Edge Davao 9 Issue 275 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

MODEL TAXPAYER. Ata tribe’s Samuel O. Mansunong Sr. and his wife Erlinda from Paquitabato District hold the citation he received from the city government of Davao as one of Everyday Dabawenyo Heroes awardees for diligently paying real property tax during 80th Araw ng Davao’s Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

NO EXTORTION Biz sector: Peace a backbone for progress, development B

USINESS leaders in Davao City welcomed the revival of the peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front but called on its armed wing, the New People’s Army , to show more sincerity and to stop extortion. Ronald Go, President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) told MindaNews on Sunday that peace has always

been the backbone for the progress and development of this country. “If we remain fractionalized, we will always get what we have gotten from many years of armed struggle: nothing,” he said. He said the communists should show more sincerity to see to it that a long lasting peace agreement can finally be achieved. “It is only then we can

Rediscovering Davao Oriental:

Banaybanay

build a better society, a better future, and a better nation for us all,” he said. DCCCII chair Antonio Dela Cruz said he is grateful the peace process is back on track a month after both parties lifted their unilateral ceasefire. He lauded Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza for a successful two-day backchannel talks in Utrecht, “for the achievement of a long lasting peace not only

in Mindanao but all over the country.” Dela Cruz said the President has been “very sincere (so) the other side must also show their sincerity. We praise God/Allah for this,” he said. Bonifacio Tan, former DCCCII President appealed to the NPA to stop the extortion activities as well as attacking the military and police forces, otherwise “it defeats the purpose

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EDGEDAVAO Sports

SMASHING Knights rout Ormoc P16 DEBUT Blue in SM NBTC opener

Dayanghirang elected PCL national chairman

Sees league as positive force to support PRRD

ETERAN local lawmaker Danilo C. Dayanghirang of Davao City was elected chairman of the board of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) in an election during the annual PCL national congress held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last Thursday, March 9. Councilor Dayanghirang was unopposed for board chairman just as former Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur was uncontested for

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2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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UNDERSCORING. President Rodrigo Duterte renews his promise to eradicate the illegal drug trade and end corruption in government in his speech during the 35th Anniversary celebration of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Grounds in Pasay City on Sunday evening. KING RODRIGUEZ/Presidential Photo

‘Give Lopez a chance, Mother Earth a break’

DVOCATES and practitioners of zero waste resource management for a toxic-free future on Monday appealed to the members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) to give Gina Lopez a chance to officially lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Through a press statement issued before the scheduled CA meeting on Wednesday, the EcoWaste Coalition prodded the lawmakers to decide in favor of confirming Lopez as DENR Secretary. “We urge the CA to bestow upon her the task of leading and managing the DENR, the

lead agency in charge of conserving and protecting the country’s environment, to ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources for the benefit of the Filipino people today and the succeeding generations,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We support the decisive actions that she has taken so far to protect the country’s environment and natural resources against destructive mining activities. We are one with her in halting such activities that have ravaged our mountains and rivers, threatened the water systems and

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Rody rallies PDP to bac shift to federal system

RES. Rodrigo R. Duterte asserted once more his commitment to evolving the country’s form of government towards a federal system to allow for the better distribution of public services. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd in Pasay City during the PDP Thanksgiving Party themed “PDP Takbo sa Puso, No to Drugs, Yes to Federalism”, the President reiterated his commitment to work for a federal form of government . “Magkadiperensya tayo sa lahat ng bagay, huwag lang sa public interest. Kasi kung public interest na either magkasundo tayo or hiwa-hiwalay tayo,”

Duterte said at one point during the event. The Chief Executive asserted that he fully intends to keep his promise during the campaign last year to decentralize governance from Manila and towards local government units particularly in strife-torn Mindanao. “Yung talagang pinupukpok ko noon was federalism, that was the centerpiece. Let me remind the Filipino people, ito ano ko lang -- kung tatanggapin ninyo, ‘pag hindi then you can disregard it maybe, answer in contempt or sarcasm will apply. Pero ito ang tandaan ninyo, we

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DOH, DA intensify campaign v rabies By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

ITH the month of March named National Rabies Awareness month, the Department of Health in Davao region, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture urged the public to be aware of rabies’ implication and the preventive measures when bitten by an animal. “It is important that we know about this disease because 99.9% of those infected with rabies die. Although not all animal bite cases evolve into rabies, it is better that we report the case immediately so that we know for sure,” Dr.

Vergel Bautista, DOH Medical Coordinator for Rabies and Prevention Control in the region said on Monday. Dr. Bautista was among the guests on Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw held at the SM City in Davao City. He added that in the event when one is been bitten by an animal, the wound must be washed immediately with soap and proceed to the nearest animal bite center for treatment. This first aid measure, Bautista said, could eradicate 50 per cent of the virus and may lessen the chance of ra-

bies. In 2016, Davao region has recorded 13 deaths due to rabies. The record, Bautista said is relatively lower compared to the 16 deaths reported in 2015. An estimated number of 48,000 bite cases are already recorded in the region, commonly dog bite cases, he said. Dr. Armie Capuyan, a Veterinarian from Department of Agriculture also told reporters that in the country, bites from dogs are the usual cause of rabies since it is the most common animal owned as pets.

Capuyan also called on pet owners to tie their dogs to prevent biting incidents and have them vaccinated. “We really encourage owners to vaccinate their pets to ensure safety. We aim for the Philippines to be rabies-free by 2020,” she added. Since October 2014, vaccines in animal bite centers all over the country are given for free. Animal bite centers in the city are located near the City Health Office in Magallanes and in the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

certain issues concerning the sector of fisheries in Mindanao such as energy, water and human resources. “I think if we have the right number of human resources, we can also solve the others,” said Dayrit. In an interview, he added that NAST hopes to address the lack of minimum number of scientists and technologists needed for innovation-driven development who were lured to leave the country due to

better opportunities abroad. NAST Engineering Sciences and Technology Division chair Academician Reynaldo B. Vea added flooding is another issue they wish to address that affects river banks which serve as breeding area for cultured fish. Vea said the general direction of the meeting is to come up with a set of resolutions which will be forwarded to various government agencies

NAST holds regional scientific meeting to tackle fishery issues By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

HE National Academy of Science and Technology will conduct the first Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting to discuss fishery concerns on March 1314, 2017 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere Davao City. NAST adopted “sustainable development goals” as its over-arching theme in line with the thrusts of the Duterte administration. Headed by the Agricul-

tural Sciences Division, this year’s meeting focused on the theme, “Attaining Sustainable Development Goals: Philippine Fisheries 20/20” which discussed on the fisheries sector and how this will impact the achievement of SGDs in the Philippines. In a press briefing on Monday, acting president and chair Academician Fabian M. Dayrit of the Mathematics and Physical Science Division said the meeting hopes to address

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Troops hold preemptive patrol in Maguindanao after BIFF attacks

OVERNMENT forces in Maguindanao have been conducting preemptive and reconnaissance patrols in the vicinity of military installations following renewed harassment by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the military said Friday. Capt. Arvin Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the reconnaissance patrol in Maguindanao’s adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo and Mamasapano was a pro-active stance as the BIFF launched a series of “pocket offensives” in Datu Salibo and Datu Saudi Ampatuan towns over the weekend. Two Huey helicopters of the 12th Composite Air Support of the Philippine Air Force were seen hovering around Maguindanao in Sunday and early Monday to back

ground troops. The BIFF harassment, Encinas said, left one soldier slightly injured after the bandits set off an improvised explosive in Barangay Sambolawan, Datu Salibo town on Friday. Encinas said an undetermined number of BIFF armed men attacked at 7 p.m. the detachment of 57th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sambolawan that injured Sgt. Greg Jordan. A 10-minute firefight ensued until the gunmen fled. It was the second harassment by suspected BIFF since last week. On Wednesday, an IED was set off by the BIFF in Barangay Timbangan, Datu Salibo that left a soldier injured. “The BIFF is training to prove it is still a force to reckon with so they conduct occasional harassment,” Encinas said. (PNA)

