Edge Davao 9 Issue 266 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

P 15.00 • 20 PAGES

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RECYCLABLE. A scavenger gathers recyclable used bottled water container he collected from restaurants around the downtown area of Davao City yesterday. Experts said there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050 as 40% of these end up in landfill, a third in fragile ecosystems such as the world’s oceans and just 5% are recycled effectively. Lean Daval Jr.

PROUD OF OUR ROOTS

80th Araw to focus on what makes us proud as Dabawenyos Teenage rebel gives up; under DSWD for rehab

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA HE City Tourism month-long festivity will start Office of Davao on March 1, with the Misa ng City announced the Pagpasalamat at the afternoon schedule of the official at the San Pedro Cathedral activities lined up for the and the 80th Araw ng Dabaw 80th Araw ng Dabaw cele- Pasi-ugdang Pagsaulog in the brations this year during evening at the Rizal Park. Highlighting this year’s the Pulong Pulong ni PuAraw celebration will be the long held on Monday.

“This year will be about reconnecting to our roots and being proud that we are Dabawenyos,” said Gene Rose Tecson, City Tourism Operations Officer. With the theme “Stand Tall. United. Resilient.”, the

Parada Dabawenyo on March 16, which will display colorful floats from Roxas-Rizal Park that will showcase Davao City’s cultural heritage and tell the story of the city’s roots and how it came to be the Davao that everyone knows today.

On the evening will be Duyog Dabaw, A Celebration of Strength at the Rizal Park with Davao’s homegrown artists such as Popong Landero, Mebuyan and Joey Ayala. On March 15, back-toback will be the conferment of the highest award that the city government or the Datu Bago Awards will take place at the Royal Mandaya Hotel at six o’clock in the evening and the most prestigious Mutya ng Dabaw 2017 at the Davao City Recreation Center. On its 80th celebration, the

CTO has lined up new events for Araw ng Dabaw. This includes the Dabawenyo Ako!, which will be a series of interactive learning with tours and lectures which will take place on eleven (11) public schools in the districts of Davao city on March 1-3, 6-10 and 13-15. It will kick start in Magallanes Elementary School on March 1. Another new event this year will be the LGBT Davao Celebration on March 12, which will be a night of talent

FPROUD, 11

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

MINOR who served as regular combatant of the communist New People’s Army operating in the province of Davao Oriental surrendered to the Philippine army on Monday, February 17, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division reported. F TEENAGE, 11

DTAA holds 8th Davao Mega Travel Sale

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

DINNER WITH LABOR LEADERS. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over a meeting with union leaders and officials of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at the State Dining Room at Malacañan Palace on Monday night. TOTO LOZANO/Presidential Photo

March 17, non-working holiday in Davao City

ABAWENYOS got an extra day to celebrate the 80th Araw ng Davao with the declaration by Malacanan of March 17, Friday, as a special non-working holiday. Annually since 1994, the celebration of Araw ng Davao on March 16 has always been a non-working holiday. Sec. 2 of Republic Act 7865 states that “March 16 of every year is hereby declared as a special non-working public

holiday in the City of Davao.” On Monday, the Davao City Hall received a copy of the declaration by the Palace of March 17 as a holiday. “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Davao be given full opportunity to celebrate and to participate during the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” said Proclamation No. 166 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. CIO

Dureza condemns beheading of German hostage by Abu Sayyaf

RESIDENTIAL Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza condemned the beheading of the German national kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu after the deadline for ransom payment passed on Sunday. In a statement released Monday night, Dureza said efforts to save the life of German kidnap victim Juergen Gustav Kantner failed. Dureza said many sectors, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines exhausted all efforts to save Kanter’s life but to no avail. “Another precious life had been needlessly lost. There must be a stop to this killing of the innocent and the helpless,” he said. He said that up to the last moment, he was in contact with Kanter’s family. Dureza’s statement confirmed the fate of the victim after the bandits committed to keep him alive until February 26. The bandits were demanding a ransom of Php 30 million. The AFP confirmed the

beheading on Tuesda, citing information received from official sources. “We grieve as we strongly condemn the barbaric beheading of yet another kidnap victim, German Juergen Gustav Kantner in Sulu,” Dureza added. Kantner, 70, was abducted from his yacht off Malaysia’s Sabah state in November while the body of his companion Sabine Merz’s was later found on the boat. Dureza has been facilitating release of kidnap victims. Last year, it was him who facilitated the release of Filipina, Marites Flor, kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf from a high-end resort of the Island Garden City of Samal. It was followed by Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad. Early this year, two ship crew members, a Korean and a Filipino, were also fetched by Dureza from Sulu. The Abu Sayyaf, which has been carrying out kidnap-

FDUREZA, 11

Army, PNP recover NPA rifle in DavNor By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

OLLOWING the skirmishes between government troopers and the elements of the rebel New People’s Army on Sunday in the province of Davao del Norte, the Philippine army on Monday afternoon recovered an M-16 rifle at the encounter site, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division reported. Captain Rhyan Batchar,

chief information officer of the 10th ID said the war materiel were recovered by the elements of 60th Infantry Battalion and members of the Davao del Norte Provincial Public Safety Company of the Philippine National Police (DNPPSC-PNP) in Barangay Sangayen, Asuncion town. Aside from the rifle, government troopers recovered a handheld radio, voltage

regulator and backpacks believed left by the NPAs who fled the scene. Two rebels were killed when a 40-minute gunbattle erupted on Sunday between the 60th IB troopers and members of guerrilla front 33 of the NPA in Sitio Alungan in said barangay. Two AK-47 rifles were also recovered by the army after the armed confronta-

tion. One of the dead rebels was already identified as Michael Caso, Batchar said. In a separate statement to the media Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th ID commended the 60th IB troopers and PNP members for their efforts. Pursuit operations will continue against the fleeing rebels in the area, Valencia added. (PNA)

addicts” government should run after, then it must be the “murderous Abu Sayyaf,” he added. Recto pointed out that there will be “zero public outcry” if there will be a rise in the number of Abu Sayyaf killed describing it as “the kind of body count the people would welcome.” “These terrorists have been in the beheading business for 25 years now. It’s been a generation. This should come to an end,” Recto said. He further described the ASG as the “most violent criminal syndicate” in the country today that it has already made it among Asia’s most brutal groups. The senator said that while

the total funds of Abu Sayyaf has been estimated to be more than a billion pesos, the losses they had inflicted on the economy has yet to be determined.

There could be hindrances in rescuing hostages. But none in preventing them from kidnapping more,” Recto said.

Gov’t urged to prioritize Abu Sayyaf over drug war

ENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Tuesday urged the government to prioritize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other local ISIS (Islamic State) groups over drug traffickers as they are a bigger threat to the national image. Recto made this statement after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the beheading of German national Juergen Gustav Kantner in Sulu after the deadline for ransom payment elapsed on Sunday. “In terms of damage to the national image, the Abu Sayyaf has caused more than what a hundred drug syndicates had done,” Recto said. “…If there is “one group of

Tourist safety Recto, meanwhile, said one immediate concern is to stop the Abu Sayyaf from snatching more hostages. He said that what is giving the national image “a black eye” is that the Abu Sayyaf is using the country as “kidnap grounds.” Many of the Abu Sayyaf hostages were grabbed on boats transiting through Philippine waters in the unprotected Southern backdoor “Their inventory of captives for ransom must not increase.

Plug the source Recto said that he agreed that the current campaign against illegal drugs should continue but that it should be on the manufacturing front. “Instead of knocking on homes, the police should be battering down gates of shabu labs,” Recto said. “…If ever the war on drugs should be scaled up, then it must be to plug the source,” he added. The senator further said that by stopping the supply of drugs, the demand for it is also stopped. (PNA)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

IGACOS mayor cites priority projects in State of City address

PEAKING in his first State of the City Address, Island Garden City of Samal Mayor Al David Uy bared Tuesday his nine priority projects for the development of the island under his administration. These are the construction of a new City Hall in Peñaplata, Babak public market, reclamation projects in Babak and Samal, revival of the operations of Ekran Berhad, Samal-Davao Bridge, Samal Island airport project, industrial estate project and a whale museum project. Mayor Uy laid down his six-point local development thrusts aimed to effect peace, emergency preparedness, tourism development, sustainable economy, accessible quality health services, sustainable environment and development and good governance. The nine priority projects are on top of his governance. He spoke in the City Council Session Hall, before city council members, employees, barangay and sectoral leaders, who are currently celebrating the city’s 19th founding anniversary on March 7 with various festive and colorful sports, cultural and service-oriented activities. Samal Island before con-

sisted of three municipalities of Davao del Norte- Babak, Peñaplata and Kaputian. In 1998, the towns were consolidated by virtue of a law to form one big island city. In an interview after his SoCA, Mayor Uy bared that the City Council had already authorized him to borrow P150 million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to initially fund the new City Hall. The mayor is eyeing the city-owned five hectares located in sitio Mag, some 2 kms from the current location of the City Hall in Taganiyog area in Peñaplata. But the location eyed is not yet final pending thorough executive-legislative discussions within this week. The location of the new City Hall to be built was eyed by the previous Antalan administration at the overlooking area in neighboring sitio Pasig. But Mayor Uy finds the overlooking location as “not favorable to the people especially to the poor” considering its steep ascent that current tricycles can hardly scale up. “Sitio Mag is more accessible to the people.”

FIGACOS, 11

Two 15-minute power interruptions on March 3 in Lasang, Panabo bared

AVAO Light and Power Co., Inc. will conduct two 15-minute power interruptions on March 3, Friday, 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. This is the new schedule after being postponed last February 26. 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 Licanan 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 229-3572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given indicated schedule.

AFP comb Sulu towns in bid to recover body of German

ILITARY units are now concentrating in Indanan-Parang, Sulu in a bid to recover the remains of German national Juergen Kantner who was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists Sunday night. This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in Tuesday’s briefing. Searches are being conducted in these locations as terrorists were spotted there. Arevalo did not give other details for operational and security reasons. Despite Kantner’s beheading, operations will continue

until the military has successfully rescued the estimated 32 hostages still in ASG hands, the AFP official added. “There will be no let up in our operations until we have rescued all the remaining kidnap victims. AFP units will continue to search for the remains of the Mr. Kantner to be handed to his bereaved family and to afford him decent burial he deserves,” Arevalo said. Kantner was kidnapped by the ASG bandits while his yacht “Rockall” was cruising off Sulu waters last November. His companion, 56-yearold Sabine Mertz, was shot and killed by the bandits and allegedly raped. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

TALLEST BY FAR. FTC Group of Companies chairman Francisco Cruz (2nd from right), president Ian Cruz (rightmost), corporate secretary Alvin Cruz (2nd from left) and Campbell and Associates president Ian Campbell lead

NEWS 3

the topping off rites of Aeon Towers in Davao City yesterday. The 33-storey Aeon towers building is the tallest skyscraper in Mindanao. Lean Daval Jr.

4 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

Water service interruption bared in Bago Gallera, Aplaya areas March 3-4

PERSISTENT CALL. A streamer printed with “Peace talk Ipadayon” is prominently placed at the Ateneo de Davao University building along C.M. Recto Avenue in Davao City yesterday. Peace advocates and activists

from various groups call for the resumption of peace talks between the government and communist rebels after President Duterte declared to suspend it last month. Lean Daval Jr.

