Edge Davao 9 Issue 263 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

www.edgedavao.net

BLATANT VIOLATION? An aerial photo taken Sunday (19 Feb 2017) shows widespread siltation problem along the coast where the Hinatuan Mining Company operates in Hinatuan Island, Taganaan town, Surigao del Norte. The firm is among the 14 mining companies in the Caraga Region ordered closed by Environment Secretary Gina Lopez early this month. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

DIRT POOR Regions hosting mining firms among the poorest in RP: study By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ESEARCH group IBON on Thursday unveiled a study showing “highest poverty incidence occurring in mining areas,” contradicted claims of other groups that the closure of large-scale mining activities in the country will further worsen poverty.

Environment Secretary Gina Lopez recently made orders to suspend the operations of at least 75 mining firms in the country. IBON said large-scale mining firms follow an export-oriented character that allows deprivation of communities of potential resources for development. “Mineral extraction and production often incur significant social and environmental costs which in fact fall disproportionately on the poor,” IBON said in its study. In 2009, the research group added, mining had the highest poverty incidence

among industry groups at 48.71%. “This was the highest poverty incidence since 1988, even surpassing the agriculture sector, which has historically topped poverty incidence across industries.” IBON also identified some of the biggest mining operations in the country – to include the Taganito Mining Corp in Surigao; Nickel Asia in Eastern Samar; Sagittarius Mines Incorporated in South Cotabato, Filminera Resources Corp. in Masbate and TVI Pacific Inc in Zamboanga del Sur. Official 2015 poverty sta-

tistics show that regions hosting the above-mentioned mining activities are the poorest, next only to the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), IBON pointed out. “Poverty incidence among individuals in Caraga (Region XIII) is the second highest in the country at 39.1 percent. The Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) posted the third highest poverty incidence at 38.7% followed by Soccsksargen (Region XII) at 37.3%, Bicol (Region V) at 36.0% and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) at 33.9 percent.” IBON also took note on the huge exportation of mineral production, stating that of the total production value in mining in 2015 that was place at P179.7 billion, aroung P131 billion or 73% were all exported.

“The exodus of minerals from the country leaves very little or nothing for local industry to benefit from. This means a lack of raw materials for potential industries such as steel, cement, rubber, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical,” IBON said. The research group also called for the repeal of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 for allowing the extraction and export of most of the country’s mineral wealth while poverty remains stark in regions with mining activities. “The government should not heed the mounting probig-business mining hype and instead focus on saving and utilizing what is left of the country’s resources to genuinely benefit the nation, especially the poorest regions,” IBON said.

Maitum town mayor wanted for murder Pg2

EARTH MOVES

4.6 earthquake rocks city; 2 persons injured Pg3

EDGEDAVAO Sports IN THE HUNT

Davao, Apo golfers within striking distance in Founders race P15

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

MAIN ENTRY. Villagers walk through a hanging footbridge serving as the main entryway from Matina Aplaya to their village. Lean Daval Jr.

CPOC assures incident-free Araw ng Dabaw celebration

HE month-long celebration of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw is guaranteed to be incident-free. PSSupT. Michael John F. Dubria, Director of Davao City Police Office, gave this assurance during the meeting of the city peace and order council at the Grand Men Seng Hotel on Thursday. He took pride at the success of recent important events held in Davao such as the Miss Earth 2016, Philippine Development Forum and the visit of some Miss Universe candidates In his report, Dubria said that all events during the festivity will be monitored. He stressed that more security personnel will be deployed in events that will be held in open areas and those that will have free admissions. These events

include the Misa Pasalamat and 80th Araw ng Dabaw Pasi-ugdang Pagsaulog on March 1, City Hall Employees’ Day on March 14, Mutya ng Dabaw on March 15 and Parada Dabawenyo and Duyog Dabaw on March 16. Checkpoints all around the city will be expected. In cooperation with Task Force Davao, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Transport and Traffic Management Office, Public Safety and Security Command Center of Davao and the 911 Central Unit, the DCPO director is confident that the celebration will be safe for the Dabawenyos and the tourists. Furthermore, new members of the CPO Council were inducted during the meeting. They were Maria Luisa Bermudo of the City Social Ser-

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Muntinlupa court orders Senator De Lima’s arrest

HE Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court handling the drug trafficking charges against Sen. Leila De Lima on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the lady lawmaker and two other co-accused. Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Judge Juanita Guerrero issued the arrest warrant against De Lima and her co-accused, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos and her former driver-bodyguard Ronnie Dayan. They were charged with violation of Section 5 (sale) in relation to Section 3 (jj

trading), Section 26 (b) and Section 28 or the criminal liability of government officials and employees of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. “The court finds probable cause for the issuance of warrants of arrest against all the accused Leila De Lima, Rafael Marcos Ragos and Ronnie Palisoc Dayan,” the court order read. Sought for a comment, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said in an TV interview that they are expecting the arrest warrant to be issued since the charges are strong.

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1,208 drug personalities give up to Gov. Bautista By FUNNY PEARL A. GAJUNERA

TOTAL of 1,208 drug personalities in Davao Occidental have surrendered to authorities on Wednesday after the massive campaign of the local government and security forces to turn the province drug-free. Governor Claude Bautista warned drug personalities under the list of the Malita Municipal Police Station to surrender to authorities. Authorities have a total list of 1,335 drug personalities in the 300 barangays in Malita. But 127 of them have yet to submit themselves to the authorities. Bautista said that he in-

tends to make his province drug free, come March this year. He warned those who continue to defy the law to surrender or face the wrath of the law. “I am undertaking this personally, I know for a fact that I know almost all of them,” he said. “If they refuse to surrender and they will be my only problem here ‘buhay-buhay lang yan’. He explained that he is taking the drug problem in his province seriously to help the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte to eradicate the illegal drugs in the country. The governor even said

that if the drug personalities will resist if apprehended by the authorities, then “your birthday will be change to November 2”. Bautista said that during his talk with Duterte, the latter asked him to help on his campaign against illegal drugs. He then responded with a promise to make Davao Occidental the 1st drug free province in the country. Since last week, the authorities have been conducting massive drug test to the drug personalities of the different municipalities under Davao Occidental. Last week, they launched

UTHORITIES have widened their search for a town mayor in Saragani Province and four other persons who were ordered arrested by a Regional Trial Court in Davao City in connection with the killing of Maitum Mayor George McPherson Perrett three years ago. Teams from the Police Regional Office-12 and the National Bureau of Investigation are currently tracking down incumbent Maitum Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit, who had been tagged as mastermind in the Feb. 28, 2014 ambush that led to Perrett’s fatal cardiac arrest.

Judge Rose Jaugan of the RTC Branch 14 in Davao City issued the arrest warrant with no bail recommended against Reganit and the other suspects based on murder charges filed by prosecutors. The slain mayor’s wife, Elsie, said Thursday a team of police operatives earlier tried to serve the arrest warrant on Mayor Reganit but failed to locate him. She said they have no idea as to the current whereabouts of Reganit, who had filed a leave of absence as Maitum mayor. Maitum Vice Mayor Tito Balazon has assumed as acting

mayor due to the “temporary vacancy,” according to Department of the Interior and Local Government-Sarangani provincial director Flor Limpin. Elsie, who is a also a former mayor of Maitum, urged Reganit to surrender so they could “deal with each other in court.” “If Bryan (Reganit) will not surrender. If he will not show up. That means he is really guilty,” she said in press conference. “Why is he in hiding? Is there something that he doesn’t want people to know?” she added. Perrett, his wife Elsie and

Bautista the campaign in Sta. Maria where thousands of drug personalities submit themselves

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Maitum town mayor wanted for murder A

five aides were on their way home to Barangay Kalaneg in Maitum at around 10:30 p.m. on February 28, 2014 when they were ambushed by unidentified gunmen. The mayor and his companions attended an arts and culture event in the town proper of Maitum and were on their way home when the incident happened. The mayor, who was then driving their Toyota Fortuner sports utility vehicle, and another aide were hit on the leg but Elsie, who is a former three-term mayor of Maitum, and their four other compan-

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

DepEd 11 to assess school buildings safe for children

STRONG QUAKE. This old waiting shed in front of Palma Gil Elementary School in Quirino Street, Davao City collapsed when a magnitude 4.6 tremor struck the city 9:50 a.m. on Thursday. Two persons were injured during the incident. Jermaine dela Cruz

EARTH MOVES 4.6 earthquake rocks city; 2 persons injured By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

WO persons were hurt when a concrete waiting shed in front of the Department of Education building and the Palma Gil Elementary School along Quirino Avenue collapsed on Thursday when a magnitude 4.6 tremor struck Davao City at 9:50 a.m. on Thursday, February 23. Report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the

earthquake’s epicenter was traced 9 kilometers north of Davao City with a depth of 15 kilometers and tectonic in origin. Intensity IV earthquake was actually felt by residents of Davao City while intensity I was also recorded in Kidapawan City, the Phivolcs report added. The quake was also felt in the areas of Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte.

Authorities identified the persons hurt during the quake as Maria Terea Pusta, 43, an employee of Dalas Energy and Petroleum and Fe Yu, 66, a retired teacher and a resident of Buhangin Davao City. The Davao City Police Office said the two victims were hit when the waiting shed collapsed during the earthquake. Another earthquake was recorded by Phivolcs at around

1:16 p.m. on Thursday in the city with a magnitude of 2.9. It epicenter was traced 11 kilometers north of Davao City with a depth of 4 kilometers and tectonic in origin. Intensity III was recorded in Davao City during the second tremor, Phivolcs added. A second and third quake shook Davao City at past 1 o’clock in the afternoon and at 7:18 o’clock last night.

ALACAÑANG on Thursday confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte met with some senators this week but denied allegations that the meeting was meant to pressure the

senators to stop a pending inquiry into the fresh accusations of retired SPO3 Arturo Lascañas. Tuesday’s meeting between Duterte and the senators was confirmed by Presi-

dential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during a press briefing in Malacañang. However, Abella stressed that the case of the retired police officer was not discussed. “There is no truth to the al-

legation of Senator [Leila] De Lima that the senators were pressured by Malacañang with regards to the reopening of the investigation on the DDS (Davao Death Squad),”

EN. Nancy Binay on Thursday slammed fellow Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV for calling her family and Pres. Rodrigo Duterte “corrupt”, saying that both former mayors worked hard for their respective cities. “Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and my father, former vice president Jejomar Binay, were both city mayors who worked hard to make Davao and Makati into progressive cities as they are today,” Binay said in a statement. Binay made these remarks in response to Trillanes’ claim in an interview with CNN Philippines last Tuesday (February 21) that Pres. Duterte is “as corrupt as the Binays.” She said that unlike Trillanes, who according to her, “yaps a lot”, Pres. Duterte and her father “get things done

whenever they speak.” According to Binay, Trillanes “doesn’t have an inch of credibility and yet he talks like a saint.” The senator challenged Trillanes anew to prove that he did not use Senate funds to pay for the salaries of several of his consultants including his brother. “Sana bago magmalinis si Sen. Trillanes ay sagutin muna niya yung pagkuha ng sangkatutak na consultants na binabayaran ng Senado kasama ang kanyang kapatid (Before he pretends to be clean, he should first answer how he got several consultants paid for by the Senate including his brother),” Binay said. Trillanes, a staunch critic of the former vice president, previously said this issue was

Lascañas not discussed during Duterte meeting with senators

Binay slams Trillanes S

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Aboitiz Power Corporation Corporate Branding and Communication SpecialistMindanao Harvey Lanticse hands the adoption fund worth P150,000.00 to Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Salvador during

