it had 12 instead of 13 finalists, and counted online votes from the Miss Universe app and Twitter. They are Kenya, Indonesia, USA, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Colombia, Philippines, Canada, Brazil, France, Haiti, and Thailand who got the highest

on line vote. Meanwhile, to the surprise of many, Miss Venezuela Mariam Habach failed to make the cut. Habach was widely considered as one of the frontrunners in this year’s pageant who had received a lot of positive comments after her outstanding performance during the preliminary competition. For the second cut, the top 9 finalists were USA, Thailand, France, Mexico, Kenya, Colombia, Canada, Haiti, and Philippines who was announced as part of the top 9 after the commercial break, drawing a deep breath of Filipino audiences. Philippines, along with Thailand, France, Kenya, Colombia, and Haiti were de-

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Abu Sayyaf tagged as suspects Basilan blast that killed two tots

ILITARY authorities have tagged Abu Sayyaf bandits as the ones responsible in the bomb explosion that killed two children and injured three others in a remote barangay of Basilan province. Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the explosion took place around 11 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Danapah, Al-Barka, Basilan. Galvez on Monday said the children were playing outdoors when they accidentally tripped on the improvised bomb, which was placed in a trail frequently used by the residents in the area. Galvez said the victims were rushed to the hospital but two of them died. Galvez identified those

killed as Niyadz Pising, 2; and Ombek Akbar, 5. Wounded were Pahmiya Pising, 4; Salmiya Akbar, 4; and, Suraima Akbar, 25. Galvez said the improvised bomb was placed by the Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Furuji Indama to sow fear on the residents in Barangay Danapa, Al-Barka especially those who are not sympathetic to the bandit group. “This horrendous act perpetrated by the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) goes beyond savagery and stressed that victimizing innocent civilians, especially children, is simply unacceptable,” Galvez stressed. He committed to exhaust every available resource under his disposal to crush the ASG in the soonest possible time “so

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BOUNTY. President Rodrigo Duterte offers P1-million each for the capture of the three accomplices tagged in the kidnap-slay of Korean National Jee Ick Joo during a press conference at Malacañan Palace on Sunday

evening. The President added that heads will roll at the National Bureau of Investigation if the suspects are not placed within their custody in 48-hours. ACE MORANDANTE/Presidential Photo

BRP Andres Bonifacio H departs for Iligan City

DOH denies misleading students on condom distribution scheme

Tugging alone 45 PMA cadets on familiarization tour

By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Philippine Navy’s newly-acquired vessel, Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas Andres Bonifacio, left Davao City for Iligan City on January 30 in the continuation of its operational tour. Capt. Brendo Cascalang, commanding officer of BRP Andres Bonifacio, told the reporters Monday that both the vessel and its crew is a welcome asset for both the Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in addressing security concerns that confronts the country. “Malaking tulong ito sa maritime operations ng

Philippine Navy, lalo na as offshore patrols at surface operations tulad ng teritorrial and relief operations,” he explained, adding that BRP Andres Bonifacio would be used for strategic maritime operations, also known as patrols in the high seas. Meanwhile, Ens. Earvin Lorrence Garcia of the Philippine Navy Personnel Management Center - mobile recruitment unit, said 45 cadets from the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2017 are undergoing their sea training with the newly acquired ship as the last phase of their train-

ing.

“It is an opportunity for them to acclimitize themselves to the Navy environment on board a warship before being officers of the PN,” he explained. He added that the ship would be a “good training platform” for the cadets as the facilities of the vessel would equip the future officers with necessary knowledge and skills to operate and maintain modern vessels and aircraft. The vessel shows an array of gears, weapons, disaster response equipment of the naval operations group, and a

hangar for helicopters to cater the Marines and other contingents of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. BRP Andres Bonifacio accommodates 16 officers, 90 enlisted officers, and 45 graduating PMA cadets who would soon become navy officers. The warship is part of the “Navy Modernization Program,” according to Cascalang. BRP Andres Bonifacio is the third high endurance cutter of Philippine Navy’s fleet, the other two — BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcatraz — were acquired in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

EALTH Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said her department had no intention to create confusion or send the wrong signal among young people when it floated the idea of distributing condoms in public high schools last December. “It was never the intention of the Department of Health to mislead. Rather, it was a genuine gesture of common sense, based on sound scientific principles and practices to consider life-saving approaches that are deemed inappropriate or controversial by those who fail to fully grasp the urgency in addressing the HIV contagion, which is wreaking havoc among our precious youth population,” she said Monday. Ubial was reacting to critics of the “business unusual” strategy who say that it is sending the wrong signal to teenagers that it is all right for them to engage in pre-marital sex. The health chief said they respect the opinions of those who are against the proposed intervention, pointing out that as of now, no concrete policy on the issue has been reached by the health and education departments.

“The decision to undertake this particular intervention remains unsettled because many things have to be in place before implementation can proceed,” she said, noting that the intervention is only possible after schools establish an age-appropriate sex education. She however assured that her department remains steadfast in its mission to protect the interest of those who will greatly suffer because of ignorance or indifference, by continuously looking for solutions and being open to suggestions from different sectors. In previous interviews, Ubial said her department plans to educate the youth on HIV/AIDS by tapping their peers and parent-teacher associations. She has also said that in the past years, the department has explored ways to reduce or eliminate the risk of HIV transmission among youths through sex education that focused on abstinence ever since data revealed an increasing incidence of HIV among youths in the 15-24-year age bracket who engage in risky sexual behaviors, especially males having sex with males. (PNA)

Palace congratulates Ms France for winning Miss Universe pageant

TANTALIZED. Spectators’ eyes are glued on a television set as they watch the Miss Universe Coronation yesterday at a tricycle terminal in Sasa, Davao City. Iris Mittenaere of France is crowned the winner of the pageant. Lean Daval Jr.

ALACANANG congratulated on Monday Iris Mittenaere of France for winning the Miss Universe 2016 Pageant held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. “People of France are rejoicing. Truly, this is a proud moment for their country. Our best wishes to the 65th Miss Universe,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press statement. Miss Haiti Raquel Pelissier and Miss Colombia Andrea Tovar finished first and second runners-up, respectively. “Iris brought tremendous joy to her people by representing France as well on the inter-

national stage with her winning grace, regal bearing and inspiring answer. She has won not only the nod of the judges but the affection of the entire word as well,” Abella said. The Palace official also congratulated Maria Mika Maxine Medina of the host Philippines for making it to the Top 6. “She represented the Philippines well in the international scene,” Abella said. Completing the Top 6 are Miss Thailand and Miss Kenya. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines handed the crown to Mittenare who ended France’s 63year title drought. (PNA)

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Piñol pushes revival of river basin dev’t council

EPARTMENT of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has urged all local chief executives along the Davao-Agusan River watershed to revive the Davao-Agusan River Basin Development Council and look for long-term solutions to the perennial problem of flooding in the Davao and Caraga Regions. Piñol visited Thursday the Compostela Valley Province and Agusan del Sur to assess the damage to crops caused by typhoon Auring and heavy rains. Davao Region reported an initial damage of Php64 million and Caraga Region Php125 million from the recent typhoon and heavy rains that inundated farming communities. “It is not enough that DA will distribute rehab seeds and other inputs every after flooding which is short-term only,” he said. “What we need now is a long-term solution.”

The agriculture chief underscored the need to reconvene the dormant council and he would present the council’s proposal to President Rodrigo Duterte. “(I will) submit the proposal so I can present it during our cabinet meeting for possible accessing of the climate change fund of the United Nations (UN),” Piñol said. Meanwhile, Piñol also proposed the planting of rubber in upstream areas, which are tributaries to the Davao-Agusan Rivers. He said rubber could also be a source of income for farmers. A Finland-based company recently expressed interest in putting up a tire manufacturing company in Mindanao and could soon produce the first tire brand in the Philippines. “We have to create a local market for our rubber to stabilize the price which is advantageous for our rubber farmers,” Piñol said. (PNA)

Relief goods from SM Cares Foundation through its Operation Tulong Express are being prepared to be hauled onto a delivery truck at SM City Davao yesterday. The foundation distributed food packs to 750 families affected by flood in Barangay Libunganon, Tagum City. Lean Daval Jr.

Maguindanao Inaul festival Tax reform to close infra gap, to elevate age-old tapestry make PH more competitive T

HE Duterte administration’s proposed Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) is crucial to strengthening the Philippines’ weak infrastructure backbone that constrains economic inclusion and prevents the country from catching up with the region’s economic powerhouses, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. In separate speeches before the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) and the Up Close and Personal with Department of Finance Sec. Dominguez event, Dominguez said that raising an estimated P800 billion annually through tax reform for an unmatched infrastructure buildup under the Duterte administration will allow the Philippines to finally break the bonds of low growth and broad poverty. “This is the moment to cut the knot that binds our

country’s development,” Dominguez said at the Fellows Monthly Meeting of the FEF held in Manila Golf Club on Wednesdaynight. “Our population is nearing a demographic ‘sweet spot’ where millions of young Filipinos will be joining the workforce. We need to train them in the high skills required for a 21st century economy,” he said. He said, “We need to close the infrastructure gap to bring isolated island economies to the mainstream of our growth. We need to modernize our digital backbone, our airports and ports, our roads and bridges to take advantage of opportunities offered by the large trends in our region.” Dominguez stressed the urgency for the government to address the country’s poor infrastructure as he called on the FEF to help make this

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By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE province of Maguindanao will be celebrating its first Inaul Festival on February 9 to 14, 2017. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Tourism Secretary Ayesha Vanessa Hajar M. Dilangalen said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum at SM City Davao on Monday that with the celebration, ARMM will be honoring the regal fabric of Maguindanao along with the weavers who painstakingly create them. “We want everyone to witness and experience the weaving of our Inaul fabrics,” invited the regional secretary. Dilangalen stressed that the province has high tourist arrivals despite the general notion that Maguindanao is not a safe place for visitors. She added that there is only one conflict area out of

the 36 municipalities which is “far from the location of the festival”, Baluan, Maguindanao. “In 2016, we have three million tourist arrivals recorded,” regional secretary said in an interview. Nulfarid S. Ampatuan, Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Officer and festival director said the provincial government of Maguindanao wants to popularize the Inaul, a fabric manually and meticulously woven mostly by Maguindanaon women. According to Dilangalen, these women are wives of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Morro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members. “We are conducting a consultation with MILF and MNLF to be the one to entertain the tourists because we want to

raise respect among them,” said Dilangalen who added that there were no recorded cases of tourist abduction within Maguindanao, a sign that the groups are respecting the visitors in the region. The festival director said that they want to showcase other uses of the fabric aside from the traditional “malong”. Ampatuan cited the recent Mindanao Tapestry Fashion Show at SMX Convention Center, Davao City on January 19, 2017, an ancillary event of Miss Universe which Philippines has recently hosted. He pointed out that Inaul was used as the primary textile in the gowns worn by the candidates. The DOT regional secretary added that with this and the other roadshows joined by ARMM such as the Banggala