AVAO City Water District advises of a water service interruption from 8:00 PM of March 3, 2017 until 6:00 AM of March 4, 2017 affecting these Bago Gallera areas: portion of Libby Road (from Purok 10 to Nalum Bridge and immediate environs) and Bago Gallera Road (from corner Libby Road to corner Davao-Cotabato Road and immediate environs) and entire New Town Village, Sto. Niño Libby, Lumansoc Compound, Suhai Village, Villarubia Compound, Samantha Homes, Spring Valley Village, Mega Homes Village, Kaliraya Village, Gallera De Oro Subd., and Catotal Subd.; and these Bago Aplaya areas: portion of Bago Aplaya Road (from corner Davao-Cotabato Road to Bago Seaside and immediate environs) and entire Bavnai Village, Saavedra Neighborhood Association Inc., and School for the Blind. This water service interruption will give way to the tapping of the newly realigned 200mm diameter crossover

pipe and transferring of the location of the 100mm diameter blow-off valve located at Libby Road in Bago Gallera for preventive maintenance purposes. The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. Contact 09277988966, 0925-5113293, and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries, and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Winston Ajero)

has a mind of his own. So that’s equivalent of, as somebody said, 24 republics which no President can control. So, basically there is independence in those decisions,” Abella said. However, the official said that although Malacañang does not interfere with Senate affairs, nor with that of the House of Representatives, he admitted that it (shakeup) does provide some benefit to the Palace. “Better working relationships,” Abella said. On Monday, Sen. Manny Pacquiao moved to declare the position of Senate President Pro Tempore, held by former LP president Franklin Drilon, vacant. (PNA)

imperfection,” the petition said. “Definitely, aggrieved with the acts and omissions of Judge Guerrero, which grossly violated her substantive and procedural rights, that amounted to grave abuse of discretion on the part of respondent judge, petitioner files this petition for certiorari and prohibition under Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure,” it added. De Lima, however, stressed only the Office of the Ombudsman has the jurisdiction to conduct the preliminary investigation of the case and not the DOJ panel of prosecutors and that only the Sandiganbayan -not the RTC -- has the same jurisdiction over the offense she was accused to have allegedly committed when she was still the DOJ chief during the previous administration.

CTO bares schedule of Palace does not interfere Senate affairs: Abella Araw ng Davao events with “M T

HE City Tourism Office of Davao City announced the schedule of the official activities lined up for the 80th Araw ng Dabaw celebrations this year during the Pulong Pulong ni Pulong held on Monday. “This year will be about reconnecting to our roots and being proud that we are Dabawenyos,” said Gene Rose Tecson, City Tourism Operations Officer. With the theme “Stand Tall. United. Resilient.”, the month-long festivity will start on March 1, with the Misa ng Pagpasalamat at the afternoon at the San Pedro

Cathedral and the 80th Araw ng Dabaw Pasi-ugdang Pagsaulog in the evening at the Rizal Park. Highlighting this year’s Araw celebration will be the Parada Dabawenyo on March 16, which will display colorful floats from Roxas-Rizal Park that will showcase Davao City’s cultural heritage and tell the story of the city’s roots and how it came to be the Davao that everyone know today. On the evening will be Duyog Dabaw, A Celebration of Strength at the Rizal Park with Davao’s homegrown artists such as Popong Landero, Mebuyan

HE Philippine National Police is now ready to resume its war against illegal drugs. PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa stressed this during an ambush interview after he spoke at the 23rd Anniversary of the National Police College in Silang, Cavite on Tuesday. ”We will be informed if we will go back to the war on drugs. We will be informed in due time. Hintay hintay lang tayo,” Dela Rosa said. The PNP chief noted that since President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered a stop in the PNP’s campaign against illegal drugs, the activities of drug syndicates seemed to have proliferated again. However, Dela Rosa said, now that the President has given the “green light” to re-

sume the war on drugs, the PNP would just surprise the drug lords who are now celebrating with their nefarious activities. President Duterte on Monday let the PNP to decide if it is ready to resume anti-drugs operations. The President also asked the PNP chief to look for “young men with patriotic fervor to serve”. Dela Rosa assured that the policemen involved in the new campaign against illegal drugs would be meticulously selected, especially so that the PNP’s internal cleansing program is ongoing. President Duterte stopped the “war on drugs” when it was discovered that some police scalawags in the likes of SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel used the drug

and Joey Ayala. On March 15, back-toback will be the conferment of the highest award that the city government or the Datu Bago Awards will take place at the Royal Mandaya Hotel at six o’clock in the evening and the most prestigious Mutya ng Dabaw 2017 at the Davao City Recreation Center. On its 80th celebration, the CTO has lined up new events for Araw ng Dabaw. This includes the Dabawenyo Ako!, which will be a series of interactive learning with tours and lectures which will take place on eleven (11) public schools in the districts

of Davao city on March 1-3, 6-10 and 13-15. It will kick start in Magallanes Elementary School on March 1. Another new event this year will be the LGBT Davao Celebration on March 12, which will be a night of talent and music that will be for the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community. The city government expects a big number of tourists to visit and celebrate Araw ng Dabaw especially because this year will be the first Araw that will be celebrated while Rodrigo Duterte, former city mayor, is president.

ALACAÑANG respects the independence of the Senate and does not interfere with its internal affairs.” This was stressed Tuesday by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella during a Palace news briefing in the wake of a Senate shakeup that stripped Liberal Party members of key positions. “The stripping off of the committee chairmanships happens in every Congress. What happened yesterday is majority rules and, as we all know, Senate decisions have always been a consensus,” he said. “The Senate is composed of 24 senators. So each senator

HE Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the respondents to file a comment on the petition filed by detained Senator Leila De Lima questioning the legality of her arrest in connection with the drug charges filed against her. SC spokesman Theodore Te said the directive was issued following Tuesday’s regular en banc session of the magistrates. The SC deferred ruling on De Lima’s pleas for issuance of temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the proceedings in the drug cases against her and status quo ante order on the arrest warrant issued last week by Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 204 that would allow her release from detention. Te said respondents

Muntinlupa City RTC Judge Juanita Guerrero and the Philippine National Police (PNP), are given a non-extendible period of 10 days or until March 10 to answer the petition while the oral arguments are set on March 14 (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. In an 81-page petition for certiorari with prayers for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction and or a temporary restraining order, De Lima through her lawyers asked the high court to set aside the arrest warrant issued last week by Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Judge Guerrero and to stop her from conducting further proceedings. De Lima also asked the SC to issue a status quo ante order aimed at restoring the status prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant.

In asking the SC to nullify the arrest warrant, De Lima said Guerrero “acted with undue haste and inordinate interest” since she has yet to resolve nor even hear the motion to quash filed by her lawyer after the DOJ filed the case against her. The court set the hearing on the said motion on February 24, a day before the arrest warrant was issued. “Haste, when unduly applied in the context of the criminal justice system, such that it constitutes a blatant failure to respect and uphold a person’s fundamental rights, and to observe the guarantees enshrined in the Constitution to protect the rights of the accused, it results in something far more destructive, more pestilent and graver than mere

PNP ready to resume SC orders RTC, PNP told to comment its war against drugs on petition questioning Leila’s arrest T T

FPNP, 11

5 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

SM’s Simply Shoes opens 1st store in CityMall Tagum A

ASEAN food activists support rice import quota extension

By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

M goes back to its roots as it brings its footwear heritage to local communities through its Simply Shoes outlets. Along with the opening of CityMall Tagum where it is located, Simply Shoes is the first in Mindanao and the 24th nationwide. Speaking during the store launch on Tuesday, Shoemart Inc. Assistant Vice President (AVP) Elizabeth Natalia M. Tinio said the Simply Shoes is a one-stop shop shoe store offering a wide assortment of shoe selections for women, men and children. “It’s a shoe store and everyone needs shoes regardless of socioeconomic

status,” said the AVP. The AVP added Simply Shoes carries an assortment of brands, both for everyday and special occasions including SM’s iconic Parisian brand, which offers trendy yet affordable footwear and bags for the ladies. For the men, Simply Shoes offers Milano’s and other brands for the active and casual lifestyle such as Easy Soft, Duralite, Islander, Toeberries, Beachwalk, Sprint and Kicks. According to Tinio, prices in all Simply Shoes store start at PhP199.75 for kids’ shoes, and PhP499.75 for the men and women. Meanwhile, the AVP said the ship is sailing for the country’s shoe industry be-

cause millennials, especially women, want to keep pace with the trend. “At first we thought only few of their designs will sell but later on, we found out our consumers actually like almost all displayed,” said Tinio as she assured the durability of their products. The 260-square meter area of the store caters to more than a thousand pair of shoes coming from China and Marikina. Meanwhile, on the choosing Tagum City, Tinio explained the company sees the developing business community in Mindanao which they want to become part of. The 1.9 hectare CityMall in Tagum City is a venture

of DoubleDragon and SM Investments Corp. which owns the Simply Shoes store chain. The AVP said, aside from CityMall, Simply Shoes is also located at other shopping centers such as Walter Mart, Ayala Mall. Established in September 2014 at Tanauan City, Batangas, Simply Shoes plans to expand to 43 stores at the end of 2017, four of which will be set in Mindanao particularly in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro at the third quarter of the year, and in Dipolog, Lam-an, Ozamis City, Zamboanga, and Surigao at the fourth quarter. Tinio expressed her optimism that Simply Shoes will further expand to 100 stores at the end of 2018.

REGIONAL coalition of civil society organizations, national farmer federations, fisherfolk associations and women’s organizations is urging the Philippine government to develop agricultural policies and strategies meant to support rice farmers within the ambit of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Asia-Pacific Network for Food Sovereignty (APNFS) is supporting Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Pinol’s policy statement to extend the rice quantitative restrictions beyond the June 2017 deadline to protect the livelihoods of three million Filipino rice farmers. “We view this as a crucial step towards the realization of food security and food sovereignty of the Filipino people,” said the coalition. The APNFS noted that the withdrawal of domestic support provided to small-scale farmers around the world under the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has contributed to increased hunger incidence in many countries, especially in Asia. It believed that increased subsidies in seeds, fertilizer, crop insurance, investments in irrigation and agriculture machineries and post-harvest and marketing support small-

scale farming will “make countries food self-sufficient. “ As the Philippines chairs this year’s ASEAN Summit, APNFS thus urged the Philippines to provide a strong stand and leadership to supporting small-scale farmers and traditional fishers to improve farm productivity and incomes. It said it is also imperative to revitalize the agriculture and fisheries sector through policies and strategies targeted to “increase access and control of farmers to their land, water, fishery and coastal resources, technology, credit and market.” The coalition further said the Philippines must lead in promoting regional cooperation within the framework of ASEAN to seek cognizance and respect of members in using policy instruments. These include import quota, special safeguard measures and other tools that provide policy flexibility to member countries in protecting their small-scale farmers. Moreover, the APNFS asked the country to promote regional cooperation in food security, noting the need for people to have ready access to staple food through adequate food reserves in times of calamities and emergencies that are sourced from domestic producers. (PNA)

GSIS opens P2-B loan facility for Surigao, 9 other areas

Simply Shoes, an affiliate of the SM Retail, opens its first store in Mindanao located at CityMall Tagum City on February 28, 2017. Jermaine L. Dela Cruz

House panel okays bills eyeing mining-free zones

HOUSE of Representatives panel has approved measures declaring North Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro City as mining-free zones. The House committee on natural resources chaired by Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate approved House Bill Nos. 2852 and 4799, declaring North Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro City, respectively, as mining-free zones to protect local residents and the environment from the adverse effects of mining. North Cotabato Rep. Jose Tejada, HB 2852 author, said North Cotabato is rich in natural resources, and has a highly diverse culture and strategic trading site in Central Mindanao. Moreover, the province’s economy relies on farm production activities and agribusiness that it substantially depends on the topography and geological features of the land.

