Edge Davao 9 Issue 251 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

BATTLE OF POSTERS. Students and other passersby walk by a power line pole bedecked with posters printed with anti-communist groups and progressive organizations slogans in front of a university along Bolton Street in Davao City yesterday. Anti-communist posters can also be seen posted in some areas in downtown Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

LTO 11 BACKLOG 75,000 driver’s licenses pileup to ease by June: Dy By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

HE Land Transportation Office 11 has recorded a total of 75,026 backlog in the issuance of three-year driver’s license in the Davao Region as of February 3, an official said on Monday.

In a press conference, LTO 11 director Gomer Dy explained that the delivery of cards “could not keep up” with the number of applications a day. The agency receives more than 700 applications and renewals a day, he said. At present, the application fee costs P375 for the threeyear license. Dy said the new price for the five-year license would cost more than P600. LTO 11 issued a total of 40,845 plastic cards this year,

to help alleviate the backlogs from December 2016 as they are targeting to solve the pileup by June 2017. “We keep on requesting additional plastic cards from the central office to solve the backlogs since we have already started with the fiveyear license policy,” he explained. Meanwhile, the region has around 350,000 registered vehicles wherein 150,000 of the cars are coming from Davao City alone. Dy reminded the public to avoid dealing with fixers who he said still make it inside their office by pretending that they have transactions with them. “Our licensing staff will no longer validate if they are in-

deed the one whom they are transacting with,” he said. He also cited an example that one of the clients complained that the fixer gave them a fake plastic card. Dealing with fixers is prohibited under Republic Act (RA) 9485, also known as Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, “an act to improve efficiency in the delivery of government service to the public by reducing bureaucratic red tape and preventing graft and corruption.” Section 12 of RA 9485 states that “fixers shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment not exceeding six years of a fine of not less than P20,000 but not more than P200,000 or both at the discretion of the court.”

Davao shootout leaves NPA supply officer dead

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE Philippine Army reported the killing of a supply officer of the communist New People’s Army in a shootout with authorities in Davao City on Monday afternoon, February

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division identified the NPA supply officer as Glenn Ramos alias Berdan, 40, married and a resi-

EDGEDAVAO Sports

What ails Alab Pilipinas?

dent of Purok 4, Don Julian, Barangay Maa, Davao City. Batchar said Ramos was killed when he shot it out with a joint police and military team serving a warrant for his arrest. F DAVAO, 10

Nadal booked for Wimby warmup

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

NO LET-UP. City Transportation and Traffic Management Office anti-jay walking enforcers issue citation tickets to students who violate the Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance along San Pedro Street in Davao City yesterday. There are still dozens of violators apprehended every day since the ordinance was strictly implemented two months ago. Lean Daval Jr.

DOJ issues lookout order versus NDF consultants

HE Department of Justice on Tuesday said it was set to issue a lookout bulletin order (LBO) against the consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) who participated in the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. ”What we did lahat ng members consultants nagkaroon ng bail because of peace process maglalabas kami ng LBO this afternoon. We have cabinet meeting this afternoon yung final decision ng Duterte administration on peace process whether its terminated and arrest na yan,” DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

Aguirre said that these people should be under the watchlist as they might leave the country. An LBO is issued to subject persons, in order to at least monitor the itineraries of their flight, travel,and/or whereabouts. The persons subject of an LBO is allowed to travel subject to a permission from the DOJ. Aguirre said on Monday the consultants of the NDF should go back to the country and return to detention. “Once they turn themselves in or arrested, they will be returned to their detention,” Aguirre said when sought for comment on the issue adding that security forces can arrest them. President Rodrigo Dute-

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Gov’t forces assure security for Davao By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

EVERAL days after the lifting of the ceasefire, security forces here have assured the preparedness of the government forces to secure the city. Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) chief Benito De Leon assured the community that Davao City is safe and secured from threats. De Leon said that they have worked hand in hand with the military and police for the “proactive” security measures to make sure that any threats will be countered

before it enters the city. “They (Security forces) gave the assurance that they are prepared to counter any threats as a result of the termination of the ceasefire,” he said. He said that the military and police have increased their intelligence monitoring to avoid any eventualities in the city. “If in the past the security forces are passive because of the ceasefire, we are now more proactive in our security measures,” he said. He said that they have implemented “aggressive pa-

trolling” in the entire city to intensify their security campaign. After Duterte declared the reds as a terrorist, Joint Task Force Haribon also take charge in securing the city from any “terroristic activities” that will occur after the termination of the ceasefire. JTF Haribon Commander Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said that they have beefed up their deployments in the city as well as the coordination with the Police Regional Office 11’s Regional Public Safety Battalion. “We have deployed addi-

tional forces from the RPSB 11 and also additional Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) Canine for our checkpoint areas,” Gapay said. Gapay also stressed that they are constantly monitoring the movements of the rebels since the President categorized them as terrorist. He said that they have not seen any allegiance of the NPA and the terrorist group such as the Maute group and Jaemaah Islamia among others. “Though they have similar activities like the terrorist

The objective is to determine the shortest possible procedure that beneficiaries have to go through, using the minimum requirements set by the Commission on Audit before they can avail themselves of the assistance program. It is also being conducted in anticipation of the completion of the three-storey Lingap building, where local and national social welfare agencies are set to converge. “The convergence of agen-

cies intends to provide assistance to Dabawenyos in the shortest possible time where clients/patients need not travel far from the hospital in complying with requirements or acquiring assistance,” CSSDO Head Maria Luisa Bermudo. Agencies involved are the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, PhilHealth, Department of Social Welfare and Development , CSSDO and the Lingap Para sa Mahirap Program of the Davao City Government.

“It’s Mayor Sara’s brainchild. We just developed her idea,” said Bermudo. “All she wanted is that a client needing assistance would be immediately facilitated and will not experience difficulties.” The P25-milllion fund for the one-stop shop Lingap building will be coming from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and has already been approved by the Office of the President.

Rody gives‘scalawag’cops 15 days to deploy to Basilan Davao City holds dry-run for Lingap one-stop shop

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered the deployment of about 200 erring policemen to Basilan and gave them two weeks to prepare to move out or resign from the service. A visibly irate President gave the order during the presentation of ‘scalawag’ policemen at the Malacañang grounds. The cops, who were allegedly tagged in various crimes, got a dressing down

from an angry President who slammed them for resorting to illegal activities to support their many wives and their extravagant lifestyles. Duterte said that since the erring policemen, who range in rank from Police Officer 1 to Chief Inspector, are still young anyway and he needs more police officers in the South, he would send them all to Basilan. “Kayo lahat ngayon nan-

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HE Davao City Social Services and Development Office is currently conducting a dry-run of procedures for the efficient and effective extension of medical and financial assistance to indigents through the Lingap Para sa Mahirap Program. The dry-run comes before the construction of the P25-million one-stop shop Lingap building inside the compound of the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

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NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

2 centers eyed as shelters for‘war’-hit women, kids By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

EOPHYTE Davao City Councilor Avegail Dalodo-Ortiz of the Third Congressional District believes that “Bahay Pasilungan” and “Bahay Pag-asa” can be utilized as alternate homes of women and children who may be affected by a shooting war between government forces and the New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines as a result of the termination of unilateral ceasefires declared by both parties. During the weekly Pulong Pulong ni Pulong, Ortiz was asked about her opinion on the termination of the ceasefire as chairperson of the City Council’s women and children committee. She said that the government cannot do much of about the situation of those to be af-

fected by the hostilities. However, affected women and children should evacuate their places, Ortiz said. She said that the evacuees can stay at the Bahay Pasilungan and Bahay Pag-asa. “We have these Bahay Pasilungan and Bahay Pag-asa but still the city needs to provide more evacuation centers,” she added. The Bahay Pasilungan is a center for children and adults who want to learn. According to the Davao City’s website, the Bahay Pasilungan offers proper education for children and adults. Children stay there for the weekdays to avoid the hassle of walking several kilometers from home to school. However, Bahay Pasilun-

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NO WORRIES. Public Safety and Security Command Center chief Benito De Leon (left) gives his assurance that the police and the military are exerting all their efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people of Davao City. De Leon, together with Task Force Haribon commander Brigadier General

Gilbert Gapay (right), answered queries from the media following a security conference with police and military officials at PSSCC headquarters in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Councilor: Condom distribution Moro group blasts for schools ‘a bit out of hand’ all-out war stance Says the program not properly explained to schools By TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS

DAVAO City Councilor on Tuesday believes that the Department of Health’s condom distribution program got “a little bit out of hand.” In a press conference Tuesday, Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte explained that the said program was not properly explained to the schools because “it got a very bad rack.” “The main point [of the program] is to reach out to the key population affected by sexually transmitted disease,” she said, adding that Davao Region has a big

problem on teenage pregnancy. DOH’s statistics pointed out that there were 1793 cases of HIV/AIDS in the region from 1984 and recorded 98 deaths during the period. “It was not the initial plan of DOH to go directly to the public schools and start distributing condoms, I haven’t read any program that said that,” she mentioned. She pointed out that counseling and education would accompany condom distribution in the schools. However, Villafuerte said

that it would be difficult to open the floodgates of information but the health providers and the school system may not be prepared. She noted that DOH has been discussing the guidelines with the Department of Education but the Health agency cannot do the program alone as they have been receiving criticisms from different groups, including the Catholic Church. “Maybe DOH needs the help of another department to explain the programs for the public not to misinterpret the program,” Villa-

fuerte suggested. Meanwhile, she noted that DOH Secretary Paulyn Ubial will study new strategies on how to implement the condom distribution program. Villafuerte added that the City Government of Davao will be focusing on information dissemination on reproductive health. “We have to talk about the reproductive health,” she said, adding that everyone must help each other in facing the problem on teenage pregnancy and other reproductive health issues.

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

ORO human rights group KAWAGIB on Tuesday condemned the declaration of all-out war against the communist New People’s Army following the cancellation of the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday announced the all-out war against the NPAs as the government now consider the group as terrorists. But KAWAGIB said an allout war against the NPA rebels will only result to more displacements and violations of human rights of people living in the countryside. “While the GRP is already launching an all-out war in the Moro communities in the name of war on terror resulting to thousands of Moro civilians displaced, the latest declaration of DND will only result to more human rights violations and not resolve the

roots of the armed conflict,” KAWAGIB secretary general Bai Ali Indayla said in a statement to the media. The group added that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte must learn from the past regimes that launched all-out war policies and counter-insurgencies that all failed to end rebellion in the country. “The government will not succeed against rebellion until the very roots of the armed conflict -poverty and social injustices is not addressed” Indayla pointed out. Indayla further stated: “That’s why we call on President Duterte to heed the call of the people to continue the Peace Talks and address the roots of the armed conflict rather than resort to all-out war”. She also called on the public to organize activities such as walk for peace, streamer’s hanging, offer prayers and candle lightings and send the message for peace to President Duterte.