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PH to tap RMB100-M grant from China for drug rehab

ALL IN ONE. Sen. Chiz Escudero speaks before his fellow KARANCHO members during the organization’s 21st National Convention at the Rizal Memorial Colleges in Davao City in which they also express their support for the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. Contributed Photo

Fashion show at Sharif Kabunsuan Festival 2016, they have accumulated over PhP500,000 as well as an increase in the demand of Inaul fabrics outside the country. “In fact, Uratex has taken interest on out Inaul fabrics,” she added. According to Ampatuan, they are expecting a crowd of around 10,000 on the first day of the festival based on last year’s records during the Sagayan Festival in Baluan on February 10, 2016. “Despite the Mamasapano, [that was January 24] there were still a lot of tourists who went to Baluan,” said Ampatuan. Aside from inaul, other fabrics will be showcased in the festival such as Landak of Marawi, Pis Syabit of Sulu and

ANILA and Beijing are speeding up the implementation of several agreements forged last year between the two countries, including the establishment of drug rehabilitation facilities and the acquisition of law enforcement equipment to be funded by a RMB 100 million-yuan grant from China, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dominguez, who led a twoday Philippine mission to China last Jan. 23-24, said that of this RMB 100-million yuan grant (equivalent to US$15 million), the Department of Health (DOH) has requested that half be used for building drug rehabilitation centers. “During our meeting with Chinese Commerce Ministry officials, we noted the progress in our bilateral dialogue mechanisms and cooperation arrangements. We expect to see more bilateral con-

sultations in the coming months,” Dominguez said. “We have also confirmed our intention to avail of the RMB50 million-yuan grant for the provision of drug rehab facilities for the DOH during our meeting with China Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng,” he added. The remaining half of the grant is intended to procure additional law enforcement equipment for the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to strengthen the government’s war against the drug scourge, Dominguez said. Besides drug rehab facilities, Dominguez said the Philippine delegation has also asked Chinese officials to consider supporting, through grant financing, the construction of health centers in rural areas, particularly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). (PR)

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Duterte admin eyeing hybrid financing for big-ticket infra projects: Dominguez

UPBEAT. Department of Tourism-ARMM regional secretary Ayesha Vanessa Hajar Dilangalen says officials in the region are working to welcome more investments and turning some of its areas into tourism destinations. Dilangalen made the statement during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw

at the Annex of SM City Davao where she and Provincial Planning and Development Office management assistant department head and festival director Engr. Nulfarid Ampatuan promoted the upcoming Inaul Festival sa Maguindanao slated on February 9 to 14. Lean Daval Jr.

DENR czar on Caraga mining: ‘My God, it’s absolutely crazy’ H

ORRIFIED by what she saw during a twoday aerial survey of mining operations in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands, Environment Secretary Gina Lopez told MindaNews upon arrival at the airport here: “Oh my God. Grabe. It’s absolutely crazy.” Lopez was aghast at the massive siltation wrought by some large-scale mining operations in the areas she visited. Environment Secretary Gina Lopez arrives at the Surigao City airport on Friday, January 27, 2017, after a twoday aerial survey of mining operations in the Caraga region. The Environment Secretary did an aerial survey of mining operations in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur on Thurdsay and in Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands on Friday. “Parang nighmare. Sabi ko…aaahhh,” said Lopez as she showed this reporter the

videos and photos she took using her mobile phone. “What is that? That is Surigao. Ano yan. Grabe di ba?” she said. Lopez along with former Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Leo Jasareno and MGB-Caraga Region director Roger De Dios flew over the mine sites on a helicopter. “Ang mamasabi ko is bawal ito. (What I can say is this is a violation). It’s against the law,” she said. “Look at that, Lopez said, pointing to the images on her phone. “It’s crazy. Hindi naman umuulan. (It’s note even raining). It’s crazy,” she said. Lopez said she will make an announcement on February 2 about her visit here. “My over-all assessment ang Surigao at Dinagat ay maganda at kung alagaan ang kalikasan ay may pag-asa. Malaki ang potential sa eco-tourism. If sisirain at a few lang ang nag benefit, kawawa ang mga tao. Ang taga Surigao at

Dinagat ay dapat makinabang sa resources hindi dapat mga taga labas,” (My overall assessment is Surigao and Dinagat are beautiful and if we can take care of our environment, there is hope. The potential for eco-tourism is huge. If the environment is destroyed and only a few benefit, the people will be disadvantaged. Those in Surigao and Davao should benefit from the resources, not those from outside), she said. She said thsoe who are benefiting from the resources in Dinagat are not from Dinagat. Lopez noted that those who are benefiting are businessmen but those who suffer are residents of Dinagat. De Dios, MGB Caraga director said some mining companies will be punished. “I don’t want to mention these mining companies because I got an instruction from Ma’am Lopez not to tell yet because she will announce it next week,” de Dios said. De Dios said most of the

mining companies here are not complying with the rules. “Mga badlongon kasagaran ning mga kompanya diri sa mina” (Most of the mining firms are violators), De he said. In Caraga region, 10 mining companies are operating in Dinagat, all mining nickel ore; seven in Surigao del Norte, six of them into nickel mining and one in gold and silver; two nickel mining firms in Agusan del Norte and two gold mining firms in Agusan del Sur. Rev. Pio Mercado, chair of Caraga Watch, an anti-mining group in Caraga region earlier said mining companies should stop operations. “They have been wantonly destroying the environment in the region. Their permits must be cancelled,” Mercado said. Dulmar Raagas, President of the Chamber of Mines in Caraga Region could not be reached for comment despite several calls and text messages. (Roel N. Catoto/ MindaNews)

and covered amounts reaching Php 183,733,370.51. A Google search shows Powleean Electronics Marketing has a store located at Stall 57 Raon Shopping Center, 613 Quezon Blvd, Bgy 308, Zone 030 Sta. Cruz, Manila. AMLC said its investigation on Powleean was made after it received a confidential report and a request from Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa “to

conduct money laundering investigation regarding the bank accounts of Powleean and several individuals whose accounts are allegedly being used in illegal drug trafficking/money laundering.” It said initial investigation showed that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), through its numerous anti-illegal drug operations, recovered several bank deposit slips made out in favor of Powleean.

“AMLC’s initial investigation showed that Powleeean made over the counter bank withdrawals amounting to a total of more than Php 2 billion for a period covering only eleven months,” it said. “These amounts were clearly beyond Powleean’s financial capacity leading investigators to believe that Powleean is being used as front to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking,” the statement added. (PNA)

AMLC secures freeze order vs surveillance camera firm

SIX-MONTH freeze order against several bank accounts and monetary instruments of a Manila-based business selling surveillance cameras and computer peripherals have been secured by the Anti-Money Laundering Council. In a statement Monday, AMLC said the freeze order, secured on Sept. 29, 2016, was for the bank accounts of Powleean Electronic Marketing and several individuals

HE Duterte administration is exploring hybrid financing arrangements that will combine development aid and loans in raising more funds for its big-ticket infrastructure projects while keeping down borrowing costs, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said. Dominguez said hybrid financing would enable the government “to profitably manage the leveraging” of close to P1 trillion in official development assistance (ODA) and loans that it has secured from Japan and China alone in just six months of the Duterte presidency. “Our major plan here is to leverage that. [That is], to take projects and then use part-ODA and part-multilateral agency loans so that we can actually increase the number of projects that we can do,” Dominguez said. Dominguez said hybrid financing would involve, for instance, a mix of ODA, which provides concessional interest rates of 0.2 to 0.5 percent, with development funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank to execute an infrastructure project. Combining both types of financing sources would thus enable the government to build more big-ticket infrastructure projects, he said. “That’s like putting a jigsaw puzzle together using ODA from China and matching that with AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) and ADB funds. So we can be creative in those ways,” he said. As an example, South Korea has carried out a hybrid financing arrangement in helping fund the development of the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental during the previous administration.

For that airport project, the Korean government had provided a total of $100 million through a combination of loans from the Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and an export loan from Korea Eximbank. Dominguez said the Department of Finance (DOF) is eyeing a similar financing arrangement in funding two major infrastructure projects—the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and the Metro Manila flood control project. The BRT, which is supported by the ADB, and the Metro Manila flood control project, which is being backed by the World Bank, have both been presented to the China-led AIIB for possible financing. The commitments of investments and development assistance pledges by Japan and China to the Philippines are among the largest amounts announced by the two economic powerhouses for a single country, Dominguez said. He said these unprecedented pledges of aid and investments by Japan of $9 billion and China of $24 billion “reflect the strong confidence of the international community in the Duterte administration’s capability to sustain the Philippines’ high growth path and realize its agenda for economic inclusion.” Dominguez said the record inflows from Tokyo and Beijing make up the initial investment dividend from President Duterte’s foreign policy rebalancing toward economic integration with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member-states and major Asian trading partners China, Japan and South Korea. He noted that these funding and investment commitments are the highest announced by Japan and China for a single beneficiary-country. (PR)