It is also one of the country’s leading producers of raw and semi-processed rubber and industrial trees, with markets in Asia and Europe. In July 2004, Tejada said the provincial government passed Ordinance 325 or the Environment Code of the Province of North Cotabato as an expression of the collective will of the people for the protection of the environment and natural resources for the benefit of the future generation of Cotabateños. The ordinance prohibits open-pit mining as a means of extracting metallic and non-metallic deposits from the earth. “An environment vulnerable to the effects of mining can no longer support and sustain life existing in it. The catastrophic effects of mining are the conditions that our children and future generations will have to endure -- a deadly inheritance abridging the right to life,

livelihood, health and security,” Tejada said. Meanwhile, the committee approved with an amendment HB 4799 which is authored by Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. The amendment provides that gravel, sand and other non-metallic minerals will be excluded from the coverage of the proposed law. Rodriguez said Cagayan de Oro City has suffered from flash floods, and mining operations in Barangays Dansolihon, Mambuaya, Taglimao, Tapangi, Tuburan and Tumpago have been blamed for the calamity. He said flashfloods destroyed not just properties but also agricultural areas and farm-to-market roads. “To prevent flashfloods from recurring, mining operations in Cagayan de Oro City must be totally prohibited. Hence, I urge for the passage of House Bill 4799 which seeks to

declare the City of Cagayan de Oro a mining-free zone,” Rodriguez added. The committee also approved House Bill 1618, seeking to declare as “closed-to-mining applications” those areas in the country which have been declared by local government units (LGUs) as no-mining zones. Zarate, author of HB 1618, said mining as an extractive industry poses great threats to the environment. Zarate stressed the need to strengthen the LGUs’ role in the protection and preservation of the country’s environment and natural resources. He cited the LGUs in the provinces of Davao, Capiz, Marinduque, Palawan, Romblon, Negros Occidental, Eastern Samar, and South Cotabato have passed ordinances declaring a ban on mining operations or have issued a moratorium on mining applications. (PNA)

HE Government Service Insurance System opened a P2 billion emergency loan facility for its active members and oldage pensioners in Surigao del Norte, which was recently hit by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake, and in nine other areas in Mindanao, which were affected by other calamities. The seven of the Mindanao areas, namely, Davao del Norte; Davao Oriental; Compostela Valley; Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental; Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte; Ditsa-an Ramain, Lanao del Sur; Pagalungan, Maguindanao experienced heavy rains and floods in January. The two others, Lopez Jaena in Misamis Occidental suffered landslides due to heavy rains and Bubong, Lanao del Sur encountered low water supply that damaged crops. A total of 52,680 active members who are residing or working in the calamity-declared areas, not on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying premium contributions, and have no unpaid loans for more than six months may avail themselves of the loan. Members who are availing of the loan for the first time may apply for a P20,000 emergency loan. Those with loan balance may borrow P40,000 from which their outstanding balance will be deducted.

Active members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks located in all GSIS branch and extension offices; provincial capitols; city halls; selected municipal offices; large government agencies such as the Department of Education; Robinsons Malls; and selected SM City branches in North EDSA, Manila, Pampanga, Cebu, and SM Aura in Taguig. Around 7,000 old-age pensioners, who are qualified for the P20,000 emergency loan, must apply personally at any GSIS branch office. Pensioners who are also active members (after having reentered government service) may apply for the loan only once. Deadline for filing of application is on March 21. The loan is payable in 36 equal monthly instalments at six percent interest rate per annum computed in advance. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which deems the loan fully paid in case of the borrowers’ demise, provided the loan repayment is up to date. Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS eCard or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card. For more information, visit the GSIS website, www.gsis. gov.ph; call the GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747;or email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph. (PNA)

6 ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

OFWs assured remittances will not be subject to taxes

EMITTANCES of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will not be taxed, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara said Tuesday allaying concerns of value-added tax (VAT) on services fees of money transfer centers in the country. Angara, chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, made this clarification after the Department of Finance explained in a Senate hearing that only service fee of domestic remittances and not actual remittance will be taxed with 12 percent VAT under their proposal. “We want to clarify to our kababayans abroad that the remittances they send their families in the Philippines will not be taxed. We will make sure that they will not shoulder additional burdens,” Angara said. DOF Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said that the agency’s jurisdiction is “only domestic transfers”. For instance, if sending PHP5,000 within Metro Manila, the money transfer center charges PHP125 pesos,

so the VAT is PHP15 only, he said. He clarified that such reform only targets businesses such as pawnshops, which are initially not registered as remittance centers. Angara, who sponsored the law that raised the tax exemption cap of balikbayan boxes, added that OFW remittances are likewise exempt from paying documentary stamp tax pursuant to Republic Act 10022 or the amended migrant workers law. Package 1 of the Duterte administration’s comprehensive tax reform program seeks broaden the VAT base and lower personal income tax rates, and to adjust excise taxes of petroleum products. He, meanwhile, recognized the significant contribution of OFWs in the economy, citing recent data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that showed that OFW cash remittances reached USD26.9 billion or more than PHP1 trillion last year, which accounted for 9.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). (PNA)

BUILDING UPON. Regus Philippines country manager Lars Wittig says the company has a remarkable success in Davao City based on its occupancy rate which is why it is planning to expand to other key areas in Mindanao.

Australian envoy sees potential of Mindanao in trade, investment

T Peso, PSEi down ahead of Pres. Trump’s address

HE Philippine peso fell to its fresh 10-year low to a greenback while the local equities market was again affected by foreign selling ahead of US president Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address on Tuesday. The local currency finished the week’s first trading day at 50.27 from 50.21 at the end of last week. This was its weakest after the 50.32 in Sept. 26, 2006. A trader said withdrawals by foreign investors of their local stocks holdings were up as uncertainties rose ahead of Trump’s speech to the US Congress. This further weakened the peso, the trader said. ING Manila senior economist Joey Cuyegkeng said combination of weaker external payments position and domestic political noise were affecting the peso. He eyes the local currency to end the first quarter this year still above the 50-level to a dollar. “Local factors are likely to keep PHP on the defensive and could be compounded by USD strength resulting from positive reflation policy details tomorrow and the following weeks,” he said. He, however, cited that “President’s support for economic reforms and infrastructure projects, including the Department of Finance tax reform package could narrow the PH Peso premium.” The local currency’s weak finish showed early on when it opened the day at 50.24 from the previous ses-

sion’s 50.16. It traded between its opening level and 50.29 resulting to an average of 50.26. Volume of trade reached USD366.6 million, lower than the USD415.3 million last Friday. The currency pair is seen to trade between 50.20 and 50.40 Tuesday. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended the day at 7,232.47 points, down 0.37 percent or 26.52 points. A trader said investors turned more cautious but pointed out that this was not just in the Philippines but the rest of the region. “Investors are on the lookout of any sweeping statements from Trump, “ the trader said. With this external factor All Shares also lost 0. 24 percent, or 10.73 points, to 4,384.35 points. There was a balance among the sectors with three each posting gains while the other half registered contractions. Mining and Oil, Financials and Services went up 1.55 percent, 0.28 percent and 0.02 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Holding Firms gave up 0.70 percent followed by Property, 0.56 percent, and Industrial, 0.21 percent. Volume of trade totalled to 826.84 million shares amounting to P4.4 billion. Decliners led gainers at 103 to 84 while 54 shares were unchanged. (PNA)

Wittig made the statement during yesterday’s Asia Women’s Forum Davao at The Marco Polo Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

HE Australian government is seeing the opportunity in Mindanao, particularly in Davao, to expand its bilateral engagement. Citing Mindanao especially Davao’s economic growth, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely said the areas for expansion are on trade and investment although Australia’s presence has been in Mindanao mostly in the area of development cooperation. Gorely led the Austrade team for the launch of “Australia in Davao” Monday at Marco Polo to present to the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCI) the broader Philippines-Australia bilateral relationship and the current priority agenda of the Australian government. In Mindanao, Australia

works with local governments, organizations and non-government organizations to support various programs. “President (Rodrigo) Duterte has done much to shine the spotlight on Mindanao, and we are pleased that Australia’s development cooperation in the region over the years align with the Administration’s economic and development agenda,” Gorely said. Among the programs was the Australian-funded Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) for seven provinces in Mindanao wherein 170.2 kilometer of roads were rehabilitated and maintained 161.7 kilometers with a total fund of P655 million. These improvements helped improve access to markets, health facilities and schools, the Australian Embas-

sy reported. Gorely also reported an investment of AUD million (P3.5 billion) over five years to support Basic Education Assistance in Muslim Mindanao (BEAM-ARMM). Under the program, 12,000 teachers were trained, 800 learning centers established and technical and vocational skills trainings were provided to 11,000 out-of-school youths. Gorely said the Philippines and Australia have common peculiarities as their geographic and climatic conditions that drive both to innovate and integrate into the Asia Pacific economy. While Philippines has a 6.8-percent GDP (Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, Gorely said Australia has continually achieved an annual average growth rate of 3.3

percent. Gorely was positive that Philippines and Australia’s economic growth performance creates new, mutually-beneficial opportunities for trade, investment and business. “Together, we can collaborate to ensure the benefits of the ASEAN Australia New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) are fully seized, that the private sector in our respective countries do explore new business opportunities-which is what today is about; and that business regulations, competitiveness and productivity continue to be improved,” Gorely said in her speech before the DCCCI officers. Besides trade and investment ties, Gorely said the relationship between the Philip-

plaints,” said SEC chairperson Teresita Herbosa in her report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. “Apart from charging them with violation of Republic Act 9474 (Lending Company Regulation Act), the SEC is likely to include the charge of violation of the Truth in Lending Act which likewise imposes fine and/or imprisonment. Foreign informal lenders will be referred to the Bureau of Immigration,” she told Dominguez. Herbosa said in her report that the SEC is now looking into online advertisements, flyers, text messaging promos, and overt and collection activities in areas like public markets to investigate and expose informal lenders and file the appropriate charges against them. The SEC-led investigations were started in coordination with local government units, the Department of Trade and

Industry, National Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement agencies. Following President’ Duterte’s directive, the SEC issued two advisories to inform the public about prohibited lending practices under the law and encourage informal lenders to register with the Commission. The first advisory, issued in October last year, cited provisions of RA 9474, or the Lending Company Regulation Act, which makes it illegal to act as a lending company or investor unless registered with the Commission as a lending company. “The said law mandates lending companies to organize only as corporations, making it illegal for individuals to engage in the business of lending without being registered as a corporation with the Commission and secure the required Certificate of Authority,” Herbosa said.

Herbosa said the SEC issued a follow-up advisory in November last year to encourage “five-six” lenders to register. The second advisory warned informal lenders facing complaints for violations of RA 9474 and/or those engaging in “fraudulent, oppressive and illegal practices in lending to borrowers including those violating the Truth in Lending Act,” that they will be investigated for possible prosecution. Among the illegal practices cited by the SEC are “charging unreasonable interest rates or fees, employing harassment tactics in collecting from its borrowers, coercing borrowers to buy on credit or otherwise appliances or other items, filing criminal complaints against borrowers as a circumvention of the prohibition against imprisonment for non-payment of debt and similar other activities.” (PR)

FAUSTRALIAN, 11

SEC takes steps vs informal lenders O

VER 200 informal lenders have applied for registration before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after the government initiated a crackdown against loan sharks engaged in “five-six” and other usurious practices. The SEC said this was among the initial results of the investigations conducted by the teams it had dispatched in October last year in response to President Duterte’s directive for the government to get tough against “five-six” lenders. “Five-six” lenders usually extend loans without collateral or any documentary requirements, but charge their borrowers an exorbitant nominal interest rate of 20 percent or more over an agreed period. “The SEC has initiated investigation into the activities of suspected informal lenders for possible filing of criminal com-

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

5,000 Tagum residents join Feb. 27 peace rally A

PRAYER for peace rally was recently initiated by the city government of Tagum aimed to express unity and solidarity of various sectors in the city and to support the continuing efforts to win peace and development in the area. Around 5,000 residents went out of their homes from various communities and joined the activity held at the City Hall Atrium in Barangay Apokon on Monday, February 27. The prayer rally was also supported by various groups in Tagum City including the youth, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), the academe, religious

sectors and the personnel of 71st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine army. Mayor Alan Rellon also joined the activity where he called urged the participants to start working for peace among themselves, in homes and respective communities. “Peace must start within ourselves, it cannot be achieved if we don’t have peace within us,” Rellon pointed out. The mayor also so extended his full support and expressed gratitude to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their ef-

forts and active participation during the prayer rally. “We will not stop our crusade and advocacy until Tagum will become a city with genuine peace,” he added. The event was also graced by Brigadier General Bienvenido R. Datuin, the assistant commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila). Datuin assured the people of Tagum City of the AFP’s continued commitment in performing its mandate in defending communities, the freedom and way of life of the people. “We will strive to build just, peaceful, and progressive environment for the present

and the coming generations in a joint and harmonious effort with the city government, other government and the private sector,” Datuin stressed. He also asked the help and support of the residents to the peace and development efforts of the army in communities and called on the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area to return to the folds of the law and begin to live a renewed and productive life. The army, he added, is committed to support the city government’s endeavors and will always be part in building a peaceful Tagum City.