Senate suspends indefinitely hearing on death penalty

BIG BROTHER. A young boy uses an umbrella to protect his cousin from scorching heat of an afternoon sun as he brings her to a public elementary school along C. Bangoy Street in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Senate on Tuesday suspended the hearing on the proposed reimposition of death penalty after concerns on possible violation by the Philippines of an international treaty was raised during the deliberations. Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said that Philippines happens to be a signatory to the Treaty of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights of the United Nations (UN) Human

Rights Office. “We are suspending because there is a supervening event -- the treaty of international convention on civil and political rights -- which states that all executions should not be continued, was ratified,” Gordon told reporters in an interview. During the discussions on the death penalty bills filed by at least three senators, Sen. Pres. Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon mentioned it was clear

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4 ECONOMY

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

BOC to consumers: Avoid counterfeit mobile phones

HE Bureau of Customs on Tuesday urged the public not to patronize counterfeit cellular phones, noting that instead of saving money, they will lose their hard earned cash in the end. BOC Spokesperson Col. Neil Estrella said buying fake communication gadgets which costs half the price of the original one will not save them money, since bogus products are easy to break and not reliable. “Ang ating panawagan sa publiko, huwag na silang bumili ng fake na cell phones, mura nga pero madali namang masira. So, hindi din sila nakakatipid at mas magagastusan pa sila,” he said. The BOC official issued the appeal after the viewing and presentation to media of the container van loaded with bogus cellphones and dry goods worth PHP20 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on Tuesday. Seized were hundreds of

fake iPhone 6 and 7 and Samsung phones, cellphone spare parts etc., misdeclared as dry goods from China. The cargo was consigned to Autumn Way Enterprises with address at Room 4160D 4F Regina Building, Escoltra Street, Binondo, Manila. With this, Estrella warned those who are engaged in the importation of counterfeit products to stop their illegal activities as the BOC is bent on stopping them. “We warn unscrupulous individuals to stop their illegal orientations because we will not stop seizing their shipments, malulugi lang kayo dahil milyon milyon ang halaga ng mga shipments na ito,” he added. The cargo arrived at the MICP on Sunday. The items will be destroyed to ensure that they will not be used by the public. Violation of Customs Modernization and Tarriff Act will be filed against those behind the shipment. (PNA)

Pres. Duterte tells taxpayers to pay accurate, correct tax

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte urged taxpayers to pay tax accurately and promptly so that the government can deliver the services and progress for the Filipino people. The President made his appeal during the official launching of the Bureau of International Revenue (BIR)’s Large Tax Service (LTS) 2017 tax campaign at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). ”You pay the correct tax -- accurate and correct, on time collection and the spending will be there for you to see,” President Duterte said. The President said he did not and would never allow government contracts to reach Malacanang to get favor from him. ”There’s a lot of bidding in the coming months. If there is no equipment and capital, do not join,” the President said. The President warned that he would order unqualified bidders to eat their bidding documents if they used government connections. ”Let’s not fool each other. I have this kind of character that you would not like: I kick and slap people,” he said. President Duterte said Davao enjoyde nine percent growth due to the reforms he implemented in the city, which he ruled for 23 years before his ascension to presidency in the May 2016 elections. ”Look at Davao. Have you seen any local leader to hit nine percent growth? It’s only in Davao. Why? It’s

clean, no crime, you can walk around, everything, people are disciplined,” the President said. The former mayor, however, refused to get all the credits, saying ‘Davao is really the product of the sweat and toil of the Davaoenos.” While appealing for accurate tax payment, President assured the Filipino people that he will not tax them to death “if I think it’s unrealistic.” Dubbed as “Ako, Kaisa sa Pagbabago,” the LTS tax campaign aims to attain a total of P1.829 trillion collection target this year or at least P200 billion higher compared the amount collected in 2016. The LTS is home of the country’s 2,320 large corporate taxpayers and contributor of at least 62.44 percent of the BIR’s revenue collection. The LTS collected P963 billion, surpassing its 2017 revenue collection of P881 billion with a collection growth rate of 12.13 percent. To achieve collection target this year, the LTS has committed to support the BIR’s four key priority areas: improve taxpayer satisfaction, protect revenue and recapture public trust, attain collection targets and adopt an expanded settlement program. President Duterte was accompanied by Finance Secretary Carlos ‘Sonny’ Dominguez, BIR commissioner Caesar R. Dulay, BIR deputy commissioners, 20 revenue regional directors and other officials of the BIR. (PNA)

MAKING THE MOST. A hawker peddles various kinds and designs of colorful lamps made from indigenous materials along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao Fun Sale adds eco-sports to activities By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

EPARTMENT of Tourism Region XI director Roberto P. Alabado disclosed on Tuesday during the business forum at DermPath, SM City Davao that three eco-sporting and adventure activities will be in-line for the annual Visit Davao Fun Sale set on April 16 to May

31, 2017: skim-boarding, Boulder Face Challenge and triathlon. “Skim-boarding competition sa Mati. Meron tayong triathlon. Yung Boulder Face sa Mt. Apo,” said Alabado. In 2016, the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge 2016 was cancelled by the organizers

after a forest fire devastated a part of the mountain, considered the highest peak in the Philippines standing at 2,954 meters above sea level. With the forest fire still raging, organizers decided the safety of competitors was a prime consideration. Still under rehabilitation,

a portion of the mountain will be used solely for the event as other parts will still be cordoned off from other tourists. “Magrerequest kami ng special permit from PAMB (Mt. Apo Natural Park Protected Area Management

said was due to investors’ focus more on the below-expected rise in wage in the US at 0.1 percent last January rather than the higher-than-expected rise of nonfarm payrolls to 227,000 as against the 170,000. All Shares went up 0.52 percent. Most of the sectors post-

ed increases led by the Property, with 1.88 percent rise. It was followed by the Industrial, 0.77 percent; Holding Firms, 0.58 percent; Financials,0.35 percent; Services, 0.24 percent. Only the Mining and Oil ended on the red with a drop of 0.28 percent. Volume totaled to 3.61

billion shares amounting to P8.22 billion. Gainers led losers at 97 to 91 while 48 stocks were unchanged. The Philippine peso ended the week’s first trading day at 49.69 from 49.78 Friday last week. A trader said this was in

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PSEi, PH Peso post gains on January US wage hikes

ETTER-THAN-FORECASt growth of US’ non-farm payrolls in January 2017 failed to lift the US dollar Monday enabling the Philippines’ stock market to post gains and the peso firm. Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 0.94 percent, which a trader

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ECONOMY 5

PEZA readies PH-wide economic zone map

HE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) will conduct summits across the country to prepare a nationwide economic zone map. PEZA Director General Charito Plaza said the agency kicked off the Economic Zone Summit in Mindanao last week which was attended by 300 participants, mostly land owners, developers, investors, and officials from the local government units (LGUs). Plaza said the next leg of the Economic Zone Summit will be in Visayas, then in Luzon. The summit targets to identify existing and potential economic zones in different parts of the islands. The PEZA chief noted that the nationwide economic zone map aims to provide investors choices of locations where they can put up their investments in the country. “By end of February, we shall have the complete map of economic zones in the coun-

try,” Plaza said. She added that there will be three classifications of economic zones under PEZA: the existing public and private economic zones; the newly-approved economic zones; and the incoming economic zones that were identified during the summits. She said that the agency would like to launch the map during the ASEAN meeting here in April, for ASEAN companies to take a look of the potential areas for investments in the Philippines. Aside from ASEAN investors, Plaza said other markets such as European, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Middle East expressed interest to explore business opportunities in the country. From Feb.11 to 16, PEZA will conduct an investment forum in Qatar, Dubai, and Riyadh, ahead of the planned state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Middle East, tentatively scheduled on Feb. 26. (PNA)

Pro-poor, pro-growth budget supports agri, rural development projects

T is a depressing irony that in the Philippines, the food producers -- farmers and fisherfolk -- could barely afford to provide food and the most basic of needs to their families. Though they produce commodities consumed by all, the agricultural workers are one of the poorest sectors in the country, consistently posting a high poverty incidence for many years. The government recognizes the urgency of this incongruity and problem, thus making agricultural and rural development a main priority in the national agenda. One of the efforts of the government towards this thrust is the hefty allocation in the 2017 budget for agricultural development and agrarian reform. Specifically, an amount of P120 billion has been allotted to this sector by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The Department of Agriculture (DA) is granted with P46 billion, about one-third of the total budget for agriculture, to initiate research and development, market development, credit support services for the commodity programs in agriculture and fishery, and construction of farm-to-market roads. Meanwhile, Budgetary Support to Government Corporations involved in agriculture and agrarian reform is at P51.3 billion. Assistance to Farmers The Rice Production Enhancement Program will receive a budget of P9.7 billion to boost production in 2017. Furthermore, the Rice Research and Development Program of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) will be granted P561 million

to develop climate-resilient and high-yielding seeds. Another P4-billion is granted to the High Value Crops Development Program which aims to diversify the agricultural produce of the country and increase the production of crops with high market value. This also doubles as a poverty-reduction program as it concentrates on low-income areas. The corn production program in the country is given a bigger budget in 2017. The P2.8 billion allocation for this year is intended to increase the production of various corn varieties. An amount of P1.4 billion is allocated to the Coconut Program for better copra production and to bolster the Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAANIB) coconut intercropping project. The DA and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) are also collaborating to re-craft the Coconut Industry Development Roadmap in order to improve the present condition of the coconut farmers. The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is set to receive P386 million to create and sustain development programs for tobacco farmers and improve their per-hectare production capacity. Assistance to Fisherfolk The government will provide P4.6 billion to the Fisheries Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to improve production of commercial fishing products, municipal fishing products, and aquaculture products. This will also fund the promotion of fishery resourc-

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SIGNING UP. President Rodrigo Duterte signs on the commitment board during the Bureau of Internal Revenue-Large Taxpayers Service Tax Campaign Kick Off at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./Presidential Photo

MICE eyes international market in 2017 for Davao By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

EVERAL ASEAN-related meetings being hosted by Davao Region are meant to give way to tourism opportunities in the global scale through the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) program of the Department of Tourism. “We, the DOT, are showing other countries that Davao City is an area where they can hold meetings,” DOT-11 Regional Director Roberto P. Alabado during the business forum at DermPath, SM City Davao on Tuesday. He pointed out the exposure of Davao City as MICE destination is very essential for the tourism industry. Alabado said, the ASEAN meetings prove that the region is a MICE venue as well as provide establishments and stakeholders experience and enhance their capacity

to host important high-level meetings. “Hopefully when delegates go back to their countries, they will remember Davao in terms of facilities, hospitality and attractions,” said the regional director. Alabado stressed that the representatives of ASEAN member states do not only serve as government officials but also “influencers”. “If they like what they saw and experienced here in Davao City, then they are very credible people to their own countrymen,” he said. Since the launching of Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN 2017 in Davao City, DOT has been hosting tour packages for the ASEAN delegates, going to ecotourism destinations such as Malagos Garden Resort and Philippine Eagle Center.