N-HOUSE teams of the Department of Education in Region XI will conduct rapid assessment of school buildings to ensure the safety of children after a 4.6 magnitude earthquake hit Davao City on Thursday morning, an official said. “Every month, a DepEd team monitors school buildings and receives requests for rehabilitation and repair,” Dr. Warlito E. Hua, DepEd XI Chief of Education Support and Services said when asked what DepEd will do to ensure that schools are safe. Schools also submit construction updates to him and some are instructed to condemn old buildings that are no

longer safe for use, he said. Out of fear, some parents rushed to fetch their children after the quake struck. Hua said that the waiting shed outside the Palma Gil Elementary School in Quirino Street which collapsed and injured two women was built by the city government. (see related story) Central 911’s emergency medical service immediately attended to the two women and three students of V. Corcuera Elementary School in Barangay Panacan who fainted. Hua said DepEd engineers validated the structure and will coordinate with the city as part of their standard operat-

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Pangarap turns 18 Aboitiz calls for eagle conservation By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

N time for Philippine Eagle Foundation’s 30th anniversary, Pangarap, a female Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), adopted by Aboitiz Power Corporation celebrated its 18th hatchday at the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos, Davao City on Thursday. Eagle adoption is part of the efforts of institutions and private individuals to provide support to Philippine Eagle Foundation’s research, rescue, education and other measures to save and protect the Philippine Eagle. Speaking during Pangarap’s hatchday program, Andi Baldonado, PEF Development Manager expressed her hopes that Pangarap would finally be able to produce an offspring since previous efforts were found unsuccessful. Eddie Juntilla, Panagarap’s keeper since 2012, said Pangarap is one of the seven eagles in the center which undergo artifi-

cial insemination (AI) since it showed resistance to mate with male species. He explained, a Philippine Eagle can produce an egg as early as five years old. However, Pangarap was able to produce an egg in 2012 but it was unfertilized due to the absence of a male partner to inseminate the egg. “Through constant visit and really observing the bird’s behavior, then by collecting twigs and leaves to build her nest, slowly, you’ll be able to gain the bird’s trust. Later on she will not show you any aggressiveness anymore,” Juntilla explained in a vernacular language. Juntilla added, he is looking forward to more keepers like him who are willing to conduct artificial insemination and bird-mating as he is the only personnel in PEF who is in charge of the work. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power Corporation Corporate

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Philippine Eagle Pangarap’s 18th hatchday. Pangarap has been under the sponsorship of Aboitiz for seven years. Photo was taken at Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos, Davao City on Thursday. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

4 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

SoCot overall champ of 2017 SRAA meet F

OR the second consecutive year, the South Cotabato Athletic Association emerged as overall champion in the 2017 edition of Region 12 or Soccsksargen Regional Athletic Association meet. Team South Cotabato topped the elementary and secondary divisions en route to a 715-point score as the five-day regional games ended Wednesday afternoon at the Cotabato Sports Complex in Amas, Kidapawan City. “(The overall championship) was our target from the start and we we’re able to accomplish that,” said Alex Floro, Department of Education (DepEd)-South Cotabato sports coordinator. He said this year’s win was “historic” as they finally cracked General Santos City’s dominance in secondary division in the last four years. The province’s 94-point lead over this city, which they settled anew for second place with 621 points, was a huge improvement from the 81 points last year, he said. Cotabato Province finished third with 527.5 points, followed by Koronadal City with 331, Sarangani Province with 224, Kidapawan City with 214.67; Sultan Kudarat with 162.5, Tacurong City with 80.67, and Cotabato City with

92.5. South Cotabato emerged as champions in sepak takraw, football and volleyball in elementary boys, and gymnastics and athletics in elementary girls division. In the secondary division, it topped in archery, baseball, volleyball and wrestling in the boys category, athletics, basketball, billiards, sepak takraw, softball, wrestling and wushu in the girls category. Floro credited the performance of their athletes to the 20-day intensive training prior to the regional meet. He said they will immediately process the release of the P860,000 cash incentive allotted by the provincial government of South Cotabato, through the Special Education Fund, for the winning athletes. The incentive will be pro-rated to the winners, depending on the medal received, he said. Floro said athletes who qualified for the Palaronhg Pambansa will take a break for about a month before embarking on another 30-day intensive training. The training, which will be supervised by DepEd Region 12, will start on March 20 at the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City. (PNA)

ARMM, LGU to jointly remove Lanao del Sur from‘poorest’list

FTER long years of government neglect, the people of Lanao del Sur can now see change is indeed coming after officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the provincial government have started mapping out anti-poverty strategies that will remove the province from the list of country’s poorest, an official said Thursday. Officials eye a two-year projection to attain the goal, according to ARMM Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman. Hataman presided over a special cabinet meeting and

consultation on Wednesday attended by regional and provincial officials where updates on anti-poverty projects’ status as well as accomplishments for fiscal year 2016 were discussed. Based on first quarter 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the latest available, showed Lanao del Sur was the poorest province in the Philippines with 74.3 percent poverty incidence. Presided by the ARMM Regional Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr., the consultation also discussed areas where

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SARANGANI IN SRAA. Sarangani Schools Division Superintendent Isagani dela Cruz (center) hoists the Sarangani banner together with other provincial delegation representatives at the opening rites of SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet 2017 at Cotabato Provincial Sports Complex

in Amas on February 18. The SRAA Meet was participated in by athletes from South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City, Kidapawan City and North Cotabato. (Jake Narte/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Region-wide transport strike looms in Northern Mindanao

RANSPORT organizations in Northern Mindanao are preparing to join a planned nationwide transport strike on February 27, a transport leader said Wednesday. Joe Gabatan of the Solidarity of Transport in Region 10 (STAREX), said that the STAREX would join the local Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) in the nationwide strike that might last for three days. He said that all transport organizations in Northern Mindanao that include taxicab drivers and operators, public utility jitneys, passenger buses, and all other public utility transport vehicles would join the mass

action here. Aside from demanding the rollback of the prices of oil, the local transport group would also demand the reconsideration of the phasing out of old public utility vehicles, Gabatan said. He said that Land Transportation Office (LTO) has earlier pushed for the elimination of the old PUJ, which the drivers and jitney operators are vehemently resisting. “What would happen to our livelihood, if the old PUJs would be eliminated?” Gabatan asked. He said that all PUJs, running in the streets and elsewhere in the city of Cagayan De Oro and in Misamis Oriental, would certainly be abolished if

the new LTO directive would be implemented. Gabatan said that the transport group would conduct a city and a region wide information campaign on Saturday to persuade all transport operators and drivers to join the transport strike Monday next week. The information campaign would also urge the commuters, workers, employees, and students to support the transport stoppage and ask them to stay home during the duration of the strike. The strike might last for two or three days, depending on the consensus of the transport operators, drivers, and stakeholders that would be known in a scheduled meeting on Saturday, Gabatan said.

Gabatan, however, assured the public that emergency vehicles like ambulances and those engaged in rescue operations would not be affected by the transport strike. “We would also discourage and disallow any attempt to throw ‘spikes’ and blunt objects on the street that might cause flat tires that might hamper vehicles for emergency transport,” Gabatan said. He said that the wives and family members of the transport groups in Northern Mindanao had already expressed support of the transport strike after receiving calls and communication that the nationwide transport strike would push through Monday next week. (PNA)

strong opposition when news broke out that police scalawags from the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) will be sent to ARMM as punishment, has changed stance after PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa explained that the

transfer was routinary in the PNP ranks. The regional governor earlier urged Dela Rosa not to make ARMM a dumping ground of corrupt police officers. “My stance remains that ARMM is not a dumping ground

for corrupt police officers but since it was an internal exchange program among PNP personnel, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt...we will welcome them here, hoping they will reform,” Hataman told

Mujiv hopes‘rogue’cops sent to ARMM will reform for good

EGIONAL Governor Mujiv Hataman has expressed confidence the 60 police “scalawags” sent to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be reformed. Hataman, who expressed

Tagum reaps ASEAN benefits; eyes hosting of ASEAN games

T LCP BOARD MEETING. General Santos City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera presides over the 61st National Executive Board Meeting (Expanded) of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) Tuesday, February 22, at Greenleaf Hotel

Gensan. In celebration of Kalilangan Festival 2017, General Santos City hosted the national executive board meeting of LCP where Mayor Rivera is national vice chairman. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

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AGUM City is also reaping benefits from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) activities even if it is still one city away from Davao City, where most of the regional cooperation meetings are conducted. For one, Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon said most visitors of Davao City also find their way to this city to discover other opportunities. Davao del Norte is home to big plantations of banana, the top export product of the country. Rellon said they are feeling the positive socio-economic effects of Davao City’s hosting of ASEAN meetings. In fact, they also complement in terms of providing security.

“We actually complement Davao City,” he told reporters in a press conference for the opening of the ASEAN Kiosk at Big 8 Hotel on Wednesday afternoon. He said Tagum also attracts visitors, who arrive through Davao City. Some of them stay in Davao City hotels. One of the biggest ASEAN event - the 6th ASEAN Boy Scout Jamboree will be hosted by Davao del Norte province in Tagum. This will be attended by about 5,000 boy scouts from ASEAN-member countries and the Asia-Pacific. There are two other big events that Tagum is hosting in March: the Five in One Activity

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5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

DICT cracks down on hoarders of frequencies

HE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has warned that it will not tolerate the hoarding of frequencies which might compromise the quality of mobile communications in the country. DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima said a recent audit of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) showed that a number of establishments have not been using or paying the required fees for their frequency spectrums. “We reiterate that warehousing of spectrums will not be allowed for speculative purposes. Frequencies should only be necessary for their operations. Enough frequencies should be allocated to new players in the telco industry,” Salalima said during the media briefing for the first Philippine Telecommunications Summit held Wednesday in Quezon City. For his part, DICT Undersecretary Jorge Sarmiento said there is enough number of unassigned frequencies that may be allocated to a third or fourth player in the local telco industry based on the study of the NTC. Data from the NTC showed that unused frequencies are held by Sears Tele-

coms (410 MHz); Teodoro N. Romasanta, Inc.(TNRI) and Twilight (700 MHz); RBC, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Uniden Philippines, Inc., Liberty Broadcasting Network, Inc. (LBNI), Worldwide Comms., Inc., (800 MHz) and Bayantel (2500 MHz); Easy Call Communications Philippines, Inc.; AZ Comm; Multimedia Telephony, Inc., Broadband Everywhere Corp.; and Radio Marine Network, Inc. (3400 MHz); and TN Rosanna and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) (10 Gigahertz). Furthermore, Sears, MMDA, TNRI, Trilight, RBC, Uniden, LBNI, Worldwide Comms., Inc., have unpaid spectrum user fees. DICT Sec. Salalima said the NTC has the right to recall frequencies for reassignment to existing telco companies or bid them out to new players. NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba has earlier said the agency aims to conduct an auction of unused and unassigned frequencies by the middle of the year as it seeks to open the telco industry to new mobile service providers. Cordoba said several telco companies have expressed interest in bidding for the unassigned frequencies. (PNA)

5 teams to conduct review of DENR orders T

HE multi-stakeholder Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC) is forming five technical groups that will conduct an “objective, fact-finding, science-based” review of the orders issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the closure or suspension of 28 mine sites across the country. Such a review will be conducted over a three-month period, beginning this March, by the five groups consisting of “technical review experts” who, for the sake of objectivity, “shall be independent and [have] no known conflict of interest” with the mining sector or any anti-mining nongovernment organization, according to the organization-

al framework adopted by the MICC’s TWG during its first meeting earlier this week. Under the organizational framework, these five groups or technical review teams (TRTs) will go over the compliance of the 28 mine sites with applicable agreements, submissions, laws and regulations and impact of their operations, taking into account five aspects agreed upon during the Feb. 20 meeting of the TWG. Each TRT shall cover these five aspects that involve the 1) technical, 2) legal, 3) social, 4) environmental, and 5) economic (including the effect on agricultural reform areas) impacts of the mining operations. “This [review] it’s pursuant to Executive Order 79, and our thrust, and as required, ev-

ery two years, the MICC should review the mining operations,” Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin told the media after the MICC multi-stakeholder review meeting. “The MICC is supposed to do every two years a multi-stakeholder review. So that’s what we are doing.” He said the TRTs will begin the review by focusing on the 28 mine sites suspended or shut down by the DENR. The DENR ordered last Feb. 2 the closure of 23 mine sites and the suspension of operations of five others across the country. A week later, it ordered the cancellation of 75 mineral production sharing agreements (MPSAs) still in the pre-operation stage that the government had forged with mining companies.