Gov’t, NDF urged to forge ceasefire before Holy Week

ENATE Pres. Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto on Monday urged the Philippine Government and National Democratic Front to forge a ceasefire before the observance of Holy Week next month. Recto’s call came after negotiators from both sides agreed to resume peace talks anew to finally put an end to almost five decades of armed conflict. He said that a ceasefire before and during Holy Week will give soldiers and rebels the “opportunity to reunite with their loved ones” and for communities to observe it in “peace.” “Whether unilaterally declared or mutually agreed, the people will welcome a break from fighting. If their time frame of brokering a ceasefire before April will be met, the peace ne-

gotiators couldn’t have picked a better time,” Recto said. “It is the right time because we don’t want the solemnity of Lent broken by needless bloodletting among brothers,” he added. Recto also said that a ceasefire will allow both sides to focus “on substantive issues such as socio-economic and political reforms that will uproot the causes of insurgency.” He pointed out that a ceasefire also allow government forces to pour more resources, manpower and materiel, into the all-out war being waged against the Abu Sayyaf. “We support the President’s effort to wave the olive branch to those willing to talk peace. But we also support his call for arms against bandits and terrorists like the Abu Sayaff,” Recto said. (PNA)

DESERVING. The Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie WürglerCronin (rightmost) receives the plaque in behalf of Halifax Davao Hostels as one of the top 10 real property tax payer awardees from city administrator

Zuleika Lopez (2nd from right) of the 80th Araw ng Davao’s Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw, an event honoring distinguished Davaoeños, held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Expo on achievement of government set April By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

ABISIG Mindanao Foundation, Inc. announced the launching of Kabisig Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2017 slated on April 18 to 20, 2017 at Abreeza Mall Davao City. The program was created by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation No. 650 in 1990 during the term of Pres. Cory Aquino. Its mandate was “to facilitate, coordinate and monitor the implementation of government programs and accomplishments. It also provides linkages between and among the private sector groups and

government agencies and instrumentalities”. Guesting during the Kapehan sa Dabaw media forum on Monday, Kabisig Mindanao Foundation, Inc. Chairman and JCI Senator President Daniel C. Guillen stressed the need for the public to hear the good things the government is doing. “The event aims to showcase government efforts through various projects and programs driven by the participating government agencies including Local Government units and Government-Owned/and Controlled

Corporations (GOCCs),” said Guillen. Kabisig Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair is a one-stop information exhibit that will feature government offices and their office profiles, service facilities, programs, projects, and accomplishments, including products and services. Guillen stressed the information exhibit will help increase public awareness on the accomplishments of government agencies not usually publicize in the media. He also shared the message of President Rodrigo

Prevention and Control Dr. Vergel Jay Bautista (right) and Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 regional rabies coordinator Dr. Armie Capuyan, graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

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PNP chief releases P1.2M payoff money to kidnap victim’s family

AWARENESS URGED. Department of Health nurse coordinator of Rabies Prevention and Control Mary Divene Hilario (center) urges the public to be aware of rabies’ implication and the preventive measures when bitten by an animal. Hilario, together with DOH 11 medical coordinator of Rabies

Duterte forwarded to him expressing support to the said event. “This event simplifies the bayanihan spirit that lives among us. The partenership between the government and the people is a manifestation of our unity that enables us to fulfill our common purpose,” said the President in his message. He also expressed his hopes to gather around 300 government agencies, 100 Government-Owned/and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and stakeholders to par-

HILIPPINE National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday turned over the P1.2-million ransom to the family of a kidnap victim. In a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Dela Rosa presented to members of the media the businessman, who was a victim of a kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) group in Bicol Region and parts of Southern Tagalog after he was rescued from his kidnappers. ”I am pleased to announce that kidnapped businessman Francis Leo Sta. Maria Maulion of Calabanga, Camarines Sur, has been safely reunited with his family since his abduction on November 23, 2016,” Dela Rosa said. Maulion was freed in a successful operation launched jointly by AKG headed by Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao and the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) headed by Chief Supt.

Melvin Ramon Buenafe in several locations in Camarines Sur and Albay provinces. ”We have in custody several suspects who participated in holding Maulion for ransom including the ransom-taker himself who were among eight persons who engaged our police forces in an encounter at the Banga Caves in Ragay, Camarines Sur during the ransom pay-off last March 6, 2017,” Dela Rosa said. Aside from the recovery of several high-powered firearms from the suspects, the PNP operatives also recovered intact the P1.2-million ransom paid by the victim’s family to the kidnappers. ”This successful anti-kidnapping operation was made possible thru the concerted efforts and perfect coordination by the PNP Units and LGUs involved, and the cooperation of the victim’s family,” Dela Rosa

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4 ECONOMY EDGEDAVAO

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Japan backs 4 projects for peace in Mindanao

PITCHING IN. SM Supermalls group marketing manager Aron Dalaza, together with SM Store’s Alex Dela Peña, announces the mall’s scheduled activities for the 80th Araw ng Davao celebration during yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw. Lean Daval Jr.

APANESE Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa signed four grant contracts with respective recipient organizations from various social development projects in conflictaffected areas in Mindanao last March 10 at the Embassy of Japan. The projects will be funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) implemented by the Embassy of Japan as part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) 2. The signing ceremony was attended by Undersecretary Nabil A. Tan of the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process. The new package of assistance, amounting to 355,427 US dollars (approximately 15 million pesos), will form part of Japan’s commitment to peace and development efforts in Mindanao. This includes 2 projects in

education, 1 project in health and another project in agriculture. The projects are part of the J-BIRD, the Japanese government’s package of assistance in support of peace and development in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. Since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006, Japan has supported 92 grant assistances including the above-mentioned projects with a total amount of 8.27 million US dollars through GGP under J-BIRD. The projects include the construction of classrooms for Del Pilar Elementary School in New Corella, Davao Del Norte; construction of classrooms for Tictapul Elementary School in Vitali District, Zamboanga City; provision of one unit mobile clinic for Zamboanga City Medical Center; and the acquisition of one unit container wing van for the small rice farmers of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (PR)

Heritage eco-adventure Department seeks of DavOr eyed by VDFS Energy to energize island provinces By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ

CO-ADVENTURE enthusiasts may consider an addition to their bucketlist as Visit Davao Fun Sale announced its newest feature for 2017-- the province of Davao Oriental. Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Roberto Alabado III disclosed in a press briefing Thursday the line of activities added this year particularly the national sporting competition to watch out for. “Experience Davao Oriental” tour package is a twoday fun tour kicking off with Banaybanay Welcome Park, Mt.Hamiguitan UNESCO Heritage Park, view of Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Mati Baywalk, Subangan Museum, the seasonal Dahican Turtle

Sighting and Whale Watching, and Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel. The Philippines’ skimboarding capital, Dahican will host eco-sporting events dubbed, “National Skimboarding Competition” and “Ultimate Frisbee Invitational Tournament” slated on April 20 to 23, 2017. Also this year, Amihan sa Dahican will celebrate its 13th anniversary as the watch group created for eco-protection related to turtle egg-hatching, dolphin and whale sightings. Mati City’s local economic investments and promotions officer Tanya Rabat-Tan invited Davaoeños and enthusiasts to sign up, come and witness this year’s competitions. “The skimboarding com-

petition was initially planned to be an international competition but we brought it down to national and this time, it’s bigger,” she said. Davao Oriental provincial tourism consultant Cynthia Rodriguez stressed the local government’s stride to improve and expand facilities to accommodate the influx of tourists. “Our hotels are not that many but we are exerting efforts to improve them. We are really into eco-sports that’s why most of our tourists are campers. Most of the time they bring tents on their own,” she said. In 2013, Davao Oriental was one of the two provinces in the country declared as “Tourism Development Area”

en that the Philippines is not a socialist state but a democratic country. The first package of the Department of Finance’s tax reform plan, which aims to lower the personal income tax (PIT) while adjusting rates of consumption taxes to current inflation, is the “only systematic way to address this inequality” in the tax system under a democracy like the Philippines, Salceda noted. Package One is contained in House Bill No. 4774, the refined version of the DOF’s plan that was filed in the chamber by Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, who chairs the House ways and means committee. This panel has thus far held seven hearings on Package One of the CTRP. (PR)

IRASIA is giving away seats from as low as P17 in its first major promotional seat sale of the year. Philippines AirAsia CEO Captain Dexter Comendador said, “We like to start the year with a bang and what better way to welcome summer than with new additional flights to Philippines’ best island destinations of Boracay and Palawan, and other equally stunning destinations across the country and abroad now up for grabs at promo fares.” AirAsia has announced its return to Clark with flights to Davao and Kalibo and expanded its Cebu hub to include flights to Davao, Boracay, and Palawan. From Davao, AirAsia will also fly to Boracay, Pala-

(TDA) under Republic Act 10560 along with Kalinga. Provinces declared as TDA can expect the government and private sectors to develop the tourism industry in the province by strengthening infrastructure, creating tour packages, and identifying investment opportunities. Visit Davao Fun Sale will run from April 16 to May 31 featuring discounted offerings in airfare, accommodations, tours, dining, beauty and wellness as well as sporting events, arts, and nightlife. It is organized by Davao Fun Sale Execom in partnership with DOT and co-presented by Davao City Government, AirAsia, Bonamine, BPI Cards, Cebu Pacific and Tanduay.