15,617 patients from the province’s 10 towns and lone city have so far availed of the POC program since it was introduced by PhilHealth in 2014. He said such figure means that the same number of poor or indigent households now have access to the health insurance services. The POC program was introduced by PhilHealth to local government units (LGUs) to

complement with the implementation of its “no balance billing” or NBB policy. Under the program, indigent patients who are not yet members of PhilHealth are automatically enrolled at the time of care or hospital confinement. Braña said out of the 14,000 patients admitted at the provincial hospital in 2016, only 630 were non-PhilHealth

members. In January, he said about three percent of 2,700 patients had no PhilHealth memberships and were enrolled through the POC program. The official said the provincial government had released an initial funding of P7 million when the NBB policy was implemented in 2014. He said they eventually es-

airstrike and 105 howitzer mortar projectiles in flushing out rebel positions in Managa village since Sunday. The atrocity forced 150 families to vacate their houses. They are now sheltered at the Managa village evacuation center. Belvis said government forces overran an NPA camp that could accommodate at least 60 rebels; and recovered 40 tents, utensils and some subversive documents. According to Belvis, they are currently conducting tight

monitoring with counterparts in remote villages here that rebels usually use as escape routes. Police and military personnel are jointly coordinating their intelligence capability to ensure timely response and prepare for any diversionary attacks from rebel fronts operating in the province. Belvis said he believes that the rebels are currently trapped in the mountainous area of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato following the

Sunday heavy firefight. Meanwhile, the military is continuously conducting foot-patrol operations in considered NPA-influenced areas in North Cotabato province that include parts of Makilala, Magpet, Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Tulunan, M’lang, and Kidapawan City. Military operations against the NPA rebels remain in full swing after initial peace overtures between the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte and NPAs bogged down. (PNA)

Poor patients in SoCot access PhilHealth’s POC

ORE poor residents in South Cotabato province were able to access the government’s health insurance program in the last three years through the continuing rollout of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Point-of-Care (POC) program. Dr. Conrado Braña, South Cotabato provincial hospital chief said Tuesday a total of

FPOOR, 11

NorCot braces for possible spill-over of clashes in DavSur

UTHORITIES here are on heightened alert over the possible spillover of clashes to this town between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Managa situated in the adjacent town of Bansalan, Davao del Sur. Lt. Silver Belvis, Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion spokesman, said troops were deployed to the boundary of Makilala-Bansalan towns to block rebels from withdrawing to the North Cotabato area after the military used

LGU-GENSAN LAUDS EARLY BIRD. Wilfredo Grandeza (left) owner of Korean Martial Arts Training Gym, Inc. receives a plaque of appreciation from Vice Mayor Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles at the Investment Action Center

Building on February 15. Grandeza’s Training Gym is consistently the earliest in updating and renewing their business permits almost every year. (GENSAN CPIO/Jan Rey P. Libunao)

TOP PRIORITY. Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang says he wants security measures beefed up as the Davao Oriental will host this year’s Davao Region Athletic Association Meet and in the efforts to promote the province as the premier tourism hub in the region. (Eden Jhan Licayan/DavOr PIO)

Davao Or steps up security for DAVRAA G OVERNOR Nelson L. Dayanghirang says that keeping the safety of thousands of athletes and spectators is among the top priority of the Provincial Government for the upcoming biggest sports event in Southern Mindanao. Anticipating around 6,600 delegates to take part in 21 different sports events and 26 competitions, top officials of the Provincial Government of the host province, Davao Oriental, have assured to observe tight security for the2017 Davao Region Athletic Association Meet. “Preparation is now in full swing to ensure the success of this event – from the security, logistics to emergency plan,” said the Governor during a Press Conference at the Provincial Capitol on Feb. 23. Provincial Director of the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office PSSUPT Harry Espela said that teams from the police and military have already been organized as part of the security preparation. He explained that part of the security plan is to put up checkpoints and to deploy security personnel in the streets and in the province’s borders. “We are providing more or less 675 security personnel including those from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police,” he said, saying that these personnel are tasked to patrol the premises of the playing venues, billeting quarters, and the other strategic areas within the City of Mati. He said that intelligence teams will be deployed to monitor potential threats and illegal activities of “lawless elements”. Other measures included in the security plan is to tap Civil Disturbance Management (CDM), Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team using K9 units, Quick Reaction Team consisting of “immediate response crew in cases of untoward incidents”, and Emergency Medical Teams from the AFP. Coastguards to secure the coastlines will also be positioned. Anticipating the heavy traffic flow, plan for traffic control along the roads leading to Mati Sports Complex is now being prepared. In addition, security personnel will be installed in the

province’s tourist destinations “in case delegates want to visit some of our tourist spots”. Espela stressed that a tight security will be observed throughout the activity. Among the measures that the police will been forcing is the prohibition of carrying backpacks to the opening ceremonies at the Sports Complex and throughout the entire duration of the event at the playing venues. As for disaster preparedness, Espela bared that a Multi-Agency Coordinating Center to be housed at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Center near the Mati Sports Complex will be put up. Committees for emergency response have also been already set. “Government forces are doing their very best in ramping up security measures, not only for man-made disasters but also for natural calamities,” Espela said, noting that evacuation areas have already been identified and that medical teams ready to respond in cases of emergencies will be on standby. Governor Dayanghirang said he wants security measures beefed up as the Provincial Government intends to promote Davao Oriental as a premier tourism hub in the region.“We expect a huge number of guests who will be coming and one way to promote our province is by establishing a top-notch security,” he said.“It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to host an event as big as this one and we are proud and grateful and privileged to host the biggest sports event in Southern Mindanao.” “This is also an opportune time for us to showcase our hospitality and the wondrous and unique beauty of our province, being the new premier eco-tourism destination in Mindanao,” he said. Aside from promoting Davao Oriental’s tourism, the swarm of people who will participate in the DAVRAA Meet will provide economic opportunity to local businesses and the transport sector, particularly in the City of Mati. Delegates from the different parts of the region are expected to start arriving as early as March 12 to familiarize themselves on the playing venues. The six-day event is slated

FDAVAO, 11

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

EDITORIAL

No more blurred lines

VEN in his over two decades in boxing, Senator Emmanuel Dapidran “Manny” Pacquiao is not known as a one-punch wonder. He is known for his lightning speed hands but, always, they are thrown in combos. On Monday at the Senate, Manny delivered a punch never before seen in his career at the squared arena. He unleashed one punch that knocked out all of them from the opposition and for once set clear the once blurred demarcation line between the majority and the minority. Manny’s Monday punch was the second most powerful punch he has unleashed as a lawmaker. The first one was to knock out Senator Leila De Lima from the Justice Committee investigating extra-judicial killings, and now, the KO punch that sent all Liberals to the sidelines of the Senate. In De Lima’s case, Manny wanted to end her perceived grandstanding and sing the committee to advance her political interest as well as destroy President Rodrigo Duterte.

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In the case of the Liberals, he wanted to take out the barricade that blocks worthy legislations from being passed just because the opposition wants to block it in the name of political lines. Now, that barrier is gone and the lines are clear. It’s either you belong to the majority or the minority. Those booted out should not whine harassment like Senator Bam Aquino. Instead, he must understand that this is how the dynamics of democratic politics is working in the institution like the legislature. It’s a numbers game. The wheels of politics have just turned and whilst the Liberals had their moment at the top in the past administration, this time it is time to be in the bottom of the wheel. Still, as they are elected by the people, it is of no consequence that they are on the opposite side of the wheel now. That is the challenge. That is the reality. For Senator Manny, it’s amazing how he has been so far as a legislator that makes the difference.

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HE first Filipino to publicly admit she got the dreaded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was Dolzura Cortez. How she got the disease was serialized in the pages of Philippine Daily Inquirer(which was made into a movie later on starring Vilma Santos). Then, there was Sarah Jane Salazar, who delivered a healthy baby boy – courtesy of her young lover who knew she was a person with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In the beginning of the diseases, myths and fallacies about AIDS persisted among Filipinos. Even journalists themselves, who were supposed to be carriers of information, had nebulous ideas about it. During a National Media Practitioners’ Symposium on AIDS in Manila, a publisher of a Visayas-based newspaper reportedly asked if rice from Thailand could cause the spread of HIV in the country. At that time, the Philippines was importing rice from Thailand because of rice shortage. “In Thailand, a good number of people are positive carriers of HIV,” the journalist was quoted as saying. “Now, I would like to know if it was good to import Thailand rice considering the situation.” That was in the past. It’s another story these days. In fact, most Filipinos are now aware of the disease. HIV is spread through the exchange of body fluids with high viral load like cerebral fluid, amniotic fluid, blood, semen, cervical and vaginal secretions and breastmilk. The virus is transmitted by: Sexual intercourse: This can occur from

HAT the Philippines is situated along the ‘Ring of Fire’, a 40,000-km horseshoe-shaped area within the Pacific Ocean where huge number of earthquakes and volcanic activities happen, is a given. Geologic movements have formed this precarious region to the disadvantage of all the countries created within its territory. In recent memory, three tremors come to mind. On August 2, 1968, the Casiguran, Aurora Province, quake measuring 7.3 magnitude in the Richter scale, brought down the Ruby Tower situated in Binondo, Manila, killing at least 207 people. Twenty-two years later, a 7.8 temblor, with its epicenter in Nueva Ecija, devastated northern and central Luzon. Hardest hit among the ruined cities was Baguio, where the Hyatt Terraces Hotel was crushed beyond repair. Overall, the number of casualties in the destruction was around 1,621 people. The quake struck on July 16, 1990. On October 15, 2013, Bohol became the recipient of a 7.2 magnitude tremor that registered numerous subsidences, collapsed structures, and cracked highways. Worse, edifices declared as national treasures and landmarks, mostly old churches, succumbed to the disaster. Official estimates placed the casualties at 222 dead, eight missing and 976 injured. Just recently, on February 10, 2017, Surigao City and its environs bore the brunt of a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that left in its wake hundreds of buildings and residences destroyed,