“The review shall take off or refer to the existing reports conducted by the DENR’s audit team and Technical Review Committee along with existing laws, rules and regulations,” said Agabin, who heads the Legal Affairs Group and Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) of the Department of Finance (DOF). He said the DENR will make its audit findings available for the TRTs to review. The five TRTs will tap the academe and will engage experts from State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to help conduct the review, he said. For the technical part of the review, the MICC will tap either a geologist, mining engineer or a metallurgical engineer from the private sector,

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DOE enforces strict policies for RP electric cooperatives

HE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has assured that measures are in place to ensure that power supply agreements (PSAs) and other contracts entered into by electric cooperatives (EC) are legal and above board. ”The NEA is focused on ensuring that all dealings of the ECs are fair and transparent and reflect the Duterte Administration’s commitment to implement pro-people reforms,” said NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong. The agency, he said, has already formulated policies and will soon implement guidelines for the competitive selection process of PSAs and ECs. “These efforts are consistent with the directives of President Rodrigo Duterte and Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who want us to prioritize the welfare and interests of power consumers,” Masongsong added. The NEA chief stressed that this move is necessary to ensure that ECs observe the appropriate procurement procedures, including transparent and competitive bidding in the conduct of their operations. ”We believe that this will

deter contract rigging and foster efficient, transparent and public competition in the power supply procurement of the ECs, thereby lowering the costs of EC operations and ultimately benefiting consumers,” he said. The policies are pursuant to Republic Act 10531, or the National Electrification Administration Reform Act of 2013, which authorizes and empowers the NEA to develop, set and enforce institutional and governance standards for the efficient operation of ECs. Based on those guidelines, ECs are directed to submit terms of reference in their power supply procurement or their PSAs for review and approval of the NEA prior to the publication or posting of their invitations to bid. Bidding procedures are also to be conducted in open and public venues that encourage audience attendance and the participation of local government units (LGUs), non-government offices, and business groups within the coverage area of the EC. Video documentation of the proceedings is required by the NEA. (PNA)

SELLING KITES. A hawker stands at the center of the traffic to sell kites along E. Quirino Ave., Davao City yesterday. Whenever kites are sold in the city’ streets indicates that summer season is just around the corner. Lean Daval Jr

AirAsia reconnects Clark - Davao with 4 flights weekly

IRASIA today announced it will reconnect flights from Clark International Airport in Pampanga with four flights weekly to Davao starting 22 April. The airline which has been awarded the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for eight consecutive years has earlier said it will also restart Clark-Kalibo flights

on 27 March. “We are re-affirming our commitment to make air travel more affordable, convenient, and accessible to travellers outside Metro Manila. We are thrilled to be painting Clark skies red again and connect Central and Northern Luzon to domestic cities and to the country’s best island des-

Flight Schedule for Clark (CRK) – Davao (DVO)

tinations,” Captain Gomer Monreal, Director for Flight Operations said at the formal launching ceremonies held in Midori Clark Pampanga. AirAsia launched commercial flights from Clark in March 2012 before transferring its hub to Metro Manila following a strategic partnership with a local carrier

Flight Number

From

Departure

Arrival

Frequency

Z2481

CRK

DVO

8:20

10:10

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Z2480

DVO

CRK

6:05

7:55

Flight Number

From

Departure

Arrival

Frequency

Z2 100

CRK

KLO

12:00

13:10

Monday, Tuesday and Friday

Flight Schedule for Clark (CRK) – Kalibo/Boracay (KLO)

Z2 101

KLO

CRK

13:35

14:45

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Monday, Tuesday and Friday

in 2013. AirAsia has since been operating on a much larger scale with a fleet of 14 aircraft from Metro Manila and has expanded its domestic and international network with flights from hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo. AirAsia also flies to Davao from Manila while flights from Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan to Davao will commence on April 22. To celebrate its return to Clark, AirAsia is offering promo fares to Davao from as low as P1,299, all-in, and up for grabs now until February 26 at www.airasia.com for travel period between April 22 to August 31, 2017. Keep up-to-date with AirAsia’s latest promotion and activities via Twitter (@AirAsiaPH), Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsiaPhilippines), Instagram (@AirAsiaPh), and on Viber public chat (@AirAsiaPh).

6 ECONOMY

LOPEZ ASSURES TRADE AND INDUSTRY GROWTH TO US-PHILIPPINES SOCIETY. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez (top row, 4th from L) recently (21 February) urged the US-Philippines Society board members to continue contributing towards the development of Philippine business and economy. During the organization’s 5th Anniversary Meeting and Business Mission in Makati, Sec. Lopez shared the developments initiated by the government on trade, investment and industry, adding that the Philippines is experiencing a period of manufacturing resurgence. The technology-driven sectors, such as Information Technology (IT) and

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) are also given importance as DTI is geared towards generating more jobs on programming, app development and information and technology. He also highlighted the government’s advocacy in empowering the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We want to raise an ecosystem where businesses would capitalize on their ideas. This way, they could create more value adding products that would differentiate ours to the rest of the world,” he said. The Philippines is also pushing for the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive and Economic Partnership (RCEP), which will expand ASEAN’s market through its six

Dialogue Partners. Also joining the secretary were Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III (top row, 5th from L), Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia (top row, 3rd from R) and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno (top row, 2nd from R), with executives of the member organizations and companies of the USPhilippines Society, including founder Ambassador John Negroponte (top row, leftmost) and its co-chair Manny V. Pangilinan (top row, 4th from R) and Honorary Chair Washington Sycip (bottom row, center).

DOE: Consumers should be free to choose their power provider C

Upbeat Wall Street boost PSEi, peso little changed vs US dollar

HE Department of Energy said Thursday consumers should have the freedom to choose their power provider. The department made the statement after the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order against the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), a key provision of Republic Act

9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or EPIRA. In a news release, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the DOE is duty-bound to implement the law, which seeks to uphold the freedom of choice of consumers and to promote market competition. “The provisions in the EPIRA mandate the DOE to ensure the security, reliability

and availability of transparent and reasonably-priced electricity in the country. One of the provisions of the law is the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access, which allows consumers to directly contract power supply from licensed retail electricity suppliers,” he said. Cusi noted that the spirit of the RCOA is to give the consumers the freedom of choice,

which would result in higher productivity for them, and the power of choice can only be maximized when there is a level playing field for all suppliers. ”It is hoped that whatever the decision by the Supreme Court, it will redound to the ultimate benefit of the consumers, which is really the intent and the spirit of RCOA,” the energy chief said. (PNA)

thize with those abducted, we are deeply concerned that the bane of piracy in the Sulu Sea has affected our international trade leading to revenue losses for the ARMM regional government, which owns and operates Polloc Port,” Mastura said in a statement in reaction to the latest piracy incident. The latest piratical attack which happened this week was on a Vietnamese ship headed for Polloc Port. The bulk carrier Giang Hai was attacked by armed pirates in the Sulu Sea, some 20 nautical miles north off Pearl Bank in Tawi-Tawi province, which is part of ARMM. The vessel was carrying 4,500 tons of cement from Indonesia destined for Polloc Port, when it was approached by a motor boat with heav-

ily armed men who tried to cross the route of the vessel.

One of the 25-man crew member was killed while seven were abducted. They include Indonesian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Dutch, German and Japanese nationals. Reports said 17 others were rescued by the Philippines Coast Guard, which then pursued the attackers. Hexan Mabang, Polloc Port manager, said this latest act of piracy prompted several shipments of cement and other cargo to be suspended as shippers refused to charter vessels passing the Sulu Sea headed for Polloc Port and other ports in Mindanao. Christopher Lu, a local investor registered with RBOIARMM who was expecting

a cargo shipment of wood chips and sundry bulk cargo from Malaysia and Indonesia, said the shipper refused to proceed after learning of the latest attack. Meanwhile, Haron Bandila of the ARMM Business Council also expressed alarm over the possible effects of piracy in the Sulu Sea to the ongoing peace process between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is based mainly in mainland Mindanao. “I am afraid that talking with just the MILF cannot resolve the piracy in the Sulu Sea. The MILF leadership and following are not Tausugs so how can they understand what the Tausug pirates want and bring them to the fold of the peace process?” Bandila asked. (PNA)

growth projection is the lower end of the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent target for this year. In 2016, GDP grew by 6.8 percent, near the upper end of the government’s six to seven percent target. The report said gross domestic product (GDP) continues to be fueled by “solid consumption and investments.” “A growing middle class

continues to support domestic demand,” it said. Private consumption is seen to get additional support from the weakness of the peso against the dollar since depreciation of the local unit against the greenback translates to higher peso value of remittances. However, S&P said risks from the “potential decline in confidence due to global market and/or geopolitical

uncertainty, on top of the previous risks related to a sharper-than-expected downturn in China’s growth” remain. Inflation is seen to “significantly” rise this year due to strong domestic growth and the possible approval of the government’s proposal to hike excise taxes on fuel and vehicles. ”But given the low starting point, it is not a big concern,” it said. (PNA)

Sulu piracy affects ARMM’s int’l trade I

NVESTMENT officials in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) expressed alarm over piracy attacks in Sulu as international trade at Polloc Port in Parang, Maguindanao is affected. The port, situated within the ARMM Economic Zone in Barangay Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao, serves as the major gateway for international trade in the ARMM and mainland Mindanao. Lawyer Ishak Mastura, ARMM Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) chair, said reports have reached his office from the port management and ARMM investors that international shipping to Polloc has been put on hold due to piracy in the Sulu Seas. “While we mourn the tragic loss of life and empa-

S&P eyes 6-6.5% GDP growth for PH this 2017

EBT rater Standard & Poor’s (S&P) forecasts an average growth of between six to 6.5 percent for the Philippine economy this 2017 given the strong expansion of consumption and investments. “GDP growth of six percent to 6.5 percent is still easily achievable for the Philippines,” it said in report released Wednesday. The upper end of S&P’s

ONSOLIDATION was up Wednesday resulting to the sideways close of the Philippine peso to a US dollar while the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) tracked improvements in Wall Street. The local currency finished the day at P50.23, little changed from the P50.25 Tuesday but still at its more than 10-year low. It opened the day at P50.22, and ranged between P50.20 and P50.28. This resulted to a P50.24 average for the local currency during the day. A trader said investors stayed at the sidelines ahead of the release later in the day of the minutes of Federal Open March Committee’s (FOMC) meeting last January 31 to February 1. With this factor, the currency pair is seen to trade between P50.20 and P50.40 Thursday.

