Edge Davao 9 Issue 272 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

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Young scientists want students to study Philippine flora, fauna Veggie and fruit Summer recipes

4 cops killed, 1 hurt by NPAs in Bansalan By JECIA ANNE OPIANA OUR police officers of the Philippine National Police, including a scene of the crime operative (SOCO) were killed while one officer was wounded in an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army at Barangay Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur at around 7:30 in the morning of Wednesday.

The police killed in action were identified as PO1 Rolly Benelayo, PO1 Joe Narvaza, PO1 Saro Mangutara of the Bansalan Municipal Police Station and SOCO PO1 Jayden May Rabor of Digos City. The wounded officer was PO3 Allen Arnado and was immediately brought to a nearby hospital. According to PSUPT Marcelo Morales, Deputy Regional Director for Administration of Police Regional Office XI, the officers received a call at around 6:30 in the

REHEARSAL. Members of the Joint Task Force Haribon rescue and secure a ‘kidnap victim’ during a counter terrorism simulation exercises to demonstrate the government enforcement agency’s capability at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

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GRAVE INSULT Peasant group slams appointment of general as NIA chief By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ adlopez0920@gmail.com

“D

UGO sa patubig.” This was how peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas described the appointment of former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Ricardo Visaya as new administrator of National Irrigation Administration.

KMP strongly condemned Visaya’s appointment, saying it is a grave insult and affront to the farmers in the country. President Duterte named Visaya as new NIA administrator on Tuesday following the resignation of Peter Tiu Laviña last week due to allegations of corruption. “Visaya has a long list of crimes against the peasant

masses. We will counter his appointment,” said KMP chair Joseph Canlas in a statement Wednesday. Canlas said NIA is a civilian agency mandated to provide irrigation services to farmers and agricultural producers to help ensure food security and rice self-sufficiency. “Why appoint a retired general, a human rights violator,

more so, a much-reviled former AFP Chief to NIA’s top post?” Canlas asked, noting that Visaya is more likely to pour blood instead of water into farmlands and irrigation canals. “We are demanding free irrigation, not a free reign for Visayas to continuously abuse farmers’ rights,” the KMP leader added.

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EARLY FRONTRUNNERS JMC, DJA notch second wins, lead Escandor Cup

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

INTERVENTION. President Rodrigo Duterte hands over a check worth P100-million to Philippine General Hospital Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi during the meeting at the Music Room in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday night. The amount will be used to finance the medical needs of poor patients at the hospital. RICHARD MADELO/ Presidential Photo

China opposes recent Young scientists want students DPRK missile launches By LI NING from PEOPLE’S DAILY

HINA on Monday said it opposes the missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in violation of Security Council resolutions, and at the same time urged all parties to keep restraint to prevent further deterioration of regional situation. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the statement when asked about China’s response to DPRK’s latest launch of four ballistic missiles. “With regard to the DPRK’s launches, the Chinese side has noted the

move,” Geng said, adding that the Security Council resolutions are explicit about the DPRK’s launches with ballistic missile technologies. Geng pointed out at the same time that the Chinese side has also noted the ongoing military drills between the US and the South Kores targeting the DPRK. “Under the current circumstances, all relevant parties should exercise restraint and refrain from any action that may provoke each other and heighten tensions in the region,” Geng stressed.

Women urged to fight for each other’s rights, welfare

WO lady senators on Wednesday, International Women’s Day, urged women to continue fighting for each other’s rights and welfare. Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, said that this must be done especially in a time where women’s voices have been silenced by expressing dissent. “We live in a period where the culture of death, rape, sexual harassment and male sexual violence is prevalent, made worse by the dishonorable behavior,” Hontiveros said.

“We cannot allow this atmosphere to continue any longer. We must resist. We must fight,” she said. Sen. Nancy Binay, echoed Hontiveros noting that women should work together for “proactive change.” “For the past few months, we have felt and witnessed great developments in our country as we answer our President’s (Rodrigo Duterte) call for progressive change,” Binay said. “During this transition phase, women are at the forefront of this daunting challenge,” she added.

to study Philippine flora, fauna By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

NSTEAD of giving preference to foreign species of flora and fauna to students, schools must focus on educating school children with species of flora and fauna that are endemic in the Philippines. This was the call made by young scientists from the University of Mindanao – Milton Medina and Analyn Cabras who presented their latest discoveries of new endemic species of flora and fauna during the regular Habi at Kape press conference at the Abreeza Mall in Davao City on Wednesday, March 8. Both researchers also called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to establish critical habitats and protected areas for endemic species in the country especially those considered endangered.

Moisture, they added, are part of the ecosystem and biodiversity that support endemic flora and fauna species in the country. Destruction of forests will destroy the ecosystem that will endanger these endemic species and eventually cause for their extinction, the researchers added. Researcher Analyn Cabras presented to the media a new species of Pachyrhynchus that belong to a hyper diverse family of beetles called weevils. The new species, Pachyrhynchus miltoni, were found in the hinterlands of Marilog District in Davao City. “The new discovered species was named after young researcher Milton Medina who obtained the material for identification from Barangay Baganihan, Marilog District,”

Habit of Hoya reyesii sp. Nov. Medina & Klopp., 2016 showing

F WOMEN, 11 the flower cluster (umbel)

Cabras said. Pachyrhynchus miltoni, she added, is closely related to Pachyrhynchus speciosus samarensis and P. Kraslavae but differs on the shape of aedeagus (male genitals) and features of the coloration of the body. Cabras said there are approximately 51,000 species of weevils under 4,600 genera in the world – and in the Philippines, one of the most conspicuous weevils are members of the genus Pachyrhynchus. Medina, on the other hand, presented the new species Hoya (Apocynaceae) that was found in Valencia City, Bukidnon province. “Recently, new species was added to the Genus Hoya in the Philippines and named Hoya reyesii in honor to Dr. Ricardo Reyes, a plant grower

and hobbyist who collected the plant sometime in 2014,” Medina said. Dr. Reyes personally handed the plant species to Medina for detailed examination. The examination, that runs for two to three months, include the description of both the vegetative and reproductive characters using stereomicroscope procedures in accordance with the rules of International Code for Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN), Medina said. The newly-discovered species was closely associated with Hoya amorosoae species that can be found in Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental, he added. “The size of the flower is as small as the head of the common matchstick hence making the species as one of the smallest in the section of Acanthostemma,” Medina described. He said the morphological descriptions of the new species were validated and confirmed by Robert Dale Kloppenburg in Fresno, California, USA. F YOUNG, 11

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PH status as a gender-equal society to continue: Duterte

S the world celebrates International Women’s Day, President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday vowed that his administration would strive to maintain the country’s distinction as one of the world’s most gender-equal society. In a statement, the President likewise vowed that government shall continue recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in various sectors of society. “We are fortunate, as we are grateful, that the Philippines has been a fertile ground for outstanding women in the in various sectors. The Philippines ranks high in the Asia Pacific region and in the world in terms of gender equality. My administration shall strive to maintain this distinction as well as continue to recognize their invaluable contributions in sports, science, governance, education, public service and the arts,” Duterte said. According to a 2016 World Economic Forum (WEF) report, the Philippines is number one among Asia-Pacific nations in narrowing the gap between women and men in

2016. Globally, the country retained its seventh spot out of 144 countries surveyed in the WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report. The Philippines scored 78.6 percent out of 100 percent -- meaning it has nearly closed the gap in four key areas monitored by the report: Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, Economic Opportunity and Political Empowerment. According to the report, it ranked first globally in terms of educational attainment and the health and survival indicators. However, the Philippines ranked 17th in the political empowerment indicator and 21st in the economic participation and opportunity indicator. New Zealand is the only other Asia-Pacific nation in the global top 10, coming in at number nine, while economic heavyweights in the region such as China, Japan and Korea ranked 99th, 111th and 116th, respectively. With the world commemorating the struggle for wom-

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China, Philippine relations return to right direction

HE relations between China and the Philippines have returned to the right path, benefiting the two peoples and other countries in the region, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday. Since Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte came to office, he has handled the South China See issue properly and actively improved relations with China, Wang said. The Philippines has extended a hand of goodwill, so China of course will embrace it with open arms of cooperation, Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s

Congress. Wang said China and the Philippines are making up the lost time. The potential of bilateral cooperation is rapidly growing. In less than six months since October last year, there have been about 1,000 new tourist groups from China to the Philippines, and China has imported more than 200,000 tonnes of tropical fruits from the Philippines, he said. Cooperation on infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and dams, is being actively discussed, with some becoming operational this year, the minister said. (PNA)

SYNCHRONIZATION. A female pilot gives a go signal to her fellow pilot (not pictured) during yesterday’s Joint Task Force Haribon counter terrorism simulation exercises at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City. Lean Daval Jr.

Task force Haribon holds hostage rescue exercise By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

O test its responsiveness in times of terrorism attacks, the Joint Task Force Haribon Group conducted an anti-terrorism simulation exercise at the Task Force Davao Headquarters at the Sta. Ana Wharf on March 8. The simulation exercise was participated in by elements of the Armed Forces of

the Philippines Units namely, the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Army. They created a scenario where a terrorist group managed to infiltrate through the sea that led to the taking of a hostage. With the task force’s interoperability and exceptional

cooperation and teamwork when it came to communications and action in the field, they were able to rescue the hostage being held by the would-be terrorists. “Assessing the exercise done by the task force earlier, I am confident that Davao City is well-secured for threats that are perpetrated by the ter-

rorist groups,” said Benito De Leon, Head of the Public Safety Security Command Center of Davao City. The simulation exercise will be a series of activities that will test the responsiveness of the Task Force in times of danger and terrorism attacks and will take place in different parts of Davao City.

Some 7,000 residents in this sprawling camp that covers five villages are expected to benefit from the projects. “This is a sign that the GPH–MILF peace gains are at hand and moving forward,” 64-year-old Commander Jack Abbas, head of MILF Front

Eastern Mindanao, said. The MTF, established in 2005 with the European Union (EU) and World Bank (WB) as partners, among others, consolidates international development assistance for the socio-economic recovery of conflict-affected communi-

ties in Mindanao. Since its inception, the MTF has completed a total of 577 projects across Mindanao. On Tuesday afternoon, government and MILF representatives witnessed the

MILF’s Camp Rajamuda receives P8.3-M projects HE Mindanao Trust Fund has turned over projects worth P8.3 million in Maguindanao, boosting the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Tijam named 176 SC associate justice C

MOTIVE UNKNOWN. A woman is slumped lifeless inside a public utility vehicle after unidentified suspects gunned her down in Carpenter, Barangay Agdao, Davao City on the eve of the 108th International Women’s Day. Lean Daval Jr.