2017 GDP growth seen at 6.5-7%

ROBUST domestic economy with a healthy foreign exchange (forex) buffer, a strong banking system and a young, educated work force are among the key factors that will sustain the Philippines’ high GDP growth of 6.5 to 7 percent in 2017, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Dominguez said that even global financial shocks, such as rising US interest rates and the possible surge of protectionist policies in certain countries that could affect trade, would not unduly threaten the economy, as the Philippines is not largely reliant on external trade as a growth driver. “I’m quite confident that this coming year, we will achieve the growth rates that we have set for ourselves, and that we will be in pretty good shape,” Dominguez said. Last week, Dominguez said the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expansion of 6.8 percent in 2016 pointed to a domestic economy in “pretty good shape” and well on its way to sustaining its growth momentum over the medium term, on the back of the Duterte administration’s bold initiatives to keep it on its upward trajectory despite global market volatility. Dominguez said this gave the Department of Finance (DOF) all the more reason to aggressively engage in its proposed Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP)—and the Congress to swiftly act on it—so the Duterte government could raise enough funds for its unparalleled public spending program on infrastructure, human capital and social protection that would keep the Philip-

pines among Asia’s fastest-growing economies in the years ahead. “This is clear proof that no amount of counterproductive political chatter from certain quarters could undermine the upward trajectory of a domestic economy that is in pretty good shape under a Duterte presidency that is fully committed to sustaining its growth momentum,” Dominguez said. Dominguez said the Philippines’ economic outlook remains highly positive, with the country having more than enough forex reserves to service its foreign debt. “We have a very strong banking system. We have a population that is young, educated, healthy and very enthusiastic. So I think our domestic economy is well positioned to grow between 6.5 percent and 7 percent as most institutions have predicted,” Dominguez said. The Asian Development Bank, for one, has projected country’s GDP growth at 6.8 percent for 2016 and 6.4 percent this year. Moreover, Dominguez said the country has a president who believes in carrying out “fiscally conservative” policies to rev up the economy and keep the budget deficit within manageable levels. “President Duterte was mayor for 22 years. As mayor, he was very fiscally conservative. Davao City has one of the most robust balance sheets in the country, and that’s because he is very conservative in his spending. He makes sure that the taxes due the local government are collected,” Dominguez said. “And believe me, what he practiced in Davao as mayor, he will practice as President,” he added. (PR)

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

ARMM sends delegates T to BIMP-EAGA meet

SoCot raises funds for indigent hospitalization, crisis assistance

HE Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has sent delegates to the 2017 Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Strategic Planning Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia in response to the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) announcement that cross-border trade with Sabah, Malaysia will resume starting February 1. Strategic planning started Monday until February 3. Lawyer Ishak Mastura, regional chair of ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), said the sending of delegates was part of its commitment to the Philippine contingent to reciprocate by agreeing to open

cross-border trade between ARMM and all BIMP-EAGA countries. Malaysia suspended since last year cross-border trade between Sabah and ARMM’s island provinces due to security concerns in the Sulu Sea where piracy and kidnap for ransom activities proliferated. But as security measures have been improving, authorities are convinced that a holistic approach is necessary where providing livelihood opportunities will help dissuade the youth from engaging in piracy as a way out of hardship and poverty. Mastura led the delegation to Jakarta as head of the regional cabinet cluster on economic growth and linkage. With him

GenSan acquires P154-M new heavy equipment

HE city government has acquired around P154million worth of additional heavy equipment as part of the continuing upgrading of its motor pool. Engr. Francisco Provido, City Engineer’s Office (CEO) chief, said Monday the new heavy equipment comprised 19 brand new units that will be used for road repair and maintenance, dredging of waterways and waste disposal. He said these were turned over to the local government, through the CEO, late last week by supplier JVF Merchandising Inc. “This is a major upgrade for our motor pool and will greatly improve our services, especially in the barangays,” he said. The newly-acquired heavy equipment are composed of eight dump trucks, two back hoe excavators, two vibratory compactors, two garbage compactors, payloader, water truck, fuel truck, man lifter, vacuum truck and dropside truck. Engr. Bert Gachera, incharge of CEO’s motor pool unit, said the additional fleet of heavy equipment is a big boost to their operations. He cited that they have

been receiving numerous requests every month from the city’s 26 barangays for assistance on road maintenance as well as drainage clearing and repairs. “We can now address these requests properly and attend to some of our pending works,” he said. Gachera said the pay loader and the back hoes will be used in the cleaning of canals and creeks in some parts of the city that are heavily silted. He said the vibratory compactors will be used in road repairs and asphalting works, while the excavators would be used in road maintenance and clearing operations. Provido said the new garbage compactors and other equipment will also be used for the daily operations of the city’s Waste Management Office (WMO). Some of the equipment can also be used by the City Disaster Risk Management & Mitigation Office in times of disasters, he said. “It’s hard to respond to the needs or requests of the barangays if we don’t have available equipment. To be effective, we need to have a full fleet of heavy equipment,” he said. (PNA)

were regional secretaries of the departments of Trade, Public Works, Tourism, Labor and Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA-ARMM). “Most of our cross-border trade is with Sabah but the ARMM is committed to promote cross-border trade not just with Sabah but with all BIMP-EAGA countries, particularly Indonesia and Brunei,” Mastura said on the eve of the departure of their delegation. According to Mastura, the primary policy framework for cross-border trade to be enhanced in the ARMM shall be through the establishment of Special Economic Zones. The ARMM has its own Regional Economic Zone Authority created by the Regional

Legislative Assembly with similar powers as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. It has established the Polloc Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Parang, Maguindanao. For his part, ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman announced that all Special Economic Zones in the ARMM should be ‘halal-compliant,’ meaning, that the Special Economic Zones should conduct economic activities that are ‘halal’ or permissible under Islamic religious laws. ARMM has been making waves in the economic front in southern Philippines with unprecedented investments coming and realized in the past three years. (PNA)

HE provincial government of South Cotabato has increased its allocation this year for the hospitalization and crisis assistance for the province’s indigent or poor residents. Haide Agustin, crisis division head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said Monday the local government has set aside around P18.5 million for its Indigent Hospitalization Assistance Fund (IHF) and Assistance in Crisis Situation (AICS). She said the bulk of the funding, around P11.5 million, was allotted for the rollout of the IHF program. Such allocation increased by P1.68 million from last year’s P9.82 million, she said. For the AICS, Agustin said the local government also increased the budget to P7.035 million, which is up by P1.5 million from last year’s P5.5 million.

“The increase in funding is mainly aimed to serve more residents who are really in need of assistance,” she said. The official said the AICS covers assistance for medical, burial and related transportation needs of concerned residents. She said South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes pushed for the additional funding due to the rising number of people who are seeking hospitalization and crisis assistance. In 2016, the local government, through the PSWDO, served around 15,000 residents in both assistance programs. Such number included those assisted under its social services initiatives, among them the emergency shelter assistance (ESA) program. Citing their records, Agustin said around 5,000 residents requested for hospitalization assistance. (PNA)

law. Our first imperative is our commitment that soldiers are duty-bound to serve the community’s rights and the laws of the land. It is our responsibility to fulfill these obligations,” he said, stressing that these will be the army’s advocacies to their stakeholders. For Lt. Col. Obligado these imperatives, once abided not only by the soldiers but also the community, will lead to good citizenship. “A good citizen will always abide by the laws of the land and will not be a headache to the government and community,” he said. He also emphasized the stakeholders’ active participation in the peace efforts. “Stakeholders engagement means that we cannot perform our tasks and accomplish our mission without the

community’s involvement and participation and I can see how Lt. Col. Anayron performed these tasks through participation, collaboration and coordination of all the stakeholders,” he said. Outgoing Commander Col. Anayron is noted for his initiatives not only in addressing the insurgency problem in his area of responsibility but also in introducing development programs in the communities, which have been accomplished through partnership with all stakeholders – a strategy adopted by his predecessors which he further strengthened and sustained. Among the celebrated community development projects that he helped to initiate is the construction of four classrooms in Sitio Sunlon,

Barangay San Isidro and Sitio Casunungan, Barangay Mahanub, in Baganga town, through partnership with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation. He also facilitated the establishment of livelihood projects in some barangays and partnered with various donor organizations that provided sewing machines and bakery set to local schools’ Alternative Learning System Program. In his message, Col. Anayron bid his “Agila sons and daughters” farewell, saying that the past two years of being assigned to this unit, which has been distinguished for its many accomplishments, has been a blessing. “I was given the opportunity to command a unit that was trained and trans-

son who informed the police about the improvised explosive device. Alibonga refused to name the person but gave his snappy salute to the guy. “Emulate the person because that simple action save lives,” he told reporters. Upon receipt of the information at about 10:30 in the morning of Saturday, Chief Inspector Alibonga quickly

rushed to the site where the IED was found beside the national highway in Barangay Awang, particularly in front of Granny’s Swimming Resort. Alibonga said the IED was live and capable of wounding or killing people had it exploded. Army and police bomb experts safely detonated the IED, described as similar to explosives manufactured by

outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). No one has claimed responsibility in the plan to set off the IED. The area where the IED was found was a kilometer away from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division headquarters. Police and soldiers remained on alert following the discovery of improvised bomb. (PNA)

Change of command marks new leadership for sustained peace in DavOr

NEW leadership was ushered in at the 67th Infantry Agila Battalion of the Philippine Army as Lt. Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado took over command of the battalion from Lt. Col. Michele Anayron. During the Change of Command Ceremony at the Battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Salingcomot in Baganga town on January 27, 2017, the new Battalion Commander has vowed to sustain the feats and gains the unit has achieved over the past years. Lt. Col. Obligado said his leadership will take off from the army’s existing and new strategies on peace campaign-the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan which has now been replaced by the Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan – a new campaign wherein the Armed Forces of the Philippines will sustain the peace and internal stability of the country “through sustained military operations to defeat terrorist, support to law enforcement in the campaign against illegal drugs and organized crimes, and actively contribute to peace promotion and nation-building.” In his message, he talked about several crucial elements in the pursuit of permanent and lasting peace. “These imperatives are respect for human rights, international humanitarian law and the rule of

F CHANGE, 11

Man lauded for alerting police on IED in Maguindanao

GENSAN VISIT. General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera is received by Capt. Brendo J. Casaclang, commander of the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), during its port call at Makar Wharf on January 25. The BRP Andres Bonifacio is the third Gregorio del Pilar-class frigate to be commissioned by the Philippine Navy. It used to be a Hamilton-class high endurance cutter of the United States Coast Guard. (Russell Delvo/ Gensan CPIO)

POLICE officer lauded on Monday a concerned citizen who quickly alerted the police about a suspected improvised bomb near a swimming resort here and prevented bloody Saturday. “We need people like him to prevent violence and save lives,” Chief inspector Achmad Alibonga, police chief of Datu Odin Sinsuat, said of the per-

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

EDITORIAL

Trump shakes the world

S President Donald Trump has just shook up the world. His controversial ban on travelers from seven Muslim countries has caused a global outrage. Let’s remember that Trump is just nine days old in office. The ban was widely criticized, even causing growing unease within his own party and allies. The ban has sparked confusion over its implementation and the protests are expected to be mounting in the days to come. Trump’s unpopular decisions are causing a potential confrontation with the U.S. Supreme Court on questions of constitutionality. The controversial decree in effect stops the entry of all refugees for at least 120 days. Indefinite ban for Syrians, 90 days for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. In defense of Trump, the White House clarified that the issue is not a Muslim ban but a safety measure against terrorism. This is not the first time that a racial ban has been implement-

EDGEDAVAO

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ed in the United States. Former President Barrack Obama also imposed similar ban on Iraqi refugees in 2011. Trump’s action to protect the American people is in keeping with his hard stance against terror and to keep the country safe. Americans must live with that whether or not they like Trump or voted for him. In the same breadth, Americans must also live by decisions and actions, albeit adverse and contradictory to its own beliefs, made by leaders of other countries like President Duterte and his war on illegal drugs. Whether you like him or not, Trump, like Duterte, sure knows what he is doing. These new leaders are shaking the world because they are making unpopular decisions and uncharacteristic policies. It takes more than guts to go against the norms. The world is changing and new leaders evolve. Critics who are scandalized by their actions and pronouncements must offer better ideas.