Although Mindanao, in terms of culture, is similar to other Asian countries because of the same ethnicity, Alabado stressed that Davao has many unique elements that can be featured such as the Philippine Eagle Center, the only eagle breeding center in the world, the waling-waling plant, and durian-tasting activity which is practiced only in Davao City. The regional director also identified the President as one of the top “tourism products” of Davao, citing the Duterte Tour which is still one of the most sought after tour packages in the city. Alabado also cited the recent effort of DOT to promote Davao as MICE destination in Hong Kong where 21-member Kadayawan sa Dabaw, represented by the SinagTala Dance Company of St. John Paul College of Davao,

wowed the crowd with their performance of Kadayawan Sa Dabaw at the 2017 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Parade street performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong on January 28. He added that Philippines was the only developing country invited to perform along with Germany, Japan, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, and the US, as well as local performing groups from Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Cathay Pacific, among others. With all the efforts being done by the agency, Alabado asked the patience of Davaoeños whenever security measures are implemented by the city PNP due to the presence of high-ranking officials in the city.

oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia. But despite this slight pickup in inflation, lower food prices were recorded in January 2017. The food subgroup prices decelerated to 3.4 percent from the previous month’s 3.6 percent. This is due to slower price adjustments in fruits, vegetables, meat, corn, sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and confectionery. However, higher price adjustments were recorded for fish, and oils and fats. There was also a slight uptick in the price of rice, which went up 1.8 percent in January 2017 from 1.6 in the previous month. “The damage by typhoons

Karen and Lando may have contributed to the lower supply of rice, which slightly raised rice prices. In some areas like Cagayan Valley and Central Visayas, the planting calendar was delayed, which resulted in lower production in the fourth quarter,” the Cabinet official said. Overall, inflation drivers are higher oil prices, pending petitions for higher electricity rates and transport fares, besides the country’s strong domestic demand. Other price pressures are the shift to a unitary excise rate for cigarettes effective January 2017 as mandated by the Sin Tax Reform Law, and the Malampaya 20-day maintenance shutdown that started last month, which may lead to

an increase in the generation charge starting March. “Despite upside risks and pressures, the government expects inflation to be stable and remain consistent with the target of 2.0 to 4.0 percent,” said Pernia. “To stabilize and manage food inflation, sustainable financing and access to insurance facilities for agriculture sector are needed. This will ensure availability of loans to farmers to keep their farm output stable, especially in times of climate-related shocks,” he added. Compared with ASEAN neighbors, the Philippines’ inflation in January was lower than Indonesia’s 3.5 percent but higher than Thailand’s 1.6 percent. (PR)

Inflation slightly up despite lower food prices in January

NFLATION in January 2017 slightly rose to 2.7 percent from 2.6 percent in the previous month, due to upward price movements in non-food items, according to the National Economic and Development Authority. Higher price adjustments in the heavily-weighted housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels pushed up overall inflation. These non-food items went up by 1.8 percent in January 2017 from 1.3 percent in December 2016. “The faster spike in transport and gas and other fuels costs can be traced to the increase in petroleum prices as the oil market rebalances after the recent decision of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to cut

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ARMM to build, larger bridge in poor Mamasapano town

GIFT GIVING. Compostela Valley Governor Tyron Uy and other local officials in the province le the distribution of family food packs to the beneficiaries of 32 MSAP-GK housing units in Barangay Manat, Nabunturan town last February 4. (M. Lasaca/IDS ComVal)

HE Maguindanao engineering office, through a private construction company, will commence this month the construction of a larger bridge here as part of the development initiatives of the provincial and regional governments, provincial engineering officials said today. Speaking to reporters, Engineer James Mlok, district engineer of Maguindanao’s Second District Engineering Office, said his office and the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will work closely with Roma Construction firm to ensure transparency and completion of the PHP180-million bridge project. The bridge will be constructed in Barangay Tukanalipao, site of the bloody encounter between elite Police Special Action Force and Moro bandits two years ago that left 67 people dead, including 44 SAF members.

Engr. Don Loong, DPWH-ARMM regional secretary, today said a larger bridge will connect the banks of the Tukanalipao River in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano. It will be built parallel to a small bridge built after the bloody encounter. It replaced the wooden bridge used by townspeople in crossing the river from corn fields. Aside from the bridge, regional and provincial governments also built a Mosque, a covered court, fish landing area and new school buildings in Barangay Tukanalipao. The dirt road leading to the village from the town center was also paved, making farmers’ transport of goods quicker and cheaper. Presently, DPWH-ARMM is constructing the P14-million concreting project Malingao-Libutan Road and the P28-million Tukanalipao-Pidsandawan-Pimbalkan Road that crosses poor communities in Mamasapano. (PNA)

DA to convert military lands NorCot relief operation serves in Davao to vegetable farms 1,844 flood-hit MILF families T

HE Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11) will expand its thrust to promote vegetable production from schools to military camps. DA-11 OIC-regional director Engr. Ricardo Oñate Jr. and military officials in Davao region agreed to participate in the “Gulayan sa Kampo” project to transform idle lands within military camps into vegetable gardens. Patterned after the “Gulayan sa Paaralan,” Oñate said the establishment of the “Gulayan sa Kampo” will provide food to soldiers and at the same time would be the source of food for supplementary feeding in the community.

“We will teach our military men the technologies on vegetable production and also showcase their farm to encourage neighboring communities to go into vegetable farming,” Oñate said. Representatives from various Infantry Battalions (IB) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Davao region already participated in the orientation and hands-on training on vegetable production conducted by the DA-11. The members of the AFP tried bagging of soil (vermicast, garden soil and burned rice hull) as part of their hands-on training and a field tour at the vegetable production area at the City Agri-

culture Office in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. They were also given bag of seeds by DA-11 as their starter kits for the establishment of the Gulayan sa Kampo. PFC Mariano Mique Jr. of the 3rd IB in Malagos, Davao City said the project will enable them to learn the recommended technologies in growing vegetables. “We can also share this knowledge to our neighbouring communities. In that way we will be able to show them (civilians) that we are sincere in helping them,” Mique added. Upon its implementation, DA will also be conducting a search for Best Camp Garden

that the city’s welfare department distributed relief goods only in villages identified as supporters of the incumbent administration,” Daba said. He said that the shameful practice of “political discrimination” in the distribution of relief goods in times of tragedy should be curtailed. Daba said the city council would summon the acting head of the City’s Social Welfare Department (CSWD) to shed light on the issue. He said if there were lapses in the CSWD, he would make

sure that the office and the city government as a whole would learn from it and correct these so such would not happened again in case another calamity strikes. Under the existing protocol, flood victims would be profiled so they would be given the needed assistance and would undergo briefing on psychological stress, he said. CSWD records showed that the homes of 311 families affecting about 2,000 individuals were destroyed by flood in January. (PNA)

theme, “Panabo City… No other way but UP.” Among the highlight activities is the Panabo City Got Talent, which will have a caravan of elimination rounds in eight different areas in the city, while the grand finals will be held at the Panabo City Gymnasium on March 28. Other talent and skills

competitions for the anniversary celebration will be Drum and Lyre competition on March 17, Cheer Dance competition on March 24, Dance Sports Open Championship on March 25, Inter-Industrial and Barangay Fire Fighters Combat Challenge on March 26, Hiphop Kramp Dance

in the region. Merriel Aglibot, DA-High Value Commercial Development Program (HVCDP) vegetable focal person, said an annual competition will serve as a good vehicle to share the best practices in establishing and maintaining camp gardens. She added that it will also showcase small-scale food production model in camps for the households and communities to replicate, purposely to promote family food security. Aglibot said that the winning camp will be receiving agricultural inputs such as vegetable seeds, knapsack sprayers and drums from DA-HVCDP. (PNA)

CDO to probe discrimination in distribution of relief goods

PROBE on the alleged “discrimination” in the distribution of relief goods to flood victims in Cagayan de Oro City will be carried out anytime, a city councilor said Tuesday. City Councilor Reuben Daba, chair of the city council committee on social services, said the local legislative body received complaints that the relief goods were not distributed to flood victims in three villages here last month. “We will investigate this complaint because of reports

OCAL relief personnel had served a total of 1,844 families in three Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities recently inundated by flash floods due to torrential rains, the municipal disaster management reported Monday. Tahira Kalantungan, chief of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office(MDRRMO), identified the MILF villages served as those of Nabundasan, Talitay and Inug-og. This town and Kabacan were severely hit by heavy rains and flooding recently, due to a low pressure area (LPA), which inflicted huge damage to local farmlands and infrastructure facilities. On Sunday, relief operations hit a snag after members

of MILF - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) held for some two hours the relief convoy entering the MILF villages. Kalantungan downplayed the matter as plain “miscommunication” between the MDRRMO and MILF men as they have failed to inform the MILF leadership on the inclusion of military personnel in the convoy during the conduct of the relief mission. “They (MILF) did not know that we would be accompanied by military men. But later, we were permitted to proceed and serve the flood-affected families,” she said. Kalantungan said the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) and Aboitiz Power Company also brought and donated food packs to the affected families. (PNA)

Panabo gears up for 16th anniversary

HE city of Panabo will be turning 16 on March 31 this year. Panabo City Tourism Officer Cher Bastida stressed in an interview that the city government and its partner-agencies are now gearing up for the city’s anniversary celebration, which will kick off on March 17 and will anchor on the

FPANABO, 10

CONCERNS. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang voiced his concern over the relentless violence that the New People’s Army rebels have inflicted to civilians in Davao Oriental during the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Meeting Friday, February 3 at the Provincial

Capitol of Compostela Valley Province in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. He also echoed the concerns of other local government officials in the region in terms of peace and order. (Eden Jhan Licayan/PIO DavOr)

7 HEALTH

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

Hypertension: When blood pressure goes up (Second of Two Parts) By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“O

NCE considered diseases of industrialized countries or of the affluent in developing countries, noncommunicable diseases are now recognized as global problems,” says Priorities in Health, the companion volume of Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries. That is what the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) is trumpeting, too. “Noncommunicable diseases are the leading killer today and are on the increase,” the United Nations health agency t said on its global status report on noncommunicable diseases. “The rise of chronic noncommunicable diseases presents an enormous challenge,” says Dr. Margaret Chan, the WHO Director-General. “For some countries, it is no exaggeration to describe the situation as an impending disaster; a disaster for health, for society, and most of all for national economies.” Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person. They are of long duration and generally slow progression. Random genetic abnormalities, heredity, lifestyle or environment can cause this kind of diseases. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the noncommunicable diseases that affects around 14 mil-

lion Filipinos, according to the Department of Health. On the other hand, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) shares this information: “Two in every 10 Filipino adults, 20 years and over, are hypertensive.” The prevalence of hypertension in the country has considerably grown in recent years, and the need to address it should be more prioritized, the Philippine Heart Association – Council on Hypertension urges. The number of adult Filipinos having hypertension “is still increasing despite treatment advances and that the majority of those being treated have poor blood pressure control,” the association said in a statement. As lives become more sedentary and stressful, and diets loaded with saturated fats become the norm, hypertension is indeed becoming a serious problem in the country. “A stubborn problem” is how health authorities consider hypertension because it involves so many of the body’s interlocking systems, and lying at the center of it all is the heart. Medical science tells us that blood travels through our body by flowing through arteries, carrying oxygen-rich blood from our heart to other tissues and organs. Once oxygen is delivered to our tissues and organs, oxygen-poor

Noncommunicable diseases will be the predominant global public health challenge of the 21st century. – The New England Journal of Medicine

blood travels back to our heart through our veins. Our heart then pumps this blood into our lungs, where it is replenished with oxygen. After returning to our heart, the blood is pumped out into our arteries again. Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood against artery walls as it circulates through our body. Normally, people have certain standards of BP, with a reading of 140/90 considered the median or average. The upper number, called the systolic, refers to the pumping capability of the heart, while the lower number, termed the diastolic, refers to the pressure exerted by the blood vessels all over the body. Dr. Willie T. Ong, chair of the Department of Medicine at Our Lady of Peace Hospital, defines high blood pressure as systolic pressure at

rest that averages 140 mm Hg (millimeters mercury) or a diastolic blood pressure at rest that averages 90 mm Hg, or both. An individual has a mild hypertension if the systolic BP is between 140 to 159 mm Hg or the diastolic BP is between 90 to 99 mm Hg. When the systolic BP is higher than 160 mm Hg or a diastolic BP is greater than 100 mm Hg, a person is said to have a moderate to severe hypertension. Many things can cause blood pressure to rise. When we are asleep, our blood pressure is low because our body needs less oxygen-rich blood when it is at rest. On the other hand, when we are exercising, our body’s demands are greater, and so our blood pressure increases. “It is perfectly normal for your blood pressure to rise and fall in response to your

body’s needs throughout the day,” says Dr. Ong, an internist-cardiologist. But when your blood pressure goes up and stays up, there’s cause for concern. “Although many people imagine high blood pressure to be a mild condition, left untreated it can lead to a number of serious medical problems,” warns Dr. Robert Buckman, author of What You Really Need to Know About High Blood Pressure. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because of the lack of warning signs or symptoms so much so that many people do not realize they are already hypertensive. “In most people, high blood pressure causes no symptoms, despite the coincidental occurrences of certain symptoms that are widely, but erroneously, associated with high blood pressure: headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, a flushed face, and fatigue,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “People with high blood pressure may have these symptoms, but the symptoms occur just as frequently in people with normal blood pressure,” the Merck manual adds. According to the manual, blood pressure is measured after a person sits or lies down for 5 minutes. It should be measured again after the person stands for a few minutes, especially if the person is older or has diabetes. “Anyone with high blood pressure needs to be under a doctor’s care – not only for regular monitoring but often for medication as well,” recommends The Doctors Book of Home Remedies. So, what do you do once hypertension sets in? Health experts recommend the following: 1. Know your blood pressure. You may feel no symptoms yet the body is slowly being destroyed by high blood pressure. Be proactive! Be aware of the risk! Have your blood pressure checked regularly – at least once a year.