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OURT of Appeals Associate Justice Noel Tijam has been named as the 176th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and the second SC justice appointee by President Rodrigo Duterte. Tijam takes the position of Associate Justice Arturo Brion who retired at the compulsory age of 70 last Dec. 29, 2016. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Beda in 1967 with a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy and Political Science. At the age of 20, while studying Law, he worked as lecturer at the Philippine School of Business Administration. In 1971, he graduated

cum laude and class salutatorian from the San Beda College of Law and passed the Bar examination at the age of 22. On Monday, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Samuel Martires was appointed the 175th SC Associate Justice and the first appointee of President Rodrigo Duterte to the high court. Martires took the position of Associate Justice Jose Perez, who retire last Dec. 14, 2016. President Duterte is expected to appoint at least 10 justices in the SC during his six-year term. There will be two more vacancies during the election period after his term. (PNA)

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CTB chief optimistic on industry’s growth T

UPBEAT. Damosa Land, Inc. vice president Ricardo F. Lagdameo provides updates on the company’s various projects in Damosa Fairlane, Seawind, Anflo industrial estate and the agro-tourism project in Panabo City. Lagdameo interacted with members of local media during yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Damosa Land projects enjoying robust sales By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

ITH the current surge in terms of property development in Davao City, homegrown property developer Damosa Land bared the update on its residential projects, Damosa Fairlanes and Seawind condominium. Guesting during the Wednesday’s Habi at Kape media forum at Abreeza Mall, Damosa Land Vice President Ricardo Lagdameo said the company has benefitted from the current trend in the city. “What we’re experiencing right now is what the city is experiencing as well,” said Lagdameo. He added that the 40 percent increase of property value from 2015 to 2017 has been an advantage both to early buyers and to those who are

into property reselling.

Damosa Fairlane “We have fully operational and well-maintained amenities wherein our residents and their guests have been enjoying holding important functions in our clubhouse area,” said Lagdameo. As of 2017, the subdivision is 96 percent sold, equivalent to 219 out of 228 units. “We have 54 percent units or 119 units delivered to respective homeowners out of 219 sold with additional 20 units or 11 percent for turnover in the next one to two months,” he said. Out of the 119 units turned over to homeowners, 88 units have been occupied. The DAMOSALAND VP expressed determinism to hit

at least 80 percent on house completion and turnover to buyers before the end of the year. Meanwhile Lagdameo disclosed the expansion of one hectare where additional bigger house models will be located. Lagdameo said the residential project is located in a prime location because it is within Davao City proper. “Therefore, our units have been attractive to lessors with a lot of units among turnedover to the homeowners being leased,” he said. Seawind The Damosa Land VP announced that Towers 1 to 5 are now sold out. A topping off ceremony was held on February 8,

2017 to signify the finishing of Seawind’s first tower which will be turned-over to buyers starting May 2017. Meanwhile, Tower 2 will be set for turnover on the third quarter of 2017. For its Tower 3, construction has kicked off on March 3. As of January 2017, Tower 6 is already 26 percent sold. Launched on April 15, 2015, Seawind by Damosa Land has its Entrance Complex inaugurated on March 16, 2016 and its clubhouse completed and inaugurated on October 28, 2016. A home-grown developer, Damosa Land’s residential projects serve mostly domestic buyers, with overseas Filipino workers comprising roughly 24 percent of its clients.

Faeldon to keynote PHILEXPORT DAVAO meet

USTOMS Commissioner Nicanor E. Faeldon will be the keynote speaker of the annual general membership meeting of the Confederation of Philippine Exporters, Region XI Chapter, Inc. (PHILEXPORT XI) at the Luzon Room, Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 10. This was learned from Ferdinand Y. Maranon, president of PHILEXPORT Davao Chapter. Commisioner Faeldon will share information on his agency’s program initiatives and reforms towards attaining export competitiveness and export business sustainability. More than a hundred members of PHILEXPORT local chapter are expected

to attend the annual event. Speakers will discuss topics of great concern to exporters such as CPRS (Client Profile Registration System) accreditation, membership, on-line lodgment of export transaction and export credit facilities. Maranon is encouraging all members of the service organization to attend and take the rare opportunity to have a dialogue with Commissioner Faeldon and interact with the resource persons. PHILEXPORT is the country’s umbrella organization of exporters that is mandated under the Export Development Act of 1994 to strengthen the country’s export industry through its advocacy, export promotion and development

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Nicanor E. Faeldon

HE Philippines thrift banking industry remains optimistic on its loan growth this 2017 despite the impact of the proposed hike in automobile excise tax. In 2016, the industry’s gross loans reached P777.06 billion, up 13.07 percent than the previous year’s P687.27 billion. “The outlook for the thrift banking industry is very, very bright, given the country’s sustained strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the government’s plans to bring progress to the country. That will really help us widen our coverage nationwide,” Chamber of Thrift Bank (CTB) president Gregorio Anonas III said in a press conference Wednesday. Anonas said the industry registered a 13 percent expansion on loans in 2016 and it is projected to post higher expansion this year. “Real estate lending is a big factor,” he said. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data show that as of end-December 2016, the industry’s performing residential real estate loans

(RREL) hit P206.57 billion, up from the previous quarter’s P199.11 billion. Non-performing RREL as of end-December last year is lower than P199.3 billion, up from the P192 billion as of end-September 2016. Excluding interbank loans (IBL), the industry’s total loan portfolio (TLP) stood at P777 billion as of end-2016 while total non-performing loans (NPL) stood at P36.7 billion. Anonas said the impact of the comprehensive tax reform package (CTRP), which calls for an increase in the automobile and fuel excise taxes, among others, is not expected to be big. “We are anticipating that but not significant. Also, there is a second-hand market for vehicles,” he said. The CTB chief is also not worried on the expansion programs of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs), citing that thrift banks have more personal relationship with their clients than big banks have. “We are also able to customize our services to our clients’ needs,” he added. (PNA)

BOC, BIR likely to hit 2017 targets F

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said he is “pretty sure” that the Bureaus of Customs (BOC) and of Internal Revenue (BIR) could attain their respective collection targets for this year, given their solid performance in 2016 and at the onset of 2017. The BOC was able to improve collections from P367.06 billion in 2015 to P398.41 billion in 2016, representing an increase of 8.5 percent or P31.35 billion, Dominguez said. As of February 19, the BOC’s year-to-date collection rate further improved to 13.3 percent, he added. Year-todate collections from January 1 to February 19 last year was P48.59 billion, which improved to P55.06 billion for the same period in 2017. The BIR likewise finished strong in 2016, with collections of P1.58 trillion an improvement of 9.31 percent, or about P134 billion, from the previous year’s P1.44 trillion, Dominguez noted. “The BIR and the BOC are working quite hard and we’re pretty sure that they will hit their targets for this year,” the finance chief said at a recent press briefing in Malacanang. The BIR’s year-to-date collections also continued to improve at a rate of 12 percent as of February 19, Dominguez noted. Year-to-date BIR collections from January 1 to Feb-

ruary 19 in 2016 was P180.71 billion, compared with P202.44 billion for the same period this year. Dominguez said sweeping reforms at the BIR and BOC are now being implemented to improve taxpayer satisfaction, arrest official corruption and restore public trust in the government’s main revenue-generating agencies. Both the BIR and BOC can carry out these reforms from their end without any need for prior congressional approval, which is why both agencies had began putting them in place within the first six months of the Duterte presidency. But Dominguez pointed out that tax administration reforms at the BOC and BIR are not sufficient to overhaul the country’s outdated tax system and raise enough revenues necessary to fund the Duterte administration’s massive infrastructure program and record investments in human capital and social protection for the country’s poor and vulnerable sectors. Dominguez said that aside from tax administration changes, the Department of Finance (DOF) needs to pursue tax policy reforms for the BIR and BOC to raise enough funds for the government’s ambitious public spending program to sustain high growth, This is why the DOF is pushing the Comprehensive

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PH, Japan to cooperate on Mindanao power priorities

HE Philippine Government, through the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) together with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) agreed a set of priority development areas for Mindanao’s power sector at a recent Mindanao Power and Energy Seminar held here at the Marco Polo Hotel. Among the identified priority projects for possible collaboration include the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi Hydropower Complexes, the improvement of the disaster resiliency of power distribution networks, the promotion of renewable energy (RE) such as geothermal and wind power, and the enhancement of electricity distribution in areas with low electrification rates, such as in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA) area. Japan is prepared to offer two-step loans for projects under the identified priority areas, while feasibility studies will be offered as grants. A two-step loan is a type of loan where funds pass through a commercial bank or other financial institution before being released to the end-beneficiaries. Technical experts will also be made available through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). “While it is truly worth noting that we are now entering an era of excess power supply in the island-region, it is then crucial to shift our focus from supply deficiency to the cost of generating electricity,” said MinDA Chairman, Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Alonto

during the seminar. He added that recent investments in Mindanao’s power sector has assured the island-region of an excess of 1,000 megawatts (MW) as of December 2016, easing fears of a lack of supply to meet the projected growth in demand and the required reserves. The rapid growth of the manufacturing, real estate, services, and agribusiness sectors however, resulted to a surging demand for electricity, projected to require at least 500 MW of new capacity by 2016, another 500MW by 2020, and 1,600MW by 2030. The entry of more fossil-fuel based power plants, particularly coal, is projected to raise the cost of electricity in the island-region. Power generated by fossil-fuels now accounts for 69 percent in Mindanao, with coal accounting for 40 percent. Shares of hydro, geothermal, solar and biomass fell to just 31 percent of the total power generated. “We have been pushing for investments in renewable energy by significantly fast-tracking the project application process from three to five years down to two to three years through our One-Stop Facilitation and Monitoring Center (OSFMC),” said Secretary Alonto. To promote the use of renewable energy and lower electricity rates, METI proposed the introduction of wind power plants in viable areas in North-Eastern Mindanao, particularly in the province of Surigao including the islands of Dinagat and Siargao. (PR)

ECONOMY 5

Land Bank supports new construction firm By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

NEW player in the construction industry in Davao City recently inked a P26-million loan from Davao Lending Center (DavaoLC) of Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). PTO Ventures and Management Corporation is considered a start-up business firm that will focus its business in construction and supplies. “Construction business is booming in Davao City and the rest of the region,” said Rena-

to A. Elorza, president of PTO Ventures. Big ticket construction projects are set to be implemented in the area in the next 10 years, Elorza emphasized. PTO Ventures will focus on the establishment of rock crushing plant that will supply aggregates, sand and gravel to construction works in the area. The group will establish their rock crushing plant in Mandug area in Davao City.

START UP BUSINESS. Land Bank of the Philippines Vice President Charlotte I. Conde (left), head of Davao Lending Center led the signing of loan agreement with new construction business firm PTO Ventures and

Last Tuesday’s signing of the loan agreement was also joined by top partners of PTO Ventures, including Leo Villareal, the former information officer of Davao City. Vice President Charlotte I. Conde, head of Davao Lending Center represented Land Bank during the signing of the loan agreement, together with Heracleo M. Pepio, the account officer. Support to Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs),

such as PTO Ventures, is among the priorities of Land Bank, VP Conde said. “We have been funding start-up businesses in Davao region especially the SMEs, help them grow and compete with other businesses,” she added. Aside from the SMEs, LBPs lending center in the region is also supporting agriculture, the local government units (LGUs), electric cooperatives and water districts.