HE Department of Energy (DOE) is working to energize the island provinces in an effort to speed up their socioeconomic growth, Secretary Alfonso Cusi has said. ”If you’re living in island provinces, like Romblon, Masbate, Marinduque or Batanes, you would be lucky if you had 12 hours of consistent electricity. The supply is intermittent and expensive. This has gone on for so long, so the DOE is trying to find a lasting solution (that is) similar to the mainland,” said Cusi. In the case of Mindoro, he said, the original plan was to connect the island to the national grid in Batangas province but that would take too long to complete and would be expensive.

“For Mindoro, we are sourcing the power from Semirara so we will have a base load for the island and that will be a reliable source of power that is not dependent on diesel. The problem with that is transporting the diesel from Batangas by sea. If it is delayed for any reason, power generation would stop. This is why we have been evaluating it. It is best to put up a power plant in Mindoro so we will have a base load for the island,” Cusi pointed out. ”When the Mindoro power plant is established, we intend to connect Marinduque and Romblon. We are simply finalizing the selection process. Power will be delivered through the distributor. This is our goal -- to have a base load that will run 365 days a year.” (PNA)

‘Ambitious’CTRP wins AirAsia’s Red Hot Seat Sale is back! support in Congress Promo fares from as low as P17, all-in, are up for grabs at airasia.com now!

HE senior vice chairperson of the House committees on ways and means, on appropriations and on economic affairs has given his full backing to the Duterte administration’s resolve to make the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) “ambitious” enough to transform the Philippines into an upper-middle income economy by 2022 and a high income one in one generation or by 2040. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, a highly-respected economist, said at a House ways and means committee hearing on this reform plan that with the current tax system essentially “a subsidy to the rich,” the implementation of the proposed CTRP is the only way to make the system more equitable, giv-

wan, Clark, and Cebu starting April 22. The AirAsia Group which is the leading and largest lowcost carrier by passengers carried in Asia is also offering up to 3 million promotional seats to more than 120 destinations in Asia, Australia and New Zealand and the Middle East. AirAsia’s seat sale from as low as P17.00,* all-in promo fares are available for booking today until March 19 for travel period from March 27 to June

1 for Clark-Kalibo; April 22 to June 5 for Cebu to Boracay and Davao; September 1 to June 1 for Manila to Cebu and Kalibo. Promotional seats for international destinations are also available for booking via airasia.com with travel period from September 1 to June 5, 2017. AirAsia was named World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the eighth year in a row and AirAsia X, the long haul affiliate of the group, won the

World’s Best Low-Cost Premium Cabin and Premium Seat for the fourth straight year at 2016 Skytrax World Airline Awards. AirAsia was also awarded World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the fourth consecutive year at the 2016 World Travel Awards, where it also beat a field of full-service carriers to become the first ever low-cost carrier to win World’s Leading Inflight Service. For latest updates on promotions and activities, please follow AirAsia on Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsia) and Facebook (facebook.com/ AirAsia).

*One-way base fare excluding taxes and fees. Terms and conditions apply.

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ECONOMY 5

SM malls bare treats for Araw By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

M malls in Davao will let Dabawenyos experience a lineup of treats in celebration with the 80thArawngDabaw. To celebrate the city’s 80th birthday, SM will have a week-long sale event from March 13 to March 19. Excellent finds of up to 70% off await Davaoeños and its guests at SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier. At SM City Davao, celebrate culture through dance and motion at the SayawPinoy, March 15, at the Annex Event Center. Be enchanted with the lead cast of the Filipino fantasy series original Encantadia on March 17, Friday, 4PM at the Annex Event Center. Get a chance to meet and greet Glaiza de Castro, Ruru Madrid and Sanya Lopez in an afternoon of fun and games at the Kapuso Mall Show. On March 18, Saturday, Bea Alonzo and Enchong Dee are set to celebrate Arawng Davao at 4PM. The PinoyBoyband Superstar Top 5 are also expected to heat up the KapamilyaKaravan at the mall’s Open Parking. Showcasing the best agriculture and floriculture products of the region, the Farm and Garden Fair runs from March 8 until March 31 at the Open Parking. SM Lanang Premier hosts

the region’s first Food Truck Festival on March 10-12. Delight in an adventure for the palate with over a dozen of food concepts at the Open Parking. Davao artist Vic Secuya holds his 24th oneman show at The Atrium on March 11-19. On March 14, Bench International brings PietroBoselli at The Atrium. The Fountain Court comes to life with Urban Sounds of Miles Experience on March 15, Gab of Urban Dub on March 16and Reese Lansangan on March 17. Take part in the Art Commune, an interactive creative experience with the Davao Art Link, at the Fountain Court on March 15-19. Shoppers get a chance to win exciting prizes like Vivo V3 smartphones at the Balloon Drop of Treats at SM City Davao on March 19. At SM Lanang, roundtrip tickets from Manila to any Asian destination and Vivo V3 Max phones are at stake with the raffle promo. Its ‘Sale in the City’ at SM City Davao and SM Lanang Premier! Malls hours are extended until 12MN at SM City Davao and until 10PM at SM Lanang Premier on March 1718. For more event and promo details, visit both malls’ official pages and follow them on Instagram.

BIR TAKE. Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Caesar Dulay speaks during the Tax Campaign Kick-off 2017 at the Davao Convention Center yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

PH takes over chairmanship of APEC disaster finance group

HE Philippines has accepted the chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)’s technical working group (TWG) in charge of crafting financial protection strategies that will strengthen the resilience and quick-response measures of governments to

disasters. Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez said the Philippines took over the chairmanship of APEC’s TWG on Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance (DRFI) after it was offered by Peru, which chaired the group last year.

Vietnam, which will host this year’s APEC meetings, was first offered the chairmanship of the TWG, but it declined on grounds that it was never part of the working group and did not have the expertise on this concern, according to Alvarez. Alvarez, the DOF spokesperson, said that Peru then

turned to the Philippines, which co-chaired the TWG last year and has vast experience on the issue, having pushed the disaster risk finance agenda during its hosting of the APEC meetings in 2015. “After consultation with (DOF) Secretary (Carlos)

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6 SUBURBIA EDGEDAVAO

SCHOOL IN A BAG. School children gather as “School In A Bag” arrives in their village Wednesday, March 8. Niyas M. Mental IP School in far-flung Sitio C’Maguing in Barangay Daan Suyan, Malapatan town is a recipient of Smart Communications’ “School In A Bag” educational program in

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State of Tagum City very strong: Rellon “S

partnership with the Sulong Karunungan Program of Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon. The bag contains a laptop, a TV set, a tablet, solar panel with inverter, a pocket wifi and a hard drive that contains learning activity sheet. (Cocoy Sexcion for SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