If your blood pressure level is borderline or elevated, see your doctor. So together, you can make a plan to bring your blood pressure under control.

2. Live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle keeps you less likely to develop high blood pressure. You will also feel good knowing that you are protected from hypertension. Among those that you should consider are as follows: regular exercise, watching your weight, keeping stress under control, avoiding salty and fatty foods, avoiding too much caffeine, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking. “Through initially it may be hard to change your lifestyle and habits, a resolute determination, help from your friends and loved ones will make will make it easier to overcome the difficulties you may encounter along the way,” says Dr. Rafael Castillo, a cardiologist at the Manila Doctors’ Hospital.

3. Take your medication regularly. If you are consistently hypertensive despite undergoing a healthy lifestyle, your doctor will now prescribe a drug to combat your high blood pressure. Medications can safely and effectively lower high blood pressure. You’ll be most likely to remember your medication if you establish a routine, such as taking it immediately before breakfast or right after you take a bath. Perhaps the best thing you can do for yourself once you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension is to invest in a home blood pressure monitor. A daily measurement of your blood pressure can indicate whether your medication and home remedies are actually working to lower your blood pressure. However, doctors advise that even if you notice an improvement, you should not stop taking a doctor-prescribed medication unless you have your physician’s approval. (Photos taken from the net)

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Dura lex sed lex

ILIPINOS with legal travel documents can travel to the Unites States and those with legal residency or work permits can live and work there. That is very clearly emphasized by the US government. Save, of course, if one has no legal residency or has committed a crime in America. Amid the furor over President Donald Trump’s executive order denying US entry to citizens of seven countries, namely, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, Filipinos have expressed concern over the tough stance by the new administration. The order also covers everyone with a visa from these countries, including “green card” holders who left the US and plans to come back. They will undergo scrutiny and might be prohibited from re-entering the US. The US State Department said Filipinos who wish to travel or live in the United States for whatever reason, can do so. US State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner made this assurance. Filipinos who wish to travel to the United States, should consult with the US embassy of Manila. The Philippines is not among the countries which have been marked

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by US authorities as a “country of concern,” which means, Filipinos can continue their travels to and from the US, or benefit from residing and working in the United States. However, it was also clearly emphasized that only those who have legal resident status and visa holders who will have no issues. In the aftermath of Trump’s order and his announcement to banish illegals from the US, a considerable number of Filipino migrants are affected. They have sought the help of President Rodrigo Duterte but the latter said he will not lift a finger on those who do not have legal status. It is understandable that they will find the President’s response unhelpful, but they will also have to accept the fact that laws are laws. As the legal maxim goes dura lex sed lex (the law may be hard but it is still the law). Filipinos with no legal residency may have to go by the laws of the US. They can find home in the Philippines again where the Duterte administration wants them back as the economy is in a state that is able to absorb them. The conditions may not be the same, the income most particularly. But rather than going against the laws of a foreign land, these Filipinos better realize that their homeland is ready to embrace them back again. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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VANTAGE POINTS

Cutting through the confusion of mining (Part 2)

VER the last thirty years, the emergence of gold rush areas in many parts of Mindanao have forced us to reexamine two things : 1.Whether we can really do away with mining. This is because minerals exist and will be mined no matter how hard we try to suppress the industry. Even if permits and authorizations are withheld from prospective miners, someone will find a way to mine it illegally. 2. If the DENR has indeed fulfilled its full mandate to promote responsible mining. Does it have the right powers to prevent people from doing such activities? Or are its powers limited to those it regulates? We ask these because if the illegal miners will succeed in extracting the minerals without government authorizations anyway, then it only means that mining is an industry and activity that persists because it fills a need- for the resource itself that is demanded by a host of downstream industries that, if unable to source it locally, will import it anyway. On the other hand, the legally oper-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

HE arrival of American missionaries in Davao created historical implications. It paved the way for the introduction of Protestantism, the building of new schools in the region, and the rise of the first mission hospital in town. Rev. Robert Franklin Black and wife accepted the challenge to be in Davao to spread the gospel with the support of the Protestant Church of America, which saw opportunities for growth in the region. Starting with the first mission in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, the couple propagated the faith and saw the number of converts multiplied in just a decade of preaching. The transfer of Black’s ministry to the town of Davao was part of the Protestant’s expansion. In 1908, Charles T. Sibley, an American medical doctor, arrived in Davao. In collaboration with Black, they built the first 36-bed hospital, a church and, of course, their residences of the missionaries on “a fine new mission site… secured on the hill 100 feet above the hot and swampy town.” The location is where the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital is presently found. Interestingly, this is also where the Blacks constructed their house with a chapel alongside it. In a poetic depiction, the reverend pastor described the location of his new home as: “[W]here peace and quiet reigns; where the wild deer come up and challenge us less than 100 yards away at night; where the wild hog and jungle fowl creep

ating mines MY TWO CENTS’ which comprise the 23 mining companies ordered closed or suspended by DENR Secretary Gina Lopez do their best to follow regulaJohn Tria tions. They all ecisouth@gmail.com went through a gauntlet of impact assessments, consultations and feasibility studies to determine whether government finds it feasible and beneficial to have them as partners to mine the areas. After all, these companies are partners that remit a substantial share of mineral profits back to the State. The government, through the Mines and Geo Sciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and natural Resources identifies mineral sites and encourages investments in these.

For those who may not be aware, what are commonly called “mineral permits” fall into three main categories: Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs), Financial and technical Assistance Agreements (FTAAs) and small scale mining permits. All are considered contracts given by the state, that owns all the minerals existing in this country on behalf of the People of the Philippines. If the project proves too burdensome for the local community and ecosystem, then we can choose not to endorse it. The challenge of industrialization requires that we have a robust metals industry. Thus, the call for reviving the steel industry, for example, will demand that the iron ore and nickel from areas like Mindanao be fed to steel mills to produce the reinforced bar and galvanized iron sheets to house an estimated 5 million families needing basic affordable housing, and to make batteries for all those electric vehicles we can start producing. We need metals to manufacture things we need, while providing the stable jobs we also require. Having these

enterprises also form part of Secretary Lopez’s green economy. It’s not all made of recycled paper. Moreover, the resource is locally available. He challenge therefore, is to find ways to balance the need for the resource with stakeholder and environmental concerns. That goes for all other industries, such as manufacturing and even agriculture. No activity is exactly benign to stakeholder and environmental issues. All have their share of those things, the only difference is in the magnitude and type. Advanced countries have a more mature way of balancing development and environment, and are able to ensure the welfare of their people. As we aspire to achieve a higher standard of democracy, better standards of living for our people, and a place among the family of advanced nations, we can do no less. If these other countries are able to achieve that balance, then we, of all countries, must be able to do so as well. For reactions: facebook.com/johntriapage

up and invesFAST BACKWARD tigate; where our boy has room to romp and yell; where the horses and chickens find sweet and abundant Antonio V. Figueroa pasture; where—best of all—the people of the town like to come for a bit of freshness and a broad view.” Attracted by the nourishing condition of the new site, Dr. Sibley, who arrived in 1908, also established his own residence in the area. Later, a school for the tribesmen was opened following the establishment of a hospital which would become the town dispensary.” On the other hand, the Protestant church, Sibley wrote, was simple and small; it was regarded as “one of the finest Protestant churches in all the islands— the mother church of Congregationalism in the Philippines, in a field which no other religious worker than Jesuit priest or Mohammedan pundit has ever touched.” In terms of schools built, Sibley wrote in 1914 that the congregation had already established two learning institutes for the Bagobo, and another for the Mohammedans, mainly Mandaya converts, which was constructed in a village near the gulf of Davao. Overall, the sect maintained five

schools “in places where the government could not place them.” Protestantism in the country is analogous with the arrival of the Americans in the islands in 1898. Joining the new colonial administrators were non-Catholic missionaries whose roles included military chaplains, Baptist teachers, pastoral workers and civil servants. Rev. Black, sent by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions of Boston, Massachusetts, was the first American Protestant missionary to arrive in Davao on Aug. 4, 1903. He was later joined by his wife, Anna Gertrude Granger, who was his partner in the spread of Protestantism in Davao region, serving all in all, including their involvement in medical missions, sixteen years before returning to their homeland. In 1909, the pastor founded the first Protestant campus in Melilia, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, and named it Robert Black Mission School. To address the problem of converting the natives calmly to the new religion, he appointed Maximiano Tongcaling as first Bagobo preacher. One of the high-profile Protestant converts was Angel Brioso, the Bagobo leader of Santa Cruz who, before embracing the new sect after leaving Catholicism and the Aglipayan Church, “led an attack on the [Catholic] church, burning it and melting the church bell.” In the wake of his vandalism, Spanish religious icons and structures in town were destroyed. After converting to Protestantism, he was appointed pres-

idente municipal (town mayor) and was instrumental in helping translate the sermons of Rev. Black into the Bagobo dialect. The strengthening of Protestantism in Davao traces its roots to the Evangelical Union formed on April 26, 1901. It was initiated by Presbyterians who invited missionaries from other sects to discuss concerns and issues by which each denomination might direct policies and methods in order to create a united church. The conference agreed to establish regional boundaries. In 1929, the United Evangelical Church was formed, unifying under an umbrella the Presbyterian, Congregational, United Church of Manila and the United Brethren churches. During the war, under Japanese dictates, the Evangelical Church of the Philippines was created. This meant the forced merger of the United Evangelical Church, Methodist Church, Baptist churches, the Disciples, the Seventh Day Adventists, and other churches. But the fusion was very porous; it eventually broke up. In May 1948, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) was formed. It enlisted in its roster the United Evangelical Church, Philippine Methodist Church, Evangelical Church of the Philippines, Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Cristo, Ilocano Convention of the Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), Iglesia Evangelica Nacional and the Iglesia Evangelica Metodista En Las Islas Filipinas (IEMELIF). Today, it stands out as the largest club of Protestant churches in the county.