Management Corporation president Renato A. Elorza (right) last Tuesday at the Tiny Kitchen Restaurant in Davao City. At the center is PTO Venture partner Leo Villareal. (PTO Venture Photo)

PH launches guide map to double rice production BSP eyes 2 schemes

HE government on Tuesday launched a comprehensive color-coded agricultural guide (CCAG) map that can pave the way for doubling rice production in the country crucial to ensure food security. “We expect rice production to double because of this map. If you are talking of 100-percent growth in rice production, just imagine how huge (its impact on agricultural growth),” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel Piñol told reporters. Piñol said the map indicated there were six to seven million hectares of rice farms in the country, while only 3.9

million hectares of which were actually devoted to rice farming. He said the color-coded agricultural guide map guided over 12 million farmers about the most suitable crops they could plant in their provinces and regions. They can then select the right crop that can produce a substantial income. The map identifies the agricultural areas that are naturally suitable for 20 crops. It can be used as guide in investment planning, research and development, infrastructure and disaster management. “It will also guide investors and big businessmen

who would like to invest in agriculture,” he added. Piñol said the government spent P36 million to roll out the CCAG map under the DA’s project Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA). “The data here is not constant because the soil fertility changes. We will have new hazards and risks because of climate change. So this is a work in progress, we will continue to improve (this) and through the years, hopefully, we will be able to add more data,” he said. Piñol is mulling to set up information centers and kiosks especially for barangays to make the CCAG map acces-

sible to more farmers. For his part, Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano said the AMIA would help the country adapt to climate change. He stressed that the agriculture sector was the first one to be affected by climate change. AMIA works hand-inhand with the International Plant Nutrition Institute to adopt and enhance the tool called Nutrient Expert to assist farmers attain the best yields and income despite climate and disaster risks. “This of course is not magic. The farmer still has to be proficient,” Serrano added. (PNA)

HE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a 2-percent growth in construction projects in the fourth quarter of 2016. Data released by PSA on Wednesday showed that the total number of construction projects based on approved building permits in Q4 2016

increased to 32,282 from 31,638 in the same period in 2015. The bulk of these construction projects were in the Calabarzon area, accounting for 7,510 projects or 23.3 percent of the total in the last quarter of 2016. It was followed by Central Visayas with 3,342 construc-

tion projects; Central Luzon with 3,097; the National Capital Region with 2,694; and Davao region with 2,559. On the other hand, the value of construction during the quarter rose 20.2 percent to P82.4 billion from P68.6 billion in the same quarter in 2015. The number of residen-

tial projects during the quarter reached 24,572, worth P47.5 billion, while non-residential projects reached 3,981, valued at P29 billion. Construction that involved addition, alteration and repair of existing structures numbered 3,549 projects, with a combined value of about P6 billion. (PNA)

Construction projects up by 2% in Q4 2016 T

to boost PH’s NRPS M ONETARY officials are considering two schemes that will be used in the implementation of the National Retail Payment System (NRPS). The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and industry players launched the NRPS Framework in December 2015. The program aims to increase electronic payments in the country from the current one percent of around 2.5 billion monthly payment transactions in the country to around 20 percent by 2020. BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. told reporters that the two schemes are batch electronic fund transfer, which will eventually replace usage of cheques, and instapay, which immediately provides funds. He said the first scheme will enable people to electronically transfer funds from their account to other accounts for online payments. On the second one, Espenilla said there will be mechanisms to be set up to make the fund transfer happen real time.

“Those are two use cases but there are others down the road. These will be the priorities because we think these are the ones that have the most traction for retail payments system,” he said. Espenilla said officials of the BSP and the banks are scheduled to sign agreements on the NRPS by end-March this year. He said the program “creates a shared clearing and settlement system that will allow banks to offer digital financial services in an inter-operable way.” He said although electronic payment system is already being used now, limitations remain and these are what the NRPS wants to address. “Although there’s electronic banking system today, they’re generally in silos. You transact within the ecosystem defined by the bank and its related companies so they don’t interact with each other,” he said. “With this in place, we’ll be able to cross, so to speak, those barriers,” he said. (PNA)

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Kidapawan City cops undergo training on criminal procedure

T FUN RUN FOR FIRE SAFETY. The Bureau of Fire Protection in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Maitum, Maitum Police Station headed by PSI Rodel Javison and KABALIKAT Civicom conducts a fun run on March 4. The event celebrates Fire Prevention Month with the theme “Buhay at

HE city government of Kidapawan, in partnership with the City Prosecutor’s Office, kicked off on Tuesday a four-day training workshop on Criminal Justice System participated in by 100 local police officers. Chief Insp. Andres Sumugat, city deputy police chief of Kidapawan, said the program aims to reinforce knowledge on law enforcement operations to ensure a high conviction rate against law offenders. “We want to be efficient in complying with the rules on preserving the credibility of evidences and avoid the dismissal of cases or acquittal of suspects,” he stressed. Court judges and repre-

sentatives from the Public Attorney’s Office would elaborate the provisions of criminal investigation, rules of court, chain of custody of evidence, criminal procedure and case handling before the participants during the workshop from March 7 to 10. On the other hand, Scene Of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) will illustrate during the training the various ways or means of gathering evidences on crime scenes. The training will center on drug-related cases and technical procedures in conducting operations and custodial evidence. Mayor Joseph Evangelista, concurrent chair of the

mainly due to their interest to the area’s cultural and ecotourism destinations. She said a number of local industries and companies have been hiring Koreans the past years. “Most Americans visited our region for business but also some were brought in by their friends and relatives for rest and recreation,” she said. The official said the number of Malaysians who visited the area also increased due to cultural and business interests as part of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation. (PNA)

HE provincial government of Sarangani has allocated around P80 million for the development starting this year of its modern legislative building. Sarangani Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta said Tuesday the preparations are underway for the construction of the three-storey building at the provincial capitol complex in Alabel town. He said the local government has initially released some P10 million as counterpart to the P10-million funding approved by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). DPWH awarded the P10-million project contract

last week to the winning bidder, he said. De Peralta said Sarangani lone district Rep. Rogelio Pacquiao had committed some P20 million for the project while Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao promised to contribute an additional P30 million. “The projected cost would run from P70 million to P80 million until its completion in 2019,” he said in a statement. The vice governor described the planned legislative building as an “energy-conserving, ergonomically and neo-classical-designed structure.” He said it would “mirror” the current provincial building

ness, competence, skills and knowledge showcasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the local government personnel in terms of fire fighting, as medical first responder and in ropemanship and rescue. Among the activities undertaken include fire fighting with hose relay, bucket relay and hit the target; medical first responder/first aid with bandaging, splinting, two-man rescue and three-man rescue; and ropemanship with high

angle rescue and ropemanship with high line making. Well-trained personnel of different LGUs performed their best amidst the rainy weather. Considered “best among the bests” after the competition were the LGUs of Maragusan, Mawab and Maco who were hailed Champion, 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up, respectively. LGU Maragusan received P30,000.00; Mawab

with P25,000.00 and Maco P20,000.00. All other LGUs received P 5,000.00 each as consolation prizes. The awarding of prizes was led by Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy assisted by F/SINSP. Randolf V. Arbutante, the provincial fire marshal of Compostela Valley and Raul Villocino, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO). (Honeylyn T Sayson, PGO/IDS)

Ari-Arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamayanan Simulan” and promotes public awareness on fire safety and prevention. (John James I. Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

Region 12 attracts Sarangani allots P80M 3.76-M tourists in ‘16 Tfor legislative building T

OURIST arrivals in Region 12 or SOCCSKSARGEN surged to around 3.76 million in 2016, making it among the fastest growing travel destinations in the country. Nelly Nita Dillera, Department of Tourism-Region 12 director, said the region’s visitor arrivals last year increased by 615,736 or 16 percent more than the 3,148, 928 in 2015. She said the recorded visitors in 2016 is the highest for the region in the last four years or since 2013. “Our annual average growth rate is around 18 percent and we’ve managed a consistent growth in arrivals

these past years,” she said in a press conference on Monday afternoon. Data released by DOT-12 showed that from 2,209,559 in 2015, the number of day tourists in the region last year increased to 2,729,307. The recorded overnight tourists or those who spent at least a night in local accommodation facilities increased to 1,035,357 from 939,369 in 2015. This city remained the top destination for both day and overnight tourists with arrivals of 1,345,570, followed by Sarangani with 619,940, South Cotabato with 535,203, North Cotabato with 340,909, Cota-

BIR, BoC check GenSan markets for cigarettes with fake tax stamps

EVENUE and customs personnel in General Santos City have widened their monitoring in the local markets for the presence of cigarette products that carry counterfeit or fake tax seals or stamps. Esmeralda Tabule, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)-Revenue Region 18 regional director, said Tuesday they are currently conducting inspections on commercial establishments in the area to check the status of their cigarette stocks. She said the move is in connection with the recovery of around P215 million worth of cigarette products with counterfeit tax stamps from a warehouse along Aradaza Street in Barangay Lagao here last week. BIR and Bureau of Customs (BoC) central office personnel seized 11,044 master cases of cigarette products manufactured by Mighty Corporation. “It’s possible that part of these products were already

distributed in the markets as the volume is really sizeable,” Tabule told reporters. Among those being checked by the agency are supermarkets, stores and other commercial outlets selling cigarettes, she said. She said their personnel already found packs of cigarettes with fake stamps in an inspection at a local store. On Monday, BIR-18 and BoC personnel here conducted an inventory of the seized cigarette products at the Sunshine Corn Mill Corp. warehouse. Using mobile verification devices, Tabule said they confirmed that the BIR or tax stamps of the products were fake. Those found with fake stamps were sealed packs of Mighty red and green, King Platinum, Marvel Filter Kings and Chelsea brands. Tabule clarified that the recovered cigarette products, which were all manufactured in the country, were genuine

F BIR, 11

bato City with 346,063, Kidapawan City with 156,125, Tacurong City with 188,935, Sultan Kudarat with 114,842, and Koronadal City with 117,077. Cotabato City posted the highest growth rate in arrivals at 70 percent, followed by Tacurong City at 43 percent and Koronadal City at 40 percent. In terms of foreign tourists, the agency recorded a total of 63,834 visitors, almost double from the 34,728 in the previous year. Topping the list of foreign visitors are nationals from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, China, United States and Malaysia. Dillera said more Koreans have been visiting the region

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F SARANGANI, 11

ComVal strengthens risk reduction management of LGUs

HE provincial government of Compostela Valley has stepped up the capacities and capabilities of risk reduction management councils of local government units in the province. The 1st Fire Fighting and Rescue Olympics was facilitated by the provincial government last March 5 in time with the celebration of 10th Bulawan Festival. The Olympics was aimed to measure the prepared-