Davao Norte women council draws more than 2,000 on women’s day T HE Davao del Norte Provincial Council of Women (DNPCW) drew more than 2,000 women from various sectors as it held early celebration of Women’s Day. Bannering the national theme, “We Make Change Work for Women”, the event was lined up under the development agenda of Provincial Governor Anthony G. Del Rosario, bearing the acronym “BEST PEOPLE”. Governor Del Rosario honoured the Dabawenyo women whom he viewed to have immensely evolved into talented and innovative as they have been enabled to make choices through inten-

sive efforts to mainstream women empowerment in all development initiatives of the province. However, he made it clear that “setting the goal to empower women does not translate to overpowering men” and pointed out that “it is not enough for us to teach our young girls to be strong; we must also teach our young boys to respect girls and vice versa”. “We can do this by being good role models,” he said. On the other hand, DNPCW Provincial Adviser, Karina Anna C. Del Rosario in the same occasion cited women as “instruments of change”

noting the role of women, especially mothers in moulding children. She counted the support of the women sector in shaping Davao del Norte saying, “the wisdom and strength we show reinforces the foundation of our society”. She viewed women as “important instruments of social change” as they “influence and mould future generation” and as they take on the role as “primary caregivers of our families”. Meanwhile, DNPCW also gave credit to former local chief executives of Davao del Norte’s component towns and cities for having contributed to

the advancement of women. DNPCW President Providencia Nunez extended her gratitude to the full backing of various Councils of Women from city and municipal governments of the province. Women municipal mayors were also seen giving handson participation in conducting the event. New Corella Mayor Rhodora S. Alcoran served as the master of ceremonies; Kapalong Mayor Ma. Theresa R. Timbol served as in-charge of the awarding rites while Carmen Mayor Virginia J. Perandos introduced the guest speaker. (PIA11/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

Major business policies set in ComVal

OVERNOR Jayvee Tyron Uy declared four major policies to support local businesses at the gathering of major and small businessmen for the first provincial business leaders’ forum at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Session Hall of Capitol on March 6 at the height of the weeklong celebrations of Compostela Valley’s 19th Founding Anniversary and 10th Bulawan Festival. Governor Uy told the more than 200 business leaders from all 11 municipalities that the four policies were in response to the need of “more innovative approaches” to empower businesses, investors and entrepreneurs. The provincial government, with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry, would strengthen the campaign to enhance the ease of doing business in the province and municipalities. “We will continue to strengthen the province’s investments promotion centre and help entrepreneurs identify potential investments areas,” he said. The centre serves as a conduit for investors looking for potential business opportu-

BUSINESS POLICIES. Compostela Valley Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy declares four major policies to support local businesses at the gathering of major and small businessmen for the first provincial business leaders’ forum at the SP Session Hall of Capitol on March 6 at the height of the weeklong celebrations of the 10th Bulawan Festival. (Maryel Lasaca//IDS ComVal) nities in the province. The provincial government enacted an investments and incentives code in 2014, but only three municipalities have so far drafted their own. A few are either updating theirs or preparing a new one. “We encourage our municipalities to enact their own to complement the province’s incentives code,” the governor said. Uy urged the business people to organize their local chambers to protect their interests and investments and have their own venues to address issues and concerns that impact

their operation. To enhance access to finance, the governor said the provincial investments centre will strengthen its partnership with regional and national agencies as venues for financing opportunities or other programs including trainings. “The centre will assist small and medium enterprises and cooperatives get access to loans or grants from agencies like Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labour and Employment, or Department of Science and Technology,” he

said. Peace and order, Uy said, is important to business and trade. “The good news”, he said, “is that last year the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared the province a ‘conflict manageable and development-ready area’.” Governor Uy chairs the Davao Region Peace and Order Council. He said the province would continue to sustain the status by, among others, strengthen inter-agency dialogue through the Provincial Peace and Order Council, continue the close coordination with government agencies like the Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the AFP, and support the resumption of the peace talks between government and rebels. “Creating an enabling environment is a pre-requisite to a good and healthy economy,” the governor said. Compostable Valley has been a consistent recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance for good governance, transparency, and accountability from the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” Uy said. (IDS ComVal)

A tuig 2016, mas taas pa ang nalupad sa EAGLE WINGS Program and today I am proud to report once again that the state of Tagum City is very strong!” This was one of the bold statements made by Mayor Allan L. Rellon on Tuesday during his third State of the City Address which recapped the record-breaking accomplishments achieved by his administration in the past year. Mayor Rellon emphasized that through his flagship development agenda dubbed as EAGLE WINGS Program, the city government was able to usher Tagum City towards countless victories in 2016 which every Tagumenyo constituent has benefited from. “Kini nga atong social contract tali kaninyo ug sa lokal na panggamhanan minglungtad sa padayong pag-uswag sa atong pinalanggang syudad sa Tagum,” the local chief executive said. He also detailed the projects and development attained by his administration relating to education, employment, culture, agriculture, fisheries, environment, peace and order, livelihood, tourism, economy, sports and wellness, infrastructure, NGO and cooperative development, good governance and social services. Mayor Rellon’s SOTCA, which ran for almost one hour, was a highlight of the 19th anniversary celebration of Tagum’s cityhood, which was also a part of the bigger 5-in-1 Celebration of the city. The event was kicked off with a civic and military parade participated by a mammoth crowd of over 34,000+ individuals from various sectors including the workforce of the city and provincial government, private companies and big conglomerates, members of different peoples organizations, teachers and students, government beneficiaries and volunteers, men in uniform, sports enthusiasts, and pet lovers among others. The 19th anniversary cel-

ebration was also a spotlight taken by Tagum City’s leading tax payers, individual and corporation, and several National Government Agencies as the LGU Tagum conducted the Tagumpay Awards which sought to recognize the mentioned entities for their significant input to the growth of the city, especially in terms of economic contribution. Meanwhile, Mayor Rellon also revealed in his SOTCA the next big projects the city government will commence in 2017 consisting of the 150-million City Historical and Cultural Center, the Traffic Signalization Project in major thoroughfares, the Moddule 3 Terminal for land vehicles, and the Sanitary Landfill in Brgy. Nueva Fuerza. He also announced the addition of three new departments to the city government, namely: Public Education and Employment Service Office, Disaster and Risk Management Office, and Housing Development Management Office, to expand the pro-people programs set in motion by his administration. Mayor Rellon took also the opportunity to advocate the open government being campaigned by the City Government of Tagum under his leadership. “Following the ideals of an open government, this administration shall remain open to all of your suggestions and constructive criticism,” Rellon said. “Amo kini nga gamiton para mas paningkamotan pa namo nga mas mapaayo pa ang atong serbisyo publiko para sa mga Tagumenyos,” he added. In closing, Mayor Rellon urged his fellow Tagumenyos to pitch their share in order to successfully reach the aspired future of Tagum City. “As we move forward, let us commit to the noble task of improving this city… Let us soar like eagles! Together, let’s start another journey of Tagumpay!” Mayor Rellon ended. (Roy Banias/CIO Tagum)

VERY STRONG. Mayor Allan Rellon delivered his third SOTCA - State of the City Address last March 07, 2017, underscoring the many accomplishments achieved by his administration that contributed to putting Tagum City in a very strong state. Leo Timogan/CIO Tagum

7 COMPETITIVE EDGE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

BDO Ortigas building Aboitiz hydro plants, first to get int’l earns LEED certification asset management certifications in PH

DO Corporate Center Ortigas (BDO CCO) has earned a certification on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), two years after the 47-storey office structure was formally unveiled by the country’s largest bank. BDO Unibank took the initiative in registering its Ortigas corporate structure in the LEED green building program. Virtually the newest addition in the expanding Ortigas skyline, BDO CCO is the first high-rise office-commercial building in the Philippines to achieve a LEED Gold “New Construction Category” Certification. LEED is one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide. It is focused primarily on new, commercial-building projects and based upon a points system, which means the more an office structure earns points, the higher will be its rating. Various sustainable methods were implemented in the

construction of BDO CCO that steered its LEED accreditation. These include the installation of automated monitoring and control systems such as CO2 sensors, occupancy sensors, daylight dimming and timer switches. - With the help of the CO2 sensors, indoor pollutants are mitigated and help the building steer away from catching the sick building syndrome. - By deciding to go automated, energy is saved from mechanically turning off or dimming the lights when it does not sense any human activity and when sufficient natural light enters the room. - Sustainable effort was done by employing dual piping in the plumbing system. Grey water, harvested rainwater and condensate water are recycled and re-used for flushing. The combination of efficient water fixtures and grey water flushing were key in reducing the total building potable water use by approximately 5,700,000 liters annually.