Protestant mission on a hill

10 NEWS Davao... FROM 1

Ramos is facing charges for attempted homicide under criminal case number M-DVO-15-01538, Batchar added. “Ramos refused to submit himself and drew a weapon that led to a brief fire fight. He sustained two gunshot wounds in the body and was brought to SPMC where he was later declared dead-on-arrival by the attending physician,” Batchar pointed out. Authorities were able to recover .38 caliber pistol with five live ammunitions and a fired cartridge; one fragmen-

tation grenade; an improvised explosive device (IED) mounted with electrical wire and live 7.62mm ammunitions, he added. Following the killing of Ramos, 10th ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia urged the other members of NPA in the area to surrender. “We encourage other NPA terrorist members to return to the folds of the law before its long arms will catch them,” Valencia said. He also lauded the police and military team of their accomplishment.

groups like extortion, kidnapping and many more, that is not a remote possibility that they will have an allegiance with the known terrorist groups,” Gapay said. The city center has not been experiencing any attacks coming from the New People’s Army since the former mayor,

now President Rodrigo Duterte asked them to stay away from the city for the safety of the Davaoeños. Duterte even had a gentlemen’s agreement with the reds to just let the police do their jobs when they investigate on different incidents near the camps of the NPA.

SPMC on the other hand, provided the area for the building. The Lingap Para sa Mahirap Program, which was initiated by then mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte in July 2011, provides financial

assistance to the needy for their hospitalization, medicines, medical supplies, diagnostic procedures, dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation, and assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, crutches and prosthetics.

Competition on March 27, and Tanghalan ng Kampeon sa Palengke on March 28 and Video and PHPTP Blog Competition on March 31. The celebration will also be featured with pageantry of beauties among kids and youth with the Munting Binibini Panabo on March 26 and Binibining Panabo on March 30 at the Panabo City Gymnasium. The city government will also offer a parade of government services with Mayor Gamao’s WHAPEE Caravan (Welfare, Health, Agriculture, Peace & Order, Education and Employment) on March 23 at the ARF Gymnasium, and Job Fair on March 25 at UM Panabo College. According to its initial

schedule, the City Mayor James Gamao will deliver the State of City Address on March 17, 9:00 AM at the Panabo City Gymnasium. Different local and national artists are also invited to bring fun and laughter in the nightly events during the celebration schedule. Bastida also emphasized that the city government will continue to honor this year Outstanding Panaboans, who bring honor and prestige to the city in their own fields. She also encouraged the public to be updated on the schedule through their facebook page, Turismo Panabo and post their Araw ng Panabo experience with the hashtag #experiencepanabo. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

Gov’t... FROM 2

Lingap... FROM 2

Panabo... FROM 6

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late SPS. FILOMENO BRAULIO AND GLORIA DALES has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate executed among their heirs, per Doc. No.435; Page No.72; Book No. XXIV; Series of 2016, of the NOTARY PUBLIC MARISUE A. LLANES 2/8,15,22

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

ARMM leaders gather to address build-up of water hyacinth in Maguindanao rivers

EADERS of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), town mayors, military and police officials convened here Tuesday to act on impending floods that may affect low lying areas in Maguindanao and Cotabato City due to water hyacinth build-up in the Rio Grande de Mindanao. ARMM Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia convened the major stakeholders to come up with a joint action that will save communities from floods and prevent a repeat of previous floods that submerged huge part of Maguindanao and Cotabato City due to clogged waterways. Alamia said short term solution to the problem must be ready since the build-up of water hyacinth was observed in the river waters between Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao and Cotabato City

as well as in the other part of Rio Grade de Mindanao, particularly in the towns of Datu Piang in Maguindanao and Midsayap in North Cotabato. Water hyacinth has covered around four hectares on these waters and some have already formed into islets based on a report from the region’s Humanitarian and Emergency Action Response Team (HEART), ARMM’s emergency unit. Unless checked and removed immediately, the buildup will likely result in the rise of river water that could inundate nearby areas. James Mlok, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Maguindanao 2nd district engineer, said his team has started to clear up parts of the river below Sajid Piang Bridge connecting Datu Piang and Midsayap as early as last week.

dito, kasali kayo sa Task Force South. Padala ko kayo sa Basilan. Tumira kayo doon ng mga dalawang taon. Kung lumusot kayo buhay, balik kayo dito. Kung doon kayo mamatay, sabihin ko sa pulis, huwag na mag-gastos para dalhin pa kayo dito, doon na kayo ilibing. Doon niyo ipakita ‘yung kalokohan ninyo,” he said. “Prepare to move out. I’ll give you two weeks from now, 15 days. Start to move out. If you do not want to go there, go to your superior officer and tell them that you’re going to resign,” Duterte said. The President added that he is mulling the creation of a task force that will solely monitor the movements of rogue cops as former cops or soldiers involved in criminal acts

have been “the most vicious and most dangerous types of criminals. “Alam mo, kailangan ng Pilipinas isang squad ng Army, Navy, pati Air Force, (and) police to keep track of you. Kasi karamihan ng mga pulis, ‘yung na-dismiss, ‘yun ang mga sindikato kasi may alam kayo. Kayo ang pinaka-delikadong kriminal pag naalis sa pulis,” he said. “At kayong mga pulis na dati mga sindikato, huwag na huwag kayong pumasok because I will create a battalion para lang to keep track of your movements because it has been the sad experience of this country that the most vicious criminals, karamihan ex-police or sometimes ex-military man,” Duterte said. (PNA)

gan is not a city-owned residential facility; it was established by a non-government organization. Meanwhile, the bahay pagasa is a temporary shelter for the Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). It was as the city’s response to the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006, it serves

as a 24/7 facility for the CICL that engages them to several programs and services to enhance their social functioning. It serves children ages 13 to 17 years old. Councilor Ortiz, however, failed to explain how the city government can go about using Bahay Pasilungan when it is privately-owned.

Board),” said Alabado. Meanwhile, the triathlon will where participants will swim from Davao City towards Samal Island where the rest of the competition will be done. According to Alabado, the cross-channel component of the triathlon will be the first cross-channel event in the country. Still uncertain of the number of participants, the regional director expects a substantial number of tourists to come and join the VDFS.

VDFS is an annual event organized by DOT-Davao Region together with VDFS Execom, Davao City Tourism Operations Office, Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic development and the private and public tourism sectors of Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal and Davao del Norte. It offers sales, promos, discounted eco-tours and packages of hotels and accommodations, dining, adventure, shopping and relaxation for the tourists.

Rody... FROM 2

2 centers... FROM 3

Fun Sale... FROM 4

As agreed upon during the meeting, DPWH will restart the removal of water hyacinth build-up in the Datu Piang-Midsayap area of the river today. Part of the clearing operation is Datu Piang local government unit’s (LGU), relocation of families living under the Sajid Piang Bridge to prevent casualties once the river water rises significantly. Alamia said the ARMM government is eyeing two long-term solutions to the recurring problem of flooding in Maguindanao and parts of Cotabato City, one of which is a project to be funded by the Peoples’ Republic of China. It will be implemented within the year. Officials from ARMMHEART, Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 6th Infantry Division, Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities, the LGUs of Midsayap, Datu Piang, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City, as well as representatives from the Moro Islamic Front and the Moro National

Liberation Front were present during the meeting. During the meeting, it was agreed that the military assigned upstream will monitor the water level and quickly alert its counterpart downstream so people will be informed of impending floods. Water hyacinth build-up has been monitored in the Quirino Bridge and Delta Bridge that connect Cotabato City and Sultan Kudarat town. Huge chunks of water lilies are also monitored along Tamontaka River that may threaten to clog under Tamontaka Bridge if remained unchecked. The worst floods to hit Cotabato City was in 2011 when 30 of the city’s 37 villages were submerged by flood waters for a week due to thick water hyacinth travelling downstream then blocked the smooth flow of river water to the Moro Gulf. Alamia said local leaders and stakeholders should be pro-active in this case to save peoples’ lives and properties. (PNA)

rte declared the suspension of peace talks between the government and communist rebels where he ordered government negotiators to come home. Duterte said he is not ready to resume peace talks with the communist groups. “As I have said, I would like to tell the Filipino people: peace with the communists might not come in this generation,” he said.

The President said he has done everything and has walked the extra mile in extending an olive branch with the rebels but their “unreasonable” demand of releasing more than 400 political prisoners prompted him to discontinue the talks. He was likewise angered by the deaths of several soldiers despite ongoing peace negotiations with the leftist groups. (PNA)

that death penalty could not be revived because of the treaty commitment. Department of JusticeSenior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon, who represented Justice Sec. Vitaliano Aguirre II, said the Philippines could still withdraw from the treaty. Drilon, however, pointed out that the country should first withdraw from the treaty before discussions on death penalties bills are continued. “We have ratified the treaty and we have concurred in ratification with the treaty. If you’re saying we can withdraw from this, shouldn’t we withdraw from the treaty first before we discuss any matter related to the reimposition of death penalty?” So that we will not be in violation of international law?” Drilon said. Fadullon agreed to suspend the hearing to clarify the matter on being able to honor international commitments and get position of Aguirre on the matter. In a separate interview, Drilon said that he did not

know how passing the death penalty bill could be justified “in the face of this clear international treaty obligation.” Drilon said that among repercussions was that the Philippines could be cited for purposes of being denied preferential trade treatments in other countries. “For example, the European Union has a general system of preference wherein our products have no tariff. If we violate our international treaty, that can be reviewed by the EU and that can be the basis for withdrawing the benefits,” Drilon said. But more importantly, Drilon said the Philippines will be isolated from the international community for not being able to honor the treaty commitment. “It is a big deal in the international arena if we do not know how to honor what we have signed,” he added. The hearing on death penalty bills will resume, Gordon said, after the Department of Justice send in its position paper by next month. (PNA)

DOJ... FROM 2

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

WOMEN

EDGEDAVAO

A SWEET SURPRISE

NOTHING SAYS SWEET LOVE QUITE LIKE A SPECIAL BOX OF CHOCOLATES. To add sweetness to your Valentine’s Day celebration, Kai Artisan Chocolates shows you different ways to delight your loved one with its exquisitely created confectionaries. Sprucing up the tradition of chocolate-giving, this homegrown brand has launched a variety of colorful and festive gift boxes. The packaging aesthetics, which range from bold classics, playful chic to geometric patterns, imprint the charming wit and imagination of chocolatier, Karla Mae Royo - Caguiat. The functional and nofrills presentation make her chocolates a perfect offering

“

The packaging aesthetics, which range from bold classics, playful chic to geometric patterns, imprint the charming wit and imagination of chocolatier, Karla Mae Royo - Caguiat.

this season. The glammed up boxes are fashioned to look like gifts on their own, but, of course the real treats lie beneath the lid. Every piece in Kai’s collection of artisanal chocolates sports its own unique look and flavor, inspired by a variety of ingredients. The defining difference between her brand and others is how she combines Filipino heritage and Asian influences with European tradition, finesse and sophistication in making chocolates and pastries. Kai surprises you with delightful combinations at the heart of every bite. Since 2014, Kai Artisan

Chocolates has indulged Dabawenyos and tourists with a range of flavors from tropical fruits, signature Davao produce, matcha and other premium mixes, all the way to its creamy, nutty and dark selections. The chocolates look as good as they taste, with varied gradients and molded pieces either dusted or sprinkled with glitter or pure flavoring. You end up marveling over the sweets before treating yourself to a bite. You can place your orders through https://www. facebook.com/kaiartisanchocolates. You may also contact 09178860167.

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! STYLE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

More fab and fun with Crocs CROCS HAS GONE A LONG WAY from its signature clog with new and innovative styles for men, women, and kids.

The Creative Crocs Olaf Clog has a soft structure Croslite for Kids’ cushioning and comfort. The Kids’ CrocsLights Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II Clog brings out the hero in boys.

The Men’s Swiftwater Sandal features a lightweight, water-friendly option.