COMPETITIVE EDGE 7

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

PLDT, Smart execs push for use of tools to enhance education

XECUTIVES of PLDT and Smart Communications recently shared with international audiences how providing access to technological tools and innovation opportunities could enhance the education of Filipino students, from kindergarten to college. At the EduTECH event staged in the SMX Convention Center by Terrapinn, a world leader in business events, Smart community partnerships head Darwin Flores said lack of access to technology could widen the economic divide. This, he said, is why Smart is making available digital learning tools and content to students in remote and underserved areas. Smart is doing this via donations of the School-in-a-Bag and TechnoCart. The Schoolin-a-Bag is a backpack aimed at remote schools with no electricity. It has a solar panel and battery, LED TV, a laptop and tablet for the teacher, five tablets for students, lapel mic, hard drive, and pocket Wi-Fi with starter load. The donation package likewise includes teachers’ training, K+12 content, learning activity sheets, and a learning management system. Meanwhile, the TechnoCart is a digital laboratory that can be wheeled from one classroom to the next. It contains 20 student tablets preloaded with the Batibot educational app co-developed by Smart, a laptop, an LCD projector, a lapel microphone, and Smart Bro Pocket Wi-Fi. The donation package also includes training materials for teachers. Studies show that the student beneficiaries of these donations have displayed improved literacy and stronger appetite for learning. For its part, PLDT Enterprise is helping enhance the learning experience of students by improving school infrastructure. Omni Amisola-Larrosa, PLDT Digital Campus lead, said that among its offers are Smart e-Learning,

an integrated learning management system with gamification elements that make lessons more engaging. Meanwhile, Smart public affairs senior manager Stephanie Orlino shared at the Global Peace Convention how Smart was helping drive student innovation via the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP). Under the 14-year-old program, Smart partners with schools offering engineering and information technology courses, and provides them with up-to-date telecommunications equipment, as well as hands-on trainings, seminars, and internships. Smart also sits in annual curriculum reviews to provide inputs on industry trends, helping schools ensure that their course offerings are relevant. Smart also holds the annual SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards, a competition encouraging students to create mobile and digital innovations that will help solve common problems. Schools of teams that make it to the finals receive grants that they use to set up Innovations Centers. Orlino urged schools to take advantage of opportunities for innovation. “Set up innovation centers in schools, encourage interdisciplinary and multiyear level projects. Encourage students to join hackathons, seminars, and competitions, and integrate technology entrepreneurship in the curriculum,” she said. Orlino added that some SWEEP Awards finalists went on to build startups based on their school projects. Education was one of the tracks discussed at the Global Peace Convention held in Marriott Grand Ballroom. Innovative education approaches are said to be “an investment in a peaceful world for future generations.” For more information on Smart’s efforts to use technology to enhance education, please visit smart.com.ph/ learnsmart. (PR)

Aboitiz income up 14% year-on-year A

BOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower) reported a 14% increase in income performance for the full year 2016 to P20 billion from P17.6 billion in 2015. The positive result, which is attributed to the strong performance of its generation business, translated to earnings per share of P2.72. The company registered a net non-recurring loss of P612 million (versus the previous year’s loss of P762 million) mainly coming from forex losses from revaluation of dollar denominated liabilities, refinancing costs, and goodwill impairment. Adjusting for these one-offs, its core net income rose by 12% to P20.6 billion from P18.4 billion in 2015.

Power Generation AboitizPower’s generation business accounted for 82% of the company’s earnings, recording an income share of P16.3 billion for 2016, up 17% year-on-year (YoY). The growth was largely driven by fresh contribution from Therma South. Netting out one-off items, the generation business generated P17.2 billion or an increase of 16% from 2015.

RELIABLE POWER SUPPLY. The 300 Megawatt (MW) AboitizPower Davao baseload power plant is generating cheap and reliable baseload power supply to the Mindanao grid since it started its operations in 2015. (Aboitiz Photo) Meanwhile, AboitizPower’s attributable net energy sold rose by 8% to 13,495 gigawatt-hours (GWh) from 12,550 GWh, as electricity sold through bilateral contracts which made up 91% of total energy sold last year expanded by 8% to 12,279 GWh. Spot market sales increased by 4% to 1,216 GWh from 1,168 GWh. In terms of capacity, these translate to 2,097 megawatts (MW) of attributable energy sold. As of end 2016, AboitizPower’s net sellable capacity

LENOVO HONORS TECH VISIONARIES. With its dedication to curb workplace discrimination through technology, Lenovo, the world’s largest PC maker and the exclusive technology partner of the TAYO Foundation, awards the Davao-based social enterprise GO2Virtualahan with the Lenovo Tech Visionary special citation at this year’s TAYO Awards held at the Diamond

is at 2,975 MW after the Philippine Competition Commission’s approval of the GNPower Mariveles acquisition. “Amid the rising demand for power generated by a growing economy, we will work hard to further strengthen our relationships with our various stakeholders and customers. We are looking forward to add more capacity in the next few years and move closer to our target generating capacity of 4,000 MW by 2020, to be sourced from a balanced mix of energy sources,” said

AboitizPower President and Chief Operating Officer Antonio R. Moraza.

Power Distribution The power distribution business, which contributed 18% of the company’s earnings, reported a 4% drop in earnings share to P3.4 billion from P3.8 billion. Total attributable electricity sales increased by 7% YoY, to 5,105 GWh from 4,759 GWh as energy sales grew across all customer segments.

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Hotel, Manila. In photo from left to right: Veejay Flores, Coach at GO2; Anna Abola, Marketing Manager of Lenovo Philippines; Aika Robredo, President of TAYO Foundation; Beneficiaries of GO2; Ryan Gersava, Co-founder and President of GO2.

Lenovo names online virtual school for PWDs as Outstanding Tech Visionary

N its continuing effort to instill a “Never Stand Still” attitude when it comes to doing something for the community, Lenovo, the world’s leading PC maker and a brand dedicated to inspire people to take action and make a difference in the world, awarded GO2 Virtualahan, Inc. as an Outstanding Tech Visionary at the recently concluded 14th Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards held at the Diamond Hotel.

The Outstanding Tech Visionary award presented by Lenovo is a special recognition given to the youth organization with the most meaningful project that addresses key issues such as employment inequality, education disparity, illiteracy, and poverty through the innovative use of technology. GO2, through their project, Virtualahan (Virtual + Eskwelahan), was chosen among this year’s 20 finalists. GO2 is a social enterprise

based in Davao City that aims to end discrimination in the workplace through technology. “We serve as a launch pad for people who normally cannot get a job because of their medical condition, disabilities, or former life and turn them into skilled home-based professionals to work online as virtual assistants,” said Ryan Gersava, Founder and President of G ‎ o2 Virtualahan Inc.. “One of our primary goals is to enable these people to be-

come productive members of our society and contribute to economic growth — to inspire the public that their limitations are never an excuse to step into bigness!” Founded in 2015, Virtualahan has trained 102 virtual assistants with a 75% successful employment rate. “We have taken advantage of the power of technology, the Internet, and the growing outsourcing industry here in the Philip-

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EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

EDITORIAL

VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Backfiring

NE finger pointing to another, four fingers to himself. That is what Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV is into. The minority leader lawmaker, who took under his wings two former self-confessed hired killers Edgar Matobato and Arturo Lascanas, filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry on the “massive proliferation” of “distorted, fabricated and/or misleading” information given by some government officials. Trillanes cited Article XI, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution which states that “public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people.” He also cited the Code of Conduct for government employees, which requires them to “perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.” Trillanes was referring to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre who, according to him, spread “false

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and/or erroneous allegations.” Trillanes pointed out Andanar’s allegations that bribes amounting to as much as 1,000 US dollars were given to members of the Senate Press Corps in exchange for their coverage of the said conference. Trillanes has denied the allegations. Now, why is Trillanes now pointing accusing finger on Andanar and Aguirre? Wasn’t he a prominent figure in spreading unfounded rumors and allegations? It began with the bank account of then presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, then Matobato, and now Lascanas. All failed to hold water. If Trillanes wants a probe to this effect, it necessarily begins with himself. Trillanes should know this. It’s been taught to plebes and military cadets –never point a finger at others because four fingers are actually pointing back at you.

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EDGEDAVAO

HE once heralded party of principle which for decades has been the cradle of nationalists and principled dissidents, the Liberal Party of the Philippines is one of the few the mainstream political parties that has adhered to a certain set of internationally recognized liberal political principles under the banner of liberal democracy. It is one of four other mainstream political parties that have had, at least on paper, rather clear ideological lines that are internationally recognized, the others being the National Union of Christian Democrats with Christian Deocracy (which is considered conservative in many European countries) and the Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban), which espouses social democracy. The other

ETIRED SPO3 Antonio Lascanas is a “repentant sinner.” This much he admitted and because of his “spiritual renewal,” he has come again to the senate to rectify his lies. Under oath, he had casually confessed to have killed 300 people during his stint as a police officer in Davao City. Wow, aren’t you shocked? By police – and our moral – standards, is he not a mass murderer of the ruthless kind, a label and description written of him by the media that covered his senate testimony? Without batting an eyelash, he proceeded to implicate President Rodrigo Duterte – then as Davao City Mayor - as the mastermind and the man behind the Davao Death Squad (DDS), a group that allegedly committed extra judicial killings of notorious criminals and unwanted elements of society in Davao. Lascanas’ second appearance in the senate before the committee chaired by Sen.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Quo vadis, opposition? party, the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP), is, as far as I know the only legally recognized socialist party in the rolls of the Commission on Elections. Parties are not mere alliances nor are they temporary aggrupations of political convenience. At the start of the Duterte Administration, the Liberal Party, in spite of its being an opponent of the president’s PDP Laban, chose to ally itself with the supermajority both the in the Congress and the Senate. This created a curious mix of characters who also include those who espouse a deep dislike for his, like Senator Trillanes and Delima. With recent events in the Senate, though, it is clear that the liberal party has been herded into a corner, fed in great part by their own be-

MY TWO CENTS’ John Tria havior at the Senate: pretending to be part of the supermajority but moving differently while no one is watching. In the era of principled politics, political opposition should inspire principled critique that represents the people’s interests, especially those that may be adversely

affected by such programs or proposals. Principled politics is the antidote to the political adventurism that often takes place, where oppositionists attack the legitimacy of established government is throwing the baby away with the bathwater, and they along with it, since they are government as well. They are often accused of conspiring political overthrows that leave government in shambles, our economy awry, and our political culture shattered-checks and balances do not work when the system is unstable. The result: It creates a lethargic beauracracy averse to vision, and forces people to despise authority even more. In these diversely populated 7,017 islands, authority matters. Demonstrable and consistent performance is what builds trust in governance.

On the other hand, noisy opposition without real basis only disgusts people-the excluded masses who expect more from government, yet get little. With this, what we need is a principled opposition: one that will study administration proposals and provide clear suggestions for better legislation, or call out any mistakes or concerns so hat these may be addressed. We are way past the era of brewing destabilization. Mature political systems require this principled, objective opposition from which bipartisan support for common leadership objectives and legislative proposals may spring forth. After all, they are all paid with taxpayers money, they are all government, and all have to perform to meet our expectations of leadership.

ers, Gordon hollered. Lascanas’ admission that his conscience bothered him and that a “spiritual renewing” prompted him to recant his first testimony would not even sell because simply by observing the people responsible for bringing him back to the Senate already cast doubt on the truth he wanted to sell. Everybody knows that politics has something to do with Lascanas’ turnaround. There are even insinuations that there are more than “one or more million” reasons for his sudden change of mind. Which is not unlikely, as any suspicious mind would inject into the matter. Whatever, as the hearing progressed, Lacson interjected that if he produced a person mentioned by Lascanas as someone he had killed but who escaped and is alive, would that change the color of his testimony? Lascanas got stymied. As a former bemedaled PNP officer and then erstwhile PNP chief, Lacson,

like a chess grandmaster, trapped Lascanas to unwittingly enter into a “mating” threat. Ping was five steps ahead. I have previously stated here in this corner that the ouster threat against Duterte is real. Very real. The political opposition – the yellows – are moving heaven and earth to undermine Duterte’s style of governance by using the friendly mainstream media to their advantage. That is why Mindanaoans who supported Duterte and helped him get elected to the presidency must stay vigilant. To ensure their goals are achieved, the political opposition will use and exploit any means available to get back to power. Regardless, therefore of the consequences, they are polarizing and dividing the Filipino nation with their chicanery, deceit and fraudulent twisting of the truth. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!