The PSEi rose 0.30 percent, or 21.77 points, to 7,304.45 points, buoyed partly by the robust trading in Wall Street, the trader said. The trader, however, cited that net foreign selling remained as investors withdraw some funds and repatriate it to the US, among others. All Shares followed with a 0.16 percent, or 7.12 points, rise to 4,411.71 points. All the sectors registered hikes with Mining and Oil leading the pack with a 1.34 percent rise. Property came in second with 0.83 percent increase followed by Holding Firms, 0.22 percent; Services, 0.21 percent; Financials, 0.14 percent; and Industrial, 0.01 percent. Volume totaled to 1.07 billion shares amounting to P7.25 billion. Decliners led losers at 101 to 88 while 52 shares were unchanged. (PNA)

PCOO mulls accreditation policy for bloggers, social media practitioners

HE Presidential Communications Operations Office is looking to establish an accreditation policy for bloggers and social media personalities to promote responsible use of the platform and dissemination of reliable and truthful information. During the #AllMediaPH town hall forum in Quezon City on Thursday, PCOO Assistant Secretary Christian Ablan presented the agency’s draft policy, which sets rules on the accreditation of social media users and publishers who wish to cover Malacañang events. The move comes after President Rodrigo Duterte gave the green light for bloggers and social media personalities to attend Palace press briefings and other related activities in a meeting last week. Social media publishers who wish to apply for accreditation must be at least 18 years old and above for individuals while groups, partnerships or corporations must be registered with the Securities and

Exchange Commission or the Department of Trade and Industry. Applicants must have an accessible social media page, blog or website whose purpose is to disseminate original news and/or opinion of interest, with at least 1,000 followers or subscribers and has published regularly and consistently for one year. The applicant’s publications must be independent from any government-affiliated institution or organization. Applicants must also not be involved in prosecuting any claim against the government. Applications may be filed at the Social Media Office to be created by the PCOO and shall be processed within 10 working days. The accreditation will be valid for six months. When asked if there will be a payment for the accreditation, Ablan said the procedure is free of charge. “Accreditation is free and voluntary. We will not collect any fees,” Ablan noted. (PNA)

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

Two 15-minute power interruptions on February 26 in Lasang, Panabo

AVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct two 15-minute power interruption on February 26, Sunday, from 12:00 AM up to 12:15 AM and from 7:00 AM to 7:15 AM affecting customers connected to Bunawan Feeder 2. These service disruptions will be necessary to transfer the load from the Bunawan feeder 2 to nearby lines to facilitate relocation of poles affected by the road widening project of the DPWH. Specifically affected are customers from crossing Li-

canan Lasang to J.P. Laurel, Panabo City. Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of these scheduled power interruptions. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances. Please contact our 24/7 Call Center Service at 2293572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given indicated schedule. (PR)

Security Bank biz matching registers almost 200 meets

EARLY 200 meetings among clients of Security Bank Corporation (Security Bank) and Japan’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) were held during the one-day business matching event in Makati Shangri La Wednesday. Businessmen who attended the matching are from various sectors such distribution and manufacturing of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), healthcare and medical equipment, real estate development, agriculture and seafood products. Security Bank President and CEO Alfonso Salcedo Jr. said its tie-up with Japan’s largest lender and among the world’s leading financial entity enables the local bank’s clients to have access to more foreign investors. ”Our partnership with MUFG helps facilitate cooperation and provides access to the global marketplace for

our clients; our combined strengths now serve as an avenue for Japanese and Filipino businesses to meet and discuss how to further develop opportunities that will help our economies,” he said. MUFG Manila Branch General Manager Tadahiro Miyamoto said the Tokyo-headquartered bank’s partnership with Security Bank allows it to further widen access both for Filipino and Japanese businessmen. He said the “Philippine market is very important to MUFG” and that the partnership “helps us better reach out to local corporates here and support Japanese investment within the country.” ”By jointly hosing this first-ever networking session, we hope to foster new relationships and contribute to greater business collaboration between companies from both countries,” he said. (PNA)

Gov’t., Coke to provide clean water to localities

SUBSIDIARY of beverage firm Coca-Cola Company has committed technical and funding support for the installation of water access technology to water-scarce communities in the country over the next four years. Coca-Cola Far East, Ltd (CCFEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Agriculture (DA) wherein the former would provide water-poor communities access to clean water under its Coca-Cola Agos project. “(This) will serve as the means to help achieve CCFEL’s water replenishment commitments and the DA’s promotion of small farmers’ development,” said Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol. Under the MOU, the DA will identify the beneficiaries through the Special Areas for Agricultural Development (SAAD), a project intended to increase food production and alleviate poverty in the 10 prov-

inces. The CCFEL, for its part, will assist the DA in the social preparation and capacity-building of the community in terms of maintaining the water facility, proper caring for the natural water resource environment, and organizing water association. The community beneficiaries will come from the country’s 10 marginalized provinces that have existing natural sources of water that are difficult to access for agricultural use. “We need to have good farmers who are willing to organize a water association; willing to undergo various capacity-building and trainings; and willing to participate in any post-project evaluation and documentation activities,” Piñol said. The agriculture chief said a team from the DA will work closely with CCFEL to provide technical expertise all throughout the project implementation. (PNA)

NEA sets 5-pt. agenda for RP’s electrification T

HE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has presented its five-point agenda that is consistent with President Rodrigo Duterte’s socio-economic agenda. During the “Huntahan” media relations convocation at the NEA head office in Quezon City on Tuesday, NEA chief Edgardo Masongsong said first in its agenda is total electrification, not only of industrial areas but also of the countryside. Currently, he said, only 90 percent of Luzon, 85 percent of Visayas and 78 percent of Mindanao are enjoying electricity.

Next in its agenda is power availability at all times, he said, noting that although some parts of the country have adequate power supply, some power plants are aging and there have been incidents wherein electricity rates shot up due to unexpected shutdowns of other power plants. NEA hopes to strike a balance between supply and affordable power costs, he said. Third in the agency’s agenda is power reliability, the NEA chief said, pointing out that an adequate power supply is not enough. Power also needs to be stable and distributed

evenly and at the ideal voltage requirements, he added. System efficiency is fourth in NEA’s agenda, he said, explaining that some distribution utilities need to upgrade their power lines, transformers and facilities to prevent system loss, the cost of which is ultimately passed on to consumers. Cheap electricity rates is fifth in the agency’s agenda, Masongsong said, adding that although this is challenging, NEA together with electric cooperatives (ECs) will exert its best effort to make electricity rates affordable for consum-

ers.

Masongsong further said that NEA aims to complete the National Rural Electrification Program; intensify its capacity building program for ECs; prioritize the empowerment program for electric consumers; carry out its corporate governance program; strengthen networking and linking up with policymakers to ensure that the necessary legislative agenda benefits NEA, ECs, and electric consumers; and prepare NEA’s possible decentralization in case of a shift to a federal form of government. (PNA) STRENGTHENED SERVICES. From left to right, Chris Papa, Dell EMC Channels General Manager; Ronnie Latinazo, Dell EMC Country General Manager; Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer; Nico Alcoseba, PLDT VP & Head of Disruptive Business Group strengthen their partnership to better offer valuable business solutions to customers in the Philippines. (ePLDT Photo)

ePLDT, Dell EMC strengthen partnership to optimize enterprise services

PLDT, Inc., an industry-leading enabler of digital business solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, recently penned a strategic partnership with Dell EMC to align their strengths and technical expertise in offering transformational business value to clients in the country. With the partnership, ePLDT and Dell EMC will be able to simplify enterprise processes for customers through robust solutions— from a single vendor consortium with a single point of contact. According to ePLDT Group COO Nerisse Ramos,

digital transformation is shaking up enterprises in the country, making dynamic digital infrastructure imperative to staying ahead of the competition. For ePLDT to accelerate the delivery of these solutions, engaging in a partnership with like-minded IT innovators such as Dell EMC is “more important than ever.” “As one of the premier system integrators in the country, ePLDT leverages on continuous product and service innovation to give customers a competitive advantage in the market,” Ramos said. “This is why the partnership with Dell EMC is a strategic fit. Together, we will deliver solutions that

are relevant and meaningful to enterprises and empower businesses with best practices that are at par with international standards.” Chris Papa, Dell EMC Channels General Manager, emphasized both the companies’ commitment in “architecting unique IT solutions geared towards helping customers achieve their business objectives and more.” He said, “Dell EMC is passionate about providing our customers with a comprehensive IT ecosystem – from edge to core to cloud. Our partnership with ePLDT, an industry leader in digital innovation and one of the premier sys-

tem integrators in the country, further expands our leadership in navigating Philippine IT landscape, identifying the right solution to address customers’ needs, and help them innovate and move idea or concept to a robust deployment.” Dell EMC is a subsidiary of Dell Inc., which offers a trusted foundation for businesses to transform IT through the creation of hybrid cloud and transform business through the creation of cloud-native applications, and big data solutions. Know more about ePLDT, Inc. through its website at www.epldt.com. (PR)

engaging good business practices and ensuring the welfare of consumers,” DTI-Davao Regional Director Maria Belenda A. Ambi said. Of the 22 establishments, 15 were bronze awardees namely: NCCC Supermarket – LTS Supermarket, Inc. (IGaCos, Davao del Norte), Tagum Commercial and Realty Corporation (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Gaisano Center Tagum – Supermarket (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), Choice Mart by NCCC – LTS Supermarket, Inc. (Tagum City, Davao del Norte), ER Superstore, Inc. (Baganga, Davao Oriental), Rods Mar-

keting (Cateel, Davao Oriental), Buena Central (Mati City, Davao Oriental), Oreal Paint and Hardware (Digos City, Davao del Sur), MCM Villamor Marketing Corporation (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Digos Newton Marketing (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Davao Central Convenience Store – Purok 1 (Nabunturan, Compostela Valley), Davao Central Convenience Store – Purok 9 (Nabunturan, Compostela Valley), Davao Central Convenience Store – Purok 7 (Nabunturan, Compostela Valley), BMP Surebuild Hardware, Inc. (Nabunturan, Compostela Valley) and O2 Builders – Mawab

(Mawab, Compostela Valley). Meanwhile, the silver awards were given to the following: Puregold Price Club, Inc. – Magugpo Central (Tagum, Davao del Norte), Citihardware Gensan, Inc. (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Full House Hardware – Vinzon (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Full House Hardware – Aurora (Digos City, Davao del Sur), Puregold Price Club, Inc. – Digos City (Digos City, Davao del Sur), NCCC LTS Department Store, Inc. – Nabunturan (Nabunturan, Compostela Valley), Puregold Price Club, Inc. – Davao City (Davao City). (DTI-11/LTC/jmm)

22 firms receive with Bagwis Seal of Excellence Award

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Davao Region has conferred a total of 22 new business establishments with the Bagwis Award in the second semester of 2016. The Bagwis Award is given to establishments that strictly adhere to various consumer laws, maintain a consumer welfare desk (CWD) and provide quality customer care. “DTI has continued its efforts to campaign for more establishments to be accredited in this program and many have shown interest to apply as this foster balance between

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

EDITORIAL

Alternative steps

HE tragic field trip that claimed 13 lives in Tanay, Rizal should serve as a lesson to all schools nationwide—make alternative steps to field trips. The Bestlink College tragedy is not about road safety or road worthiness of public transport. It is about making relevant steps towards implementing course requirements without having to require students to travel beyond school territory. Granting that the students of Bestlink or any school for that matter were to undergo survival and medical training as required by the NSTP, there are so many ways to do the same without having to do it out of premises. One solution is to request institutions with capability to handle training like the local Disaster and Risk Management Council, Philippine National Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and the military, to bring their registered trainors and training officers to conduct the same inside the campus.