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Understading HIV/AIDS man to woman, THINK ON THESE! woman to man or man to man. The highest risk groups for sexual transmission are men and women who have many sexual partners. Henrylito D. Tacio B l o o d and blood henrytacio@gmail.com products: Transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood can infect the recipient. Shared needles: Users of intravenous drugs are a major risk group because many of them share needles and syringes without proper cleaning. But any unsterilized, skinpiercing instruments – including ear-piercing or tattooing needles – can spread the disease from one person to another. Mother-to-child: A woman infected with HIV may spread the disease to her child during pregnancy, during birth or shortly after birth and through breastfeeding. Although the routes of HIV transmission are well-known, unfounded fear continues concerning the potential for transmission by other means. Extremely fragile, HIV cannot survive long outside the body’s fluids or tissue and cannot penetrate unbroken skin. As such, HIV is not transmitted by casual physical contact such as holding hands, sneezing or coughing, sharing

toilets, using the same utensils, or consuming food and beverages handled by someone with HIV. “(HIV) is not spread by mosquitoes or other insects and can be killed with bleach, strong detergents and hot water,” said a report circulated by the Washington-based Population Reference Bureau (PRB). In fact, you can’t get HIV from kissing. “A protein saliva in human saliva keeps HIV from infecting white blood cells,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “The protein attaches itself to white blood cells and protects them from infection.” Now, you get HIV through kissing, you need to imbibe 32 liters of an infected person’s saliva, according to Health Action Information Network (HAIN). “That would be enough to fill-up the gasoline tank of a six-by-six truck. And the transfer should happen in one kissing session!” However, practices that increase the likelihood of contact with the blood of an infected person, such as open-mouth kissing or sharing toothbrushes or razors, should be avoided at all times. Outside the human body, HIV cannot survive but once inside, there is no way a person can eliminate the dreaded virus. Here’s what happens, according to Dr. Dominic Garcia who, at the time of the interview, was still the program officer of the AIDS Society of the Philippines: “HIV progressively weakens the body’s immune defense system until it is no longer able to fight off infections, many of which are normally harmless. “When the immune system is severely

damaged by HIV, several opportunistic infections are present at once,” Dr. Garcia added. Opportunistic infections or indicator diseases affecting people with HIV include tuberculosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma (a tumor primarily affecting the skin), pneumonia, herpes, shingles and weight loss. Death is not caused directly by HIV, but by one or more infections. Only a special blood test can detect whether a person is HIV-positive or not. “Unlike flu, which already gives you the symptoms the following day after acquiring it, HIV can show no symptoms for several years,” Dr. Garcia said. “AIDS is almost always fatal, although a few individuals have survived for up to 20 years,” the PRB publication pointed out. “The disease is believed to progress more slowly in industrialized countries than in less developed countries, largely because residents of industrialized countries have greater access to antiretroviral drugs and high-quality health care.” During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, the flimsiest evidence was used to blame AIDS on certain groups, countries, or animals. But Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia, said it right. “It is not important where it came from,” he declared, “but rather where it is going.” When he was still the secretary of health, the late Dr. Juan M. Flavier said: “AIDS is an incurable disease, and our best defense against it is prevention. And our best tool, education.” But despite all the education campaigns about HIV/AIDS in the country, stigmas on people living with HIV are still high. And the figure of HIV/AIDS cases is rising!

many of them FAST BACKWARD declared inhabitable and dangerous. Fortunately, only eight persons died as a result. This occurred just five months after a 6.5-magntiude temblor rocked Antonio V. Figueroa Davao Oriental. The Surigao tremor was triggered by the Mindanao fault zone, which stretches 320 kilometers from Sruigao City to Mati City, in Davao Oriental. The Mati and Monkayo segments were responsible for another huge earthquake that hit Davao region over a century ago. The most devastating quake to hit the Philippines happened in Moro Gulf, in Mindanao, on August 17, 1976, which was as high as 8.0 magnitude. The geologic movement resulted in a tsunami, the most disastrous in Philippine history that resulted in the official death count of over 8,000 people, killed or missing, excluding the 10,000 injured and the 90,000 rendered homeless. But this quartet of destructive quakes that occurred in the last 50 years was not just the strongest on record. Two these, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and other seismological

institutions outside the country, occurred in Davao region and were considered as two “of the greatest earthquakes in Philippine history.” The June 21, 1893, earthquake that hit Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, landed in many peer-reviewed publications. American geologist Clarence R. Allen, in his article “Circum-Pacific Faulting in the Philippines-Taiwan Region”, which came out in the Journal of Geophysical Research (November 1962) wrote: “One of the greatest earthquakes in Philippine history is that of June 21, 1863, in eastern Mindanao, which was clearly associated with widespread subsidences in the swamps of the Agusan River and with possible extensive faulting near the present town of Monkayo. And the largest instrumentally recorded earthquake of the Philippines region occurred on April 14, 1924, along the projected trace of the Philippine fault south of Mindanao.” The last statement refers to the 8.3 earthquake that shook Mati, the epicenter, on April 14, 1924. This occurred three years only after Manay, Davao Oriental, was struck by a 7.5 magnitude temblor on November 11, 1921. Philvocs, in its website advisory, explains the impact of an earthquake with an intensity 8 strength: “People find it difficult to stand even outdoors. Many well-built buildings are considerably damaged. Concrete dikes and foundation of bridges are destroyed by ground settling or toppling. Railway tracks are bent or broken. Tombstones may be displaced, twisted or overturned. Utility posts, towers and monuments

may tilt or topple. Water and sewer pipes may be bent, twisted or broken. Liquefaction and lateral spreading cause man- made structure to sink, tilt or topple. Numerous landslides and rockfalls occur in mountainous and hilly areas. Boulders are thrown out from their positions particularly near the epicenter. Fissures and faults rapture may be observed. Trees are violently shaken. Water splash or stop over dikes or banks of rivers.” In the case of the Manay quake, which had its epicenter in the southern part of the Philippine Deep, Fr. Miguel Saderra-Maso, S.J. (18651939), a seismologist at the Manila Observatory, recorded his observation about the incident. “The most unusual effect of the second earthquake was tide-wave [tsunami] which invaded the few bays with low lands there existing, Manay being the one which sustained greater loss in structures and crops.” The same tsunami was noticed as far as Balut Island in Sarangani Bay, Davao Occidental. Born in Gerona, Spain, Fr. Maso joined the Jesuits in 1882 and later the Manila Observatory. His vital contributions to Philippine seismology are La sismología en Filipinas (1895), the first work on the seismology in the country, and the 1913 the first study of seismotectonics of the Philippines. While assigned in the country, he worked on seismology and terrestrial magnetism, installed seismographic stations in Butuan and other areas, established meteorological and geomagnetic stations, and studied the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Greatest quakes in PH history

10 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

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Davao region rocks summer V

ISIT Davao Fun Sale, the Region‘s pitch to make it More Fun in the Philippines this summer, bring you bigger thrills in eco-adventure tours, iconic sports and culture & lifestyle experiences this 2017. Against a backdrop of season-long discount extravaganza from hotels, malls, shops, restaurants, airlines and wellness centers, VDFS will rock today’s adventure-hungry and surprise-seeking travellers on April 16 to May 31. Among Visit Davao’s newest highlights is the Province of Davao Oriental. Davao Oriental features an undeniably exciting roster of eco-adventure destinations top- billed by Mt. Hamiguitan Unesco Heritage Park in San Isidro, and Dahican Beach in Mati City. Dahican rocks your summer with a National Skimboarding Competition and a Frisbee Invitational Tournament on April 20-23. Amihan sa Dahican, will celebrate its 13th anniversary as the watch-group created for eco-protection related to turtle egg-hatching,

dophin or whale sightings in Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental. The entire Davao Oriental will also launch Kabilin Festival, a heritage celebration in different provinces and municipalities on May 1-7. Mindanao’s most popular island beach, the Island Garden City of Samal remains awesomely inspiring with unbelievable Tour featuring ultra-close encounter with bats and giant clams at the Monfort Bat Cave and Taclobo Sanctuary. Together with the City Government of Davao, Island Garden City of Samal will host the never-to-miss, one-of-a-kind cross-channel Triathlon dubbed as Bpi Cards DurianMan on April 23. The Mindanao Dive Expo on May 6 to 14 and the Samal Marathon on May 7 spell a more upbeat experience in this year of more fun. The majestic Mt. Apo will not be missed to truly #rocksummer 2017 when the iconic Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge returns with a back-toback extreme challenge, The Mt. Apo Sky and Vertical Race.

Yes, not for the faint of heart but truly an inspiring event, most awaited by eco-adventurers this 2017 in Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur as well. Davao City, as the gateway to all these excitement has packed summer with inspiring events of culture and adventure. Season-long events include Art Mindanao and Daba-Daba Performance Festival at malls and dining strips. The Duterte Tour await Davao-curious traveler, made more

exciting with Davao’s version of Pub Crawl on weekends of April and May. It’s truly a show of force for the home of the Philippine President in Battle of the Strongest, Crossfit Competition on May 27 and Hataw Dabaw Streetdance Competition on April 29. Together with the Davao City Tourism Operations Office, VDFS will also showcase the best of Davao’s performing artists at the season-long Daba-Daba Festival featuring world indig-

Japan turns over school building in Agusan Sur

INISTER Makoto Iyori of the Embassy of Japan attended the turnover ceremony last February 24, 2017 for “The Project for the Construction of Classrooms for Bayugan National Comprehensive High School in Bayugan, Agusan Del Sur”. This Project is part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Grant Assistance for Grass-

roots Human Security Projects (GGP) 1. The ceremony was attended by Hon. Adolfo Plaza, Governor of Agusan del Sur, Hon. Maria Valantina Plaza, Congress Women, First District, Agusan del Sur, Dr. Imelda N. Sabornido, Officer-In-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, DepED, Bayugan City. The teachers, students and parents of Bayugan National

Comprehensive High School (BNCHS) also joined the event. BNCHS is an important public school in the province of Agusan del Sur which provides productive education especially to a large number of the poor students in the area. The school is well known among the students due to the wide variety of courses under its curriculum such as Science and Technology, Journalism,

Arts, Technical Vocational Courses, and Sports. However, due to the increasing number of enrollees, the school was faced with problem of lacking classrooms. To address this problem, the Embassy of Japan decided to support the school through Philam Foundation, Inc., under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction

are asked to join the search for: Outstanding Rice Farmer, Outstanding Corn Farmer, Outstanding High Value Crop Farmer, Outstanding Coconut Farmer, Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer, Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer, Outstanding Small Animal Raiser, Ylanan said. Also for individual category is the search for Outstanding Large Animal Raiser, Outstanding Fisherfolk (Capture Fisheries), Outstanding

Fisherfolk (Fishculture), Outstanding Agri Entrepreneur, Outstanding Agricultural/ Fisheries Scientist, Outstanding Agricultural Researcher and Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk. For group categories, farmers groups and associations may join in the search or Outstanding Rural Improvement Club, Outstanding Municipal/City FARMC, Outstanding Farm/Fishing Family, Outstanding Barangay Food

Terminal (LGU Operated), Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal (non-LGU Operated), Outstanding Small Farmer/ Fisherfolk Organization Category, Outstanding Farmer/ Fisherfolk Organization Category, Outstanding Municipal/ City Agriculture and Fisheries Council and Outstanding Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council. Ylanan said the deadline for submission of entries is on

FJAPAN, 11

DA-12 announces Search for Gawad Saka 2017

HE search is on for the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Gawad Saka Search 2017, the Department of Agriculture in Region 12 announced. In a radio interview, Nelly Ylanan, chief of DA-12 Regional Agriculture and Fishery Information Division, said this year’s search has 14 individual categories and nine group categories. For individual categories, farmers and fisherfolks

FDA-12, 11

enous music, contemporary and modern or hiphop streetdance. The malls will brim with sales, savings and more surprises during the citywide Sale in Malls on April 15 and 16 and May 27 to 31 and at the Wellness Fair and Dive Expo on May 11-14. Pet owners even join in the fun at the Mindanao Pet Congress on May 26 -27. Visit Davao Fun Sale is now on its fourth year as the

Department of Tourism’s campaign to make Davao Region a top destination for the summer. Spearheaded by the Davao Fun Sale Executive Committee, this year’s #rocksummer campaign is co-presented by the Davao City Government, Air Asia, Bonamine and Tempra, BPI Cards, Cebu Pacific and Tanduay. For more information about #rocksummer check out www. visitdavaofunsale.com and @visitdavaofunsale on FB.