Lascanas second testimony too good to be true Ping Lacson was reportedly made to correct the lies he made under oath during his first testimony heard by the justice panel then headed by Sen. Richard Gordon. Any layman who heard Lascanas’ sordid story-telling of the people he killed and how he did them and who instructed him would easily conclude that the man is crazy and was merely producing tales of cinematic proportions. Sen. Alan Cayetano noted distinctly the inconsistencies in Lascanas’ signed affidavit. Lascanas committed errors like his yarn about Jun Bersabals’ killing and his 1988 recollection of the DDS formation when he was only re-instated in 1989. “Are you not being coached by someone?” asked Cayetano. Sen. Manny Pacquiao even teased the police officer. “Magpalit tayo ng puwesto. Ikaw kunyari ang nagi-imbestiga at ako ang nasa lugar mo. Kung marinig mo na ganyan binabawi ko ang sinasabi ko, ano ang

SPECKS OF LIFE Fred C. Lumba iisipin mo sa akin”? Something to this effect. Lascanas directly stated: “Magdududa ako.” There. Huli sa bibig ang isda. Exactly the whole point why Gordon did not anymore want to hold a second hearing. Waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Lascanas was a perjured witness. If he had lied before, would not the same liar lie anew? He made a laughing stock of the senate, a respectable institution of elected national lead-

10 COMMUNITY SENSE EDGEDAVAO

Caraga Region star on the rise

VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Sec. Taguiwalo cites need to ensure gender perspective in ASEAN policies

Young, dynamic lawyer S as future Cabinet material

After passing the Bar, he joined the government in various capacities. In the academe, he made his mark as a college professor. He is a captain in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserved Command. For some time now he has been a respected broadcast personality. Proud of his provinciano roots, Tolentino is active in legal affairs, extending free legal aid to the underprivileged and is a staunch defender of legal processes. As a former public servant, he knows whereof he stands

when it comes to politics. Even before President Rodrigo R. Duterte decided to contest the presidency, Tolentino already called caucuses supporting the move to endorse the former Davao City mayor to run for the highest position. He ran for mayor of Cabadbaran City in 2016 but failed. Despite the setback, as a PDP-Laban stalwart, he openly campaigned for Duterte who convincingly won in his hometown. Through all the political undertakings he had participated, his advocacy against destructive mining practices and the support for mineral extractions that help develop host communities remain strong points in his personal crusade. He is committed to due process in addressing the violations, especially those that are attributed to the neglect of mining firms. His stance is for the balancing of interests between capitalism and labor and the environment. Young, aggressive, and dynamic, he surely will go places. And given his sound advocacies, clear philosophies in life, and hands-on pro-people pursuits, he is a cinch to become one of the country’s future Cabinet material in the Duterte administration.

OCIAL Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo has cited the need for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (to ensure that there is a gender perspective in its economic, cultural and social policies. “In relation to the fact that we are marking International Women’s Day, one of the six outcome documents that we hope the ASEAN leaders would adopt is the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on the Gender-Responsive Implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025,” Taguiwalo, who chairs the 17th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Council (ASCC) Meeting, said during a press briefing held at the Iloilo Convention Center here Wednesday. She expressed hope that the outcome document would help address issues concerning women and children in the country. The social welfare chief meanwhile noted that the country has always been very active in ensuring that issues concerning women and children are addressed. She lauded recent efforts that are supportive of women, such as the extension of maternity leave from 60 days to 120 days, and other maternity benefits. She likewise pushed for the amendment of the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act. “A lot of stakeholders are working with legislators to make sure that women issues and concerns are addressed through legislation, programs and services,” she said. As the agency tasked to provide assistance to the marginalized and vulnerable

sectors of society, the DSWD is also providing women the support they need through such programs as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Sustainable Development Program (SLP), Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) for children, and the Protective Services Bureau Program, which offers assistance to individuals in a crisis situation or in need, and recovery programs for trafficked persons. On International Women’s Day, Taguiwalo earlier enjoined everyone to commemorate and celebrate women’s progress and achievements made through history and across nations. “We fully support the continued efforts of working towards gender equality and for the elimination of violence, abuse and discrimination against all women. We salute our women and the men who support gender equality,” she said in her message during the opening ceremony of the ASCC Council meeting. As chair of the ASCC, the DSWD is hosting two top-level meetings -- the 17th ASCC Council Meeting and the 22nd Senior Officials Committee for the ASCC (SOCA) -- in Iloilo City. Taguiwalo, the Philippines’ ASCC leader, together with ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh, chairs the 17th ASCC Council Meeting, while Social Welfare Undersecretary Florita Villar, the Philippines’ SOCA leader, together with ASEAN Deputy-Secretary General for ASCC, Mr. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, chairs the 22nd SOCA Meeting. (PNA)

AVAO City Water District’s office in the newly renovated Toril District Hall is now open to accommodate water bill payments, new service connection applications, and other customer requests from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, starting March 6, 2017. The new office was inaugurated and blessed on March

3, 2017 during the inauguration of the district hall. Fr. Lies Simbajon officiated the blessing ceremony. Gracing the event were DCWD customers and management team headed by assistant general manager for administration Alfonso E. Laid. Early bird payers received DCWD customized drawstring knapsacks, water

bottles, foldable fans, among others. The DCWD management advises customers that its temporary office in Felcris Toril Supermarket is already closed starting March 6, 2017. Aside from the DCWD office in Toril District Hall, customers may also pay their water bills and transact at

DCWD Bajada and Matina offices from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Victoria Plaza collection center from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Payments are also accepted at DCWD’s Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premier collection centers from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (Winston Ajero)

N many ways, he shares common denominators with President Rodrigo R. Duterte, such as being a lawyer, a member of Lex Taliones fraternity, a San Beda alumnus, the son of a politician, a Mindanaoan, a Cabadbaranon, and a PDP-Laban stalwart. By his age and looks, he actually belongs to another generation. Born in Cebu City on August 25, 1980, Mark Kristopher Tolentino is the son of George Tolentino, formerly Agusan governor and Philippine National Oil Corp. (PNOC) director, and Asuncion Tolentino, a businesswoman. As a neophyte politico representing the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as federation president, his first foray in public office was a success, earning him the honor as the town’s youngest ever councilor (1996-2002), at age 15, of Cabadbaran City, hometown of the President’s late mother. As a member of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL), he was one of the youngest to join the national organization of local lawmakers. Coming from a middle-class family, Tolentino, an honor student since his elementary and high school years, completed Political Sci-

ence, cum laude, at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. His tertiary years were made successful by the haul of awards he got. After college, he pursued Bachelor of Laws at San Beda College of Law and his his Masters in Law from San Beda Graduate School of Law, where he graduated with honors and earned a thesis defense grade of 90 percent. Going up higher educationally, he took up and completed Doctor of Science of Jurisprudence (JSD) also from the same academic institution.

China supports RP DCWD opens office in Toril District hall as ASEAN chairman D C HINESE Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated on Wednesday China’s commitment to support the Philippines as rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) 2017. “China will support the Philippines in fulfilling his responsibility as the ASEAN chair and we will help ASEAN build its community,” Wang said in a press conference at the sidelines of the 5th Session of the 12th National People’s Congress here. Wang said China’s support is important considering last year marked the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relation and 2017 as 50th founding anniversary of the ASEAN. “The silver and the golden anniversary are especially auspicious for regional cooperation and we must seize the opportunities,” Wang said. He said China will work with ASEAN “to see greater future benefit, intensify cooperation on connectivity and

production capacity.” Wang said China will make sure that the nearly two billion people of China and ASEAN countries will benefit in the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA). Wang said China and ASEAN countries will work hard to meet 30 million travel target by 2020. “We would like to work with ASEAN to strengthen our bound of friendship, make a success of the China-ASEAN tourism year and to make the people to people exchange a new pillow of China-ASEAN relation,” the Chinese Foreign Ministers said. The ASEAN is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Aside from China, other ASEAN Plus Three dialogue partners include Japan and South Korea. As chair of the ASEAN this year, the Philippines will host the 30th and 31st ASEAN

DCWD office opens anew in Toril District Hall. DCWD management headed by assistant general manager for administration Alfonso E. Laid (6th from L) poses

F CHINA, 13 for posterity during the inauguration and blessing of the new office.

INdulge!

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FOOD

EDGEDAVAO

Veggie and fruit

SUMMER RECIPES ONE DOES NOT NEED THE SUN FOR SUMMER TO KICK IN – maybe to an extent, yes. Nonetheless, with the many sweet and savoury summer pantry staples available, it’s no wonder how any rainy day can be transformed into a sunny day under the sun. How is this possible? Again, keyword, pantry staples. Yes. With a ton

of resources available on our fingertips, any thing can be made into a some thing... if only we believe. Let’s believe then and let our imagination take us somewhere hot and tropical and wet for a day of calorie munching fun like no other. Remember, you can always tweak the recipes and make it more personal. Don’t forget the sunblock! Garlicky Mushroom Salpicao Easy on the budget, no fuss to prepare and takes seconds to pack. Perfect nibble when on the road. Ingredients: Butter, room temperature Canola Oil Onion, finely chopped Garlic, finely chopped Mushrooms, quartered Kalamansi Juice Sesame Oil Garlic Powder Salt and Pepper to taste Method: In a pan over low medium heat, sauté onions and garlic in butter and oil. Add mushroom. Sauté

until mushrooms are cooked. Season as you go. If dry, then add water. When mushroom is done, pour kalamansi juice. Stir fry. Season with garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper. Transfer mushroom to a bowl (with oil and drippings). Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with crispy garlic bits. Serve hot. Old Fashion Pureed Sweetened Sweet Corn Classic Pinoy taste with some Central American roots. Ingredients: 1 can whole corn kernels 1 can cream corn kernels ½ cup condense milk ½ cup coconut cream 2 cinnamon sticks + ground cinnamon powder for additional taste Salt Vanilla extract Method: In a blender, puree whole corn kernels and half can of cream corn kernels. Pulse until smooth. Transfer to a pan, set over low medium heat and let boil. Add

remaining ingredients. Stir constantly. Once thick, remove from heat and let cool. Consistency is more like a sticky paste. Serve either hot or cold. Fruits and Cheese Spring Rolls with Coconut Cream & Chocolate Liqueur Sauce Sweet twist to an old classic favourite that’s very summery. Mix and match the filling for that refreshing kick in every bite. Ingredients: Fruit cocktail, drained Condense milk Cinnamon powder Salt Cheddar cheese, cubed

ROYAL CHEF A2

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A2 INdulge! FOOD ROYAL CHEF A1

Spring roll pastry sheet Oil for frying Coconut cream Brown sugar Chocolate liqueur Method: In a bowl, mix drained fruits, 2 tablespoon of condense milk, cinnamon powder, cheese and dash of salt. Mix well. Prepare wrapper and scoop out fruit mixture. Wrap and seal with egg white wash. Deep fry until golden brown. For the Sauce: In a pan over low medium heat, pour coconut cream. Let boil until it thickens.