EDGEDAVAO

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That wouldn’t require moving out of the school environment. The Tanay incident is a wakeup call for schools to consider the risk and the cost of holding field trips. In Davao City, busloads of students arrive almost everyday for field trips to places of interest. These commercial buses are even in far worse condition than the one that crashed in Tanay. It’s about time these buses hired for field trips pass the requirements as special public conveyance for field trips where children are passengers. That issue on buses aside, there are many ways to do educational activities other than by doing field trips. It only needs a solid policy and commitment to student safety as well as avoiding extra expenses for parents. We dread the day that school field trips will be akin to the Lakbay Aral travels of politicians, whose purpose anything but learning. ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

JIMMY K. LAKING Associate Editor PHILIPPINE PRESS INSTITUTE

ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ KENNETH IRVING K. ONG JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO TIZIANA CELINE S. PIATOS MEGHANN STA. INES Reporters NIKKI GOTIANSE-TAN FUNNY PEARL GAJUNERA Lifestyle CHA MONFORTE LEANDRO S. DAVAL JR. ARLENE D. PASAJE Correspondents Cartoons Photography Columnists: MA. TERESA L. UNGSON • EDCER C. ESCUDERO • AURELIO A. PEÑA • ZHAUN ORTEGA • BERNADETTE “ADDIE” B. Columnists: D. TACIO G.•DELIGERO • JOHN CARLO TRIA • VIDAGOTIANSE-TAN MIA S. VALVERDE•• NICASIO FRED C. LUMBA • ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA BORBONHENRYLITO • MARY ANN “ADI”• GREGORIO C. QUISIDO LEANDRO B. DAVAL SR., • NIKKI ANGELO AGUSTIN • EMILY ZEN CHUA • CARLOS MUNDA Economic Analyst: ENRICO “GICO” G. DAYANGIRANG • JONALLIER M. PEREZ

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VANTAGE POINTS

The DANECO enigma: Imperial Manila at work

HAIRMAN of the board Engr. Albert M. Omega calls it the DANECO enigma. The story began in 2012 when the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative registered with the Cooperative Development Authority. This was two months after the general assembly voted overwhelmingly for CDA registration, with 49,056 memberconsumers giving it the thumbs up. In contrast, only 1,773 voted to remain under the control of the National Electrification Administration and 330 voting for registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The mandate could have long clinched the issue for DANECO. Unfortunately for power distribution facilities like DANECO that chose to register rightfully with the CDA, the move did not sit well with the NEA and that is putting it mildly. What followed was something beyond comprehension. First, according to Engr. Omega, the NEA refused to recognize or to honor the CDA registration. Then it filed a case with the Ombudsman against then CDA chair Emmanuel Santiaguel for registering DANECO. This was eventually dismissed after the graft body found no proof of irregularity. Next, it issued a cease and desist order that culminated into a court case that led

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

ITH everything going on, there must be so much to be said. Yet, I struggle with writing this column. I have been able to personally tell the President of the Republic of the Philippines that he is very sexy. I am doing my dissertation and have been reading up on particle metaphysics. Our business, Happy Farmer, is thriving. I am preparing work for important publications. We are fighting a case against a huge company embroiled in large-scale corruption. My mother is battling colon cancer. Our family is battling this very same disease that killed former President Cory Aquino. What then is there to be said, to be written, when life is barely making me breathe? Perhaps, it is in writing that I will be able to breathe… to consciously slow down.

all the REVERSED PUNCH way to the (GYAKU ZUKI) Supreme C o u r t . Eventually, DANECO’s board of directors chose to resign, paving the way for a Jimmy K.Laking general assembly in October 2012 that elected the current set of board of directors. Pushing the knife further, it set up a parallel distributing facility, named DANECO, Inc. or DANECO NEA. What is to be done? According to Omega, referral moves were suggested “to bring about a win-win” solution. One was a “confirmatory referendum” to ascertain the validity of the 2012 referendum that showed 40,056 voting for CDA registration. DANECO rejected it considering that it has no legal basis. The second suggestion was to cancel DANECO’ s CDA registration, based on the Supreme Court decision for NEA to hold supervisory and control over DANECO. But DANECO officials said this was an empty bag since DANECO was never a respondent to the case. The last recourse was to cut or to

divide the franchise area of DANECO into two, “with the franchised area of DANECO that straddled the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley having one DANECO each.” DANECO asks: how can NEA register an electric cooperative when it has no mandate to do so? At the Kapehan sa Davaw earlier this month, lawyer Baltazar Sator said DANECO has no other recourse except to bring the matter finally to the office of President Duterte to help bring about a closure. As a matter of principle, it is not difficult to see who is right and who is wrong. The mandate given by 40,056 member-consumers is no laughing matter. As lawyers are wont to say,vox populi vox dei. The voice of the people is the voice of God. The right to self-organization is enshrined in the Constitution and the CDA was itself created by Congress “to promote the viability and growth of cooperatives as instruments (in attaining) social justice and economic development.” Every which you go in the archipelago, and most notably in this region, cooperatives have helped tremendously in transforming the economic landscape, perhaps more effectively than the socalled ‘poverty alleviation’ programs of several government line agencies. One cooperative stand-out comes from Tagum City itself, the multi-awarded

Tagum multipurpose cooperative whose total assets now run to P4Billion with a membership of 120,000 individuals. I think it belongs to the top five cooperatives in the Philippines. But unfortunately for the memberconsumers of DANECO, we are still in the dark ages in so far as asserting and respecting the mandate of the CDA is concerned, and by extension, the will of the member-consumers themselves. Part of the answer I think lies with NEA. My guess is that it is determined at all cost to maintain its hold on power distribution facilities of Mindanao, never mind if they are in reality, pseudo-cooperatives that do not provide patronage refunds and dividends. In Luzon, the number of pseudoelectric cooperatives ran by highly-paid NEA-backed executives are dime a dozen. How some of them manage to subvert change is a study on “the sad state of governance” in this country. Nevertheless, NEA has seen its hold eroded in Luzon with at least six electric cooperatives opting for CDA registration. It has seen its hold further eroded in the Visayas with two facilities registering with CDA. It cannot afford one facility in Mindanao to break its control, else others would gradually see the light and seek deliverance. I think that is the bottom-line. No wonder, social justice is hard to achieve in the archipelago. (30)

Words may be superfluous when the possibility of losing the battle looms large in the horizon. But then again, words may clinch us the victory in those small, dark moments when nothing seems to be making sense. So I write and craft these words. I write and craft these words to make sense of life. I write and craft these words to silence the cacophony within. I write and craft these words so I can breathe. And you, dear reader, please breathe along with me.

In this zone where I sit in front of my laptop and try to type out something coherent, I wonder if my words can be a prayer in which you can join. Words that are not explicitly prayer but become prayer by virtue of your resonating with me. I know you are resonating with me because there is a rat race of a life to be lived and yet we all try to find our meaning and quiet. I know you are resonating with me because we all try to love well and still we fall short. I know you are resonating with me because we do not want death to snatch away our loved ones too soon. With these words in front of you now, let us breathe our prayers and exhale them into the universe with the fervent hope that they will make a concrete difference. I still my breathing and contain my anxieties as I pray over Mama. Words flit-

ting through my head I try to arrange into meaningful prayer. Such control I have over the words I yearn to be translated to control over the metastasis that is transforming a beautiful, lively woman into a wisp of her former self. Words become more than a string of letters that convey a thought. Words are my messengers to whatever powers that be to halt the march of the disease. Words are my vessels of the miraculous because they reach out to you to help us storm the heavens. There is so much to be said even if life makes us barely breathe. What is said is better heard through the silence involved in the crafting of the words. What is said is better heard when the crafted words resonate with you. What is said is better heard when the crafted words are a plea for a miracle.

What is really said

10 NEWS 1,208 drug... FROM 2 for drug testing. Bautista said that those who will submit themselves will have the chance to clear their names and live a normal life after it. “If they will surrender, they will have the privilege to clean their names, but if we update them and they still tested positive, we will apply the law,” he said. He added that erring barangay officials who were under the drug list of the PNP also underwent through the surprise drug test. Malita Vice Mayor Joseph Bautista said that they will be providing livelihood assis-

tance to those drug personalities to encourage them not to return to their illegal activities. “We can help them through livelihood assistance and we will give our full support to the projects and campaign of the provincial and national government,” he said. Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 Officer Mildred Romero said that Davao Occudentalnis categorized as Category 3 or slightly affected. She said that less than 2 percent of the barangays in the entire province were affected by drug addiction.

ions, were unharmed. Perrett died of cardiac arrest due to severe loss of blood several hours after the attack while being treated at a private hospital here. Reganit, then an provincial board member of Sarangani, and three other alleged suspects were arrested a month later in separate raids in Maitum. He was, however, later released after posting a P200,000 bail bond. Reganit, who defeated Mrs. Perrett in the 2016 elections, had repeatedly denied any hand in the incident. The Perrett camp had requested the transfer of the

case from Sarangani to Davao City “to ensure proper justice” for the slain mayor. Citing accounts from prosecution witnesses, Elsie said Reganit and his cohorts supposedly met four times to plan the killing of her husband. “That (Feb. 28, 2014) ambush was actually the third attempt on him,” she said. Also charged were suspects Basher Sanday, Suharto Abubakar, Abdulradzak Bandali Dimaudtang, Amersarat Darayo alias Toto. Three other suspects -- Ismail Dimaudtang, Mike Kamid and Mohaliden Pinto -- were already arrested. (PNA)

vice and Development Office, Engr. Eliza Madrazo of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Mr. Leo Brian Leuterio of the City Agriculturist Office, Maria Ines Asuncion of the City Schools Superin-

tendent, Atty. Joseph Dominic Felizarta of the City Engineer’s Office, Dr. Josephine Villafuerte of the City Health Office, Third Infantry Battalion Lt. Raymond Gachica and GTF Haribon Brigadier Gen. Wilbert Gapay.

ing procedure after an earthquake. He cited initial reports that the structure was no longer safe. He said the assessment of school buildings is in line with the recent directive of DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones to make these structures disaster-resilient. DepEd XI engineer Nigel Borja said that his team had not received any report of old school structures being affected by the earthquake. DepEd will coordinate with DPWH in monitoring school structures including those that are still being constructed. Classes in the city resumed in the afternoon.

Purok Damayan); Barangay Maa (Shrine Hills Naselia Village and Inigues Village); Barangay 19’s Awhag Subdivision by the Davao River Bank; and Matina Pangi. Barangay DRRMCs were directed to standby in landslide prone areas to inspect and monitor the situation.

Maitum... FROM 2

CPOC... FROM 2

DepEd... FROM 3

No landslides The landslide monitoring reports of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s Operations and Warning Section said no untoward incidents happened in areas that have moderate to high landslide susceptibility. The areas under close monitoring by DRRMO include Matina Crossing Area (Purok Guadalupe, Quiniones Compound, Pluto Street in GSIS, and Shrine Hills by the Diversion Road); Barangay Mandug’s DFF Village); Barangay Buhangin’s

Need for awareness CDRRMO chief Emmanuel Jaldon said there is a need for stronger disaster education in schools. He said many students have low awareness on DRRM because it is not yet institutionalized. DRRM education is not a school subject itself but only a component of subjects like science and social science, he noted. He said that while students have basic knowledge on what to do during earthquakes and other disasters, these skills do not stick to them for a long time. He added there is a need to inculcate DRRM through frequent practice, like in Japan where students are made to do drills daily before classes start. “Practice needs to be frequent until students reach a level of unconscious compliance,” Jaldon said, referring to application of DRRM skills by reflex. (Jesse Pizarro Boga/ MindaNews)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

NDFP-Mindanao vows to release six captives T

HE National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)-Mindanao has vowed to release its “prisoners of war” (POWs) as a “gesture of support” for the resumption of peace negotiations. In a statement dated February 17, 2017 but released on February 23, NDFP-Mindanao spokesperson Joaquin Jacinto said the release will take place “even as fighting continues in the field.” The captives were identified as Pfc Edwin Salan, captured in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on January 29; Sgt Solaiman Calucop and Pfc Samuel Garay, captured in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat on February 2; PO2 Jerome Natividad, captured in Talakag, Bukidnon on February 9; and two alleged paramilitary men Rene Doller and Carl Mark, both captured in Lupon, Davao Oriental on February 14.