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EDGEDAVAO

S this word not in your vocabulary anymore? It used to be a byword, a household term, in the days of yore far beyond our recollection. Idealism was already in Eden when the world begun. God planted the seed of idealism in Adam and Eve. Arguably, it is somewhat utopian in meaning, if it is not yet utopia to you. Idealism is the superlative description of every good thing that a person desires. I say good because idealism identifies itself with the positive, not with the negative. It is the best of every situation there is - in governance, in the state of our relationship with our fellowmen, in our romantic relationship with the opposite sex, in the state of our relationship with God. In our human existence, idealism is a goal, an unreachable one if I may say so because it calls for perfection. Our lives are intertwined with desires and goals, ambitions and dreams in our individu-

“Y

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

Idealism

al effort to SPECKS OF LIFE achieve our ideals. Shakes p e a r e wrote, in a soliloquy of Macbeth, the over-ambiFred C. Lumba tious Scottish general who stole the king’s crown: “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.” Is idealism, like life, just a fleeting moment; it comes and it goes? When idealism is lost, can it be found again? I am connecting idealism to our present state of consciousness because evidently, from the looks of things, it doesn’t exist anymore.

We continuously search for qualified leaders to serve our country and people faithfully but what do we get in return for electing them into office? They steal, fortify themselves and their relatives and amass unexplained wealth while discharging their so-called duties. They establish political dynasties and make sure they have implanted their kind and serve first their own interests before the interests of their constituencies. Their businesses grow and flourish while the community whose support catapulted them into office is suffering and the poor are ever increasing. The words of the late US president John F. Kennedy should ring in your ears: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” This is idealism per se. By these words, Filipinos can survey and see for themselves who among our leaders – national and local - are ready to give up the amenities they are enjoying and sacrifice a piece

of their time to uplift the conditions and circumstances of their countrymen. Our elections alone are not ideal, in standards and in manners they are conducted. Cheating is prevalent, despite the computerization. People involved in our electoral system do not possess the idealism that Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini and the rest of our heroes ignited in us. Where will this lack bring us to? I never lost my idealism even as I grew older. It just waned as I aged. It’s still there flickering but it did not die. I pray the young generation today will pick up from where their elders left off. Idealism is a call for justice, fairness and equity. No one should be above the law. Opportunities for advancement and growth should be within reach by everyone, regardless of his/her station in life. Filipinos should not give up. Whether we like it or not, change will come. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) God bless the Philippines!

came aware THINK ON THESE! that a man was staring at her. She thought he must be lonesome or that she reminded him or someone. She gave him a friendly Henrylito D. Tacio smile. At that he henrytacio@gmail.com came over and with a shy smile of his own, opened the brown bag he was carrying. “I would like to give you a present,” he said without any introduction. And he put into her hand a beautifully carved little wooden horse. He would have left right then if grandma had not insisted on asking questions. He refused to tell her his name but said that he worked as a night watchman at a factory. He carved such figures in his spare time from scrap lumber. When they were finished, he would walk along the street until he would find someone who looks as if he might like a horse, as he put it. He explained that he had never had art lesson. “But where I come from, everyone whittles.” Grandma’s friend, who owns a small gift shop, grew quite excited about the carving. “It’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “If you bring several to our store, I know we can sell them for you.” But the man shook his head. “If I sold them,” he said simply, “then making them would be just a chore. I get more pleasure this way.”

Grandma has never seen the man since. But the little horse is one of her most treasured possessions. Whenever she looks at it, she thinks of the giver and prays that the generosity of his heart and spirit has found its reward. To her, it is perfect gift. It was given to a total stranger without thought of gratitude or reward. I am not sure if the story above is true or not but here’s a true story of Elisabeth Howard Elliot. She was born in Brussels, Belgium and was only a few months old when her family went to the United States. She studied Classical Greek at Wheaton College, believing that it was the best tool to help her with the calling of ultimately translating the New Testament of the Bible into an unknown language. It was at Wheaton where she met a man named Jim Elliot. Jim and Elisabeth went individually to Ecuador, as Christian missionaries, to work with the Quichua (or Quechua) Indians. In 1953, the two tied the nuptial knot in the city of Quito. Before she started work, she listened to the words of Maruja, a woman of a neighboring tribe. She was held captive for one year by the Huaorani. She stated that the tribe was fierce and they acted like savages, but she also stated that the women were likeable and kind. Their daughter, Valerie, was 10 months old when her father was killed. “The New York Times” reported: “After Mr. Elliot and his colleagues landed by plane on Jan. 2, 1956, he kept rehearsing a message of good will — “Biti miti punimupa,” meaning “I like you, I want to be your friend” — from a Waorani phrase book. Three tribe members made a friendly visit, but then there was

apparently a miscommunication or a perceived threat. After the missionaries failed to make radio contact with a base station, searchers found their bodies pierced by wooden spears. “Ms. Elliot renewed contact with the tribe over the next two years. In 1958, accompanied by her 3-year-old daughter and the sister of one of the murdered missionaries, she moved in with the Waoranis, known to their neighbors as Aucas, or savages. She ministered to them and remained in their settlement, in the foothills of the Andes, subsisting on barbecued monkey limbs and other local fare and living in rain-swept huts.” Maxwell, who used the story as an example of generosity, wrote: “Under those circumstances, many people in Elisabeth Elliot’s shoes would have gone home. It’s one thing to be willing to give up a comfortable life in the United States to help other people; it’s quite another to give up your spouse. But Elliot had a truly generous heart. Despite her terrible loss, she still wanted to help the people of Ecuador. She stayed and served the Quichuans with whom she was living.” To end this piece, allow me to quote the words of Cole Ryan, author of “Money: I Think We’ve Missed the Point.” He said: “Here’s the thing: You can be materialistic and poor. You can also be content and rich. It has nothing to do with your income and it has everything to do with your heart. You don’t need to earn more money in order to be generous with your money. Some people use that as an excuse to be greedy. Jesus seemed to believe that the key to generosity wasn’t having more, but being content with what you already have.”

Giving without expecting in return

OU know, Emily was a selfish old woman in her way. She was very generous, but she always wanted a return. She never let people forget what she had done for them - and, that way she missed love.” That statement comes from Agatha Christie, taken from her novel entitled, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” I was reminded by the words of Idries Shah. In “Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way,” he wrote: “The real generosity is when a man does something generous when nobody knows about it.” But then, the thought of Muhammad Ali also keeps coming to my mind. “I try not to speak about all the charities and people I help, because I believe we can only be truly generous when we expect nothing in return,” he wrote in “The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey.” Generosity -- that the term. “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave,” reminded American president Calvin Coolidge. “Giving is the highest of living,” added inspirational author John C. Maxwell. “Be generous,” urged W. Clement Stone, American businessman and philanthropist. “Give to those you love; give to those who love you, give to the fortunate, give to the unfortunate — yes, give especially to those you don’t want to give. You will receive abundance for your giving. The more you give, the more you will have.” A grandmother was standing in a store with a friend watching an artist demonstrate the work he was doing when she be-

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10 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

DSWD starts reintegration Watchdog warns vs. beauty products of drug surrenderers A T

HE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Talisay, Batangas led yesterday the conduct of “Linis Bayan,” a pilot activity for drug surrenderers. DSWD Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns and the Department’s focal person for the anti-drug campaign Jose Antonio Hernandez spearheaded the activity, together with DSWD Social Marketing Service Director Joel Espejo, and DSWD Field Office (FO) IV-A Assistant Regional Director Annie Mendoza. Talisay Mayor Gerry Natanauan and Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Dennis Hernandez were also present during the event. The “Linis Bayan” or community clean-up drive is a pilot activity of the DSWD that aims to reintegrate drug surrenderers in the community by involving them in activities that will have a positive impact in their barangays. The Department aims to have the activity replicated in other cities and municipalities. Other than drug surrenderers, the clean-up drive was also participated in by community volunteers, DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and barangay officials and staff. DSWD