Add brown sugar and chocolate liqueur. Stir and let thicken. Remove from heat and serve as dip or sauce. Corn Pancakes Fuel up and savour these sweet corn fluffy pancakes for an all day boost. Don’t forget the honey and butter. Ingredients: ½ can cream of corn 1 box pancake mix 1 egg white, beaten until light and frothy Cinnamon powder Canola oil Oil for frying

Salt Method: In a bowl, whisk egg whites until light and frothy. Set aside. In another bowl, mix pancake mix, cinnamon powder, salt, canola oil and cream of corn. Mix well until well incorporated. Fold in whisked egg whites. Heat pan over low medium heat. Pour oil and scoop out ½ cup pancake batter onto pan. Cook on both sides. Drizzle with honey and top with knob of butter. Serve hot. Stovetop Chili Cheesy Sweet Corn Dip Get the gang all together and

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enjoy this easy on the budget dip without the fuss. No double dipping, please! Ingredients: Red bell pepper, cubed Green bell pepper, cubed Onion, finely chopped Pimiento, roughly chopped Sweet corn kernels, drained Chili powder Cayenne pepper Spanish paprika Garlic Powder Salt & Ground black pepper Cheddar cheese, grated Tomato Sauce Black olives, sliced Oil

Method: In a pan, over low medium heat, sauté onion until translucent. Add red and green bell peppers and pimiento and sauté. Season with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne powder and black pepper. Stir fry. Add corn kernels and continue sautéing. Season as you go. Pour tomato sauce and let boil. Add some of the cheese and stir. Let boil and add black olives. Season as you go. Serve hot and topped with cheddar cheese. Want to know my latest food finds? Follow me on Instagram @ iamleebai and my blog theroyalchefeats.wordpress.com.

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FOOD

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Seda’s summer offerings LENT MAY BE UPON US but it does not mean that fasting and abstaining on meat should ruin our dining experience.This is especially true with the new and exciting offering cooked up by Seda Abreeza’s Sous Chef Bang Flores for the summer season. Adopting the successful run of International Rice Buffet in Seda BGC, Seda Abreeza takes on its own approach of the promotion. International Rice Bowls offers diverse ingredients from all over the world, with special twists from the Misto team. Some rice bowls on the menu include: Saffron and Pimiento Basmati Rice, Brown Rice Stir-fry Vegetables, Thai Spicy Basil Chicken Fried Rice, and Smoked Fish, Salted Egg Fried Rice.

My favourite among the rice bowls are the Hong Kong XO Fried Rice with Scallops and Asparagus with its meaty scallops enhanced by the super savour XO sauce, and the slightly spicy Creole Shrimp Rice. The international rice bowls are available as part of a set menu, ala carte, or part of Seda Abreeza’s Friday dinner buffet, which for the months of March and April, feature different dishes from the various regions of the Philippines. From delicious mussels, shrimps, grilled seafood, and (for the ones who can cheat) boneless lechon. “This is in participation on the ‘Flavors of the Philippines’ project initiated by Department

of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board which we are participating for the first time.” said Seda Abreeza Hotel Manager Kennedy Kapulong. Aside from the savoury treats, a classic Filipino dessert also makes its way to Seda Abreeza for the summer. Misto’s Halo-halo is sure to beat the summer heat away with its twelve traditional halo-halo ingredients and more. Misto also introduced a set of new summer cocktails, Sunset Boulevard, White Beach, and High Tide, that are sure to quench everyone’s thirst. For inquiries on Seda Abreeza’s latest offerings and reservations, you may call (082) 322 8888 or email dvo@sedahotels. com.

TOP ROW: Delicious seafood takes center stage at Seda Abreeza’s Friday dinner buffet. LEFT: Smoked Fish, Salted Egg Fried Rice and Creole Shrimp Rice. RIGHT: Sous Chef Bang Flores poses with one of her rice dishes, the Hong Kong XO Fried Rice with Scallops. BOTTOM LEFT: Department of Tourisim XI Regional Director Robby Alabado and Hotel Manager Ken Kapulong try out the new summer cocktails. BOTTOM RIGHT: Those who are not fasting can take a bite out of the boneless lechon which is also part of the Friday dinner buffet.

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GRAVE... FROM 1

The group narrated that Visaya was the ground commander of the 69th Infantry Batallion Philippine army during the 2004 Hacienda Luisita Massacre that killed seven farm workers in the disputed Cojuangco-Aquino landholdings. They also described Visaya as a trusted protege of Gen. Jovito Palparan, whom they held accountable to the abduction and torture of brothers Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo, the disappearance of UP students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, and the militarization of urban poor communities during the Oplan Bantay Laya under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. “In Mindanao, Visaya served as the commander of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division, the notorious military unit responsible for killing and forcible evacuation of farmers and Lumad and their communities in CARAGA and Northern Mindanao re-

gions,” KMP said. During the administration of former President Benigno S. Aquino III, KMP said the Philippine Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion which was personally trained and handled by Visaya was deployed in Davao City where it unleashed terror upon the civilian population. They added that the same army unit was responsible for the strafing of the home of KMP leader Aida Seisa in Davao’s Paquibato district and killing three people, including a tribal datu in 2015. “Visaya is a legit Jovito Palparan clone. He is responsible for numerous killings of peasant and Lumad leaders, human rights abuses and military atrocities in peasant communities,” Canlas added. The group said various farmers’ organizations will protest Visaya’s appointment and President Duterte’s persisting political accommodation to the retired army general.

morning from the barangay captain of Barangay Sibayan, reporting a murder incident that happened the night before. The police responded immediately to the report and on their way to the crime scene at around 7:30 am, the encounter happened. “It was a very unfortunate incident. Kasi yung mga police na gusto lang makatulong sa katahimikan at kaayusan ng ating bayan, sila pa ‘yong mga nagiging biktima ng karahasan,” PSUPT Morales expressed. PSUPT Morales blamed the rebel New People’s Army for the death of the police of-

ficers, based on the numerous attacks they conducted since the lifting of the bilateral ceasefire. He said there have been recent incidents such as targeting security forces (from the military and PNP), business establishments that would not succumb to their demands and burning of heavy equipment through improvised explosive devices committed by the NPA. Morales said that the PNP will be conducting further investigations, considering all angles and possibilities as to how the incident happened, including all the persons who could have been involved.

Agrarin Reform Program (CTRP), the first package of which is contained in House Bill No. 4774 that is now being studied by the House ways and means committee. HB 5874 was filed in the chamber by Quirino Rep. Dakila Carl Cua, who chairs this committee. Dominguez said CTRP’s congressional approval is crucial to the financial sustainability of the Duterte administration’s higher public spending policy because it aims to correct our tax system’s “inherent flaws, such as non-in-

dexation to inflation of rates and large scope of exemptions and special treatments that complicates tax administration” that have for long prevented the BIR and BOC from consistently meeting, much less surpassing, their annual revenue targets. As part of its improvements in tax administration, Dominguez said the BIR has started expanding its Large Taxpayers Service to cover the top 3,000 corporations accounting for 75 percent of total tax revenues. (PR)

and only their tax stamps were fake. “After manufacture and packaging, the BIR stamps should be attached in each pack to represent the paid P30 excise tax. But the stamps we found attached to the products are fake,” she said. Angelito Agulto, BoC port collector here, said that based on their initial assessment, the “evaded taxes” from the seized cigarette products could reach P165 million. He said the P215 million initial assessed value of the

products was based on their current market prices. The official clarified that since the products were locally-manufactured, they were also shipped to the area through local carriers or shipping lines. “So technically, these did not pass the BOC GenSan,” he said. Agulto said the results of the inventory will be used by the BIR and BoC in the filing of appropriate charges against the owners of the recovered cigarette products. (PNA)

4 cops... FROM 1

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NEWS 11

DISCOVERY. University of Mindanao researcher Milton Medina introduces the new species of Hoya (Apocynaccae) found in Valencia City, Bukidnon during yesterday’s Wednesdays @ Habi at Kape at Abreeza Mall. Lean Daval Jr.

Gov’t allots over P11M aid for Surigao quake victims T

HE government has allocated a total of PHP11.5 million as financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers who are victims of the 6.7 earthquake that hit Surigao Province last February 10. In a statement, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary and Chairman of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

Board of Trustees Silvestre Bello III approved the move through Board Resolution No. 006, Series of 2017. With this, he urged OWWA active members and non-active members affected by the tremor to apply for the financial assistance at the agency’s Regional Welfare Office (RWO) in Caraga. Active OWWA members are entitled to get

PHP3,000.00 per family while PHP1,500.00 will be given per family of non-active members. The agency expects to reach around 3,848 individuals in the affected areas in the municipalities of Surigao Province namely Sison, San Francisco, Mainit, Malimono, and Surigao City. Based on the ocular inspection initiated by the office in the said province, a num-

ber of OFW families suffered minor damage to their properties, as well as shortage on food and potable water. Affected families may apply for the monetary assistance to OWWA Caraga at telephone numbers (085) 342-61-78; (085) 225-5989, or at these email address: owwa_caraga24@yahoo.com, and owwacaraga@gmail.com. (PNA)

Kloppenburg is a world leading expert in Hoya. Both scientists said they are now on review and inventory of fauna and flora species that are endemic in the country.

The result of the inventory will be transformed into reading and learning materials that can be used in schools to help educate school children learn on the countries endemic species.

opening of the P5.5 million suspension bridge in Barangay Rajamuda here, a stronghold of the MILF. The 84–meter bridge traverses Pulangi River, which connects Rajamuda in Pikit,

North Cotabato province to Datu Montawal town in Maguindanao on the other side. Also, two warehouses with solar dryers worth P2.8 million were also turned over. (PNA)

Both senators also cited various achievements made for and by women in the recent months. They said that one such achievement was the recent Senate passage of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law from 60 days to 120 days. Hontiveros and Binay said that the legislation is a “triumph” for working Filipina mothers. They also cited how eight women have led the topnotchers of the Philippine Military Academy’s Class Salaknib of

2017. There were over 60 female cadets of the batch graduated, the highest number of female graduates since PMA accepted women in 1994. Moreover, there are also several elected and appointed women in the government. “As we continue to see advancements in our society, may we remain steadfast against exploitation and discrimination of women. Let us work for proactive change that will empower and uphold all women,” Binay said. (PNA)

or James L. Chiongbian Hall. It will occupy a total land area of 2,840 square meters, with a floor area of 3,436 square meters and a 425-square meter parking lot that can accommodate 25 vehicles. A 300-square meter session hall that can accommodate 100 persons will be built at the second floor. The building will host a library and a museum. De Peralta said they pushed for the construction of the legislative building to ensure the delivery of “efficient and effective” service to their constituents. He said residents, especial-

ly their clients and guests, will feel more “at home” with the new structure. For his part, Rep. Pacquiao said the project is fulfillment of his promise “to bring in more infrastructure development” to speed up progress in the province. He expects that the new legislative building would give more inspiration to provincial board members “in crafting relevant and effective legislations for the province.” Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said he hopes that the project would help realize the provincial government’s visions and programs. (PNA)

en’s rights, Duterte said that “indeed, women are heroes.” “Generations have been witness to the amazing ways by which women have trans-

formed societies by playing the role of mothers, workers, intellectuals, educators, caregivers, soldiers, activists, artists and leaders,” he said. (PNA)

City Peace and Order Council (CPOC), recommended the training to increase the number of “resolved cases” and avoid technical lapses that result in case dismissal before the court. “Although I am happy and satisfied with their performance, we will not stop there, rather we should enhance them more through this kind

of effort,” Evangelista said. He also reiterated his full support to cops who might face legal complaints in the performance of their duty by providing lawyers for their legal battle. Earlier, the mayor made a firm commitment to strengthen the city’s anti-criminality campaign and drive against illegal drugs. (PNA)

Young... FROM 2 MILF... FROM 3

Sarangani... FROM 6

Women... FROM 2

PH status... FROM 3

Kidapawan... FROM 6

12 ENVIRONMENT EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Seagrasses: Coastal’s ‘last frontier’ By HENRYLITO D. TACIO

O one pays attention to the lowly seagrasses because they are, to quote the word of a friend, “useless.” There are lots of them along the shores of Pearl Farm Marina and Waterfront Hotel – and even in those coastal areas where population is less.