There are flats, wedges, and sandals for women in feminine colors and floral prints; vintage sneaker inspired styles and camo patterns for men; and Disney character designs for kids. Crocs also has designs which are water-friendly for those adventurous types. A world leader in innovative casual footwear, Crocs continues to offer comfortable footwear with its Croslite™ material, a proprietary, revolutionary technology which gives soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking and odor-resistant qualities on each pair of shoes. Its iconic Classic Clog has proven its comfort and durability throughout time. In the Philippines, Crocs now operates under its new distributor, Walk EZ Retail Corporation, in partnership with SM Retail Leigh II Ankle Strap Wedge gives the perfect combination of style, and comfort with Corporation. the contoured Croslite foam footbed. Now is the best time to “Find Your Fun”, with Crocs with its new designs and vibrant Fun and fab Lina Shiny Flat has a colors that bring together great style and Croslite foam for great comfort. all-day cushion Get connected with Crocs through @Croccomfort, and a sPH on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. microfiber-lined #FindYourFun #CrocsPH footbed and heel. Sleek Sienna flats are perfect for everyday walking. The ultrafeminine Crocs Isabella sandal in Cerulean Blue.

The Citilane Roka Camo is a mash-up of classic sneaker looks with Iconic Crocs comfort.

The Duet Max Camo Clog features a “dual density” construction: a softer Croslite material next to your feet combined with a longerwearing Croslite material on the outsole.

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CAGAYAN DE ORO’S PRIDE and acoustic balladeer TJ Montero is set to serenade his Davaoeño fans on Sunday, February 12 at the Annex Event Center.

The mall concert is part of TJ’s promotion efforts for his self-titled album under Polyeast Records. The album is composed of a refreshing collection of all-Filipino pop-influenced tunes. The album includes “Kung Siya Man”, a soulful song with lyrics in Cebuano (Bisaya). “Imahinasyon”, the album’s first single, has been receiving overwhelming attention online. The album also features four original tracks “Ikaw at Ako”, “Dating Tayo”; “Tulad Mo” and a duet with TJ’s real-life girlfriend KZ Tandingan “Ikaw at Ako pa Rin”;

In 2001, TJ penetrated the music scene in 2011 with his viral YouTube videos which caught the attention of both local and international audience. He was nominated for Best New Male Recording at the 2015 Awit Awards. TJ Monterde’s songs are available on iTunes. Catch Rhythms of Love with TJ Monterde at SM City Davao on Sunday, 6PM. Admission to the show is free. Meet and follows after the show. Plus, enjoy good food with friends, family and that special someone at any of SM Davao’s wide array of restaurants. Celebrate love. Eat, feel and bond at SM City Davao. Like SM City Davao on Facebook or follow them on Instagram or Twitter for event and promo updates.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3

Wicked returns to Manila THE WEST END AND BROADWAY MUSICAL PHENOMENON WICKED flies back to Manila after its outstanding engagement in 2014. Presented by Globe LIVE together with Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Globe customers can receive exclusive ticket discounts of up to 15% off! Globe Broadband and Platinum customers can enjoy a 15% discount, while Globe Postpaid and Prepaid customers get 10% off when buying up to 6 tickets. Broadband simply have to enter their broadband account number

at ticketworld.com.ph or present their Globe billing statement upon payment to any TicketWorld outlet nationwide. Globe Platinum, Postpaid and Prepaid customers on the other hand can text GLOBEWICKED to 2363 to receive a unique discount code that can be used at TicketWorld.com.ph, or presented upon payment in-person at any TicketWorld outlet. Based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire that ingeniously re-imagines the stories and characters created by L. Frank Baum in ‘The

Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, Wicked tells the incredible untold story of an unlikely but profound friendship between two sorcery students – a popular blonde girl called Glinda and a misunderstood, green-skinned girl named Elphaba. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfil their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked features music and lyrics by multi Grammy and Academy Awardwinner Stephen Schwartz (Godspell,

Disney’s Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame), and is based on the novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire and adapted for the stage by Winnie Holzman. Musical staging is by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento and the production is directed by two-time Tony Awardwinner Joe Mantello. Wicked begins February 2, 2017 at The Theatre at Solaire, and runs Tuesday-Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m

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EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

11 COMPETITIVE EDGE

ANFLO-UP MOA. January 30, 2017 -- Damosa Land and Anflocor officials sign the Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Philippines for the development of the UP Professional School for Agriculture and the Environment (UPPSAE) in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. This is foreseen to become a center for academic excellence in agriculture, situated at the upcoming mixed-use development of Damosa Land. From left to right: Macy P. Bibat

Ex-DOST chief urges studes to pursue careers in science

FORMER Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is urging students to aim for PhDs (doctoral degree) and to pursue careers in the field of Science. Former DOST chief William Padolina is now the executive director of the Philippines-California Advanced Research Institute (PCARI) project of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). In a workshop organized recently by CHED in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Growth Publishing, Padolina said there is a very severe shortage of scientists in the country. Furthermore, he cited there are only around 90 PhDs here. Speaking in front of 57 high school students and their teachers, Padolina noted they should take advantage of scholarships and aim for PhDs. “During my time, there were no opportunities (scholarships) like those that are available for you these days,” he added. Padolina then gave the students an overview of the PCARI project. According to him, the project was legislated in 2013, but started its actual implementation in 2015. “The PCARI project is a new approach to enhance capacity of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) for research and development (R&D) that translates to technological innovations for addressing societal problems through scholarships and training, as well as research partnerships with highly-ranked research universities in California, USA,” he explained. The project focuses on health innovation and translational medicine, and on information infrastructure

development. CHED said that at present, there are 21 R&D projects funded under the Institute for Health Innovation and Translational Medicine (IHITM) and the Institute for Information Infrastructure Development (IIID). It also said that more than P1 billion budget was allocated for the project’s scholarships and capacity building as of December 31, 2016. Capacity building for R&D trainees included scientific writing, research administration, laboratory management and courseware development. CHED noted that the PCARI project is unique, being a collaborative undertaking for capacity-building of Philippine HEIs and their faculty through research. The project is the government’s response to helping the country be at par with its neighboring countries in terms of having sustainable university-based approach research infrastructure for technological innovation. Meanwhile, Padolina noted that PCARI is hoping to accommodate more slots for scholarships and research projects to be funded. Project proposals are being screened thoroughly, he added. Attendees from the recently-concluded seminar were from Mandaluyong Science High School; Casimiro Ynares Sr. Memorial High School; De La Paz National High School, Binan, Laguna; Mayamot, National High school, Antipolo City; San Roque National High School, Antipolo City; Ismael Mathay Sr. High School, Quezon City; Tanza National Comprehensive High School, Cavite; Bucal National High School, Antipolo City; Trece Martirez City National High School and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. (PNA)

– Business Development Manager – Damosa Land; Ricardo F. Lagdameo – Vice President, Damosa Land; Ricardo R. Floirendo – Senior Vice President, ANFLOCOR; Alfred E. Pascual – President, University of the Philippines; Elvira A. Zamora – Vice President, Planning and Development; and Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. – Chancellor, UP Los Banos

Davao bakers: Baking it sweet for the future A

SIMPLE ceremony marked the conclusion of the first batch of TESDA NC II Training on Baking and Pastry for the new Davao bakers. Held last January 30 at Grand Men Seng Hotel, 25 successful training participants were confirmed as graduates and awarded the National Certificate (NC) II. This livelihood skills training is sponsored by Aboitiz Foundation in partnership with Davao Light and Power Company, TESDA-Davao, and Philippine Baking Institute. Armed with their acquired knowledge and skills, these new bakers from the three good standing partner cooperatives namely Davao Ecoland Small Entrepreneurs Multipurpose Cooperative (DESEMULCO), Association of Differently Abled Persons (ADAP) Multipurpose Cooperative, and Sunshine Farmers and Community Multipurpose Cooperative are now ready to take it to the next level of realizing their dreams of baking for the “sweeter” future of their families and their communities. The journey that they

have undergone to complete the intensive training, pass the accreditation process, and finally get the NC II Certification proving their competence to get employment or establish their own baking business is not a walk in the park. For 10 consecutive Saturdays, they were required to attend the baking class and were tasked to produce actual output for the day ranging from simple bread and rolls to cake baking, decoration, and presentation. On the graduation day, the training graduates proudly re-

ceived their NC II Certificates. They requested to wear graduation toga as most of them were not given opportunity to go to college and did not experience formal graduation rites. Ms. Margarita Pulleda, Chairperson of DESEMULCO and one of the graduates, shared her experiences during the training. She recalled that most of the participants didn’t have the opportunity to graduate and get any certification and that wearing a toga and having a graduation ceremony is a dream come true. She

said that they will all carry the learnings and skills to their new journey. And that, they expressed their sincerest gratitude to Aboitiz Foundation as it continues to support and give opportunities to all its partner cooperatives. For them, Aboitiz Foundation will always be their inspiration to continue to improve their lives. Another inspiring story was about the members of ADAP MPC. Most of the members of this coop are physi-

ture-based automaker also said its group net forecast would be higher than its earlier projection of 1.55 trillion yen at 1.7 trillion yen, although this forecast was a drop of 26.5 percent on year, Toyota said. Toyota has been aggressively trying to cut its costs and widen margins by procuring more parts from local sources and selling on a regional basis in a bid to combat the yen’s appreciation which has been digging into the auto giant’s profits since the U.S. dollar tumbled to 100 yen last year.

Its ongoing restructuring measures since then have been based around the idea that the Japanese currency will average around 107 yen to the U.S. dollar and 118 yen to the euro through March, in comparison to previous projections of 103 yen and 114 yen. Along with other Japanese automakers, Toyota has found itself in the crosshairs of new U.S. President Donald Trump, who is mandating an “America First” economic agenda, and has accused Japan of deliberately devaluing its currency. In addition, Toyota vehi-

cles produced in Mexico and bound for North American markets have vexed Trump, who wants to see more cars produced in the United States. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to meet with Trump later this week and automotive trade is like to be high on both leaders’ agendas. Ahead of the summit meeting in Washington, the Japanese leader met with Toyota President Akio Toyoda on Friday, during which “current affairs” were discussed, according to Toyota. (PNA/ Xinhua)

FDAVAO BAKERS, 13

Toyota’s operating profit drops 32.5% in Apr-December 2016

OYOTA Motor Corp. said Monday its operating profit dropped 32.5 percent from a year earlier to 1.56 trillion yen (USD 13.84 billion) in the April-December period due to a comparatively firm yen impacting its profit margins. The maker of the popular Prius and Vitz models, however, lifted its operating profit outlook for the fiscal year from a previous estimate of 1.7 trillion yen to 1.85 trillion yen, although the figure was down from the previous year by 35.2 percent. The Aichi Prefec-

12 COMPETITIVE EDGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

SSS seeks arrest of doctor, shipping firm president

T STAKEHOLDERS FORUM. Three AboitizPower business units were recognized during the Stakeholder’s Forum and Awarding Ceremony of the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Division of Davao City last January 30, 2017 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, Magallanes Street, Davao City. DepEd gives recognition to their partners in implementing projects that would further improve the country’s public education system. Dr.

Margarita Consolacion C. Ballesteros (rightmost at the back), Director IV External Partnerships Service of DepEd Central Office, handed the Plaques of Commendation to Fermin Edillon of Davao Light and Power Co. (3rd from right), Jason Magnaye of Therma South Inc. (4th from left), and Shari Rule Manlangit of HEDCOR (2nd from right).