FBDO, 13

BOITIZ Power Corporation (AboitizPower) subsidiaries Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. and Hedcor Tudaya, Inc. are the first companies in the Philippines to be at par with the new international Asset Management standard. TUV-SUD, an internationally accredited certification body audits the compliance of an organization with international standards, recommended the ISO 55001:2014 certification for both Hedcor Sibulan and Hedcor Tudaya after the 56.1-MW cascading plants in Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur – namely Sibulan Hydro A, Tudaya Hydro 1, Sibulan Hydro B, and Tudaya Hydro 2 – passed the two stages of the audit. Hedcor Sibulan and Hedcor Tudaya passed the two stages with zero non-conformances on the operation and maintenance activities. This means Hedcor has an integrated and effective management system for assets that enables the company to achieve objectives and assure these are attained consistently and sustainably over time. Assessors also remarked the commitment and involvement of the top management and the professionalism and competency of the staff inter-

CERTIFIED. Rolando Pacquiao, Hedcor’s vice president for Mindanao Operations, explains to TUV-SUD lead assessor, Tan Yee Chine, how Hedcor Sibulan effectively controls four hydropower plants simultaneously in one room. (HEDCOR Photo) viewed during the assessment tion, we can assure our stake- agement System). and cited some areas for im- holders of a more efficient and Hedcor is a wholly-owned provement that will further reliable generation of clean subsidiary of AboitizPower better Hedcor’s asset manage- and renewable energy”, said which specializes in generatment. Rolando Pacquiao, vice presi- ing renewable energy from This achievement is a tes- dent for Mindanao Operations, run-of-river hydropower systament to Hedcor’s pursuit for Hedcor. tems. It currently operates a better world through renewHedcor also acquired cer- 22 hydropower plants and able energy. tifications for ISO 9001 (Qual- supplies the country with “One way to fulfill our re- ity Management System), 185-MW of clean and renewnewed purpose is by advanc- ISO 14001 (Environmental able energy. Soon, its Manolo ing our business so we can Management System), OHSAS Fortich Hydro project in the also advance communities. 18001 (Occupational Health province of Bukidnon will add Through obtaining this Asset and Safety), and ISO 27001 68.8-MW of power to the MinManagement System certifica- (Information Security Man- danao grid. (PR)

HE Department of Education (DepEd) is reiterating its call to all elementary and secondary schools to keep its graduation or completion rites simple. In the recently issued Department Order (DO) No. 8, series 2017, Secretary Leonor Briones said that this is in line with the government’s austerity program. “Graduation rites should be simple but meaningful which encourage civil rights, a

sense of community and personal responsibility.” Briones added, “While these rites mark a milestone in the life of the learners, these should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attire, or extraordinary venue.” For school year 20162017, the DepEd is announcing the conduct of the following end of school year rites: · Graduation ceremony for Grade 6 learners who complet-

of its various programs through curriculum development, industry immersion and employment of their graduates. In photo are Davao Light’s Community Relations (ComRel) Manager Fermin Edillon (3rd from left), Davao Light

ComRel Specialist Joyce Dyan Fulgencio (3rd from right), Center Director of TESDA Regional Training Center - KorPhil Egmedio O. Valdez (center) and the volunteers from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). (PR)

DepEd to schools: Keep graduation simple T ed elementary education and are entitled to an elementary certificate · Moving Up or completion for Grade 10 learners who completed Junior High School and are entitled to a Junior High school Certificate · Graduation ceremony for Grade 12 learners from schools with DepEd-approved K to 12 transition plan, or from schools with permit to operate Senior High School 2014, or from International schools

with K to 12 program. Graduates are entitled to a high school diploma. The closing ceremonies, or Moving Up, should be simple involving only the learners, the parents, and the school. The DepEd also reiterated that non-academic projects such as attendance to field trips, film showing, junior-senior promenade, and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for

HE Department of Trade and Industry in Davao Region presented the Department of the Interior and Local Government-DTI-Department of Information and Communications Technology Joint Memorandum Circular, No. 1, s. 2016 in a bid to enhance the Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) of all local government units (LGUs) in the region. The seminar, entitled, “Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) and Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Caravan: Davao Oriental,” was attended by 46 participants consisting of representatives of the local chief executives (LCEs), Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs), City/Municipality Treasurer Officers (C/MTOs), Local Economic and Investment Promo-

tion Officers (LEIPOs) from the LGUs, and national government agencies (NGAs) at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites, Davao City on February 21. The BPLS is a process that businessmen have to undergo to secure Business Permit or Mayor’s Permit which would allow them to operate legally in a locality. It is worth noting that in Davao Region, all LGUS are already adopting the BPLS standards since its emancipation in 2010. This means that they are already adopting the mechanism in which business processes are streamlined for a more responsive and conducive investment climate. BPLS is seen to encourage influx of investment as it makes the processes shorter. DTI-Davao Region chief for Industry Development Services Division, Marie Anne J. How, dis-

FDEPED, 13

Davao Light receives plaque from TESDA DTI 11 revised business permitting standards out D T AVAO Light and Power Co., Inc received a Plaque of Recognition last March 8, 2017 during the 12th Founding Anniversary of the TESDA Region XI. This was held at the TESDA Regional Training Center (RTC)

- Korea-Philippines (KorPhil) Vocational Training Center in Tibungco, Davao City. The Plaque of Recognition was given to Davao Light for being the industry partner of TESDA XI and giving exemplary support in the implementation

FDTI 11, 13

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

EDITORIAL

Back on the road to peace

HE road to peace is open again. The government and the Communist Party of the Philippines have agreed to resume the stalled peace talks in April. The announcement came last Sunday from Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza straight from Ultrecht where back channeling talks were held. The announcement came like a whiff of fresh air after both the government and CPP-NPA-NDF terminated last month their unilateral ceasefires following accusations of insincerity and atrocities. President Rodrigo Duterte had lifted the ceasefire after the communist rebels launched a series of attacks against soldiers in Mindanao. The rebels had demanded for the government to release at least 400 political prisoners. The CPP-NPA-NDF also terminated its own declaration of ceasefire on February 10. After talks were terminated, a cloud of sadness fell on the country, particularly in Mindanao, whose people had hope for the end of the long-time insurgency that has stalled economic development. Dureza’s announcement fanned the fires of peace again and just when we thought we are doomed forever, a flicker of light is shining in the horizon.

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The announcement also deemed restored and reinstated the unilateral ceasefire that was also earlier terminated. The ceasefire will be made effective only as soon as the respective forces of both sides are duly informed but definitely before the next round of talks in April 2017, according to Dureza. The reinstated ceasfire serves as a prelude to an interim bilateral ceasefire which Dureza carified needs further meetings between the two sides to determine and agree on rules, necessary guidelines and mechanisms. For now, the two sides will have to respect the restored agreement. Likewise, the effectivity of the joint agreement on safety and immunity guarantees (JASIG) that was also ordered terminated by the President has been restored to enable the NDF consultants and their staff who were in jail or otherwise constrained, to physically surface and join in the peace work. This development only shows the sincere efforts of the government to end the ages-old conflict and walk the road to peace with the rebels. Now that the road is open again and we can chat and hold hands with the rebels, hope springs high that this one will not be impeded again. Truly, the price of peace is hefty but it is all worth it.