TATE-RUN Social Security System (SSS) on Monday said revenues jumped to P160 billion as of end of November 2016 period. Based on SSS’ unaudited financial statement, revenues for the January to November period in 2016 grew 8.34 percent to P160.02 billion on the back of the P10.51 billion increase in member’s contribution and higher investment income. The recorded end-November 2016 revenues was 8.7 percent higher than the P120.77 billion recorded in the same 11-month period in 2015. Broken down, members’ contribution grew to P131.28 billion investments and other income increased to P28.74 billion. “One of our goals for the pension fund this year is to expand our membership. We would also like to retain the current membership number as it comprises more than 82 percent of our total revenue income,” SSS President Emmanuel F. Dooc said. Expenditures for the January to November period in 2016, likewise, increased by 18.39 percent to P131.06 billion from the P110.70 billion recorded in 2015 amid the 25.46 percent-increase in disbursements in retirement benefits. Expenditures for retirement, death and disability stood at P72.56 billion, P36.21 billion and P4.17 billion, respectively. Disbursements for maternity was recorded at P4.84 billion; for funeral grant stood at P3.3 billion; sickness at P2.08 billion; medical services at P12.99 million; and rehabilitation services at P1.48 million.

Expenses in the January to November 2016 period in 2016 pulled the net revenue for the 11-month period in 2016 to drop 21.74 percent to P28.96 billion from the P37 billion in the year before. Meanwhile, as of November 2016, the pension fund’s assets, liabilities and reserves stood at P473.63 billion, P13.54 billion and P460.09 billion, respectively. Investment level for the said period was recorded at P456.23 billion as average return of investment stood at 7 percent. SSS has been urging Congress to pass its charter amendments to provide the pension fund greater investment flexibility to bolster its generation of needed revenues for granting higher benefits for members. Social Security Commission’s (SSC) Chairman Dean Amado D. Valdez said that SSS investment capabilities based on the provisions under the Social Security Act of 1997 are limited amid current market trends. “Aside from expanding our investment portfolio, we seek the amendment of the conservative provisions of the SSS charter particularly on the investing capacities of the Commission,” he said. The SSS charter limits the powers of the Commission to invest its reserve fund. At present, SSS could only invest in private securities, housing, real estate, short and medium-term member loans, government financial institutions and corporations, infrastructure projects, foreign currency denominated investments, and any particular industry that the Commission deems profitable. (PR)

SSS revenues jump to P160 billion

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EVENT

A ticket to the world:

EDGEDAVAO

DTAA holds 8th Davao Mega Travel Sale THE DAVAO TRAVEL AGENTS A S S O C I AT I O N (DTAA) held its eighth annual Davao Mega Travel Sale last February 17 to 19 at the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall. Touted as the biggest travel and tour fair in Davao City, the event gave Dabawenyo travellers amazing deals on the hottest travel destinations and airline tickets.

The event also served as the kick-off of SilkAir’s 20th year anniversary celebration in Davao. The regional wing of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir is celebrating its 20th year connecting Surianburg to the rest of the world through Singapore. From three flights a week to the current frequency of 10 flights a week, SilkAir makes international travel more convenient for Dabawenyos. “SilkAir is committed to serving the Davao market and is looking forward to allow more local travellers to experience our quality full service product,” said Sharwin Lim, SlikAir’s manager for Mindanao. “On behalf of the staff of SilkAir Davao, I would like to thank our long-standing partners and stakeholders who have played an indispensable role in helping us reach this milestone.” Aside from SilkAir’s anniversary celebrations, AirAsia Philippines also used the Davao Mega Travel Sale to announce its new domestic routes flying out of Davao City.

The world’s best low cost carrier for eight consecutive years will begin to fly from Davao to Clark, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay/Caticlan in April 22 with introductory fares on sale from as low as P399 only. Congratulations to the DTAA, SilkAir, AirAsia, as well as the organisers of the event on a job well done, and for giving Dabawenyos more reason to travel and explore the world.

EDGEDAVAO

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Dow renews support for the Philippine Eagle FEBRUARY 2, 2017 MARKS THE EIGHTH YEAR of Dow’s support to the iconic Philippine Eagle. The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a non-profit organization has embarked on a program to accelerate the captive breeding of the Philippine Eagle in Davao City. This program will help replenish the wild eagle population, currently standing at around 400 pairs in the wild, 36 individuals at the center, and now threatened with extinction. Dow’s support of USD 10,000 (approximately PHP 500K) is specific towards a female eagle named Sambisig. The support will cover care for the bird including food provisions, veterinary attention, medicines, supple-

ments, and daily care over the next four years. Sambisig was born in captivity in 2002 in Davao. At the age of 15 years today, she is matured and ready for breeding. She is in good health and is feeding well. Last year she was paired

It’s KIDS’ SALE! Visit the Children’s Wear Department of The SM Store near you today until April 2 to enjoy big big discounts and freebies from SM Kids!

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March 1 – 7, 2017

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with a male eagle where they were both sheltered in an introduction enclosure that had a partition wall in the middle to make the pairing attempt safe for both birds. Philippine eagles that are not compatible with each other tend to be aggressive. So far, Sambisig and the male eagle are friendly towards each other and may successfully breed in the next breeding season in July. “As a local global company, Dow is proud to be able to contribute towards the protection of the Philippine Eagle, our national treasure. Having been in the country for more than 50 years, we are most proud when we can give back to our country beyond advanced technologies and solutions from our business. The Philippine Eagle holds a very special place in the hearts of all Filipinos and we want to continue supporting this cause” said Bobby Batungbacal, Country Director for Dow Chemical Pacific Limited, Philippines. The Philippine eagle is one of the most endangered species in the Philippines and through the support of Dow, PEF commits to use the donation to take care of all the needs of the eagle and associated conservation research and campaigns of the PEF. “We are grateful to have Dow support this noble cause. Their contribution will surely benefit our efforts in breeding the Philippine eagles in captivity. Through their partnership, we hope to accomplish more in our mission to augment the population of the species. We urge more private companies like Dow to participate in advancing the conservation work for our national bird. The survival of the Philippine eagle is important to the quality

of Philippine life as it is a barometer species of the health of our environment and our natural resources. Protecting the eagle is protecting the future of generations to come” said Dennis Salvador, Executive Director of Philippine Eagle Foundation. About Dow Philippines Dow Chemical Pacific Ltd., Philippine branch was established on 22 May 1964 and is Dow’s first office in Southeast Asia. In 2014, it celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of operating ethi-

cally, safely and sustainably in the Philippines. It has a business center in Makati City, a coatings manufacturing plant in Las Piñas, and a virtual sales force in Davao City. Collectively, it employs over 100 employees. Dow Philippines distributes a diversified industryleading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses that delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions for high growth sectors. It focuses

on industries including the paint and coatings, food and specialty packaging, agriculture, electronics and semiconductors, consumer products, water purification and renewable energy. Dow’s coatings plant in Las Piñas is the first and leading latex emulsion plant in the Philippines, and for more than 50 years, catering to the coatings, adhesives and construction industries. Today, there are more than 450 Dow products used in the Philippines.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

UP AND ABOUT

EDGEDAVAO

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Biyaya mandala exhibit at Seda Abreeza BIYAYA, a fundraising exhibit for the benefit of the Steiner/Waldorf school, Tuburan Institute, Inc. will be held at the lobby of SEDA hotel from March 1-17, 2017. Biyaya features the Mandalas of young Japanese artist, Oruha who is famous in her country for her delicate but skillful colored dotted line strokes that seem to pulsate an energy of peace and equanimity. Oruha has donated 44 of her

Mandalas to raise funds for Tuburan, a school whose brand of holistc Steiner/Waldorf education she would like more Mindanao children to experience. Oruha explains, “I want to help sustain Tuburan because I know how hard the school is working to accept everyone who wants this kind of culturally transformative education.” Yoko Matsuda, a Tuburan parent and Oruha’s close friend also says, “The dynamism and energy of Oruha’s art process beautifully reflects and captures how Tuburan

also uses art, movement, and music to draw out children’s inner creativity.” “I can’t help but stare at the Mandalas; you can actually sense their energy!” shared a walk-in guest who happened to pass by the exhibit area. She mused, “Perhaps, the Mandalas really attract good luck for the Japanese businessmen who have been patronizing Oruha’s work for years.” Tuburan’s teachers put much reverence and passion into their relationship with the children in

the same way as Oruha can focus and channel a meditative mood whenever she’s creating her intricate Swarovski crystal studded Mandalas. Davaoenos are invited to help sustain Tuburan’s work in early childhood education and primary education through buying one or more Mandalas during the run of Biyaya this March 1-17, 2017 at SEDA Abreeza Davao. Interested buyers can contact Tuburan through Rainbaco Sunga at 09255151010.

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge!

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO

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Teenage rebel gives up; under DSWD for rehab ... FROM 1

Captain Rhyan Batchar, 10th ID chief information officer told reporters on Tuesday that the minor, identified only as Alias Dongkoy, 17 years of age, yielded to elements of 67th Infantry Battalion in Davao Oriental. He is a member of guerrilla front 25 of the NPA operating in the boundary areas of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces. Alias Dongkoy is now being processed for turn over to proper authorities particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development for rehab, Batchar added. Under the law, he said that minors like Alias Dongkoy who have undergone traumatic experiences while with the lawless group must be handled by capable persons in the DSWD. Investigations are also being conducted to trace back Alais Dongkoy’s roots – his family members and place of origin, Batchar added. In a separate statement issued to the media on Tuesday, 10th ID commander Major General Rafael Valencia criticized the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, for recruiting minors for their armed struggle. “The communists must

spare the children from directly participating in the armed conflict,“ Valencia pointed out. He added that such irresponsible act of the CPP-NPA should be strongly condemned by the Filipino people. Batchar also told reporters of the surrender on Monday afternoon of the three regular combatants guerrilla front 71 of the NPA in Davao Occidental and nine members of the NPAs Milisyang Bayan to the elements of 73rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel town in Sarangani Sarangani province. He did not reveal the true identities of the regular NPAs and militias for security considerations and pending investigations and processes. “The three NPA regulars and nine militias voluntarily surrendered to 73rd IB troopers. Among the reasons of their surrender were hardships, fear and disillusionment to their leaders and the communist movement,” he emphasized. Since February 1 this year, a total of 39 NPA regulars have already returned to the folds of the law while 19 high powered firearms were recovered from the NPAs, Batchar said. Five of the recovered firearms were brought along by NPA regulars who voluntarily surrendered to the army, he added.

and music that will be for the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community. The city government expects a big number of tourists

to visit and celebrate Araw ng Dabaw especially because this year will be the first Araw that will be celebrated while Rodrigo Duterte, former city mayor, is president.

pings not only of foreigners but also of Filipinos, is one of two groups which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Saddened by Kanter’s fate, Dureza said, “terrorism has no

place in a country like ours and we as a people must confront violent extremism every time it rears its ugly head”. “We condole with his family, friends and loved ones,” he added. (PNA)

campaign to conduct kidnapping and extortion activities. The group of Sta. Isabel, together with former PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) Region 3 (Central Luzon) director Senior Supt.