Dr. Miguel Fortes But with the rampant mangrove denudation and coral reef destruction in the Philippines, seagrasses have become the “last frontier” of the country’s marine needs. “The whole central portion from low tide to the reef is inhabited by seagrass,” said Dr. Anitra Thorhaug, an American biologist who pioneered efforts in restoring seagrass habitats in the Philippines. “Yet corals and mangroves have reserved areas, seagrasses none.” As seagrasses are neglected, they are now fast disappearing from this part of the world. And it’s not good. “Seagrass in decline, jeopardizing human, coral health,” said a news dispatch from the Agence France-Presse (AFP). “Underwater meadows of seagrass offer important protection against pollution to both humans and coral reefs,” said the report which was based on a study published in the journal Science. “Places with healthy seagrass – where sponges, clams, small fish and other filter feeders thrive – can reduce bacteria that is harmful to both people and marine life by up to 50 percent,” the AFP report said. Cornell University’s Dr. Joleah Lamb, lead author of the study, was quoted as saying: “The seagrass appears to combat bacteria, and this is the first research to assess whether that coastal ecosystem can alleviate disease associated with marine organisms.” Globally, seagrass

meadows are declining by about seven percent each year since 1990, according to the researchers. In the Philippines, the rapid disappearance of seagrass is due to the increasing population’s multiple demands upon the country’s marine environment as source of food, avenues of transportation, receptacles of waste, living space and source of recreation and aesthetics pleasures. The seagrass ecosystem is likewise adversely affected by mining of industrial minerals; oil spills caused by accidents, operational shipping and refinery activities; dredging and illegal associates. Dr. Miguel Fortes, one of the country’s foremost experts on seagrass, said these aquatic plants are virtually unknown among Filipinos. This contribute to the rapid depletion of the seagrass meadows. “Huge tracts of these productive habitats are being dredged, filled, polluted, exploited, converted to other coastal uses or simply being destroyed, all in the name of economic development,” deplored Dr. Fortes. The author of Seagrass: A Resource Unknown in the ASEAN Region noted that most of Southeast Asia’s forests have been reduced by logging and slashand-burn agriculture, among other factors. Deforestation and the resulting runoffs cover seagrass beds with silt. Seagrass are neither algae nor seaweeds. Neither are they true grasses.

They are monocotyledonous plants. Left alone and not disturbed in quiet salty water of coastal zones, they form dense meadows resembling more familiar undulating grasslands in the uplands. Seagrass is one of the most important components of the coastal ecosystem. They reproduce through rhizomes and seeds. They produce seeds annually which are dispersed by tidal currents. In terms of seagrasses in the world, the Philippines has the second highest number. Western Australia has more than 30 species of seagrasses while the Philippines has 18 species thriving along its coasts. Seagrasses in the country covers an area of 27,282 square kilometers. They are widely distributed throughout the country – from Bolinao Bay (Pangasinan) in the north, Palawan and the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area to the center, and Zamboanga and Davao in the South. “Seagrasses are the least studied among the habitats in our coastal zones,” Dr. Fortes deplores. “As such, we know less than we need to in order to use them in solving coastal environmental as well as societal problems.” Unknowingly, seagrasses are a source of salt, soda, warming materials and useful chemicals. They are used in basket-weaving, mattresses stuffing and beddings. They substitute for thatch and upholstery material as well as for cotton used in the manufacture of nitro-cellulose. Seagrasses are also used as fodder for livestock. They are likewise a major component for sea farming and sea ranching. The high primary production rates of seagrasses are closely linked to the high production rates of associated fisheries. Among the diversified species found in the seagrass beds are fishes, sea cucumbers, sea urc hins, crabs, scallops, mussels and snails. Shrimps spend the

early stages of their lives in seagrass areas. Large animals like sea cow (dugong) and green sea turtles graze extensively in seagrass meadows. Seahorses, a tourist attraction and of medicinal value, reside in seagrass beds. A study done in five seagrass sites in the country identified a total of 1,384 individuals and 55 species from 25 fish families. “All these have economic value mostly as food and aquarium specimens,” Dr. Fortes said. “Five times as many fish live in seagrass beds as above sea floors of mud, shells, and sand.” As stated earlier, seagrass beds are known for being sewage filters. They are noted for their ability to trap and bind organic and inorganic sediments. In addition, they are planted along coastal lines to buffer winds, control wave erosions and regain the lost productivity of degraded fishing grounds. In a position paper presented during the first National Conference on Seagrass Management, Research and Development, Dr. Fortes suggested at least three environmental concepts for better management of the resource: preservation, conservation and production intensification. Preservation or nonuse guarantees the continued survival of seagrass beds or meadows, which may be available for scientific and educational purposes only. Conservation or wiseuse means maximum yield in minimum time. In time, the seagrass area expands and becomes a renewable resource. Production intensification can be done through large-scale plantings and so-called “afforestation.” This transforms biologically desolate and barren impacted subtidal areas into seagrass beds with appropriate techniques. “As meadows, seagrasses are an important link between land and ocean and support a high primary production,” Dr. Fortes reminded.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Faeldon... FROM 4 programs. It is a non-stock, non-profit service organization operating within the framework of collaboration with government and industry partners to en-

hance exporters’ competitiveness through facilitation of an export-friendly environment. It also aspires to unite and strengthen the export sector. /msl

Meanwhile, the group’s gross margin on a per kilowatt-hour basis decreased to P1.59 from P1.61 a year ago. The decline mostly came from the under-recoveries as a result of a shift in supply mix.

About AboitizPower AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. The company is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines with a rightmix portfolio of assets located

across the country. It is a major producer of Cleanergy, its brand for clean and renewable energy with several hydroelectric and geothermal power generation facilities. It also has various fossil-fired power plants in its generation portfolio to support the baseload and peak energy demands of the country. The company also owns distribution utilities that operate in high-growth areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the second and third largest private utilities in the country. (PR)

Summits as well as more than 100 meetings and activities to be held throughout the country. The Philippines will also host the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Relating Meetings coinciding with ASEAN’s 50th anniversary celebration, and the ASEAN Plus Three and East Asia Summit meetings. In an effort to promote

ASEAN down to the grassroots level, the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has been conducted ASEAN caravan in major cities of the country. PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar has said while 81 percent of ASEAN citizens have heard of the regional grouping, only 24 percent have a basic understanding of what it is and it’s purpose.

Aboitiz... FROM 7

China... FROM 10

NEWS13

Catholic church set to provide assistance to 27 freed inmates T

HE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Commission on Prison Pastoral Care is ready to provide assistance to the 27 inmates that were freed on Monday. According to CBCP-CPPC Executive Secretary Rodolfo Diamante, they are planning to organize a reunion of these inmates with their families. “Their reunion with their

families is the priority. We will ask our volunteers to facilitate this and extend whatever help they need within our means,” he said. At the same time, Diamante noted that they will ask the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on what assistance they can provide. “We will also engage the DSWD to provide the necessary assistance,” he added.

On the part of the Catholic Church, Fr. Anton Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila, social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila said they are also ready to help the freed inmates. “We call that post restorative justice ministry. For the release inmates and family program. It includes livelihood, spiritual formation, and involving them in church life in the parish,” he said.

The Restorative Justice Prison Ministry is a special ministry of the Church through Caritas in the development...after care program (post care phase) – a support services program for released inmates. The 27 freed inmates on Monday is the first batch from a total of 127 convicts who were granted executive clemency by President Rodrigo Duterte. (PNA)

pines to fulfill our mission, which is to promote inclusive and sustainable employment by leveraging information and communications technology (ICT) so people can work online,” explained Gersava. The group has attracted beneficiaries from all over the Philippines, with the farthest coming from Laoag, Ilocos Norte. “We are helping all kinds of people who are facing employment challenges because of their current condition or former life — people who are visually or orthopedically impaired, or have dwarfism or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, or are former drug addicts,” said Gersava. They

have also garnered the support of various international organizations and corporations like Accenture who share their vision of inclusive employment. “We have trainers coming from the United States, China, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Thanks to the advancement of technology, these foreign coaches can conduct one-on-one virtual classes as if being in the same room with our students,” added Gersava. With their vision of having a workplace free from discrimination, Go2Virtualahan was cited by Lenovo for their dedication to help people through technology. “At Leno-

vo, we know that some people have less access to skills training and employment opportunities because of several factors such as medical condition or social status,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. ”Go2 Virtualahan tackles this issue head-on and with the help of technology, they have empowered people to lead a happy and successful life, regardless of their age, status, and health. Their project is the fruit of a great vision that sees technology as a great enabler, bridging gaps and changing lives.” The TAYO Foundation is the country’s premier

award-giving body that recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations in the country. As the exclusive technology partner of the foundation, Lenovo provides reliable computers and tablets to help them throughout the entire award selection process. “We would like to thank Lenovo Philippines for believing in the capabilities of today’s youth,” said Aika Robredo, TAYO Foundation President. “Their unwavering support empowers these organizations and makes them into movers and shakers of positive change in the community through the power of technology.” (PR)

Lenovo... FROM 7

14 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 272 • THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

EARLY FRONTRUNNERS JMC, DJA notch second wins, lead Escandor Cup By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

TEAM STANDINGS GROUP A W JMC 2 ACD 1 DCNHS 1 Ateneo 1 Emar 0 PWC 0

L 0 0 1 1 1 2

OSE Maria College and Davao Jones Academy took the early leadership of the ongoing 4th Emilio Escandor Cup Inter-Secondary Basketball Tournament with convincing wins over the weeked.

The JMC cagers, who benefited from Ateneo de Davao’s game forfeiture for a rule infraction last February 26, chalked up its second win in the SBP-sanctioned hoopfest with a 54-46 win over Philippine Women’s College. JMC is now perched solo at the top of Group A with a 2-0 slate. Davao Jones Academy also kept abreast with its second straight win in Group B, routing hapless Holy Cross of Sasa 100-33.

GROUP B DJA Holy Child Ford DRANHS Holy Cross Agro

W 2 1 1 1 0 0

L 0 0 1 1 1 2

Debuting defending champion Holy Child went through the proverbial eye of the needle in eking out a close 79-76 win over Ford Academy for its first win in the tournament. Ford dropped to 1-1. Assumption College of Davao likewise opened its campaign with a 70-59 rout of Emar while Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School scored its first win via a 68-61 shellacking of Agro-Industrial Foundation College. ACD is at 1-0 in

STRONG MOVE. Ateneo’s Ion Angeles crashes through the defense on his way to 11 points against DCNHS. Lean Daval Jr.

HEAVY TRAFFIC. Ateneo’s Francis Gabriel Escandor goes up against a phalanx of defenders from Davao City National High School. Lean Daval Jr.