DTI chief calls for digital empowerment in PH N

EWLY-CONFIRMED Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez has called for digital empowerment in the Philippines to continue fueling the development of the country’s digital commerce or e-commerce, a key priority in the current trade agenda. “I urge our micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to welcome digital integration,” said Sec. Lopez, adding that now is the perfect timing to rally towards digital empowerment as the Philippine economy experiences strong macro-economic fundamentals, renewed investor confidence and good governance During the recent office opening of Google in Taguig, the trade chief said that “digital integration is a great equalizer,

as it allows MSMEs to gather product ideas and concepts, do market tests and do promotions and selling at practically no cost.” He also said that MSMEs can make use of programs in partnership with companies like Google, so that the sector “can take advantage of opportunities that go with going digital. With vast interest infused in the demography of the Philippines as the world’s social media capital and with 50 million Internet users, accounting for 50% of the country’s total population today, the Philippines can be a model country for digital empowerment, according to him. “I hope that more effective web services, improved search experience and effective advertising platform will be

delivered to all stakeholders. With Google officially in the country, we can only expect production of meaningful local contents,” he added. Citing Statista, it is projected that by 2021, 81% of the country’s population will be Internet users. For the Southeast Asian region alone, the country has the fastest growing Internet audience at 22% growth rate, according to the 2014 Global Web Index, which also found Filipinos having the highest total screen time spent in social networking globally at 3.2 hours. Sec. Lopez also hoped that digital companies can be more inclusive in its business operations and assured that DTI will support initiatives that proactively promote digital inclusion among Filipinos through digital literacy and digital ac-

cessibility. “I urge tech companies to spearhead programs that will empower Filipino consumers with skills to harness the benefits of technology to improve their quality of life,” he said, adding that forging multi-stakeholder partnership among the government, the civil society, the private sector and the academe is an urgent need. Google’s expansion in the Philippines also means creation of more jobs for Filipinos, as country manager Ken Lingan has promised to hire local talents. In addition, with the population getting more connected and easily more engaged, an ecosystem of startups can have more strategic venue, in view of Google’s commitment to grow small businesses online. (PR)

UP Sports Complex located in the UP Mindanao campus. UP President Alfredo Pascual and Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson William “Butch” Ramirez led the Groundbreaking for the Football Stadium Phase 2, the Aquatics Center Phase 1, and the Civil Works for the Football Field and Track Oval that was accompanied by the laying of a Time-Capsule. Groundbreakings were held for UP Mindanao’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) Cultural Complex, the Center for Advancement of Research in Mindanao (CARIM) Building, the Re-

search Development and Extension (RDE) Building, and the Faculty and Staff Housing. This was followed by an Inauguration Ceremony of the Multi-Purpose Human Kinetics Building (Training Gym), highlighted by a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and messages from Chairperson William Ramirez, Mayor Sara Duterte, Congressman Alberto Ungab, former congressman Isidro Ungab, and President Pascual. Earlier in the day, a Parangal para kay President Alfredo E. Pascual was held in honor of the president whose term ends on February 9. Messages and other

forms of appreciation were given by alumnus Sebastian Angliongto, Mayor Sara Duterte through representative Michael Aportadera, faculty representative Larry Digal, union leaders Michael Gatela and Analiza Fulvadora, Obu Manuvu leaders led by Datu Joel Unad, former congressman Isidro Ungab and UP Mindanao Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion. Presentations were given by the colleges, the Koro Kantahanay chorale, and the UP Mindanao Dance Ensemble. The president, in his response, expressed his appreciation to everyone. (PR)

UP-Min achieve 100% passing rate in architecture licensure exams T

HE UP Mindanao Department of Architecture continued its record of achievement with another 100%-passing rate in the January 2017 Architect Licensure Exam. The new architects are Ellen Marie Bebelone, Karl Kevin Bernasor, Amor De Castro II, Patrick Deo Dela Cruz, Mich Lourence Jubelag, Hannah Liza Saquilabon, Alleyne Erika Santos, and Chrystele Santos. In other events, a Groundbreaking, Time-Capsule Laying, and Inauguration Ceremonies were held for sports and academic facilities on February 3 at the Davao City-

HE crackdown against delinquent employers continues as the Social Security System (SSS), in cooperation with Philippine National Police (PNP), served warrants of arrest to a doctor-owner of a dermatology clinic and a president of a shipping company due to non-payment and non-remittance of SSS contributions, a violation of the Social Security Act of 1997. First in line during the issuance of warrants of arrest last February 2 was Dr. Joel C. Mendez, owner of the Weigh Less Center located at Farmer’s Plaza in Cubao, convicted by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and sentenced to a jail term of six years and one day as minimum to seven years as maximum. Based on the decision, Mendez has a total delinquency of P1,865,657.50 representing unpaid contributions from October 2011 to January 2013 with an interest of three percent per month from July 2015 until full payment. The PNP went to Mendez’s residence in Barangay Talipapa, Quezon City to serve the warrant of arrest but he

was not at home. The house helpers said that Mendez now lives in the province. On the same day, a warrant of arrest was supposed to be served on Peter Nicholas M. Toundjis II, President of Niovis Shipping Co. F.A./ El Greco Ship Manning and Management Corporation due to non-payment and non-remittance of SSS contributions. The accused was sentenced to a jail term of six years and one day, and ordered to pay the collectible delinquency and penalties worth P324,122.64. However, Toundjis’ sister claimed that he no longer resides at their registered address at La Vista Subdivision, Quezon City. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Dooc has appealed for public assistance to help locate Mendez and Toundjis II. “They must face the full force of the law. This will serve a strong warning that SSS shall be unrelenting and determined in running after abusive employers who flout the law at the expense of their hapless employees who are our members,” the SSS head said. (PR)

Red Ribbon launches the sweetest treat for Valentine’s Day

AY it with Red Ribbon Valentine Mamon Red Ribbon launches the sweetest treat for Valentine’s Day Love is one of the hardest emotions to express. That is why, oftentimes, it is hard to either show or say it. But, what if you can do both ways for your loved ones this Valentines? This February, Red Ribbon, one of the most loved bakeshop chains in the Philippines, joins its customers in celebrating Valentine’s Day with its new limited edition “Team Kilig” and “Team Hugot” Valentine Mamons that are guaranteed to make this Love Month more memorable. The Red Ribbon Valentine Mamons are made with moist white chiffon Mamon topped with Valentine-themed designs. It comes in two variants, the “Team Kilig” and “Team Hugot.” The “Team Kilig” Mamons are for those who want to give their special someone with Valentine messages that will surely m a k e t h e m

feel the warmth of love. On the other hand, the “Team Hugot” Mamons, which are decorated with witty “hugot” lines, are perfect for those who choose to happily celebrate the occasion even without a special someone. “We know how important Valentine’s Day is to our loyal customers whether they are single or not. These two new Valentine Mamons are our way of making the day for them more memorable and sweeter,” said Ned Bandojo, Head of Marketing of Red Ribbon. Both Team Kilig and Team Hugot Valentine Mamons are topped with unique designs and are packaged in a Valentine’s Day gift box of threes. It is available in all Red Ribbon stores nationwide for P100 per box only. As one of the fastest growing bakeshop chains in the country, Red Ribbon is dedicated to making every celebration more special by offering new, exciting, and delicious lineup of cakes, breads, and pastries. To know more about Red Ribbon’s many delights, visit www.redribbonbakeshop. com.ph. (PR)

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PSEi... FROM 4

line with other currencies in the region given investors focus on the wage rate expansion. The local unit opened the day at 49.74, a bit better

than the 49.80 in the previous session. It traded between 49.76 and 49.68 resulting an average of 49.72. Volume of trade reached

USD 365.9 million, lower than the USD 560.9 million last Friday. The currency pair is seen to trade between 49.70 and 49.90 Tuesday. (PNA)

es protection and law enforcement, investment in the workforce, and research and technology. The improvement of fish ports is also part of the government’s projects for 2017. With a budget of P225 million, the Philippine Fisheries-Development Authority (PFDA) will initiate the construction, rehabilitation, and upgrading of fish ports across the country.

The DA will address the urgent need to build and repair agricultural infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities, with its P12.3 billion infrastructure allocation. Of this amount, some P6.0 billion will be utilized in the construction and repair of farm-to-market roads to connect production areas with commercial hubs Irrigation systems will be expanded and/or extended using the P38.4 billion fund given to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to service additional hectares of farmlands. It will also fund the repair of canal linings, service roads and other irrigation facilities while subsidizing irrigation service fees.

tricity cannot be underestimated as it translates to safety, efficiency, comfort, and progress. Thus, for 2017, the government aims to bring electrical power to 90 percent of households, concentrating on agricultural areas and remote municipalities which are yet to be connected to power grids. Utilizing a budget of P1.8 billion, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) will provide electricity to sitios and households, while off-grid areas will be the focus of the Department of Energy (DOE) which is granted P186 million for this project. For the construction and rehabilitation of transmission lines, the National Power Corporation (Napocor) is given P2.8 billion. The 2017 national budget, the first budget under the Duterte administration, embodies the government’s strategy for real change, one that reaches out to the neglected agricultural workers of the country, so that in the near future, every Filipino farmer and fisherman will be able to provide the needs of his family and enjoy a more comfortable life. (PNA)

Pro-poor... FROM 5

Agriculture Credit and Insurance Support Services The government will continue and improve the credit and insurance services for agricultural workers. Some P2.5 billion is given to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to provide insurance to subsistence farmers and fisherfolk that will suffer losses from natural calamities and other agricultural-related risks. A funding of P811 million from the Agriculture Credit Policy Council will also be used to establish a flexible credit facility for agricultural workers. Agricultural Infrastructure

Agrarian Reform For 2017, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), with an allocation of P9.8 billion, aims to distribute 48,000 hectares of land to farmers and provide technical support services to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries. Rural Electrification The importance of elec-

NEWS13

EDGEDAVAO

PUTTING IT ON RECORD. Task Force Davao commander Colonel Bernard Edward Neri says there was no violation committed in the apprehension of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) consultant Ariel Arbitrario and his companions on

Davao bakers... FROM 11

cally challenged. This did not hinder their determination to finish the course and pass the accreditation. For the whole duration of the training, they were required to stand almost the whole day in crutches and actively participate in the activities. Now, ADAP already started their coop baking business with the support of the

Monday as proper procedures were followed by Task Force Davao personnel. Neri made the statement during a news conference at Public Safety and Security Command Center in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Director Nestor Tabada, TESDA-Davao Provincial Director, mentioned during his message that the NC II ensures the productivity, quality, and global competitiveness of those who holds the certificate. The graduates are now able to either get local or international

employment or establish their own bakery business. On her message for the graduates, Aboitiz Foundation First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Marasigan said that seeing its partners succeed inspires them more to continue what they are doing and help more people help themselves. (PR)

EDGEDAVAO

14 MOTORING

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

Ford opens year with great deals S

EARCH for fortunate deals from Ford Philippines’ financing offers and cash promotions for select Ford vehicles -Everest, Ranger, EcoSport, Fiesta and Focus valid until February 28 at Ford dealerships nationwide. For as low as P 98,000.00 all-in down payment, customers can get their hands on Ford’s best-seller in the country, the Everest midsize SUV. The Everest features outstanding capability, a striking design, and advanced connectivity that makes it one of the smartest vehicles in its segment. Offers as low as P

88,000.00 all-in down payment are available for the segment-defining Ranger. The Ranger continues to build on its ‘Built Ford Tough’ reputation as the most versatile and capable pickup in the market. The EcoSport offers start as low as a P 78,000.00 all-in down payment. The EcoSport remains the country’s best-selling compact SUV, combining the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility, style and ride height of an SUV. Great deals are also available for Ford’s compact cars, including the Fiesta for as low as P 48,000.00

all-in down payment, and a Focus with Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine for as low as P 88,000.00 all-in down payment. Additionally, cash savings options are being of-

fered, including as much as P 90,000.00 for the Everest, P 70,000.00 for the Focus, P 50,000.00 for the Fiesta, and P 30,000.00 for the Ranger. “These fantastic deals

will give Filipino customers even more reasons to buy one of our global Ford vehicles,” said Minnie Valencia-Bustamante, vice president, Marketing and Sales, Ford Philippines.

the initial impact of bumps while also reducing body roll through turns. The Electric Power Steering system has also been recalibrated to offer a more linear response while the brakes now have a firmer, more direct feel. Already known for its quietness, the 2018 Legacy gets improvements to improve cabin comfort even more. The Lineartronic CVT now uses a quieter ultra-short-pitch chain and adjustments have been made to engine timing under acceleration to further reduce powertrain noise. Reshaped door mirrors, a new sound insulating inner glass film on the front side windows, and thicker rear wheel aprons reduce ambient noise for all occupants. Inside, the Legacy benefits from more premium materials and a re-designed center console with an 8-inch touchscreen display. There’s real stitching on the dashboard and door panels along with high-gloss black trim and silver-colored bezels for the various controls. The air conditioning system has also been improved to cool the cabin quicker and more evenly while temperature setting indicators located in the control dials offer more intuitive operation. Building on Subaru’s reputation for safety, the 2018 Legacy is now offered with Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) and Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH). RAB can detect objects in vehicle’s path and convey audible warnings to the driver, including showing distance and position of the object in the

center display screen. EyeSight Driver Assist technology is also available packing technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Vehicle Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Keep Assist. It now adds Blindspot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist too. Finally, automatic door locks have finally made their way on the Legacy.