Rafael Dumlao II, was allegedly behind the abduction in Angeles City, Pampanga and subsequent murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo inside Camp Crame, Quezon City on Oct. 18, 2016. (PNA)

tablished a program trust fund, which is augmented through the hospital’s earnings. “The refund goes back to the trust fund for PhilHealth renewal,” Braña said. Dr. Miriam Grace Pamonag, PhilHealth regional vice president for Region 12, said the province is currently the region’s “top achiever” in terms of the POC program’s implementation. She said records showed that South Cotabato enrolled 28 percent of hospital patients to POC, the highest among LGUs in Region 12. “It shows that its is carry-

ing out the mandate for LGUs to enroll their indigent residents to the health insurance program,” Pamonag said in a media forum. For this year, she said the national government will subsidize the PhilHealth membership of indigent residents who are enrolled through the POC. “If before our LGUs had problems in terms of funding for this, we will take charge of that this year,” she said. Pamonag added the local governments could now focus on the processing of their PhilHealth reimbursements. (PNA)

Proud... FROM 1

Dureza... FROM 2

PNP... FROM 4

Poor... FROM 7

NEWS 11

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has instructed the department heads to come up with an ordinance that will limit the height requirements of all the buildings that will be built of the city. Lean Daval Jr

PNP arrests 15 Chinese in raid on illegal online gambling joint T

HE Philippine National Police Anti-Cyber crime Group (PNP-ACG) has arrested 15 Chinese nationals and a Filipino allegedly involved in illegal online gambling in Pasig City. The suspects were arrested inside an ordinary-looking office in an 18-floor building in Pasig City on Monday night. The PNP-ACG started to monitor the company iden-

tified as YD International Incorporated (YD International) after receiving an information that it was operating an illegal virtual games in their office in Pasig City. By virtue of a search warrant issued by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC), the PNP-ACG operatives raided the office of YD International and discovered that it was a haven of an illegal online gambling.

He planned to have about 20 hectares of reclamation project in Babak, considering that the district already lacks open space and the high costs of acquiring land there. “The reclamation projects would be for the new market, for park, open space like for jogging, for fishermen’s wharf and cold storage facilities, seafood market and others,” he said. As to the long-dreamed-of Davao-Samal Bridge, he said he learned that the JICA and NEDA are now wrapping up the final plan for the bridge, which might start from the area near the old airport in Davao City and would connect to Caliclic area in the island. He said that bridge was one of those identified last year that Chinese investors would massively fund. The airport has been planned to be located in areas stretching Barangays Toril, Agustin, Mambago-A and B and Sto. Niño. As to the industrial estate which would be

put under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, it can be placed at the city-owned 11-hectare land in Peñaplata, which could be ideal for medical-tourism estate. The Ekran Berhad’s casino resort can be reopened as the Malaysian investors have shown interest to come back and settle their tax obligations and debts to the city government amounting to about P300 million. Lastly, the Samal Island Whale Museum can be established in the new City Hall, with the 38-carcasses of the 38-foot sperm whale that was beached offshore last Dec. 23 in Barangay Miranda, Babak district already preserved by D’Bone Collector Museum of bone collector Darrell Dean Blatchley in Davao City. For his part, IGACOS Vice Mayor Orly Amit welcomed the mayor’s development thrusts and visions describing them as challenges of Samal officials and people. – Cha Monforte, Correspondent

to formally start on March 19 and end on March 24, says City of Mati Councilor Ma. Gracia Tiago, who heads the Arrival, Welcome and Departure Committee for the DAVRAA Sports Event. Participating provinces and cities for the upcoming

2017 DAVRAA Meet are Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Digos City, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Occidental, City of Mati, Panabo City, and Tagum City. (Karen Lou Deloso/PIO DavOr)

IGACOS... FROM 3

Davao... FROM 7

PNP-ACG spokesman Supt. Jay Guillermo said YD International is not a registered company and that it operates in such a way that a player makes a bet online, but before making the bet, an account connected to a bank should be opened and the money is automatically deducted or added. The owners of the company identified as Jonah Tee and Mica Wang were nowhere to be

found when the PNP-ACG raided YD International’s office. However, their personnel, composed of 15 Chinese and a Filipino were arrested. The arrested Chinese will undergo verification, especially so that they are using tourist visa. They are facing a case for violation of Republic Act No. 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012”. (PNA)

pines and Australia has grown to encompass an increasing people-to-people link, development assistance towards sustainable growth, defence and law enforcement cooperation. Gorely said there’s still the 2015 Joint Declaration on Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership which provides a framework to broaden and deepen the already long collaboration spanning 70 years. They are still encouraging people-to-people links through other areas like cultur-

al exchange, education, tourism and migration, she said. She said there already 250,000 Filipinos who made Australia their home and continue to make contributions to Australian society. Of the 250,000 Filipinos, Gorely said, 10,000 are students. But the number of students is expected to increase with Australia’s continued offer of scholarships, fellowships and short-term training. To date, there are already 3,500 Filipinos in this program. (PNA)

and Development (J-BIRD) 2 with the grant amounting to One Hundred Two Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Three US Dollars (USD 102,333) or approximately 4.3 million pesos last 2016. This grant covered construction of five-(5) classroom buildings with attached toilets as well as school furniture.

This project aims to provide safe and proper learning environment for the benefits of around 6,300 pupils of this school. The EOJ hopes that improving the learning environment of children would also play an important role in the achievement of peace and development in Mindanao. (PR)

March 10, 2017. She said individual and group winners in the regional level will represent SOCCSKSARGEN region in the National Gawad Saka search later this year. SOCCSKSARGEN region is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Co-

tabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos. Interested farmers and associations may visit DA-12 regional office in Koronadal City or contact Ms. Maricel Frando, Regional Gawad Saka focal person. (PNA)

Australian... FROM 6

Japan... FROM 10

DA-12... FROM 10

12 PROPERTY EDGEDAVAO

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Reasons homebuyers pick Matina Enclaves By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

ERHAPS not a lot saw it coming at the start. For a newcomer developer like Escandor Development Corporation (Esdevco), it’s never easy to be in the thick of real estate business. The competition is just too tough to beat. After two years in the market, Matina Enclaves is now the fastest selling condo unit this part of the country and by far, those who have owned one couldn’t be wrong. As of last count, Esdevco has sold out four condominium buildings of its maiden venture Matina Enclaves and the fifth one is fast selling out. Over the weekend, nine units went to new owners. During the second monthly Open House last February 24 at ESDEVCO Realty Corporation Marketing Center and Showroom, its sellers recorded nine deals.

Angelica Tabin of Alegado Realty bagged three sales while selling one apiece are Joseph Arthur Avila of Leuterio Realty, Carlos Lentuan of Leuterio Realty, Fara Irmina Pajaro of Leuterio Realty, Solomon Banez of Banez Realty, Bryan Gallardo of Furog Realty and Bryan Tuba of Adolfo Realty. Matina Enclaves’ distinct advantage over the other townships are its location and environs, amenities and price. Its condo features are also superior in its class. Let’s start off with its location. Couched around the city’s business district but beautifully confined within a serene patch beside the Davao City Golf Club, the Matina Enclaves is the best place to set one’s new address. It’s like turning to a corner and all of a sudden you are switched off from all the hassles and noises of the metro jungle. Next, its features and ame-

nities. Building 1/B, which is now 95 percent complete and is due for turnover soon, is an 8-storey wonder with two levels of parking. As you enter its lobby, you get that luxury hotel ambiance. Two fast service elevators provide for easy access and two side staircases for those who wish to knock in more mileage on that fitness band. Inside ever unit, the first to catch one’s attention is its high ceiling which is normally not the case in traditional high-rise developments. The entire building has a fully-automated fire and smoke detection system, 24-hour CCTV security camera, and a standby generator set. Then there’s the central garden at the Atrium for fam-

ilies to enjoy bonding time and hobnob with new friends in this flourishing friendly community. And for its price, Esdevco offers very affordable deals for every home unit with easy inhouse financing. For more details, please visit the Matina Enclaves Showroom at Genesis Arcade, Ecowest Drive, Ecoland, Davao City.

13 ENVIRONMENT

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Fish on the brink of collapse Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

“F

ISH production from coastal areas in Asia has been declining. It was estimated that coastal fish stocks in South Asia and Southeast Asia have declined by 5-30% over the last five decades, negatively impacting fisher incomes, fisheries employment, revenues, trade, and social stability.” – Dr. Herminia A. Francisco in her introductory of the book, Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Valuation, Institutions, and Policy in Southeast Asia *** Unless Filipinos help protect and manage their coastal ecosystem, the country may don’t have fish to feed its growing population. Already, the resources that provide the “poor man’s source of protein” are already strained to the limits. “Like the other vital resources such as forests, Philippine fisheries are about to collapse – a victim of the almost unabated plunder of the commons,” deplores Roy C. Alimoane, the director of the Davaobased Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC). As defined, the “commons” encompasses unoccupied land and all waters which are considered God-given set of resources for all people to consume as much as needed. In Genesis 1:29, God said: “They will be yours for food.” But what God had given appear to have been abused to the point of exhaustion. Despite the country’s vast marine resources

– 220 million hectares of coastal and oceanic territorial water area – the Philippines is now a shortfall in fish supply. Fish is a staple food of Filipinos. “Fish and seafood represent an important source of protein for the average Filipino, at around 41%of animal protein intake,” reports the Kuala Lumpur-based World Fish Center. In 2008, the Philippines ranked sixth in global fish and aquaculture production. Twenty-three years earlier, in 1985, the country was listed number four. Next to China, the Philippines was the second largest seaweed producer in the world. Five years later, the country ranked seventh worldwide in terms of fish production, according to Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). In 2014, it produced 4.69 million metric tons of fish valued at P237.71 billion. “These figures suggest we are rich in fisheries and coastal resources as a nation,” said Senator Loren Legarda in a speech. Fish shortage During his time, French novelist Jules Verne (the man behind “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”) suggested that when the world reached the limits of food production on the land, man could turn to the oceans. That was what most countries had been doing over the past several decades. “Between 1950 and 1989, the fish catch expanded more than

(First of Two Parts) four-fold, climbing from 22 million tons to 100 million tons,” Lester R. Brown reported in his feature, “Facing Food Scarcity.” “During the six years since then, the catch has leveled off. Contrary to the prognosis of Jules Verne, we reached the limits of the oceans first.” This is true particularly in the Philippines, a country with more than 7,000 islands. “A major fishing ground, Lingayen Gulf, reached its maximum sustainable yield more than 20 years ago,” claims a report released by UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “The fishery now has four times the optimum effort for the available fish stocks. Catch rates in the gulf are only one-fifth of what they were 15 years ago, compelling fishers to invest more time and money in dwindling catches.” In some areas, not only has the volume of catch been reduced, but also quality. The FAO report cites Central Visayas as a case in point. “There has been an overall shift in catch composition, away from coastal pelagic to oceanic pelagic species and away from demersal to pelagic species,” it says. In the Davao Gulf, the volume and quality of the fish have been found to be in constant decline since 2000, according to a decade-study conducted by the World Fish Center. The study looked at the volume and quality of the harvests of 10 commonly fished species in the gulf: “matambaka,” “tamban,” “moro-moro,” “caraballas,” “bilong-bilong,”

lapu-lapu, “danggit,” “molmol,” “talakitok” and “maya-maya.” Except for “maya-maya,” the harvest numbers for the species have been falling. At the current rate of decline, the “caraballas,” “bilong-bilong,” “molmol” and “danggit” may all disappear completely from Davao Gulf within a decade. Fishery experts claim that all fishing activities depend on a fragile resource base which, if mismanaged and overexploited, can easily collapse. “The past three decades have seen the rapid decline of the Philippine coastal ecosystems,” Legarda admitted. Coastal ecosystems refer to mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs. “Coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are among the world’s most important and most endangered ecosystems,” writes Dr. Miguel D. Fortes, a marine scientist and the first Filipino to receive the prestigious International Biwako Prize for Ecology. “They are also the major life-support and protective ecosystems of the coastal zone.”