“The respective regions will soon announce the details of the release of these aforementioned prisoners of war,” Jacinto said. He said they encouraged the government to heed the call of the Filipino people “for the resumption of formal talks with the NDFP, despite the absence of any ceasefire agreement.” He added President Rodrigo R. Duterte should not ignore the clamor for genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization. “If genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization are carried out to the satisfaction of Filipino peasants, workers and national minorities, millions will surely benefit and significantly improve their lives,” he said. “Both the GRP and the NDFP owe it to the Filipino masses, at the very least, to continue to buckle down in signif-

icant dialogue and thresh out, and possibly agree on, means to eradicate the very roots of armed conflict in the country, which are feudal exploitation, US imperialist domination and bureaucrat-capitalism,” he added. Jacinto said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-NDFP lifted its unilateral ceasefire due to the non-release of over 400 political detainees and the alleged incursions by government forces into “hundreds of communities in both cities and the countryside in Mindanao and the rest of the country” in the guise of military and police operations. “In this context, the NPA, in active-defense mode, was only duty-bound to launch offensives against operating AFP/PNP troops in order to defend these communities from state-sponsored atrocities,” he said. In a statement released by

In a related development, Department of Justice (DoJ) prosecutors on Thursday filed a motion before the Muntinlupa RTC to reschedule the hearing on the motion filed by De Lima seeking dismissal of the drug trafficking charges and suspension of proceedings pending judicial determination of probable cause. Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 Judge Juanita Guerrero, Branch 205 Judge Amelia Fabros-Corpuz, and Branch 206 Judge Patria Manalastas-De Leon are set to handle the cases against De Lima, who was charged for vi-

olation of Section 5 (sale and trading of illegal drugs) in relation to Section 3 (jj); Section 26 (b), and Section 28 (criminal liability of government officials and employees) of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The camp of De Lima filed a motion to quash and a motion of judicial determination of probable cause insisting that it is the Ombudsman and not the court that has jurisdiction over her case. The DOJ team asked the RTC branches 204, 205 and 206 to instead reset the hear-

ing this Friday, February 24 to next Friday, March 3, because they have to attend Mandatory Continuing Legal Education classes Friday. The charges were filed after the DOJ panel of prosecutors also issued a 52-page resolution dated February 14 on the consolidated criminal complaints filed by the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC); the NBI; former NBI deputy directors Reynaldo Esmeralda and Rule Lasala; and high-profile Bilibid inmate and self-confessed drug trader Jaybee Sebastian. (PNA)

while a lawyer, also from the private sector, will be hired to review the legal aspect. A community relations officer will be involved in the social aspect, an environmental management officer will focus on the environmental impact, while representatives from the local government units, DOF, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other concerned government agencies will go over the economic aspect of the review. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR will also provide qualified technical personnel and provide available data and records to each TRT. Agabin said the results of the review of the five TRTs will be submitted to the MICC’s multistakeholder TWG. “The TWG shall then ver-

ify the technical report before the final presentation to the MICC,” he said. The MICC will present the findings and submit its recommendations to the Office of the President, which shall make a final decision on the DENR’s closure and suspension orders, Agabin said. Agabin said the mandate of the MICC covers all 311 mining contracts across the country, but the review will first begin with the 23 sites ordered shut down by the DENR. “The mines [which] already received their orders shall be subjected to further review by a qualified individuals or teams designated by the MICC. The schedule of review shall be based on the date of receipt of the DENR’s order,” Agabin said. Ocular inspections of 28 affected mine sites and meetings with indigenous groups, the local governments, farmers and fishermen will be conducted if deemed necessary by the review team, he added. The funding for these efforts will be discussed with

the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Besides Agabin, the MICCTWG meeting was also attended by DENR Undersecretary Maria Paz Luna, and officials of the DENR legal service, along with representatives from the Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and the other government agencies called to the meeting. The DENR’s closure and suspension orders will cost 17 affected cities and municipalities in 10 provinces over P821 million annually in foregone revenues, according to updated estimates submitted by the DOF-attached Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) earlier this week. The latest estimates, which is an increase from the initial P653 million submitted by the BLGF, is based on the 100 percent compliance of city and municipal treasurers to a DOF order for each of them to submit a report on the revenue impact of the DENR orders on the affected LGUs. (PR)

Muntinlupa... FROM 2

5 teams... FROM 5

the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process on Tuesday, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said that Duterte is eyeing a strategic shift in the peace negotiation with the communists. Dureza said the president told the government peace panel to study what approach should be taken the cancellation of peace negotiations with the communists and the termination of the unilateral ceasefire declarations by both sides. “He (Duterte) lamented that the almost 50-year old insurgency and conflict still continue to this day and vowed to work for a strategic shift during his incumbency,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews) Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

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

Case No. 2002-XI-01743 JEREME A. MAHIPOS, Petitioner

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioner is a grantee of a Certificate of Public Convenience issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ Dual Ordinary Regular service on the route: CIRCULATION ROUTE 10-B and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on July 22, 2017. In the petition filed on February 13, 2017, petitioner requests authority to extend the validity of said Certificate to operate along the same route with the use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on March 8, 2017 at 9:50 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence. WITNESS the Atty. TERESITA DELA PEÑA-YÑIGUEZ, Chief Transportation Development Officer/Officer-In-Charge, this th 14 day of February 2017 at Davao City.

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

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Daikagura Lucky Mai shows a volunteer how to juggle a ball on an umbrella.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

EVENT

World’s top English Rakugo performer Asakichi Katsura.

Cultural understanding with a barrel of laughs FROM MANGA TO ANIME, to its cuisine and its technology, Japanese culture is no stranger to Dabawenyos and just last February 20, the Japan Foundation, Manila and All Nippon Airways, together with the Consular Office of Japan in Davao brought another facet of Japanese culture to Durianburg with the staging of Rakugo in English. The event held at the ballroom of the Marco Polo Davao featured Japanese Rakugo Master Kaishi Katsura together with fellow Rakugo Master Asakichi Katsura, Shamisen Musical Performer Eika Utsumi, and Traditional Comic Performer Lucky Mai. For those unfamiliar with it, Rakugo is a tra-

Onna Douraku Eika Utsumi.

ditional Japanese street performance art and is basically a “sit-down comedy” involving a one-man troupe of characters from geisha to samurai, from merchants to ninja, all performed by the Rakugo comic from the comfort of his cushion and Kaishi Katsura, the world’s top performer of English Rakugo, made sure the

audience cried laughing. It was amazing how colourful stories and complex characters were given life by only one performer armed with only a fan, a oversized hankie and master Kaishi voice, face, and frenetic hand gestures. Aside from the Rakugo performances by Kaishi and Asakichi, the evening was filled with musical story-telling by the queen of Japanese instruments Eika Utsumi who fascinated the audience with her versatile voice and mastery of the shamisen. The energy of the crowd was bumped up some more thanks to the Daikagura Traditional Clowning of Lucky Mai who performed various balancing acts, acrobatics, juggling and dance. I find it amazing how she was able to balance three knives on each other’s blades, truly an awesome act that made the audience gasp and cheer. The evening closed with another masterful Rakugo performance by master Kaishi Katsura that literally brought the house down. The Dabawenyo audience clearly appreciated the performances with a standing ovation, showing that cultural understanding can be achieved through art and a barrel of laughs.

Emcee Fukuryu Katsura.

Rakugo Master Asakichi Katsura.

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A2 INdulge! ENTERTAINMENT

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Glaiza and Kristoffer are still Kapuso stars

MULTI-TALENTED AND AWARDWINNING ACTORS, Glaiza de Castro and Kristoffer Martin, renewed their exclusive contracts with the Kapuso Network last February 21.

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Present in the contract signing were GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable; GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Unit Simoun Ferrer and GMAAC Talent Manager Tracy Garcia. Also in attendance was Glaiza’s co-manager, Manny Vallester. Both Glaiza and Kristoffer are co-managed by the GMA Artist Center. Glaiza shared that she is very contented and happy with the way GMA is handling her career all these years. “More than 10 years na ako sa GMA and masasabi ko na hindi ako nagkamali talaga ng decision to stick with the Network kasi dito ako nag-grow as an actor and as a person. Sobrang grateful ako kasi hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance to do roles as diverse tulad ng ginagawa ko. Natutuwa ako na hindi ako nakakulong lang sa isang role. GMA has been giving me the chance to play with my characters.” At present, she is part of the country’s No. 1 primetime series Encantadia as Sang’gre Pirena. She is very grateful to GMA for entrusting her one of the important roles in the hit telefantasya. “Nakakatuwang isipin na yung Encantadia is running for almost a year now. At itong show na ito ay nagbigay talaga ng maraming breaks sa akin. Ako, as Pirena, ang haba ng tinakbo ng character ko. Ngayon mabait na siya pero after that, napakarami pang aabangan na kahit ako ay nagaabang din what’s next for me,” the singer-actress said. Meanwhile, Kristoffer said he is very pleased to renew his contract with the Kapuso Network, “I’ve been with GMA for 6 years now and I am so happy

kasi sila yung nagbigay sa akin ng opportunity na ipakita yung talent ko. Sila yung kasama ko since nagstart ako hanggang sa ngayon. Actually work-wise, wala akong masabi sa kanila kasi lahat ng ibigay nila sa akin na projects, talagang happy ako.” Kristoffer last appeared in the successful Afternoon Prime

series Hahamakin Ang Lahat together with his perennial love team Joyce Ching. Aside from acting, the home-grown Kapuso actor also dabbles in singing as well. He performed the theme song “Sa Piling Mo” of the top-rating drama series Alyas Robin Hood. During the contract signing, Rasonable assured the fans of

Glaiza and Kristoffer that the Network will continue to provide good and quality projects for the two prime artists, “We consider them as ‘babies’ of GMA. Dito na sila nag-grow, so, masaya kami na pinili pa rin nila to stay with us. We assure their fans na patuloy naming susuportahan ang kanilang careers.”

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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NEWS 11

DUREZA WITH EU ENVOYS. EU and EU MS Ambassadors join Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Undersecretary Jojo Andot in a souvenir photo following the visit of Secretary Dureza in the EU Delegation’s Office .