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EDGEDAVAO

EARS before World War II, during the Commonwealth period, the US Defense establishment conducted a “special study” to determine American dependence on other countries for “essential raw materials.” The analysis yielded an incontrovertible fact: 75 percent of US hemp supply came from Davao! While American demand for abaca fiber was not limited to marine and naval use, the abaca fiber was regarded as “an essential sinew of [US] national defense.” The tactical role the hemp played in the US defense arsenal was articulated by Rep. Fred L. Crawford of Michigan, USA, who supported the Commonwealth special commission that conducted a probe on reports the Japanese were on a binge of acquiring new lands. In 1935, as a member of the US congressional committee that participated in the inauguration of the Philippine Commonwealth, the American legislator, along with another visiting dignitary, toured the Davao plantations and made inquiries on the ownership of abaca lands. The Commonwealth commission was primarily organized in 1940, in the words of Crawford, “to decide a very controversial subject, whether and to what extent certain lands in

HAT is the mortal enemy of your liver? Hepatitis B, that’s what. And it is caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) which could be found in a patient’s blood, semen, saliva and other body fluids – yes, just like the dreaded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The bad news is that many Filipinos have the virus – some of whom never know they have it. According to the Department of Health (DOH), about 10% to 16% of Filipino adults suffer from chronic hepatitis B infection. Another source said that at least one out of 10 people is a carrier of the virus. But before probing further, let’s talk about liver first. It is a large organ with several functions, some of which are related to digestion. The nutrients of the food you eat are absorbed into the intestinal wall, which is supplied with many tiny blood vessels called capillaries. “These capillaries flow into veins that join larger veins and eventually enter the liver as the portal vein,” explains The Merck Manual of Medical Information. “This vein splits into tiny vessels inside the liver, where the incoming blood can be processed.” According to the manual, bacteria and other foreign particles absorbed from the intestine are removed, and many nutrients ab-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

Davao abaca and the US defense

Davao have been acquired by the Japanese in defiance of Philippine law.” In his 1941 article titled “Strategic Manila Hemp: Is America’s Supply of Precious Abaca Fiber in Danger?,” which appeared in Philippines, magazine, he favored the move to “institute prosecution against Japanese… found to hold title or control of land in violation of Insular law designed to prevent the concentration of these lands in the hands of a nationality potentially hostile to Filipinos and Americans.” Although the 1935 Constitution, at the instance of Pantaleon Pelayo, Sr., a feisty Davao delegate to the 1934 Constitutional Convention, adopted the provisions prohibiting foreigners from owning lands in the country, the Japanese, using clever schemes in protecting their investments, resorted to dummies in maintaining their control of abaca farms. Article XII of the 1935 Constitution titled ‘Conservation and Utilization of National Resources, particularly sections 1 and 2, stipulates: “Section 1. All agricultural, timber, and mineral lands of the public domain, waters, minerals, coal, petroleum, and other mineral oils, all forces or potential energy, and other natural resources of the Philippines belong to the State, and their dispo-

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa sition, exploitation, development, or utilization shall be limited to citizens of the Philippines, or to corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens, subject to any existing right, grant, lease, or concession at the time of the inauguration of the Government established under this Constitution… “Section 2. No private corporation or association may acquire, lease, or hold public agricultural lands in excess of one thousand and twenty-four hectares, nor may any individual acquire such lands by pur-

chase in excess of one hundred and forty-four hectares, or by lease in excess of one thousand and twenty-four hectares, or by homestead in excess of twenty-four hectares. Lands adapted to grazing, not exceeding two thousand hectares, may be leased to an individual, private corporation, or association.” Moreover, Crawford wrote “the extremely clever Nipponese had hit upon new devices for acquiring additional land (sic). They married, temporarily or otherwise, Filipino women in whose names title to the land was vested, or they bought land through corporations ostensibly owned by Filipinos but actually controlled by Japanese.” He even criticized the Japanese control of the abaca industry in Davao as “an important bottleneck of a vital insular industry,” and observed the palpable change in the attitude of Filipinos in recent years towards Japanese land ownership, which he labeled as “healthy one.” He wrote: “People have become aware of the economic danger inherent in the control of a vital commodity by possibly hostile nationals. The Commonwealth Government’s action [to probe the Japanese’s land-acquiring activities] indicates a new and praiseworthy awareness of the perilous

factors involved, and this, in turn indicates an awareness of the larger international and strategic considerations.” Apprised of the result of the Washington-commissioned special study on the natural resources available to the US, both in the mainland and abroad, which reported the US was importing three-fourths of its fiber supply from Davao, the Michigan congressman expressed apprehension the Japanese domination would become a drawback to the American defense agenda. In retrospect, he wrote: “We must continue to look to the Philippines for our supply of this [abaca] vital commodity. It is one of the reasons Philippine trade is so valuable to us. No other part of the world raises abaca in any considerable quantity. Davao, of course, is not the only Philippine province where hemp is cultivated, but Davao is the keystone of the abaca industry. As long as it remains so, Davao is of vital interest and concern to us. We cannot afford to be complaisant about a potential danger to our industry and defense.” For all we know, it could have been the abaca fiber from Davao that influenced, even if partially, the US government to forge a mutual defense agreement with the country!

Ninety percent of the people who get hepatitis B recover spontaneously with their body’s defenses. “The remaining 10 percent who maintain the infection for six months or longer and who do not produce an effective antibody response are considered chronic carriers,” explains Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo, a physician who received the 2013 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his work in medical science. Hepatitis can be acute (shortlived) or chronic (lasting at least six months). “Acute hepatitis can produce anything from a flu-like illness to fatal liver failure,” explains the Merck manual. Though much less common than acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis can persist for years, even decades. “In most people, it is quite mild and does not cause significant liver damage,” the Merck manual states. “In some people, though, continued inflammation slowly damages the liver, eventually producing cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver), liver failure, and sometimes liver cancer.” So far, medical scientists have discovered six different kinds of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, E, and G. A different virus causes each of these. Five types cause disease in the liver while one (hepatitis G) lives in the blood without causing any apparent illness. All five disease-carrying vi-

ruses are responsible for more than 98 percent cases of viral hepatitis. Unknowingly, “hepatitis viruses cannot live outside a cell,” says Prof. Tam. “They only come alive when they are given the right conditions such as the necessary nutrients from inside a cell. At room temperature, they do not last very long - maybe 10 minutes. Once the blood dries, infectivity decreases.” “Hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of liver cancer around the world,” says Professor Mei-Hwei Chang, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei. “Although hepatitis C virus is the most prevalent cause of liver cancer in some countries where HBV infection is not prevalent, HBV is still the most prevalent cause worldwide.” What are the signs? “Sometimes, people infected with HBV have what looks like the flu, with symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, and weakness,” wrote Dr. Alan Berkman, author of Hepatitis A to G: The Facts You Need to Know About All the Forms of This Dangerous Disease. “They may also develop symptoms more directly related to their livers: abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice.” Jaundice is the yellow discoloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes.

Liver’s mortal enemy

sorbed from the intestine are further broken down so they can be used by the body. The liver performs the necessary processing at high speed and passes the blood, laden with nutrients, into the general circulation. The liver, if you care to know, manufactures about half of the body’s cholesterol; the rest comes from food. About 80% of the cholesterol made by the liver is used to make bile. The liver secretes bile, which is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed. The word hepatitis simply means “inflammation of the liver”. Oftentimes, doctors use it to refer to the diseases caused by hepatitis viruses. If a physician tells a patient, “You have hepatitis,” he means that the person has a viral disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver, and not necessarily that he has an inflamed liver. Not too many Filipinos know that HBV is all too easy to catch. In fact, it is more common than the HIV – yes, the microorganism that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and far more infectious: HBV is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV. HBV is transmitted the same way as HIV. That is, through sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal), use of contaminated needles, unsafe blood transfusion, and from mother

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

to her child. But, mind you, hepatitis B is not transmitted casually. The virus cannot be spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging or eating food prepared by someone who is infected with HBV, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, you cannot get HBV from mosquitoes. “All viruses which are transmitted by a mosquito must go through a replication before sufficient viruses is available for infection,” assures Professor John S. Tam, of the Department of Microbiology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. “HBV do not grow in mosquitoes.”