Subaru Legacy promises excellent driving experience

UBARU’S executive sedan, the Legacy, is getting a nip and tuck just in time for the 2018 model year. Featuring revised styling and improvements to comfort, safety, and infotainment, the Legacy is said to offer an enhanced overall driving experience. Though the Philippines will have to wait until the First Quarter of 2018 to get this new Legacy, it will be arriving in US showrooms by around the middle this year. The Legacy wears a wider, lower grille and new front bumper that aligns it to Subaru’s new brand identity. The hexagonal grille with its d i s t i n c t ive wing el-

ement is flanked by C-shaped headlights that now protrude slightly from the grille. The headlights also now have the “Konoji” daytime LED running lights. LEDs also make their way to the front fog lights while new wheel designs fill in the arches. At the back, the tailpipe is now integrated into the rear bumper adding a premium touch. Under the hood, the 2018 Legacy continues with the same 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engines. That said, Subaru has made improvements to enhance agility, steering and brake feel. The retuned dampers now reduce

All-in packages include free 3-year LTO registration, 1-year comprehensive insurance, and chattel mortgage fees. Financing deals are subject to credit approval.

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

is in need of Marketing Assistant Qualifications: • Graduate of business or any other related courses • Female • With pleasing personality • Fast learner • Can work with minimum supervision

Accounting Clerks (2) Qualifications: • BS Accountancy Graduate • Female • Can work with minimum supervision • Experience of at least one year

Account Executive Qualifications: • BS Marketing Graduate • Male/Female • With pleasing personality Send your application letter and resume to: Ella P. Tingzon HR/Admin Supervisor Edge Davao Review Publishing Inc. Door 14 ALCREJ Bldg., E. Quirino Avenue, Davao City Or email at edgedavao@gmail.com or ella_tingzon@yahoo.com

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

NOT ENOUGH. Parks fired 27 points in a losing effort.

SPORTS 15

What ails Alab Pilipinas? A

LAB translated to English means ablaze or burning. You can add passion to that to aptly mean it. Burning passion. Alab Pilipinas goes by that name. However, the way it has been playing does not speak much of it meaning. A 16-1 ral-

ly by the visiting Saigon Heat wiped out a big 13-point lead by the Filipinos in the fourth quarter. When you squander a lead as big as that, it speaks a lot about heart. Remember that old Ginebra never-saydie spirit? Or the “Laban Pilipinas, Puso” battlecry by the Gilas? Nowhere has the Alab Pilipinas get closer to that fighting attitude.

Ray Parks had another stellar outing but he couldn’t lift Alab Pilipinas against the Saigon Heat who pulled out a 72-65 victory in their ASEAN Basketball League clash on Sunday at the Almendras Gym. Parks top-scored the game with 27 points and also grabbed six rebounds and three assists to fill the statsheet again for the Philippines-based ball-

club. However, that wasn’t enough for them to prevent a meltdown against the visitors. With the loss, Alab Pilipinas fell to 6-4, good for third place in the six-team tournament. Alab Pilipinas will next face the Singapore Slingers on February 12. The big question is: will they have the bite if not the blaze? (NJB)

speak for myself, and I’m not talking about anything,” he said during a media conference in Perth. “I think that was a great way to go out. I couldn’t beat it. I can’t beat that high. Adelaide Oval, it was a great atmosphere, had a lot of drama ... it was awesome.” He was only carrying one physical legacy. “All I had was a shiner on my eye. I think my face shows who the winner was.” Green ‘severely’ concussed from ‘blatant foul’ However, Green revealed that he was “severely” concussed for nearly the whole fight after he was hit by Mundine on the chin and nearly knocked out in the first round, as the referee was trying to break the pair. He described it as a “blatant foul”.

“It’s a very, very hard thing to come back from so early, anytime in the fight to suffer. The referee had both his hands on me, he was actually pulling my right arm away,” he said. “To come back from that, mate, I’m just elated.” Green said he was afraid at the time that Mundine would be disqualified and the fight would be over. “That would’ve been the end of the fight in most cases ... it was a shocking foul but you know, it’s the game and things happen in the heat of the moment,” he said. “Something snapped and it was fear that that was going to finish this way, it terrified me, although I was completely out of it. “I’m just glad it didn’t [end], I wouldn’t want to win that way. The way I won was

far more satisfying.” Green said he was not fully aware of calls from his corner for a five-minute rest following the hit. “I didn’t know whether I was Arthur or Martha. But it’s history, and it probably made it more exciting, especially for the crowd,” he said. He also had more kind words for his long-time rival, after describing him as a “warrior” and a “class act” the day after the bout. “It was a tough fight. Credit to Choc, he put up a good fight and emotion gets the better of you after the fight so I paid him a great deal of respect,” he said. “And you do that — you get emotional, towards your opponent, you become a little bit endeared. “But I won the fight, and everyone saw that.”

Green thumbs down third fight with Mundine

Antique ready for Palaro

NTIQUE Governor Rhodora Cadiao on Monday hailed the successful opening of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) 2017 Meet the previous day as a sign that the province is ready to host the Palarong Pambansa national sports event come April. Cadiao, during the flag-raising ceremony, commended the tribal presentations of municipalities that won in last December’s Binirayan Festival, as well as the fireworks display, during Sunday’s kick-off of the WVRAA meet at the Binirayan Sports Complex here. More than 3,000 officials and athletes from all over the Western Visayas region attended the event. She likewise praised the

performance of school children from San Jose de Buenavista in their Mt. Olympus gods and goddesses costumes as they presented the WVRAA 2017 logo, which was followed by the traditional lighting of the torch. With the start of the sporting event on Monday, Cadiao urged City Hall employees to put their best foot forward as their home province hosts the regional competition. San Jose de Buenavista Mayor Elmer Untaran meanwhile expressed his all-out support for the WVRAA, because it caters to the youth who will one day lead the country in nation building. He said that through sports competitions, youths increase their interaction with one another. (PNA)

The Spaniard missed last year’s grass-court season through injury. Tournament director Stephen Farrow said: “Rafa is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and one of the most p o p u l a r ever to play at the Queen’s Club.”

ANNY Green h a s played down the prospects of a rematch with his boxing rival Anthony Mundine after their controversial bout in Adelaide, while defending the judges’ decision to award him the fight. Green was given the win by the judges on points after Friday night’s cruiserweight bout, but many believed Mundine was the true victor — and there have been calls for a rematch. Mundine himself has suggested he was open to a “good offer”, although he has also questioned whether there was any point in a third fight between the pair. Green said that while some were talking it up, a rematch was unlikely. “No-one speaks for me. I Green’s face was nearly unmarked on Tuesday, despite him having gone the full 10 rounds in a tough, evenly matched battle.

Nadal booked for Wimby warmup AFAEL Nadal will warm up for Wimbledon by playing in the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club in London in June. The 14-time Grand Slam champion will join Britain’s Andy Murray at the event, which Nadal won in 2008 before claiming his first Wimbledon title. “The people that organise the event at Queen’s and the British crowds are fantastic, and it is the best way for me t o be ready for Wimbledon,” he said.

PREPPING FOR LONDON. Rafael Nadal will see action in the Aegon Championship.

Pinoy pug loses to Korean foe

ILIPINO journeyman Nelson Tinampay bowed to veteran Yong Soo Choi of South Korea in a 10th round technical knockout defeat in their interim WBC Eurasia Pacific Boxing Council lightweight title fight held Sunday at the Hilton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea. The 44-year-old Yong, a former WBA World super feather-

weight champion, caused a big damage on Tinampay’s left eye with his jabs in the 5th round and used that leverage to earn the nod of the judges. ”Lumaki na masyado yung bukol sa mata ni Nelson sa 10th round kaya ito pinahinto ng referee (The lump on the eye of Nelson was big in the 10th round so the referee had it stopped) upon the recommendation of the ring

physician,” said Filipino international matchmaker Brico Santig in his text message. Santig of Highland Promotions accompanied Tinampay and trainer Victor Man-on in Seoul in behalf of manager Leonil Lazarito of Bukidnon. Tinampay, a native of Bohol suffered only his third loss against 11 wins, one draw and five knockouts. Yong (31-41-21 KOs)

was in-active in boxing for 13 years after losing by a unanimous decision to Thailand’s Sirimongkhon Iamthuam in their battle for the WBC World super featherweight title held Jan. 13, 2003 in Tokyo, Japan. Yong made a successful comeback April 16 last year by stopping Japanese Kazuya Nakano via an 8th round TKO at the Hoseo High School in Dangin, South Korea. (PNA)

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 251 • WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 ESCANDOR CUP. SBP liaison officer Ronel Leuterio (third from left, seated) with coaches of the 12 participating schools taking part in the 4th Escandor Cup. Photo courtesy of Ronel Leuterio

BIGGER AND TOUGHER Escandor Cup hoopfest opens Feb. 12

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

HE 2017 Escandor Cup returns to action on February 19 at the Davao City Recreation Center with 12 squads competing for the coveted crown. Defending champion Holy Child Learning Center will be back to try to retain their title against archnemesis and twotime champion Ateneo de

Davao University. The other prominent teams are darkhorse Assumption School of Davao and Ford Academy of the Arts. Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) liason officer Ronel Leuterio announced the fourth edition of the annual secondary schools hoopfest aimed at providing high-level

competition among the city’s top varsity squads. SBP Board of Trustee member and regional director Glenn Escandor tapped Leuterio to oversee the tournament as part of the basketball body’s year-round program. This year, public schools Davao City National High

School and Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School are joining the prestigious event for the first time making it more interesting. “Now, it’s going to be more competitive,” said Leuterio. “With the addition of DCNHS and DRANHS which are the top two public school teams in the city, the tourna-

ment is wide open.” Bunched with the Reds in Group B are Ford, Agro Industrial Foundation College, Holy Cross of Davao-Sasa, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National HIgh School and Davao Jones Academy. The Blue Knights meantime will have as groupmates Assumption School of Davao,

Jose Maria College, Emar Learning Center, Davao City National High School and Philippine Women’s College. Each group will play single round robin with the top two squads advancing to the crossover semis. Ties are broken by the winner-overthe-other rule otherwise, the quotient system applies.