EU Ambassador welcomes nomination of BTC members T

ODAY, European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen welcomed the official nomination of the members of the new Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that will be launched this week in Davao City. In a meeting with Peace Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza held this morning of 20 February 2017 at the EU Dele-

gation Office in Makati City, EU Ambassador Jessen said: “We want to sustain the momentum for the peace process and we enjoin the Philippine Government to continue to ensure that they (BTC) are able to implement the important step of the Peace and Development roadmap that will delineate an inclusive law for the Bangsamoro”. The European Union over

EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF REAL ESTATE WITH WAIVER AND RENUNCIATION OF RIGHTS

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late VERONICO SUMAYLO GUIMERE has been the subject of an Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate with waiver and renunciation of rights executed among his heirs, per Doc. No.210; Page No.42; Book No. 115; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC SALVADOR M. BIJIS 2/17,24,3/3

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late DELFIN G. OMAM who died on June 26, 2014 in Davao City has been the subject of anEXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT executed among her heirs, per Doc. No.178; PageNo.36; Book No. 134; Series of 2017, of the NOTARY PUBLIC FATIMA IRENE T. ADIN. 2/10,17,24

the past 25 years has been a key actor in the region known for working alongside the Philippine Government to promote peace, human security and development in the most vulnerable, conflict-affected communities. Currently, more than PhP 1.8 billion are invested in ongoing projects under different funding tools to provide support to peace in Mindanao through an

approach supporting directly the political settlement and longer term sustainable development. “EU’s DNA is peace and we like to reiterate our reaffirmation of the EU’s longstanding commitment to support peace and development in Mindanao”, said Ambassador Jessen at the presence of EU MS Ambassadors. Ambassador Jessen also said that the EU would continue

COFFEE TABLE BOOK. EU Ambassador Franz Jessen presents the EU Delegation to the Philippines’ coffee table book “Ties that Bind” to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza during the latter’s meeting with the EU Ambassador. Looking on is Undersecretary Diosita “Jojo” Andot. to support and to monitor closely the developments of the peace process with the NDF-NPA saying that “we hope that the Parties could find a common way to retake the path to the peace process soon”. The EU support to peace in the country provides an additional and meaningful platform to strengthen the EU-Philippines relations, said Ambassador Jessen. Meanwhile, Secretary Dureza ensured that the Philippine government would pursue its engagement with the EU and its member states to further enhance the bilateral relations as well as to help boost peace and development in the country with particular attention to Mindanao. EU Ambassador Jessen invited Secretary Dureza to visit European Union’s Headquarters in Brussels and other European

capitals to further strengthen ties between the EU and the Philippines. In a previous statement, Secretary Dureza had said that the release of the appointment papers “would signal the start of the work to come up with an inclusive Bangsamoro law that would truly reflect and address the clamor for a genuine political autonomy for the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.” On the relations with CPP/ NPA/NDF, Secretary Dureza said “We welcome and respect the positive position coming from the leadership of the CPP/NPA/ NDF. On the part of the Philippine government, we share the same commitment to work for a just and lasting peace in the land. When “compelling reasons,” as President Duterte earlier announced, are present, then we in government shall take the next necessary steps.”

12 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

If bites could kill (First of Three Parts)

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

HEN six-year-old Cassie was brought to a town hospital in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, she was very weak. She complained of headache and an off-and-on highgrade fever, which continued for three consecutive days. The attending doctor thought the girl was having sort of flu.

On the third day of her confinement, Cassie complained of abdominal pain. She vomited every now and then. She developed measles-like rashes in his hands. The doctor became suspicious. So, on the fourth day of admission at the hospital, the doctor did platelet count of the patient’s blood. It was up at 8:30 in the morning and went down by 5 in the afternoon. The lady physician became more alarmed when Cassie became restless and complained of chest pains and difficulty in breathing. More so when blood started oozing from her nose and blood streaks were found in her saliva. It was 10 at night when the doctor referred the patient to Digos City, which has hospitals that are more equipped to handle such cases. The trip took about 30 minutes. After transfusions of blood and intravenous fluids, Cassie began to feel better. Nine days after, the little girl was back in her home. Her siblings welcomed her with big hugs. Cassie was lucky. Not too many children survived such ordeal. About 20 million cases of dengue occur each year and require 500,000 hospitalization, the Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) estimates. But in recent decades, “the incidence of dengue has grown dramatically around the world,” it says. “The actual numbers of dengue cases are underreported and many cases are misclassified.” Actually, there are two types of dengue: dengue and severe dengue. The latter, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), was first recognized in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in the Philippines. “Today, severe dengue affects most Asian and Latin American countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in these regions,” the WHO reports. Climate change As global temperature continues to rise due to climate change so are dengue cases. “Climate change endangers human health,” declares Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO direc-

tor-general. Health scientists pointed out that should earth’s thermostat continues to increase, human health problems will also become more frequent and severe. “The warming of the planet will be gradual, but the effects of extreme weather events will be abrupt and acutely felt,” said Dr. Chan. “Both trends can affect some of the most fundamental determinants of health: air, water, food, shelter and freedom from disease.” Dr. Paul Epstein, in a recent study entitled Human Health and Climate Change, echoes the same concern: “Climate change will have wide-ranging and mostly damaging impacts on human health.” According to Dr. Epstein, a warming climate, compounded by widespread ecological changes, may be stimulating wide-scale changes in disease patterns. His study suggests that climate change could have an impact on health in three major ways. First, by creating conditions conducive to outbreaks of infectious diseases; second, by increasing the potential for transmissions of vector-borne diseases and the exposure of millions of people to new diseases and health risks; and lastly, by hindering the future control of disease. Climate change may also accelerate the spread of disease primarily because warmer global temperatures enlarge the geographic range in which disease-carrying animals, insects and microorganisms – as well as the germs and viruses they carry – can survive. “Deadly diseases often associated with hot weather, like the dengue fever… are spreading rapidly throughout Asia because increased temperatures in these areas allow disease carriers like mosquitoes to thrive,” the study said. Endemic in 100 countries Before 1970, only nine countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. The disease is now endemic in more than 100 countries, with Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific regions as among the most seriously affected. Dengue is found in tropi-

bleeding in the brain, intestines or other organs. Most of those who die of severe dengue are children, but adults are at real risk

too. “Dengue is a big problem among children because it is a major cause of illness and deaths,” says Dr. Lulu Bravo, professor at the University of the Philippine College of Medicine. However, “the risk of dying is higher among older children and early adolescent (5-14 years old).”

Among the famous adults who have been “victims” of dengue fever include KC Concepcion (October 2014) and Michael V (August 2013). Ryan Agoncillo, Jodi Sta, Maria and Gwen Zamora were also reported to have been dengue patients in 2013. – (To be continued)

cal and sub-trop- ical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. “Dengue is the world’s most important viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes,” declares Dr. Duane Gubler, health administrator of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on someone who has the virus.” The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes – either Aedes egypti or Aedes albopictus. Most Aedes mosquitoes are found indoors rather than outdoors. The Aedes aegypti prefers to rest in shaded places while Aedes albopictus prefer to rest in shrubs and trees. Signs and symptoms The clinical features of dengue fever vary according to the age of the patient. The United Nations health agency says the symptoms are like that of the flu. It is characterized by high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint aches, and the outbreak of rashes. But DHF is another story. “Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a potentially complication that is characterized by high fever, hemorrhagic phenomena – often with enlargement of the liver – and in severe cases, circulatory failure,” the WHO says. Generally, dengue fever starts with a sudden rise in body temperature, accompanied by facial flush and other nonspecific constitutional symptoms. The fever usually persists for two to seven days and can be as high as 40 to 41 degrees Centigrade, possibly with febrile convulsions and hemorrhagic phenomena. In moderate dengue fever cases, all signs and symptoms abate after the fever subsides temporarily. In severe cases, the patient’s condition may suddenly deteriorate after a few days of fever. The temperature drops, followed by signs of circulatory failure, and the patient may rapidly go into a critical state of shock and die within 12 to 24 hours, or quickly recover following appropriate volume replacement therapy. Death often results from

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Pangarap... FROM 3

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Branding and Communication Specialist-Mindanao Harvey Lanticse said the company has been in assistance to the eagle for seven years but they are looking forward to heighten this by extending support to PEF’s campaign to educate students in different schools inside and outside the region. “This is a way of giving back to our stakeholders and to promote environmental

conservation as well,” said Lanticse. The event gathered around 80 participants coming from the academe, Aboitiz Power Corporation and media agencies. Aside from educational talk, the program also featured seedling distribution to students who attended as PEF’s way of promoting environmental awareness and

conservation. Aboitiz also handed Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Salvador their pledged adoption fund worth ₱150,000.00. Philippine Eagle, also known as monkey-eating eagle is one of the largest eagle species in the world. They are endemic, meaning these species can only be found in the Philippines.

already cleared by the Commission on Audit (COA). Binay said that Trillanes’ demolition job against Pres. Duterte was the same as his

demolition job versus her father few years ago. “What he is doing to the President now, is the same as what he did to our family in the

past,” she added. She further hit Trillanes for defaming others without basis instead of helping the government. (PNA)

Binay... FROM 3

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Stock Certificate No. 833 of APO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, INC. which was issued to TAGUM AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, INC., with three (3) common shares, was declared lost last February 10, 2017 as per Affidavit of Loss executed by the latter’s manager for corporate affairs, MR. ZEAUS APOLLO Q. VADIL, entered as Doc. No. 7; Page No. 2; Book No. 2; Series of 2017, in the Notarial Register of Atty. Roland A. Reyes, a notary public for and in the city of Davao, Philippines.

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NEWS 13

the Palace official said. “As Senator [Vicente] Sotto said, the group of senators met with the President but they did not talk about the case of the retired police officer Lascañas,” Abella said. Though Abella said he could not confirm who requested the meeting, the Palace official said that it was usually the guests who request an

audience with the President. The meeting occurred on the same day that senators, voting 10-8, decided to hear Lascañas testimony. Last Monday, the former Davao police officer tagged as the head of the DDS recanted his earlier statements denying the existence of the group. His retraction revived allegations that Duterte paid

a “death squad” to kill crime suspects and political opponents when he was mayor of Davao City. In the meantime, Abella said that Malacañang does not meddle with the Senate and senators can push through with their re-investigation of the DDS. “They can proceed,” Abella said. (PNA)

reporters. He admitted that there were also police scalawags from the ARMM who were sent to Visayas and Luzon. The transfer of scalawags to ARMM under the Duterte gov-

ernment created noise since it was the most publicized police decision. Of the more than 200 police reassigned to ARMM, only 60 obliged and traveled to the south. The rest opted to go on

absence without official leave. The police officers from NCRPO will undergo retraining, reorientation and values formation so they will refrain from getting involved in illegal activities. (PNA)

and the International Convention of the Order of the Knights of Rizal. But Rellon also hopes that investments for Davao City will also trickle down to Tagum. Rellon also looks forward to hosting the ASEAN games in the future. To cope with continued

growth, the Tagum mayor said his administration is pushing for infrastructure development to attract investors. Besides, Rellon hinted to bigger space that Tagum can accommodate expansion of Davao businesses including housing. Rellon bared there is a PHP680 million traffic sig-

nalization project and the planned construction of a flyover. Meanwhile the ASEAN Kiosk in Big 8 Hotel is the third ASEAN Kiosk opened jointly by the Philippine Information Agency and the Presidential Communications Operation Office (PCOO). (PNA)

they could improve and focus on in the coming months. Lucman said this is the first in a series of provincial consultations this year covering the five ARMM provinces. Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Adiong, Anak Mindanao Representative Atty. Makmod

Mending Jr., and the province’s local chief executives were also present during the special cabinet meeting. Hataman urged Department of Agriculture provincial office to work on expanding the province’s agriculture coverage to make the province rice suffi-

cient by 2019. Hataman also urged officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to expedite the bidding process on partner conduit to speed up the payout process of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. (PNA)

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14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

ATENEO TO LA SALLE Ateneo’s Solitaria joins DLSU coaching staff

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ROM Ateneo to De La Salle. Who says rivals don’t mix? Long-time Ateneo de Davao University high school coach Miggy Solitaria is joining the De La Salle University Green Archers bench effective March 1. The 30-year old Solitaria, who has given the ADDU Blue Knights their first ever National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) local title on Sunday, told Edge Davao that he has accepted the offer of the Green Archers to join the coaching staff headed by Aldin Ayo. “Yes, I am joining La Salle,” said Solitaria. “I have mixed feelings leaving Ateneo but at the same time excited at the new challenge.” Solitaria will begin his DLSU stint in the upcoming 80th Araw ng Dabaw Invitationals where the Green Archers will defend the title carrying the outfit of The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO. Solitaria joins a solid DLSU bench that also boasts of for-

mer PBA coaches Siot Tanquingcen (Ginebra and San Miguel Beer) and Glenn Capacio (Kia). Solitaria played for the Ateneo Eagles for two seasons in the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) from 2003-2005 before becoming the head coach of Ateneo de Davao’s juniors and passerelle teams from 2005 to 2010. He was the youngest coach at that time at 18 years old. He left basketball momentarily to work in Manila for two years but the itch of basketball kept on coming back. He became the basketball program director from grade school to college of ADDU while calling

TO LA SALLE. Ateneo head coach Miggy Solitaria (center) with assistants Mark Bonifacio and Harry Hipolito. the shots for the juniors squad from 2012 until this month. “I do not see it as a rivalry between Ateneo and La Salle. I see it as an opportunity to use my learnings at Atene and

learn new ones in La Salle,” said Solitaria. Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas regional director Glenn Escandor wished Solitaria well in his new endeavor.