Group A while Emar is at 0-1. DRANHS now tote a 1-1 record in Group B while Agro occupy the cellar at 0-2. Ateneo got back

PHL eyes good showing in SEA Games’figure skating, ice hockey

HE Philippines has a good chance of winning medals in ice hockey and figure skating in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The two sports will be introduced in the biennial tournament slated to be held Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 19-31. The 23-member ice hockey team bagged the bronze medal in Division II at the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan last month. Figure skater Michael Christian Martinez, a veteran of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, placed seventh while his teammates Jules Alpe, Shayanne Casapao and Samantha Cabiles, and speed skater Kathryn Magno also performed well despite being first-timers in the Asian Winter Games. “I can say that we have a good chance in the Malaysia SEA Games considering the bronze medal performance of our ice hockey team and our figure skaters are also

talented,” said Tom Carrasco, head of the SEA Games Task Force, during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City. Casapao, Cabiles and Magno, all based in the United States, were honored to represent the Philippines in the Sapporo Asian Winter Games. “I’m extremely excited, and truly honored to have the opportunity to participate in the sport that I love for the Philippines,” said the 18-year-old Casapao, whose parents migrated to the US when they were teenagers. When asked how she prepared for the Sappporo Games, Casapao replied, “My preparation consisted of on-ice and off-ice training six days a week. Running my programs and practicing my jumps and spins on the ice. Off the ice, I train at the gym one to two hours daily, working on total body strength and conditioning.”

She trained at the Pickwick Ice rink in Burbank, California with her coach Darin Matthewson. Cabiles was born and raised in Lanai, Hawaii until she was nine years old. She moved to Michigan and started to skate at the age of 12. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be able to represent my country internationally, especially in Japan at the Asian Winter Games,” said the 20-year-old Cabiles, a consistent honor student. She won silver at the RIG Reykjavik International Games in Iceland and Summer Skate in Canada in 2015, and a bronze medal at the Triglav tournament in Slovenia in 2014. She also enjoys photography, fashion blogging, trampoline, tennis and swimming. Magno was born in San Jose, California. Her mother is from Quirino, Isabela while her father is from Subic Bay, Olongapo. “It’s a great honor and I am very proud to represent the Philippines in this 2017

Asian Winter Games. I’m happy that the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Skating Union have chosen me to represent in short track speed skating. There are no words to truly express how grateful I am to have this opportunity,” said the graphic designer who graduated at the Art Institute of California in Sunnyvale. Magno was a member of three figure skating clubs since 1995 before shifting to short track speed skating. She trained in Utah for five months before going to Japan. “Training at the Olympic facility gave me the proper and formal training needed to ready myself for the competition. Within the months, I was also traveling back and forth to the Philippines to train at SM Megamall,” said Magno, who was introduced to figure skating when she was five years old. She has competed abroad as a member of the Philippine National figure skating team from 2008 to 2011. (PNA)

on the winning track, blasting away Davao City National High School 9345. There was no denying the Blue Knights this time after a costly inadvertence on player eligi-

bility cost them a game penalty. Francis Gabriel Escandor led the Blue Knights with 21 points while Ion Angeles added 11.

GAB to stop collecting boxer’s welfare fund

HE Games and Amusements Board (GAB) will stop collecting the one percent contribution to the professional boxers’ relief fund and mixed martial arts fighters’ welfare fund. This was bared by GAB Chairman Abraham Mitra who said that the move is in compliance with the recommendation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). In a text message on Tuesday, Mitra said the (GAB) Board approved the revocation of the policy to collect one percent from the professional boxers’ and MMA fighters’ purse representing contribution to the GAB Boxer’s Relief Fund and MMA Fighters’ Welfare Fund.” “All boxing and other contact division and field or extension offices are hereby directed to refrain from imposing the 1 percent deduction from the boxers’ and MMA fighters’ purse, whenever they participate in a professional match,” said Mitra.

The amount already collected and currently deposited with the Treasury may be used and allowed for financial assistance to boxers and MMA fighters in accordance with Section 6, General Provisions of Republic Act No. 10924 or the FY2017 General Appropriation Act, according to Mitra. He said that in order to facilitate the release of financial assistance to boxers and MMA fighters, the GAB shall “evaluate the request of boxers/fighters to determine the amount of financial assistance to be given, subject to approval of the Board.” The Memorandum Circular no. 2017-001 also requires those asking for financial assistance to submit a request for issuance of Notice of Cash Allocation from DBM supported by Proof of receipt of trust or Official Receipt and Bureau of Treasury certification that the amount of subject collection and credited to the Trust Fund 184 of the GAB. (PNA)

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SPORTS15

FIGHT IS OFF

Arum says Pacquiao-Khan fight in UAE is off

SMOOTH TOUCH. Karloz Alba of Apo Golf and Country Club putts a gimme during the recent 70th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub. Boy Lim

Leaders clash in Super Liga Games Today (FilOil Flying V Center) 5 pm – Cocolife vs Foton 7 pm – Cignal vs Petron

N early clash of the Philippine Superliga titans happens today as heavyweights Cignal and Petron clash for a hold of the lead of the Belo-PSL Invitational Conference at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan. Two of the strongest teams, the HD Spikers and the Blaze Spikers collide at 7 pm, following the 5 pm batter between Cocolife and Foton in the 5 pm this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Mikasa, Asics, Senoh and Mueller with TV5 as official broadcast partner. After a string of unfortunate finishes, the HD Spikers made an off-season revamp and netted three of the best players in the country in Jovelyn Gonzaga, Honey Royse Tubino and Rachel Anne Daquis. They also tabbed Maica Morada to join an already solid crew led by Paneng Mercado, Janine Marciano, Cherry Vivas and Jheck Dionela. The outcome of their debut match was very impressive as they eked out a pulsating 2624, 20-25, 26-24, 13-25, 15-9 victory over powerhouse Foton on opening day of this tourney that also has Gold’s Gym as official fitness partner and UCPB Gen as official insurance provider. Gonzaga led the way with 17 points while Paat and Daquis had 11 and 10 markers, respectively, as the HD Spikers

displayed solid blocking prowess and a well-balanced offensive thrust in the marathon match that lasted two hours and 20 minutes. The HD Spikers’ resolve would be tested as the Blaze Spikers will also be marching with sky-high morale. After acquiring stars the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Ms. Volleyball Mika Reyes and Carmela Tunay during the off-season, Petron flexed its muscles right away and made quick work of Sta. Lucia, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21, in its first match. Reyes and Tunay delivered nine points apiece while team captain Frances Molina chipped in eight markers for the Blaze Spikers, who dominated the Lady Realtors from start to finish despite drawing limited offensive output from veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas. Cignal coach George Pascua said they have done their homework and will use their experience and deep familiarity with Petron’s system to win. Pascua had guided Petron to a historic 13-0 sweep of the All-Filipino Conference in 2015 while Daquis and Morada served as his key players. Gonzaga, for her part, is also quite familiar with her counterpart, Maizo-Pontillas, after playing with her in the beach volleyball competition of the Southeast Asian Games in 2011. “We’re very familiar with Petron and we will use it as our biggest asset,” said Pascua, adding that he is excited to face the Blaze Spikers after guiding them to a pair of titles and three

OP Rank promoter Bob Arum spent considerable time putting together a deal for welterweight titleholder Manny Pacquiao to defend his belt against Australia’s Jeff Horn in April in Brisbane, Australia, but Pacquiao decided it wasn’t for him. Instead, Pacquiao went chasing after a supposed $38 million pot being dangled by an unnamed investment group that wanted to bring him to the United Arab Emirates to fight former unified junior welterweight titlist Amir Khan in late April. Arum was skeptical from the get-go that the UAE deal was real and made his position known, but it did not stop Pacquiao and adviser Michael Koncz from pursuing it, and it did not stop Pacquiao and Khan from announcing via social media more than a week ago that they had agreed to fight each other (depending, of course,

on the cash being in place). But on Tuesday Arum told ESPN that the UAE deal for Pacquiao-Khan was dead, that Pacquiao won’t face Khan (31-4, 19 KOs) next and that Koncz was on his way back to the Philippines to tell Pacquiao that the $38 million was nothing but a fantasy. “Michael is on his way back to meet with Manny but it’s kaddish for the UAE deal. It’s dead,” Arum said. “I’m talking to him about another proposal for another fight, not Khan. Khan won’t be Manny’s next opponent.” Arum declined to elaborate on the fight or deal he was proposing to the 38-yearold Pacquiao (59-6-2, 38 KOs), boxing’s only eight-division world titleholder, because he wanted Koncz to have a chance to discuss it with Pacquiao and explore it first before he made it public. Arum had said from the beginning of the UAE dance that April was probably out

anyway because time was running short. There had been a discussion between Arum and Koncz about late May, but that never went anywhere. And then Arum said Tuesday that if the investment group in the UAE could come up with the money, perhaps a fight with Khan, 30, of England, could still happen there in November. “UAE would not happen until November, if it happens at all, but I doubt it will,” Arum said, noting that doing the fight in late June or July, after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which was proposed, was also not possible because it would have taken place at an outdoor stadium and it would be far too hot in the desert during the summer. Arum said he expects Pacquiao to fight elsewhere in June or July, depending on the schedule of the senate in the Philippines, where Pacquiao serves.

The national pool consists of 13 veterans and 12 rookies. Only 12 players are expected to make it to the final cut for the SEABA tournament that will be played at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on May 12 to 18. The veterans are comprised of Jayson Castro, June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Ro-

meo, Calvin Abueva, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Raymond Almazan, Art Dela Cruz, Bradwyn Guinto, Jonathan Grey, Norbert Torres and LA Revilla. They will be bolstered by PBA freshmen Matthew Wright, Mac Belo, RR Pogoy, Kevin Ferrer, Ed Daquioag, Von Pessumal, Carl Bryan

Cruz, Mike Tolomia, Jio Jalalon, Russell Escoto, Fonzo Gotladera and Arnold Van Opstal. The winning team in the SEABA championship earns a ticket to the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup, a tournament that will determine the teams that will compete in the six-window qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Gilas begins build up to SEABA

HE Philippine national men’s basketball team will begin its preparations for the 2016 SEABA Championship with a threeday training camp this March. Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes announced that the 25man pool will convene for the first time on March 14 to 16 in a still-undisclosed venue.

PAL INTERCLUB AVIATOR DIVISION THIRD PLACE. Members of the Davao City Golf and Country Club receive their third place trophy in the Aviator Division of the 70th PAL Men’s Interclub during the.awarding ceremonies at the SMX Convention Center. Left to right: Rhea Domingo,(VP PAC Marketing)

Reinz, Jordan Yamyamin, Larry Paquil, Mark Oropeza ,Edipolo Caturan, Rodolfo Luna, Jun2x Grandeza, Elvie Naranjo, Jerson Lebosada, Ludwig Ledesma, Niki Gozon SVP Flight Operation (SMX Lanang, SM City March 04, 2017)

finals appearances before moving to Cignal in the off-season. “Also, one of our advantages over them is that we have reliable leaders on the floor. The experience and leadership

Generika in their debut match, hopes are still high on the Asset Managers as Michele Gumabao delivered some flashes of brilliance while newly crowned NCAA champions Andrea Mar-

of Rachel, Jovelyn and Maica is something you can’t ignore.” Also tipped to draw a massive weekday crowd is the battle between Cocolife and Foton. Despite falling short against

zan, Rhea Ramirez and Mary Anne Esguerra of Arellano University proved they can play beautiful music with veterans Wensh Tiu, Rosemarie Vargas and Erika Alkuino.

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