Coral reefs Coral reefs are the marine equivalent of rainforests. “Our coral reefs, together with those of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, contain the highest number of species of plants and animals,” says Dr. Helen T. Yap, also a marine scientist whose expertise is the ecology of coral reefs. “They lie at the center of biodiversity in our planet.” The Philippines has 27,000 square kilometers of coral reef area within a 15- to 30-meter depth, one of the largest reef areas in the world. Almost 55% of the fish consumed by Filipinos depend on coral reefs; 10%-15% of the total marine fisheries production comes from coral reefs. “One of the greatest natural treasures, they are habitats for rare species, including some 488 species of corals, 971 species of benthic algae, and 2,000 species of fish,” Dr. Fortes says. “A single reef may contain 3,000 species of corals, fish and shellfish.” In the Philippines, coral reefs are already endangered. “Our coral reefs are highly stressed,” Dr. Yap observes, “but I would not say yet they are about to go extinct.” Speaking like a true marine scientist, she adds, “Much can still be done to save them.”

“Reefs are tough,” says Dr. Clive Wilkinson, a biologist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. “You can hammer them with cyclones, and they’ll bounce right back. What they can’t bounce back from is chronic, constant stress.” The kind of stress, in other words, that is being applied by humans. Dr. Yap agrees. “A very widespread and notorious problem is fishing with the use of explosives and cyanide,” she says. “Dynamite shatters everything on the reef surface. The trauma of the impact is such that corals and other organisms never recover.” Unfortunately, dynamite fishing is still rampant. “Almost every coastal area in the Philippines has that problem,” Dr. Yap says. Cyanide fishing also contributes to the obliteration of coral reefs. Each year, an estimated 330,000 pounds of cyanide is reportedly sprayed on Philippine coral reefs. “Cyanide is a metabolic poison,” Dr. Yap explains. “It dissolves in water, and squirted directly onto corals by fishermen who free-dive underwater. The cyanide is meant to stun the fish hiding among the coral colonies so they can be collected easily. But since corals are living creatures, they die quickly from the cyanide. So do all plants and animals within effective reach of the poison.” However, Dr. Yap believes that the most single cause of reef degradation is still sedimentation, resulting from deforestation, destructive agriculture and mining, among others. “I would highlight deforestation more,” says the scientist who was named one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in 1998. The disappearance of the coral reefs does not only destroy the habitats of fishes and other marine creatures but jeopardizes the discovery of future medicines. “Coral reef plants and animals are important sources of new medicines being developed to treat cancer, arthritis, human bacterial infections, heart disease, viruses, and other diseases,” says the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “Some

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coral reef organisms produce powerful chemicals to fend off attackers, and scientists continue to research the medicinal potential of these substances.” Some of them have already been unearthed. “Didemnin, derived from sea squirts, is active against a broad range of viruses which cause colds, herpes, or meningitis; coral reefs have also yielded potential anti-cancer drugs,” Dr. Fortes reports.

Mangroves Mangroves – communities of trees in the tidal flats in coastal waters, extending inland along rivers where the water is tidal, saline or brackish – are not spared from denudation. According to Legarda, 70% of the country’s mangroves are already destroyed. “All over the country, whatever coastal province you visit, you see the same plight – desolate stretches of shoreline completely stripped of mangrove cover and now totally exposed to the pounding of the ocean’s waves,” an environmentalist observes. According to Dr. Fortes, there are 25-30 species of true mangrove trees and an equal number of associated species. “In 1918, the country’s mangrove forests were estimated to cover 5,000 square kilometers,” he writes. “By 1970, they had dwindled to 2,880 square kilometers and to 2,420 square kilometers a decade later.” By 2012, only 117,000 hectares remained, the BFAR reports. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) says that most of the remaining vegetated mangrove areas in the country today are second growth, containing other than the original species. The most rapid decrease of mangroves happened during the 1960s and 1970s when government policies encouraged the expansion of aquaculture in various parts of the country. The expansion occurred largely during a period when real prices for fish and shrimp were steadily increasing. Mangroves are very important to marine life. They are home to 68 species of fish (including bangus, kitan, tilapia, eel, and mullet, to name a few), 54 species of crustaceans (shrimps, prawns, and crabs), and 56 species of gastropods. “Fish use the spaces under the mass of prop roots of mangrove trees as ‘delivery rooms,’ and the offspring of many marine species spend their growing period in the mangrove swamps before moving on to the open said,” says Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, former director of the Philippine Council for Marine and Aquatic Resources Research and Development. – (To be concluded)

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EDGEDAVAO Sports 15

VOL. 9 ISSUE 266 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2017

BREWING RIVALRY Ateneo, PCT arrange finals in 6th DFA U17 Girls League

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

TEAM STANDINGS Ateneo PCT

CBNHS

Faith IA

3 1 0

1 3

Next matches, March 11 8:00 am--For third place CBNHS vs. Faith IA 9:30 am—Finals Ateneo vs. PCT

Complete Results (Eliminations) 28 January – Saturday 8:00AM - Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM vs Faith International Academy (5-2) Goal scorers: 34’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM – Loren Mae Lanoy 42’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM - Loren Mae Lanoy 49’ Faith Intl Academy – Betsy Jennings 50’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM - Loren Mae Lanoy 64’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM – Mhea Licaros 70’ Faith Intl Academy – Jimena Salguero 73’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM – Mhea Licaros

TENEO de Davao Lady Knights FC arranged a finals duel with archrival Philippine College of Technology for the coveted 6th Davao Football Association Under-17 Girls Football Tournament. The much-anticipated grudge match is set on March 11 t the Faith International Academy football pitch. The Lady Knights topped the fourteam eliminations with a clean 3-0-0 record while the PCT footbelles finished second at 2-0-1. The Lady Knights will be 4 February – Saturday 8:00AM – Faith International Academy vs Philippine College of Technology (1-10)

11 February – Saturday 8:00AM - ADDU-Lady Knights FC vs Faith Intl Academy (10-0) 9:30AM – Crossing Bayabas NHSPERM vs Philippine College of Technology (2-7)

25 February – Saturday 8:00AM – Philippine College of Technology vs ADDU Lady Knights FC (4-5) 17’ Lady Knights FC – Julien Meredith Mirto 28’ Lady Knights FC – Shanelle Charllyne Ostan 32’ Lady Knights FC – Patricia Erika Francisco

heading to the finals taking with them a morale-boosting 5-4 win over PCT in the eliminations last Saturday. They completed their sweep of the flag with a cruching 11-2 triumph over Crossing Bayabas National High School on Sunday. PCT’s twin wins came from equally impressive workouts--a 10-1 demolition of Faith International Academy last February 4 and a 7-2 thrashing of CBNHS on February 11. CBNHS and host Faith bat-

45’ Lady Knights FC – Shanelle Charllyne Ostan 58’ Philippine College of Technology – Joyce Semacio 60’ Philippine College of Technology – Joyce Semacio 64’ Philippine College of Technology – Joyce Semacio 69’ Lady Knights FC – Alessandra Ysabel Aquino 75’ Philippine College of Technology – Joyce Semacio

26 February – Sunday (Tionko Field) 4:00PM – Lady Knights FC vs Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM (11-2) 2’ Lady Knights FC – Patricia Erika Francisco 21’ Lady Knights FC – Patricia Erika Francisco

tle it out for third place. Julien Meredith Mirto, who scored four markers in their last outing, will be at the forefront of Ateneo’s attack along with Joannah Marie Adao, Shanelle Charlynne Ostan and Patricia Erika Francisco. PCT will be relying on explosive striker Joyce Semacio. The tournament is organized by the Davao Football Association (DFA) with Ching delos Reyes as Match Commissioner. The awarding rites will follow right after the Finals.

30’ Lady Knights FC – Shanelle Charllyne Ostan 32’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM – Mhea Licaros 35’ Lady Knights FC – Julien Meredith Mirto 38’ Crossing Bayabas NHS-PERM – Charlene Orlanez 44’ Lady Knights FC – Julien Meredith Mirto 52’ Lady Knights FC – Joannah Marie Adao 64’ Lady Knights FC – Julien Meredith Mirto 66’ Lady Knights FC – Julien Meredith Mirto 70’ Lady Knights FC – Julien Meredith Mirto 76’ Lady Knights FC – Joannah Marie Adao 79’ Lady Knights FC – Shanelle Charllyne Ostan

U17 FINALISTS. Ateneo De Davao University Lady Knights (left) will battle Philippine College of Techology (right) for the 6th DFA U17 Girls title on March 11 at the Faith International Academy pitch. DFA photos

PAL Men’s Interclub tees off today

MANILA Southwoods side that parades some of the best amateur golfers in the land has been labeled as the solid favorite as the 70th edition of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub gets off the ground today at the Apo Golf and Rancho Palos Verdes layouts here. Reedy Japanese teenager Yuto Katsuragawa spearheads the Carmona-based squad as it searches its first “three-peat” in what is regarded as the country’s unofficial team golf championship. First round play will be at tree-lined Apo Golf before action in the next two goes to well-manicured Palos Verdes, and Southwoods’ non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano believes that this tournament will be won at Apo, which is the final round venue. “Whichever team scores well at Apo will have a great chance to win,” Escano said yesterday after

overseeing his team’s official practice round in what is considered one of the toughest tests in the South. “Apo will decide the champion. I have no doubt about it.” Escano, though, refuses to acknowledge the edge with Canlubang to parade the multi-titled Rupert Zaragosa yet again and Luisita and Del Monte also being represented by products of their respective programs that center on young players. Carlo Villaroman, JP De Claro and Luis Castro will be Zaragosa’s main supporting cast even as Del Monte will be bannered by former national team member Jelbert Gamolo. Luisita, four days removed from winning the Seniors title, shoots for a sweep of the tournament with a team that will parade two members of that victorious squad – Eddie Bagtas and Jingy Tuason – which the team has mixed with young talents like Dan Cruz

CHESSKWELAHAN. Participants in action during the DavNor Chesskwelahan.

40 jr chessers in DavNor Chesskwelahan tourney

AVAO DEL NORTE ─ Future chess masters are now being built through series of qualifying tournaments as part of the province’s newest sport venture dubbed as Chesskwelahan facilitating 40 chess enthusiast kids aged eight to 12 which opened Saturday, at the Robinsons Place Tagum . The Provincial Sports Development Division spearheaded the first leg of the qualifying tourneys which aims to build up young chess players into becoming elite athletes in the future through the facilities of the Sports Academy of the province. “Ang atong ‘chesskwelahan’, murag first time sa entero Pilipinas na adunay eskwelahan para sa chess. Agi ug preparasyon ni sya sa atong umaabot nga Sports Academy. Kung sugdan nato ang chesskwelahan karon, after two years ma-hawod nani sila mao nani sila ang supplier para sa atong Sports Academy sa chess,” said Assistant Provincial Administrator Giovanni Gulanes, who is also the Provincial Sports

and Luis Miguel Guerrero. 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. The donors are Shangri-La at The Fort, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties. A total of 80 teams are entered in the four-day, five-division event which ends on Saturday. They will play at the Apo Golf and ESCANDOR CUP. Ateneo de Davao University’s Axel Doromal Country Club and Rancho and Matt Martinez apply pressure defense against a Jose Maria Palos Verde. College player during the opener of the 4th Emilio Escandor Cup

Coordinator. He said that this endeavour is one component of Gov. Anthony del Rosario’s grassroot sports development program. Gulanes added that after the three succeeding tournaments to be held every Saturday, they will only select 25 lucky players to be rigidly trained, which is also seen to be an avenue to determine the right attitude of the players. “Duna tay calibration. Among dulaan isa-isa Out of the hundreds [participants] I supposed, mupili ta ug mga 25 lang nga mao ang atong amumahon ug maayo, tagaan ug lain-laing libro on chess tactics, pahulamon pud nato ug mga gadgets kay ang uso karon chess engine na,” he added. These 25 ‘chesstudyantes’ will attend classes and coaching to be held in the chesskwelahan classroom located inside Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex. Jason Salubre, an international chess player from Panabo City will be the official trainer of the chesstudyantes.

basketball tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center on Sunday. Right photo shows Ateneo’s Dariel Manliguez score on a drive. Lean Daval Jr.

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