Field Office (FO) IV-A provided ready-to-eat meals to the event’s participants. In his message, Asec. Hernandez emphasized the importance of the rehabilitation of drug surrenderers and their reintegration to the community, which, he said, is what President Rodrigo R. Duterte also wants. “Ang gusto pong mangyari ng Pangulo ay ma-rehabilitate ang mga surrenderers. Gusto ng Pangulo na bigyan sila ng pagkakataon na magbagong buhay. Kaya may tatlong pillars ang drug rehabilitation program ng administrasyon (The President wants drug surrenderers to be rehabilitated. He wants to give them a chance to renew their lives. This is why there are three pillars of the drug rehabilitation program of the administration),” he said. The National Drug Rehabilitation Program of the government has three pillars. Pillar I refers to the creation of a data base of drug surrenderers, Pillar II is the community-based rehabilitation pillar, while Pillar III refers to the aftercare, reintegration, and transformation support for recovering drug dependents. The DSWD is one of the lead agencies for Pillar II and Pillar III. “We cannot afford to lose the war on drugs. Losing is not

an option. This war is for the future of our children, for the next generation,” added Asec. Hernandez. Asec. Hernandez also said that the DSWD wants to have a trajectory in the rehabilitation of drug surrenderers in the community. The Department plans to train surrenderers in disaster preparedness for them to become emergency responders so they can help during times of disasters. It also aims to give others skills training so surrenderers can be mobilized in different initiatives of the barangays. “Sana ang Linis Bayan ay maging regular na aktibidad ng drug surrenderers sa Talisay, Batangas. Gawin nating modelo ang pamayanan (I hope that this ‘Linis Bayan’ will be a regular activity of drug surrenderers in Talisay, Batangas. Let’s make our community a model),” he said. “Magtulungan tayo na palakasin ang pamilya at komunidad para makausad and ating bayan (Let us work together in strengthening our family and the community so our nation could move forward),” Asec. Hernandez added. Presidential Adviser for Southern Luzon Dennis Hernandez likewise called for unity in helping drug surrenderers to bounce back to their normal lives.

send alert messages to mobile phone users in specific areas facing natural calamities or other emergencies. This is in compliance with Republic Act 10639 or “The Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act,” which mandates telecoms services providers to send free mobile alerts during times of calamities. Shown in photo during a

presentation of Smart’s new cell broadcast service, from left, are Deputy Commissioner Edgardo V. Cabarios, Deputy Commissioner Delilah F. Deles, Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba, Ramon R. Isberto, head of Smart Public Affairs; Atty. Joel Peneyra of PLDT Regulatory Group, and NTC Regulation Chief Engr. Imelda R. Walcien. (PR)

“Yakapin natin ang mga drug surrenderers. Tulungan natin silang bumalik sa lipunan upang mapakinabangan sila ng bayan (Let us help drug surrenderers to return to the community so they can be of use to the country),” he said. For his part, Mayor Natanauan underscored the efforts of the LGU of Talisay to support the government’s war on drugs. He encouraged the drug surrenderers present during the event to work hand-in-hand with the LGU.

DSWD Information drive Meanwhile, to increase awareness of the different DSWD programs and services, the DSWD Social Marketing Service (SMS), together with FO IV-A, conducted an information drive in Talisay town proper during the community clean-up drive. Headed by Dir. Espejo, the group of information officers distributed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to the residents of the barangay. The information drive aims to educate poor Filipinos of the programs and services that the DSWD provides. Conducted on a regular basis, it is a way to reach the poor, as mandated by Sec. Taguiwalo. (DSWD PR)

GROUPS has warned the public against the use of beauty products that are laden with hazardous substances that can eventually ruin appearance and health. The EcoWaste Coalition aired its latest toxic alert after finding eye liners and skin lightening creams imported from Pakistan (not from the usual suspect China) with alarmingly high concentrations of mercury, lead and cadmium. The group bought samples of Pakistani cosmetics from a garment retail shop in Baclaran, Pasay City last January 27 and 28 and subsequently screened them for toxic metals using a handy X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer. Parley Beauty Cream (P 250) and Golden Pearl Beauty Cream (P 250) were found to contain 19,900 and 11,600 parts per million (ppm) of mercury, while a Hashmi Surma Special (P 150) eyeliner was found to contain over 100,000 ppm of lead, exceeding the allowable limits of 1 ppm for mercury and 20 ppm for lead under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). Hashmi was further found to contain 5,861 ppm of cadmium, way above the ACD limit of 5 ppm.

Smart deploys cell broadcast technology DOH deploys 12 medical

MART Communications has successfully tested its cell broadcast technology in key areas of the Philippines, including Metro Manila. The company invested about P500 million in this messaging platform to enable the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to quickly

teams for Miss Universe

HE Department of Health (DOH) said Monday a total of 12 medical teams were deployed for the conduct of the 65th Miss Universe show in the country. According to Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial, the department’s Health Emergency Management (HEM) Bureau has been tasked to be part of the security team of the convoy team, tours, pictorials and

rehearsals since Jan. 13 all over the Philippines. “Being the (host country for this year), it is our main objective to assist and render emergency medical services to the candidates and official companions for the whole duration of the pageant. It is our responsibility to provide immediate action to the candidates and other officials in case of emergency,” she said. (PNA)

TESDA chief makes surprise visits to regional, provincial offices

McDonald’s plans to introduce innovative products

HO among you haven’t tried the “chicken joy”, or have not collected “Happy Meal” toys? Are you curious about what’s in store for McDonald’s Philippines this year? Golden Arches Development Corp. (GADC) founder George Yang, and his son, GADC chief executive officer Kenneth, recently sat down with reporters to share their plans for the fast food chain. First, they’ll continue inno-

vating their products. Just last December, McDonald’s Philippines introduced its mushroom pepper steak. ”We consider value for money. We make sure that aside from great tastes, the (products’ prices are) within reach for the masses,” said Kenneth. GADC will also continue to open more stores this year, targeting additional 45. The public can expect new branches in Quezon City and Dumaguete

by end of January. With about 15,000 employees, McDonald’s Philippines has 520 branches nationwide. Kenneth is proud that GADC is able to provide employment for Filipinos, and shared that most of their employees are working students. ”We provide them with the flexibility of working hours, lots of training, and career growth,” he noted.

F MCDONALD, 12

ECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General, Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong made a surprise inspection of regional and provincial offices of Tesda to ensure quality skills training are given to students. Mamondiong made surprise visits to Regions 1, 3 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and provincial offices to check the equipment which need to be improved or upgraded. Aside from this, Mamondiong met with regional and provincial directors as he discussed with the representatives of the Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIs) and other officials involved in skills training. Mamondiong also checked the facilities of training centers

and instructed the regional and provincial directors to enlist the items which their respective training centers need. The TESDSA chief gave suggestions on how to come up with state of the art facilities in every training center. Regional and provincial officers of TESDA thanked Mamondiong for taking time to visit them and queried on their needs. Employees and students of the regional and provincial training offices of TESDA gave a warm welcome to Mamondiong who was accompanied by Deputy Director General for Operations Alvin Feliciano. Mamondiong updated them on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the provinces and the plan to expand its facilities. (PR)

“These products, which are being sold without proper market authorization, pose serious chemical and health risks because of their excessive mercury, lead and cadmium content, which are nowhere to be found in their lists of ingredients,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “Cosmetics containing these toxic metals can damage your health and as a result have been prohibited in many countries,” she said. “In fact, Golden Pearl Beauty Cream was among the seven skin whitening products banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2014 after confirmatory laboratory analysis revealed

F WATCHDOG, 11

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

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

Case No. 2007-XI-00434 (2007-1984)

JOANNA LEE-ESPINO, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK service on the route: WITHIN PANABO CITY and from said place to any point in the Island of MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 19,2017. In the petition filed on January 19, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-In-Charge, this 20th day of January 2017 at Davao City.

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

INdulge! To a crowing

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

EVENT

YEAR OF THE ROOSTER Chinese New Year celebrations are indeed a big deal in Durianburg’s Chinese community. It is the time when ChineseFilipino families get together to catch up and wish each other good health and prosperity. The most important time for families to get-together is during the eve of New Year’s Day when everyone gets together to share a meal.

This new year, not unlike any other Chinese New Year eve, I spent it at the Lotus Court of the Marco Polo. The festivities started at the hotel’s lobby with the ceremonial dotting of the Lion’s eye. After a quick and energetic romp around the ground floor of Davao’s only 5-star hotel, we quickly made it up to the third floor where the Lotus Court is located. At the Lotus Court, a sumptuous Chinese buffet greeted us as well as many of the hotel’s guests and diners. The auspicious spread featured some of Lotus Court’s signature items such as Peking Duck, Yin Yang Lapu-Lapu, Chili Crabs and savory seafood items and homemade tofu. The also featured many new dishes such as Fu Sheng Prosperity Salad, Crispy Roast Pork, and tender Roast Beef Ribs that I am sure, will

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MISS FRANCE IS NEW MISS UNIVERSE PH bet lands in top 6

IRIS MITTENAERE OF FRANCE wins the coveted title and crown from among 86 candidates of the 65th Miss Universe pageant held at the MOA Arena in Manila.

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In the Q&A portion, the three finalists were asked, “Name something over the course of your life that you failed at, and tell us what you learned from that experience.” And it was Iris’s answer that won the hearts of the crowd and the judges. She said, with the help of an interpreter, “I failed several times in my life. So I thought that I failed the first time that I went out on a casting because my name wasn’t on the list. And the very next day, I found that I was in a new book. So I think that when you fail, you have to be elevated, and that you have to try again, and keep going.” She added “If tonight, I am not one of the winners, I will still have the great honor of being one of the three finalists. So I think if I have failed before, but for me this is a great first opportunity.” Haiti’s Raquel Pelissier placed first runner-up while Colombia’s Andrea Tovar finished second runner-up. The Philippines’ Maxine Medina, Thailand’s Chalita Suansane and Kenya’s Mary Esther Were completed the top six.

10 NE TO BI

NETFLIX HAS BECOME ASSOCIATED WITH STREAMING WELLLOVED FILMS AND SHOWS. Increasingly, they are bringing stories from the world’s best storytellers through its growing library of quality content that is gaining recognition including 54 Emmy nominations in 2016.

What makes Netflix unique from other content providers is that members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials. On top of that, Netflix releases the originals’ episodes at the same time, which means members can binge-watch their favorite shows. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your spare time, the long weekend, or that romantic date with your special someone! At Globe Broadband, you can enjoy six months of Netflix if you subscribe to Plan 1299 and up. You can watch award-winning Netflix originals, high-definition quality TV shows and movies, and your favorite flicks on your TV, computer, or mobile phone within the comforts of your own home. Here are our favorite Netflix shows that might suit your personality and mood: The Crown If you’re the type of person who enjoys political drama and royal intrigue, The Crown is for you. The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world -- Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street - and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Critics have praised the acting, storytelling, and the production design, making it the perfect period drama to binge on.