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Dayanghirang... FROM 1 national president. The councilor from Davao City’s Second District said that PCL has 16,500 members nationwide. “This huge membership is a formidable positive force to marshal in support of the Rodrigo Duterte administration’s campaign against drug abuse, criminality and graft and corruption,” Dayanghirang said, adding that the PCL under Gov. Singson is also committed to lend a helping hand to President Duterte in his drive for real change in the country and investment promotion. PCL President Singson’s

thrusts are doable considering that the nation’s local lawmakers under the law only meets once a week, Dayanghirang said. He said councilors have plenty of free time that they can focus on nation building and advocacy work “in aid of legislation and social preparation” of their respective areas of jurisdiction. A student leader in the eighties, Dayanghirang entered politics at a young age. He is on his 25th year of local lawmaking. He heads the powerful finance committee of the Davao City Council.

said. The PNP had to withhold the information over the last six days because they did not want any premature disclosure to jeopardize follow-up operations against the remaining members of the kidnapping syndicate. ”As we speak, our operatives remain engaged in follow-up operations against the kidnap gang’s negotiator who made the ransom demands and other key players,” Dela Rosa said. Dela Rosa presented to the media the five arrested

suspects, identified as Gerry Mancera, 46, barangay captain of Barangay Maninila, Camalig, Albay; Jefferson Cuachin, 26, caretaker; Prudencio Ruiz, 56, caretaker; Cesar Garcia, 47, barangay tanod, all from Barangay Maninila, Camalig, Albay; and the ransom-taker Joven Ortiz, 34, of Barangay Ibiawan, Infanta, Quezon. For his part, AKG director Senior Supt. Glen Dumlao said the AKG is still conducting follow up operations to capture all the remaining members of the kidnap for ransom group. (PNA)

Dominguez (III), the Philippines accepted the chairmanship,” Alvarez said. The TWG-DRFI is an offshoot of the 10-year Cebu Action Plan launched in 2015, when the Philippines was the host of 22nd APEC meetings. Crafted by the finance ministers of the 21 APEC member-economies, the Cebu Action Plan has the following four pillars: (1) promoting financial integration; (2) advancing fiscal reforms and transparency; (3) enhancing financial resilience; and (4) accelerating infrastructure development and financing. In the area of financial resilience, the APEC finance ministers agreed that this can be bolstered by developing innovative disaster risk financing and insurance strategies to help the Asia-Pacific region, where 60 percent of the world’s disasters strike, cope with the devastating effects of natural and man-made calamities. The World Bank, which was tasked to conduct a study and prepare a report on options for regional disaster risk financing mechanisms, proposed the creation of the TWGDRFI in 2016. “After the Philippines took over the chairmanship of the DRFI technical working group, Japan, Chile and Peru said they plan to participate in the TWG and that Japan is willing to co-chair it, given its extensive knowledge on this issue,” Alvarez said. Alvarez said the Geneva-based Sustainable Infrastructure Foundation (SIF), a non-profit group with multilateral funding institutions as its

partners, has also approached the Philippines after it accepted the TWG chairmanship and offered its assistance in training and support for the development of the country’s sustainable infrastructure. The government, she said, can tap SIF’s International Infrastructure Support System (IISS), a public management tool to enable government agencies to improve their project preparation activities, especially now that the Philippines is the new chair of the TWG-DRFI and has unveiled an unprecedented spending program on public infrastructure on the Duterte watch. The TWG-DRFI held its first meeting in February 2016, with Peru and the Philippines co-chairing it. As of December 2016, the TWG’s members, besides the Philippines and Peru, are Canada, New Zealand, Japan, United States, Indonesia, Mexico and Chile, along with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). The TWG-DRFI plays a crucial role in crafting measures that would financially protect APEC’s 21 member-economies from disaster risks and enable them to bounce back after calamities. Over a 10-year period from 2005-2014, disasters have been increasing worldwide especially in the Asia-Pacific, with the costs of physical damage reaching $520 billion, equivalent to 45 percent of total global economic losses caused by natural disasters. (PR)

PNP... FROM 3 GOOD NEWS. Bureau of Jail Management and Penology regional director Chief Inspector Pio Rosero bares a bigger jail facility which can house 5,000 inmates is being constructed in Wangan, Calinan District as part

NO EXTORTION... FROM 1

of the agency’s decongesting program. Rosero was among the guests of yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

of having peace talk between government and NDFP Sheena Duazo, secretary general of Bayan-Southern Mindanao, said the militants also welcome the new development in the peace negotiations and are hoping both the parties will successfully address the issues that deter the peace talks such as violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHRIHL), Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Agreement) and other previous signed agreements. “Moreover, we are calling all peace living Filipino people to fervently assert our demo-

cratic rights and struggle, in all possible forms, against landlessness, foreign domination, neoliberal policies, job insecurity, and other socio-economic problems that remain to be the root causes of the armed conflict in our country,” she said. She urged the public to remain vigilant at all times against the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s (AFP) war mongering and attempts to hamper the peace negotiations. “We denounce these warmongers, the AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) who know nothing about genuine land reform, national industrialization and issues that

truly address peace and development,” she added. Dureza announced the resumption of the peace and the restoration of the unilateral ceasefire after their backchannel talks in Utrecht, The Netherlands on March 10 to 11. The peace negotiations suffered a setback last month after both parties lifted the unilateral ceasefire they declared before the first round of formal peace talks in Oslo in August. NPA spokesperson Jorge Madlos announced on February 1 that they were terminating the unilateral ceasefire effective 11:59 p.m. on February 10 and President Rodrigo

Duterte responded by lifting the GRP’s unilateral ceasefire on February 3 after four soldiers were killed by the NPA in Bukidnon and Davao Oriental, just hours after Madlos’ February 1 announcement. Both parties, in their joint statement released on Sunday, agreed the fourth round of peace talks would resume first week of April 2017 while the fifth round will be in June 2017 (see other story). The unilateral ceasefire that both parties had agreed to restore will take effect “as soon as their respective forces shall have been informed.” (Antonio R. Colina IV / MindaNews)

as a guide in formulating laws that will enhance the effort to utilize water-based resources. “I think there will be a resolution about closer linkage among industry, the government and academe,” said the Academician. The outcome of the meeting will be presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) on July 12 to 13, 2017. Mindanao Regional Scientific Meeting was conducted

in coordination with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mindanao Cluster (Region X, XI, XII, CARAGA and ARMM). A leading platform for the presentation of the results of scientific and policy research, the annual activity of the Academy aims to convene a conference to determine how the Philippines will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

ticipate in the event. “The National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA), they are coming. They will be promoting the office together with the programs,” said the Kabisig chair.

The information exhibit will be conducted in various regions across Mindanao particularly in key areas Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Butuan and Davao City, Guillien said.

kept communities in abject poverty, while fattening the pockets of a few,” she added. “Let us all give Gina the chance to pursue her activism within the DENR. Things will go well for Mother Earth with her at the helm,” she stated. At the same time, the group pledged to extend its cooperation and support to other essential environmental policies and programs that should be pursued by the DENR towards a truly green, zero waste and non-toxic economy. This will include the vigorous enforcement of R.A. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to safely manage society’s discards, reduce waste volume and toxicity, and spawn clean recycling-based livelihood jobs, as well as pull the plug on deceptive quick-fix disposal schemes

that bury or burn waste resources. Under her watch, Lopez was able to, as reported to the CA, dismantle illegal structures in Laguna Lake, stopped ash spill in Bataan, shut down 50 illegal quarrying operations in Mt. Banahaw, and intensified law enforcement operations in “illegal logging hotspots.” “We remain hopeful that CA members would be able to go beyond their verbal appreciation of Gina’s passion to protect the environment. We urge them to stand by her in fulfilling such colossal task by confirming her as DENR Secretary,” Lucero said. The EcoWaste Coalition has provided the CA with a copy of their statement of support for Gina’s confirmation signed by over 250 groups and individuals. (PNA/Xinhua)

have to change the system,” he said. The President pointed out that the present unitary system allows the chief executive to rule from Malacanan like a king and unduly hinders the distribution of benefits to the people “because of the political set up.” “Ngayon, ‘yung sinasabi nilang maganda itong unitary type na may hari ka diyan sa Malacañan na ‘yan, na he rules

the Republic as if he is a king,” Duterte said. According to President Duterte, the federal system of government would bring peace with Muslim insurgents, and is the country’s last chance to end the armed conflict. “We must remember Mindanao is part of the Philippines, pag di mo binigay sa Moro yung federal system this country will never be peaceful,” Duterte stressed. (PNA)

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NOTICE OF LOSS

Notice is hereby given by LOYOLA PLANS CONSOLIDATED INC. that CERTIFICATE OF FULL PAYMENT No.(s) under LOYOLA PLAN ISSUED TO THE FOLLOWING PLANHOLDERS, TO WIT: PH NAME

1. RITA S. DELOS SANTOS 2. LORETA G. CASTRENCE

3. AURELIO N. MISA

CFP NO.