“Miggy is a good coach and I know he can contribute much to La Salle with his experience,” Escandor said. Former St. Benilde coach Ronel Leuterio, who also had

Solitaria under his wings, believed it is high time for the Dabawenyo mentor to be in the big leagues. “He deserves it. I am happy for Miggy,” Leuterio said.

Pacquiao-Khan in Dubai shaping up Melo: No trade talks W

E LT E R W E I G H T world titleholder Manny Pacquiao announced on Wednesday night that he is negotiating his next fight to be against Amir Khan. Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, has made a deal with Duco Events, a New Zealand promotional company he has close ties to, for Pacquiao to defend the 147-pound belt against Australia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia. However, Pacquiao and adviser Michael Koncz have also been talking to an unnamed group about bringing Pacquiao’s next fight to the United Arab Emirates, and Pacquiao said 10 days ago that his next bout would be in the UAE. Then on Wednesday night, he said England’s Khan, a wellknown name and former junior welterweight titleholder, who is of Pakistani descent, was the

opponent he hoped to fight. “My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcement coming soon,” Pacquiao wrote on social media. In fact, Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world titleholder, who outpointed Jessie Vargas to reclaim a welterweight world title in a dominant performance on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, had previously said he had never heard of Horn (16-0-1, 11 KOs), a 2012 Australian Olympian. On Wednesday night, Arum told ESPN that the deal in Australia had fallen apart because of Pacquiao’s desire to chase the money in the UAE. “The Australian deal is not going to happen now, because Manny is trying to get a fight done in the United Arab Emirates, and the people there favor him fighting Amir Khan,” Arum said.

However, Arum, who has been down the road of potential fights in exotic locations for boatloads of money many times during his 50-year career, said he was extremely skeptical. “Whether it will happen or not, I just don’t know, because they have to come up with a large amount of money,” Arum said. “Manny seems to believe they will come up with the money. I have some reservations whether it will happen or not. If the money comes up, I will aid and abet the fight happening. But right now, I’m holding my powder. I don’t really know.” May 20 has been the rumored date for a possible Pacquiao-Khan fight, but Arum said even if the bout happens, it won’t be then. “May 20 is a non-starter. The senate in the Philippines [in which Pacquiao serves] is in session then,” Arum said. “Maybe in April or maybe June, but

FOR REAL? Looks like it’s going to be Manny Pacquiao versus Amir Khan in Dubai this April afterall.

not May.” May 20 is also the date on which Top Rank will have another major fight, with unified junior welterweight champion Terence Crawford, which was another obstacle to a fight for the 38-year-old Pacquiao (596-2, 38 KOs) on that date. Khan (31-4, 19 KOs), 30, of England, has been trying for the past few years to land a fight with either Pacquiao -- who he knows very well and has sparred countless rounds with when they were both trained by Freddie Roach -- or Floyd Mayweather. Khan has been close but been the bridesmaid multiple times. He has not fought since May, when he moved up two weight classes from welterweight and challenged then-middleweight world champion Canelo Alvarez at a catchweight of 155 pounds and was spectacularly knocked out cold in the sixth round.

ARMELO Anthony hasn’t heard anything from the New York Knicks that makes him believe he’s being traded. A day before the NBA’s trade deadline, Anthony said Wednesday that he expects to remain with the Knicks, since they’ve given him no indication they’re looking to deal their All-Star forward. ‘’I haven’t heard anything,’’ Anthony said after returning to practice. ‘’I haven’t seen anything other than what’s on social media. But other than that nobody has

reached out to me, nobody has called me, nobody has called my team. That’s why I’m not too concerned about it.’’ Anthony has a rare notrade clause and would have to agree to any deal, so he would expect to be kept in the loop if any serious proposals were being discussed. ‘’Yeah, yeah, yeah, of course,’’ Anthony said. ‘’I’m sure that I’ll know, that I’ll have information as it starts unfolding, if something unfolds. As of right now nothing is on the table right now.’’

Mighty loses after a tough stand

L RYADI, one of Lebanon’s premier clubs, took Mighty Sports-Philippines easily and nearly paid for it as it needed extra five minutes to score a 100-95 and complete a sixgame sweep of the elims in the 28th Dubai International Basketball Championship late Wednesday at the Al Ahli Indoor Stadium here. Without Kiefer Ravena who fractured his hand in the team’s 100-93 loss to Homennetmen last Tuesday, Chris Tiu stepped up offensively and Mighty Sports managed to give Al Riyadi a hell of a game before absorbing its fifth straight loss. Mighty Sports was playing against local side Ball Above All with Tiu and company vowing to give their all for the sake of the Filipino community. “We know it’s hard for them to see us losing games so we will do everything we can to make them happy to-

morrow,” said Tiu, who finished with 11 points, including three pressure-packed charities with no time left to force the overtime. Lebanese stars Amir Saoud and Wael Arakji failed to shine this time but Serbian import Branco Cvetkovic almost single-handedly carried the team to victory by scoring 13 of his team-high 23 points in the overtime. He was ably backed by Abdul Wahab Aminu and Mohamad Ali Haidar who finished with 22 and 16 points, respectively. The scores: AL RIYADI 100 – Cvetkovic 23, Aminu 22, Haidar 16, Ismail 14, Saoud 10, Zaloum 4, Arakji 4, samaha 4, Abd 3. MIGHTY SPORTS 95 – Brownlee 27, Thabeet 16, McGuire 14, Tiu 11, Miller 8, David 7, Arana 5, Teng 4, Belga 3, Douthit 0, Manuel 0, Intal 0. Quarters: 23-22, 36-45, 62-60, 80-80, 100-95.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 • FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017

EDGEDAVAO

SPORTS 15

IN THE HUNT LOCAL BOYS. (Left to right) Ben Hur Villarosa (Davao City Golf Club), Socrates Cadayona (Apo), Randy Cadiogan (Apo) and Larry Miculob (Apo). Photos by Boy Lim

Davao, Apo golfers within striking distance in Founders race

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ON’T count out the homeboys just yet. Davao City Golf Club and Apo Golf and Country Club stayed within striking distance of the pacesetters after 36 holes of golf in the 70th Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub on Thursday. Playing at the Apo layout for the second round, DCGC got solid rounds from Elmer Basilio and veteran Benhur Villarosa who scored 46 and

45, respectively to pace the Matina-based swingers who carded an aggregate 130 for the day. Basilio has been the bright spot for the Davao parbusters after scoring a 45 in the first round. Jose Daigdigan added 39 for DCGC while the 36 of Boy Braganza did not count. Along with a 132 in the first round, DCGC now has a 262 total to stay in third place of the Found-

ers division just six points behind leader Orchard (268) followed by Cebu Country Club (267). Apo positioned itself in fifth place with a 128 total failing to cash in bigtime at homefront. Soc Cadayona exploded with 50 points while Larry Pasquil chipped in 42. Larry Miculob had a 36 and Jose Tesado’s 34 did not count for Apo which has a two-day total of 258.

Orchard scored 130 points at Apo Golf and Country Club for a two-day total of 268 points. Scoring for Orchard were Louie Garcia 44, Chito Servida 43 and Luis Sajorda 43. Ramontito Garcia fired 51 points to lead CCC which collected 137 points for 269. Other scorers were Matsugo Ochiai 44 and Nonoy Tirol 42. Pueblo de Oro is running fourth with 261.

Luisita ups lead to 15 points O

N a day of hot scoring, Luisita Golf Club built a 15-point lead over Del Monte, but kept a close watch on rival Canlubang which played its best round in recent memory in the 31st Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub golf team championships Thursday. Eddie Bagtas led Luisita with 56 points, scattering five birdies against three birdies at the Rancho Palos Verdes. But the day’s best score belonged to veteran Rolly Viray who produced a career-high 58 points that lifted defending champion Canlubang to third spot, 18 points off Luisita. “Nakuha sa kanin at hotdog,” said the 67-year-old Viray in jest. Viray, showing his skills around the greens, made only 24 putts in a bogey-free round marked by four birdies. Together with Abe Rosal’s 53 and Abe Avena’s 51, the Sugar Barons returned with a staggering 162 points, 38 points better than their output at Apo Golf Wednesday. Luisita, however, was up to the challenge, scoring 159 points behind Bagtas, Raffy Garcia (54) and Edmund Yee (49). Two rounds into the four-day event, Luisita was on top with 304, followed by Del Monte 289, Canlubang 286 and Eagle Ridge 268. “We’re happy with what we have achieved so far,” said Luisita

non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova. “We’re not taking team any team for granted, but if we go into the final day with a 12-point lead, it would be very hard to overcome.” Hechanova said he expects Canlubang to field a strong team Friday in the hope of cutting the deficit to manageable level. Last year in Clark, Angeles, the Sugar Barons won their ninth championship after erasing a 12-point deficit in the third round to go 2-up. Del Monte failed to keep pace with Luisita and Canlubang, tallying 146 points on Raul Minoza’s 52 and the pair of 47s by Yoyong Velez and Callo Arnido. Eagle Ridge drew 51 points from Antonio Mendoza, 46 from Youn Hwan An and 40 from Cesar Castro. Meanwhile, a four-horse race is shaping up in the Founders division halfway through the event. Orchard led Cebu Country Club by a single point with Davao City Golf and Pueblo de Oro within seven points off the leader. Orchard scored 130 points at Apo Golf and Country Club for a two-day total of 268 points. Scoring for Orchard were Louie Garcia 44, Chito Servida 43 and Luis Sajorda 43. Ramontito Garcia fired 51 points to lead CCC which collected 137 points for 269. Other scorers were Matsugo Ochiai 44 and Nonoy Tirol 42.

Davao City Golf was in third spot with 262 while Pueblo de Oro was fourth with 261. The 70th PAL Interclub Platinum sponsors are Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, RMN Networks, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, Rolls-Royce, TV5, MasterCard, TFC and Business Mirror. Major sponsors include Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Sabre Airline Solutions while Corporate sponsors are Baron Travel Corporation, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo Philippines, Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers, Sabre Airline Solutions and Tourism Promotions Board.

Meantime, co-host Rancho Palos Verdes (245) moved up from 10th to 5th place in the Aviator Division while Lanang is two notches down at 7th place (232). The 70th PAL Interclub Platinum sponsors are Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, RMN Networks, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, RollsRoyce, TV5, MasterCard, TFC and Business Mirror.

Abe Rosal

Eddie Bagtas

Raul Miñosa

Rolly Viray

Raffy Garcia

Major sponsors include Asian Air Safari, Airbus, Primax Broadcasting Network and Sabre Airline Solutions while Corporate sponsors are Baron Travel Corporation, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo Philippines, Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers, Sabre Airline Solutions and Tourism Promotions Board. The donors are Shangri-La at The Fort, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 263 â&#x20AC;¢ FRIDAY - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 - 25, 2017