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VOL. 9 ISSU

A Series of Unfortunate Events Based on the international best-selling children’s novels by Daniel Handler, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events recounts the tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans -- Violet, Klaus, and Sunny – whose evil guardian Count Olaf will stop at nothing to get his hands on their inheritance. The siblings must outsmart Olaf at every turn, foiling his many devious plans and disguises, in order to discover clues to their parents’ mysterious Swish this way and that with adorable dresses! Keep your little girl death. Leading the cast is awarddressed to impress for every occasion at the SM Kids Dresses Sale! Get winning actor, singer and television host Neil Patrick Harris and up to 50% off on a wide range of dresses.

has just premiered on Ne January 13.

Gilmore Girls: A Year in Gilmore Girls was a fe favorite in the 2000’s, a the story of Lorelai and mother and daughter tea navigates family, friendsh romance in the fictional Stars Hollow. It was praise witty comedy and clever d and has been called a n classic. The Netflix reviva years after the series finale you never caught the orig 6 seasons are available to b Netflix too!

Designated Survivor Designated Survivor is cal thriller that follows the of a designated survivor, o son assigned to become o the President of the Unite upon the death, incapacit nation, or removal of the leader. In the series, the de survivor is U.S. Secretary o ing and Urban Developm Kirkman, who is sworn

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ETFLIX PICKS INGE-WATCH Narcos is a raw, gritty series which chronicles the gripping real-life stories of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s and the corroborative efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conflict. Seasons 1 and 2, which are now streaming, are based on the life of Pablo Escobar, a Colombian who achieved notoriety (and billionaire status) for producing and distributing cocaine. The series shows his dealings with the law and his enemies, but it always portrays Escobar in a sympathetic light. It’s fun, it’s tense, and maybe just a little bit addictive.

the perfect series to watch if you’re addicted to technology and social media.

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an attack, and is thrust into the throes of political drama.

n the Life eel-good and tells Rory, a am who hip, and town of ed for its dialogue, new TV al is set 8 e. And if ginal, all binge on

Stranger Things Stranger Things pays homage to ‘80s sci-fi movies by Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, and George Lucas, and faithfully recreates the era through music, fashion, and even hairstyles. A love letter to the ’80s classics that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is set in 1983 Indiana, where a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl.

a politie concept or a peror act as ed States ty, resige present esignated of Housment Tom in after

Black Mirror Black Mirror is a sci-fi anthology where each episode is based on a different reality, with a different cast and story. The themes are dark and satirical, and it intelligently studies the dangers of technology and what can happen if we let it go unchecked. This is

Marvel’s Luke Cage Marvel’s Luke Cage is recommended for those who enjoy comic books and their film adaptations. After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city – forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury. Luke Cage is part of the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, and will lead to the crossover series The Defenders, which will bring together Cage, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, (both of which are now streaming) and Iron Fist which premieres on Netflix in March 2017. Narcos

Orange is the New Black Orange is the New Black is based on the book with the same name by Piper Kerman, which details her life in prison after helping her international drug smuggler girlfriend. The show has become Netflix’s most watched original series for its story and positive depiction of race, sexuality, gender and body types. Since its release in 2013, it has received 16 Emmy nominations. Seasons 1-4 are streaming now. Sense8 Sense8 is the interconnected stories of eight “sensates,” or people who are emotionally and mentally linked despite being in different countries. As they try to figure out how it works and why it happened, they must protect themselves from Whispers, a sensate from an organization that hunts them down. It is created and directed by the Wachowski siblings who also created The Matrix Trilogy. These are just some of many Netflix shows that exist, and that can create wonderful moments for you and your loved ones in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy #GlobeNetflix with awesome HD TV’s that can be yours through the new Globe Broadband plans! Learn more about how to catch all these by visiting http://broadband.globe.com.ph/watch.html.

Angeline Quinto back with more ‘hugot’ songs in new album

MULTIPLATINUM-SELLING ARTIST ANGELINE QUINTO explores the twists and turns in her love life and heartbreaks in her all-new album “@LoveAngelineQuinto,” which features mostly originals, including one of her compositions. “All the songs in this album are love songs. I think I’ve experienced all the situations in love and relationships,” said Angeline, who is celebrating her sixth anniversary in showbiz this year. Released as the album’s first single “At Ang Hirap” – tagged as the “most heartbreaking song of 2017” – composed by pop rock princess Yeng Constantino and produced by Jonathan Manalo, chronicles the struggles of coping with a fresh break-up. The Queen of Teleserye Theme Song’s return to recording also features the upbeat “Para Bang, Para Lang,” a song she dedicates to her mother. It is also Angeline’s second composition that she recorded, after “Sana Sana” off of her 2013 album “Higher Love.” Serving as one of the highlights in “@#LoveAngelineQUinto” is the relatable “Paano Ba Ang Huwag Kang Mahalin,” the first-ever song written by Darla that narrates the pain of letting go. Also included in the album is another Yeng composition, “’Di Na Tayo,” as well as Angeline’s duet with Michael Pangilinan and the 5th Best Song in the Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs 2016 “Parang Tayo Pero Hindi.” Completing the track list are the acoustic remix of “Para Bang, Para Lang,” and covers of Jeremiah’s “Nanghihinayang” and the sweeping ballad “Kailangan Kita,” and originals “Awit Ng Pag-ibig” and “Ang Pag-ibig Ko’y Ikaw,” – both declarations of love. “@LoveAngelineQuinto,” produced by Jonathan Manalo, is now available at all record bars nationwide for only Php299. It can also be streamed on Apple Music and Spotify. The full album, meanwhile, is available for download in digital stores on Janaury 29. For more information, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at Facebook.com/starrecordsphil, Twitter.com/starrecordsph and Instagram.com/Starmusicph.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! EVENT URBANISSIMO A1

quickly become Dabawenyo favourites. For dessert there was the Traditional Tikoy or sticky rice cake in classic and Ube flavors. Marco Polo Davao’s general manager, Dottie Wurgler-Cronin also took the opportunity to share the latest accomplishment of the Lotus Court which was recently recognised as one of the country’s best restaurants by the Philippine Tattler. “We are happy to be recognised by Tattler as one of the best restaurants in the Philippines and one of only five restaurants in Davao City to be given the accolate.” said Dottie. It

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

can also be noted that the Lotus Court is also the only Chinese restaurant of the five. Aside from the great food and even better company, the evening featured Chinese cultural performances by the students and teachers of Collegio de San Ignacio. The energetic dances and songs truly brought cheers of happiness to everyone who attended the event making it a crowing success! Happy Year of the Rooster everyone! Gong Xi Fa Cai, Wan Shr Ru Yi!

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

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The “Inaul Festival” will be held in Buluan town, which she said, is not affected by the recent armed encounters. She added that DOTARMM is also mulling for the transformation of former camps of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro

National Liberation Front (MNLF) into tourist spots. “People are curious and wanted to visit and see these camps,” she added. The plan, she said, is still under discussion as DOT will still sit down with the leaderships of MILF and MNLF.

ture Agreement with the port developer for the implementation of the said project. The JVA was signed in June last year. “Are they talking about a veto of the ordinance for the authority to sign for Mega Harbour project? That’s an impossible action,” Mayor Sara said in the statement, adding that she was not the mayor during the project’s negotiations. The ordinance was approved by majority of the members of the City Council last year. The project will cover a 200-hectare span of Davao City coastline, from the Sta. Ana Port towards the Bucana area. Mayor Duterte said she

submitted the contract for due diligence review to two third parties, one from the private sector and the other to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA). “I just wanted the legal opinion or due diligence review to form part of the records because this is not just a thousand peso project,” she pointed out. The mayor said the documents are still in her possession and she cannot disclose as of the moment the findings of the review. She also asked her fellow city officials to “just do your job with our mouths closed. Talk less, do more. ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

Mega... FROM 1

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

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

Case No. 2001-XI-00440-DP GERONICO A. DULZURA, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: TAGUM CITY- GOV. GENEROSO (DAVAO ORIENTAL) AND VICE VERSA and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on March 8, 2017. In the petition filed on January 25, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 at 09:20 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

Case No. 2001-XI-02673 ELIZABETH Y. HAW, Doing business under the name& style “SON-SON TRUCKING SERVICES Petitioner x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a TH FREIGHT TRUCK service on the route: WITHIN DAVAO CITY and from said place to any point in the Island of MINDANAO accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on April 19, 2017. In the petition filed on January 24, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on FEBRUARY 14, 2017 at 10:10 a.m. at this office at the above address.

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

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

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-In-Charge, this th 26 day of January 2017 at Davao City. MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-In-Charge, this th 25 day of January 2017 at Davao City. MARIE JEAN A. JARALBA Administrative Officer IV Acting Administrative Officer V

NEWS 11

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herself busy the last 5 years by pursuing her degree in Dental Surgery. Besides dental school, Mittenaere has always been fond of extreme sports, travelling the world and cooking new French dishes. Fresh, funny and caring is how she would best describe herself. She enjoys making others happy, especially when volunteering at Bienvenue-Tongasoa and Les Bonnes Fées. Mittenaere is honored to be representing France in the upcoming Miss Universe competition. If she takes home the crown, she hopes to advocate for dental and oral hygiene.

Confidently beautiful with a heart During an interview succeeding the pageant, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach expressed her confidence on the results of the pageant. “I’m very much at ease passing on my crown because it will go to a very much deserving winner,” she said. “I’ll still be working closely with Miss Universe, thankfully…” she added. Wutzbach also confirmed that International Management Group , a New York-

based talent management company just recently “absorbed” her in their team. “I don’t really feel like it’s the end of my reign more like a beginning of a new chapter,” she said. Meanwhile, Wurtzbach also gave a “practical advice” to the new Miss Universe to “back up your phone” as she was fond of taking photos during her reign as advised by the previous Miss Universe title holders but her niece formatted her phone, deleting her stored photos. Fresh from her victory, Mittenaere said she has a lot of plans and she wants to do a lot of things. “Because Pia showed that this sash is not only a sash. This is something to do everything, to help people, to understand people and I want to meet people all around the world,” she added. The 65th Miss Universe will be staying most of the time in her New York apartment courtesy of Miss Universe Organization (MUO) during her reign. She will be sharing it with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA since the said pageants are also run by the said organization.

grabbed and tied up Salan. Meanwhile, 30th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Rico Amaro urged the rebels to release the abducted trooper unharmed. “We fully commit ourselves to peace; we support the peace talks and peace process;

we have high hopes that the leadership of Guerrilla Front 16 also has this commitment for the benefit of every Surigaonon. It is not too late to rethink their action, we appeal in the name of peace, for the release of our comrade,” he added. (PNA)

that the people of Basilan will have the peace that they truly deserve.” Galvez said the Joint Task Force Basilan is currently assessing the incident together with local authorities to come up with measure to avert the

recurrence of similar tragic incident. He noted that two children also died while two others were injured in a similar incident on December 2, 2016 in Barangay Bohe Piyang, Albarka. (PNA)

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formed into a model Peace and Development Outreach Program-operating unit of the army,” he said, citing one of his predecessors who started this innovation, Col. Reuben Basiao, the new Commander of the Army’s 701st Brigade. He also cited the Provincial Government and all local government units, as well as the community, for their support in the military’s peace campaign. “The LGUs knew and understood the internal security problem which enabled them to adopt a holistic approach to address it and master the art of maximizing the use of the military as one of their partner agency,” he said. He capped his message by thanking the top officials of the Provincial Government, First District Representative Cong. Corazon N. Malanyaon and Gov. Nelson L. Dayanghirang, whose participative governance enabled the military to make headway in peace and development in the province. Cong. Malanyaon lauded

the leadership of the outgoing commander and welcomed the new commander, committing her all-out support to the endeavors of the Philippine Army in ensuring the security and welfare of the province’s constituents. Governor Dayanghirang also expressed his thanks to Lt. Col. Anayron for his awe-inspiring leadership. He cited his efforts in reaching out to previously hard-to-reach areas and the Army’s active involvement in the implementation of the Provincial Government’s flagship program Nagkakaisang Lingkod-Bayan ng Davao Oriental Barangay Outreach Caravan. Witnessed by officers and men of the battalion and stakeholders in peace and development, the Change of Command Ceremony was presided over by 10th Infantry Division Commander Major General Rafael C. Valencia, who wished both officers the best in their new respective assignments. (Karen Lou Deloso/PIO DavOr)

DAMAGE UPDATES. Office of Civil Defense regional director Leoncio Cirunay Jr. provides updates on the casualties and cost of damages brought by the recent calamity that hit the region and the

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factors that need improvement in the agency’s disaster preparedness and response campaign. Cirubay graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

60,945 families or 283,438 persons were affected and that 11,400 families or 54,484 individuals were accommodated in 71 evacuation centers in Davao Oriental, Compostella Valley, Davao del Notre, Davao del Sure, and Davao Occidental. Reports coming from OCD said that water levels in the affected areas continued to subside, except for Aragon Dam

in Davao Oriental where it remains at 18 meters. Also, the OCD has been placed on white alert as the weather conditions in Davao Region has “improved.” “But we still have to watch out for the incoming low pressure area near Mindanao although it’s still outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility,” Cirunay said.

happen by supporting the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) that the Department of Finance (DOF) has crafted for congressional approval. The FEF includes as its fellows former Prime Minister and Finance Secretary Cesar Virata and Gerardo Sicat, the first director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). FEF is chaired by former Finance Secretary Roberto de Ocampo, with Calixto

Chikiamco as president and former Finance Undersecretary Romeo Bernardo as vice chairperson. At the Up Close and Personal with DOF Sec. Dominguez event on Thursday afternoon at the World Trade Center in Pasay City Dominguez said that administrative reforms put in place in the BIR and BOC without the need for new legislation have significantly improved the collection efficiency of the two bureaus. (PR)

Tenum or Yakan cloth. “We will also feature the Maguindanaon cuisines during the Alugan sa Maguindanao Cook Fest as part of the

celebration,” added Dilangalen. Ampatuan assured that security measures will strictly observed during the event. (PR)

‘violative levels of mercury in the samples provided by EcoWaste,” she pointed out. “Health authorities in US, Canada and France have likewise banned Hashmi and other lead-containing eye cosmetics as a preventive measure against lead exposure,” she added. Very recently, the London Trading Standards announced on January 12, 2017 that it has fined 15 cosmetic shops in 2016 for £168,579 (PHP 10,541,526) for selling unsafe merchandises, including ‘Golden Pearl Beauty Cream’, “containing dangerous and prohibited levels of hydroquinone, mercury or corticosteroids.” To prevent exposure to mercury, lead and cadmium in cosmetics, the EcoWaste

Coalition advised consumers to carefully read the product labels, reject those with incomplete and incomprehensible information, seek products with the required market authorization from the FDA and only buy notified products from legitimate retailers. The group emphasized that the safest way for consumers to protect themselves against exposure to toxic metals and other harmful substances in cosmetics is to avoid the use of adulterated, imitation and unauthorized beauty products that have not undergone safety evaluation. Mercury, lead and cadmium are considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as among the “ten chemicals of major public health concern.” (PR)

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12 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

Pres. Duterte respects Trump’s order to stop Muslim immigrants

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte respects United States President Donald Trump’s executive order temporarily banning citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US at least for the next 90 days. ”You know, Trump said, I will not interfere in the affairs of other countries. Now, if he has policies to protect his country, I’ll understand because when he said we will not interfere in you anti-drug war, you’re doing it right. As a matter of fact, my country is also facing the same serious problem,” President Duterte said in a press conference late Sunday night.

During their phone conversation last December 3, President Duterte said then US President-elect Trump admitted to him that the US is also facing a serious problem on illegal drugs. ”So out of respect, I can only answer him in the manner that he has told me. I will not interfere,” President Duterte said. President Duterte advised the Filipinos in the US to be on the right track. ”If you are not allowed to stay there, get out, because if you are caught and deported, we will not lift a finger. You know it’s a violation of the law,” President Duterte said.

President Duterte said he is ready to provide sanctuary for those Muslim refugees who will be affected by Trump’s order in concurrence of Congress. ”In the name of humanity and God, we’ll have to make some adjustments. If there is a compelling reason for us to offer sanctuary, I’m one of those that it is okay for me,” the President said. ”Those who have no place to go, if they cannot go anywhere, anymore, except to face death by hunger, we will consider it but it has to be in concurrence of Congress. I have no problem accepting refugees,” he added. (PNA)

Aside from improving its products, GADC also works on offering stores with cool, vibrant atmosphere. For instance last December, it has opened a branch in Tagaytay where customers can have a view of Taal volcano. It has also built a unique McCafe at the heart of BGC Arts Center in Taguig City. Here, customers can order coffee, pastries, among others, while enjoying a nice view of the area. Kenneth emphasized that it’s also important for them to make their customers feel relaxed, and make them feel

they’re not just in a regular fast food setting. “We want them to be in a very contemporary, comfortable environment,” he remarked. Meanwhile, George said they were still learning. Citing that competition is definitely going, he emphasized that it’s important for GADC that the service it gives is best, and the standard is high. ”It’s important for us to give great value to our customers,” George added. The executives revealed that one of the reasons they’re able to maintain affordable

prices for their products is that they work really well with their suppliers. McDonald’s Philippines is not just a chain of restaurants, for it has various advocacies, too. The father-and-son tandem said GADC would continue its partnership with various government agencies. It has partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Education and literacy are two major advocacies of GADC according to Kenneth. (PNA)

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13 CULTURE AND ARTS

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

This sport called

cockfighting By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E call them “mga sunoy,” those cocks that are used for fighting. Oftentimes, you see them in the countryside. If you’re lucky, you get to see those cocks fight against each other when they are left together in a cage. “Sabong,” as cockfighting is known in the country, is very popular as a way of gambling, but it is also seen as a national sport. In fact, sabong is a Philippine institution, some people claim. It has been said that long before the establishment of Spanish Catholicism, the practice of pitting two trained cocks against each other had been thriving in the local shores. When Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, it was already a roaring spectacle. Pigafetta’s account on the Spanish’s fleet arrival at “Polaoan” (now known as Palawan) include this observation: “They (the natives) have large and very tame cocks, which they do not eat because of a certain veneration that they have for them. Sometimes, they make them fight with one another, and each one puts up a certain amount on his cock, and the prize goes to him whose cock is the victor” (Jocano, 1975. The Philippines at the Spanish Contact, p. 80). Even today, cockfighting still has a passionate following in the country. In fact, some of those who are into this kind of “sport” said that there are more cockpits than churches. “It’s the noblest sport in the world,” said Jorge Araneta, the stately dean of Philippine cockfighting.

“It was in cockfighting that the early Filipinos learned the rudiments of arts, sociology and even economics. Public relations had its start at the cockpits.” “There’s no other animal in the world that will fight to the death. That’s as noble as you can get.” Contrary to common notion, the University of Santo Tomas is not the country’s oldest university. It’s cockfighting, according to Angel Lansang, author of Cockfighting in the Philippines. “It was in cockfighting that the early Filipinos learned the rudiments of arts, sociology and even economics. Public relations had its start at the cockpits.” Unknowingly, the most honest men you can find in this part of the world are the cockers. Reacting to the “wallet” honesty test conducted by Reader’s Digest almost two decades back, then Education Secretary Alejandro Roces commented, “If they want to know if Filipinos are honest, don’t go to Malacanang, you’ll be disappointed; don’t go to Congress, you will be equally disappointed; don’t go to the Supreme Court… go to the cockpit and you’ll see the Filipinos are basically

honest.” “A bet is a bet,” said a kristo or the professional bettor, the equivalent of bookmarker in horseracing. “It must be honored at all costs or else you undermine the very basic framework of the sport – which is trust and the gentleman’s word of honor.” No one really knows how cockfighting started. History records, however, showed the sport originated in Asia more than 3,000 years ago. The Greeks were the first known devotees of cockfighting. However, the sport was much disdained by the Romans and continuously criticized the Greeks for indulging in a “useless sport.” But such resentment lasted only until the ascension of the great Roman general Julius Caesar. The Romans were so fond of Julius Caesar that they tried to follow also what he liked. They became so fanatic of cockfighting that they took it into excess even squandering whole patrimonies – much in the same way the

merchants of Athens in an earlier period devoted their leisure to gamecocks. During the reign of Henry II in the 12th century, cockfighting took off in England. Four centuries later, the reigning monarch Henry VIII recognized the sport as a clean and honorable medium of diversion and he made cockfighting a national pastime. It has been reported that a cockpit was built in Whitehall Palace, the official residence of all English monarchs. King Henry VIII also staged cockfights attended with great enthusiasts by his loyal subjects. It must be for this reason why the French call cockfighting as the “king of sports” and the “sport of kings.” From Europe, cockfighting became popular, too, in the United States. It happened when the colonist came to America in the 17th century and they brought with them the sport. As a matter of fact, the rooster almost defeated the eagle in the race for its national bird. The power

of one – the eagle won because of one vote, cast by cocking aficionado George Washington. Other American presidents who were lovers of the game were Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. “Cockfighting is a blood sport due in some part to the physical trauma the cocks inflict on each other,” the Wikipedia wrote. In Noli Me Tangere, Jose Rizal wrote that during the fight, the fighting cocks wear sharp razor blades fixed on their legs. The duel will only end by the death or (bloody) flight of one of the cocks. “While not all fights are to the death, the cocks may endure significant physical trauma.” It was for this reason that Massachusetts passed the first law in the United States in 1836 barring cockfighting. Many other states followed thereafter. Similar legislation was passed in Great Britain in 1849. But in some parts of

Asia and Latin America, cockfighting is still very popular. “Not everywhere is cockfighting under legal assault,” wrote staff writer Paul Watson of LA Times. “In the home of the World Slasher Cup, it is central to the culture – and the economy.” Quoting estimates by Manny Berbano, the publisher of the glossy Pit Games, Watson wrote: “The Philippine economy benefits by more than $1 billion a year from cockfight betting, breeding farms and the business of selling feed and drugs, including steroids, that bulk up the birds for two years before their fighting instinct kicks in.” The Philippines is a haven for cockers. “We love coming here,” Mike Formosa, a veteran American cocker was quoted as saying. “They make us feel real welcome.” For people who spend their spare time watching chickens shred each other, the cockers are amiable men, anxious to ensure their sport gets a fair hearing. “It’s like thoroughbred horses,” commented Ray Alexander, another American cocker. “It’s all in the bloodlines.” The cockpit is a place where the poor and the rich come together. “Where else can you find a senator and someone from a squatter area competing on an equal footing?” asked Araneta. Is cockfighting really a cruel sport? Again, here’s Araneta: “(Cockfighting) is a lot less cruel than pitting a chicken against a 150-pound man in a kitchen with a large knife.” (Photos from the net)

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SPORTS 15

Federer wins Aussie Open at 35 F

EDERER was in tears as he won a thrilling, five-set Australian Open final against his great rival Rafael Nadal to clinch a record-extending 18th Grand Slam title on Sunday. Federer won 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in three hours 38 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to move four major titles ahead of Nadal and Pete Sampras on the all-time winners’ list. The Swiss marvel also became the oldest man in the post-1968 Open era to win a major final since Australia’s Ken Rosewall at the 1972 Australian Open. It was Federer’s fifth Australian title in his sixth final, and ended a long, seven-year

wait to win again in Melbourne after his 2010 triumph over Andy Murray. It was the 35th meeting between the two great rivals with Nadal now leading 23-12 and 6-3 in major finals, including his five-set win over Federer in the 2009 Australian final. Federer, playing with a flatter backhand than normal, took the match to Nadal and got the only service break to take the opening set. Nadal fought back with two breaks to level before Federer got the bit between his teeth with a double break in the third set. The Spaniard hit back in

CHAMP ANEW. Roger Federer of Switzerland celebrates his victory after a video review of the final point over Rafael Nadal of Spain in the men’s singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Sunday. AFP

the fourth set with a service break in the fourth game to take the final into a fifth set. He again broke the Swiss early in the final set but Federer rose to the occasion and broke Nadal twice to win a classic encounter as he served out for a strong win, jumping

for joy as he did so and quickly tearing up. Federer

also becomes the first man in history to win five or more titles at three different Grand Slam events. He has won five Australian Opens, seven Wimbledons, five US Opens and one French Open.

frog to No. 4 in the world with an 2808 ELO rating. In the final round, Nepomniachtchi used an off-beat line to treat So’s French Defense but soon found himself on the defensive straight out of the opening. “I’ve achieved one of my goals which is to win this very prestigious tournament,” So was quoted as saying. Here’s is So in his final victory: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 d5 3. Nd2 c5 4. dxc5 e65. e4 h6 6. Bh4 dxe4 7. Qe2 Qa5 8. O-O-OSimply not correct. So started calculating, and didn’t see anything for his opponent after...(8. c3Karpov)8... Qxa2 9. Qb5+?Only this is really bad.

(First9. Bxf6was still playable.)9... Nbd7 10. c6 bxc6 11. Qxc6Bb7!Winning on the spot. 12. Qxb7Qa1+ 13. Nb1 Rb8 14. Qxb8+ Nxb815. Bb5+ Nfd7 16. Ne2 Be7 17. Bxe7Kxe7 18. Nd4 Nc5 19. h4 Rd8 20. Rh3Nd3+ 21. Bxd3 Rxd4 22. Be2 Rxd1+23. Bxd1 Qa5 24. Nd2 f5 25. Rg3 Qe526. Ra3 Nc6 27. g3 Qd4 28. Re3 Nb4 After winning this tournament, So now has a streak of not losing 56 games in a row. He won the Sinquefield Cup in August last year, then Olympic team gold and individual gold in Baku, then the London Chess Classic and now Wijk aan Zee. Being the hottest man in chess would be an understatement.

shot at a major (or interim) title. The 27-year old was outclassed by Alberto Rossel in their April ‘12 interim title fight and - without winning or even fighting his way back into contention - then dispatched to Japan eight months later, where he served as cannon fodder for Kazuto Ioka in their vacant 108 lb. title fight later that year on New Year’s Eve. A record of just 4-2 since that time - and all four wins coming versus pedestrian opposition - somehow qualified Rodriguez to return to the title picture. Justice was served in the ring, however, as Ancajas was well on his way to a dominant victory, only to have to settle for one in anti-climactic fashion.

Upon the conclusion of round seven, it was determined that Rodriguez was no longer fit for combat on this particular evening. The official time was 3:00 of round seven. Ancajas has now won 13 straight since suffering a heartbreaking loss to countryman Mark Geraldo way back in March ‘12.

So wins‘Wimbledon of Chess’ F By JIMMY K. LAKING

ILIPINO grandmaster Wesley So defeated Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi in convincing fashion to nail down the 79th Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands to open the year 2017 with aplomb. So, a 24-year old former member of the Philippine team who plays for the United States, scored nine points out of a possible 10 to stay undefeated and to protect a 56-game winning streak that dates back to January 2016. For the second time running, So edged out reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen from a tournament win. So also won the London Classic in December to leap-

Ancajas stops Rodriguez, retains title

SLIPPERY SCOTTIE. Dabawenyo Ginebra cager Scottie Thompson slithers past Jansen Rios of NLEX during the two teams’ PBA Pilippine Cup match on Sunday won by the Kings. PBA Images

Knicks lose to Hawks in 4OTs T

HE New York Knicks have discovered new ways to lose all season, and Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks put them to the ultimate test — but they met the challenge in devastating fashion. The Knicks took the Hawks to four excruciating overtime periods — just the 15th game in NBA history to go at least that far — only to miss a wideopen chance to send the game into a fifth OT. In a game that saw 23 lead changes, 21 ties, 12 players score in double-digits,

seven play more than 48 minutes and five others foul out, the Hawks prevailed, 142-139, after 3 hours, 40 minutes and four overtimes. All-Star forward Paul Millsap played a game-high 60 minutes, leading the Hawks with 37 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists. Dennis Schroder collected a career-high 15 assists to go along with his 23 points, and Dwight Howard (19 points, 13 rebounds) also added a double-double before fouling out. New York’s Carmelo Antho-

ny scored a game-high 45 points, but was one of four Knicks to foul out. Sunday’s game marked the first quadruple-overtime game in the NBA since the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls went four extra frames last season on Dec. 18, 2015. Only three games have ever gone longer, with the Indianapolis Olympians and Rochester Royals playing a record sixOT game in 1951. (For Knicks fans out there drowning your sorrows after this loss, there’s an easy bar bet to win.)

ERWIN Ancajas successfully registered the first defense of his super flyweigh title reign, scoring a 7th round injury stoppage over Jose Rodriguez in their headlining bout Sunday evening in Macao, China. The title fight was stopped after seven rounds, with Mexico’s Rodriguez unable to continue over what was believed to be a dislocated right shoulder. Ancajas (26-1-1, 15KOs) was a sizable betting favorite entering the contest and justified those odds with a solid boxing performance in outclassing his overmatched opponent. The 25-year old southpaw from Cavite, Philippines has drastically improved in recent years, a lesson learned the hard way by McJoe Arroyo, whom Ancajas soundly outpointed to win the title last September. Rodriguez, who did absolutely nothing to earn this title shot as he’s fallen miserably short on this stage in recent past, was forced to accept that reality as he had little in what is amazingly his third career

STILL CHAMP. Jerwin Ancajas celebrates afer retaining his superflyweight belt. Philboxng. com photo

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 245 • TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2017

OVERPOWERING Ateneo mauls Ford 79-47 in SM NBTC hoops

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

TENEO de Davao University opened the year with a smashing performance in the 2017 SM-NBTC basketball tournament on Sunday at the ADDU Jacinto Gym.

The Blue Knights crushed Ford Academy 79-47 in a match that’s uncharacteristic of the two squads’ fierce battles in the past season. Prolific forward Francis Gabriel Escandor fired a game-high 17 points in a swashbuckling all-game brilliance where he was almost unstoppable attacking the basket. Escandor, the sixfoot two two-time high school MVP, spiked his outburst with one triple aside from coming down with several rebounds. Backstopping Escan-

dor are flashy Axel Doromal and Ion Angeles. Ateneo played cohesively from the get go taking the first quarter 15-11 before stretching the gap at the lemontime break 39-26. The Blue Knights never looked back from there to score the lopsided win over Ford. “The boys played well. No let up in defense. I think we played with more intensity,” said Ateneo coach Miggy Solitaria. Ateneo thus moved into the quarterfinal round of the annual tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas Region 11 under regional head Glenn Escandor. NBTC is an annual nationwide cagefest for secondary schools that aims to scout fresh talents moving up into the collegiate ranks.

UNSTOPPABLE. Ateneo forward Francis Gabriel Escandor faces a double team in this action. Lean Daval Jr.

AERIAL BALLET. Axel Doromal of Ateneo sails for a twinner. Lean Daval Jr.