CONTRACT NO.

UAW-1503707-2 070302 022713

727639-7

were lost. Any transaction entered into shall be null and void. 3/14/21/28

Give... FROM 2

Rody... FROM 2

PH... FROM 5

INdulge!

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO The iconic Davao Oriental Welcome Park. Always a good time to take a photo, have a snack or freshen up after a long drive. Photo by Christine Joice Cudis.

Rediscovering Davao Oriental:

BANAYBANAY I REMEMBERED wishing to explore Davao Oriental more. After being able to breeze through the other municipalities in Davao Oriental last month, I knew I barely scratched the surface of all its natural wonders.

again. Even if I’m always found in Dahican, I’ve never had the opportunity to visit these tourist attractions in the other provinces of Davao Oriental. I’m always ‘too busy surfing’ as my friends would tell me when they would urge to try other places. That’s why when this invitation

came, it felt heaven-sent. I knew that unless it was a group trip, I’d never be able to visit these places. Perfect timing too because the waves weren’t around in our usual spot in Dahican last weekend. The two-day trip included the following places: Mati City and the municipalities of Baganga and Cateel. Visiting Mati City on the first

I know I needed to go back but I didn’t know how or when. Listing all the places that I need to visit again, Davao Oriental topped the list. Maybe because it was nearest to Davao City and maybe because it’s on the east side of Mindanao which had a higher chance of me getting to surf. Whatever those reasons were, all I know is that I have to go back. As if on cue, I was invited by the Visit Davao Fun Sale (VDSF) team and Department of Tourism (DOT) to visit Davao Oriental together with other local Davao media. Specifically visiting Pusan Point in Caraga and Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, I instantly said yes. Don’t let the background fool you, this just happened to be a random wall at Café No need to check the itinerary Pintatagan.

day and the other two municipalities on the second day. Banaybanay The first municipality of Davao Oriental to welcome you is Banaybanay. Café Pintatagan is found inside the Davao Oriental Welcome Park. It’s along the arch that welcomes you to Davao Oriental. The area on the curve where huge pink letters that read Davao Oriental are found to the left side of the road if you’re coming from Davao City. Stopping by Café Pintatagan in Banaybanay for breakfast, my co-millennials Joice Cudis from Sunstar Davao and EdgeDavao’s own Maine Dela Cruz found out that this roadside café holds secret Instagram-worthy nooks. If you’ve got the eye, you’ll see amazing patterns all over the park for potential photo backdrops. Call us hipsters or what but we really tried posing with flowers, concrete

MERMAID A4

EDGEDAVAO

A2 INdulge! UP AND ABOUT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Waterfront Davao wins Elite Chef Challenge NOW SHOWING

March 9 – 14, 2017

A DOG'S PURPOSE/ *GUARDIANS Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson/ *Sebastien Sisak, Sanzhar Madiyev Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

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WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL DAVAO’s Rhyan Bahi-an and Ashlie Martin were declared culinary champions at the Unilever Food Solutions’ Elite Chef Challenge held last March 9, 2017 at the Davao Trade and Convention Center.

UFS-EFC was a live cooking competition exclusively for UFS hotel, restaurant, and catering partners. Just as how master chefs are trained and tested, a mystery box containing the main dish ingredients were given the morning of the competition. Each participating team must then come up with delicious and creative dishes using all the ingredients given particularly UFS hero products Knorr Hollandaise Sauce and Knorr Liquid Seasoning. Two chefs per team were to feature two entries according to the competition theme – a Western Style Main Dish and an Innovative Filipino Dish. Winning against seven other teams, Waterfront impressed the judges with their Bisteca de Manzo (Western dish) with proccini demi glace, grilled salmon with vanilla hollandaise and broccoli puree with truffles and Bagoong Rock Honey Chicken (Filipino dish) with salted egg prawns and a taste of Mayonesa Samgyeopsal. The criteria for judging included

the Mise-En-Place, Correct Professional Preparation, Taste, Presentation, and Teamwork. Other hotels and resorts who competed were Marco Polo Davao

and Eden Nature Park and Resort. As Champions, Bahi-an and Martin received individual gold medals and certificates, a trophy and a P30,000 cash prize. Prior to the 2017 competition, Chef Rhyan Bahi-an also represented Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao in the same competition in 2015 and placed 1st runner up after Marco Polo Davao. Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao is one of four properties under Waterfront Hotels and Casinos. Fronting the Davao Gulf and the Samal Island, it nestles in an eight-hectare ground and is considered the beachfront gateway to the diverse, colorful and rich cultural heritage of Davao City.

Say “Hola!” to La Lola at SM Lanang Premier CHURRERIA LA LOLA is now spreading churro happiness at Mindanao! With its newest branch at SM Lanang Davao. Adding to its roster of 20 branches, La Lola is now ready to serve hot & fresh churros to all foodies of Southern Mindanao. With flavors that will excite all ages, you shouldn’t miss out on the wellloved traditional treat that La Lola made into an epic snack-time rock star! La Lola is a locally grown concept, serving the best authentic Spanish churros. Our churro is a work of art and is made with love. La Lola’s mission is to make high-quality churros accessible to everyone, with the belief that our offerings will bring chocolatey smiles for happy tummies and happy souls. La Lola only uses premium ingredients that are sourced locally, branded and made especially for La Lola: 100% olive oil, premium house chocolate and authentic Spanish dough. We take pride that 80% of our products are made from scratch. All our Churrerias are equipped and trained to produce fresh churros, xuxos, dips, sauces and drinks. As a Churreria, a store specializing in churros, we offer exciting churro variations that are designed as an awesome treat perfect for sharing. Our famous Clasicos, the traditional churros, are best

eaten hot & fresh upon order and perfect with a hot chocolate dip with the following choices: Dark Chocolate, Signature Chocolate & Matcha. Another favourite is the Choco Churros, your loved churros covered in flavoured chocolate and chilled just right to preserve its flavor and freshness. Which comes in exciting flavours of Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate, Matcha, Butterscotch and Strawberry. Mix and match your favourite Choco Churros flavours in a cone or take it home in our clear top take out box. Another churro variation, the Xuxos, a piece of churro stuffed with choice of Nutella, Speculoos, Dulce De Leche & Banana Nutella. A more exciting twist to the regular churros, our Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches, artisanal gelato sandwiched between two churro swirls with choice of Vanilla, Dark Chocolate and Matcha ice cream. La Lola’s newest craze the Lola Loops, you can choose your own coating and topping. ; Churro Pops, xuxo bites tossed in parmesan, basil & garlic. As for drinks, La Lola serves coffee as good as our churros, with option of hot or iced, enjoy Espresso, Double Espresso, Americano, Macchiato, Café con Leche, Cappuccino and Mocha. Iced and hot teas are also available.

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TRAVEL

EDGEDAVAO

INdulge! A3 Marriott Manila’s Premium Room is a massive 55 square meters with a modern-minimalist design and upgraded room amenities and topped by a sweeping city skyline view.

Life at Marriott’s West Wing

DABAWENYOS travelling to the country’s capital often find it difficult to find the right balance of accessibility and convenience. More often than not, we would rather plan our activities and meetings around the hotel we are staying at just to save time and evade Metro Manila’s monstrous traffic jams which is why I love staying at the Marriott Manila.

Delicious food from Stills and Man Ho.

Located at Resorts World Manila, just across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 and just a short ride from Terminal 2 via Resorts World Manila complimentary shuttle, the Marriott Manila is an oasis for business and leisure travellers who are in Manila just for a few days and want the perfect balance of live, play, and work and just recently, I was able to experience Marriott’s new West Wing. The West Wing is Marriott Manila’s newest expansion with 101 Premium Rooms, 97 Executive Rooms, 28 Deluxe Suites, the Marriott Suite and the Chairman’s Suite as well as two new restaurants, an executive lounge, and a roof-top infinity pool. The development comes a year after Marriott Manila launched one of the country’s most technologically advanced meeting facilities. Considered the biggest hotel meeting space in the Philippines, the Marriott Grand Ballroom offers 28 multifunctional rooms spread across 8,000 square meters of space. The Premium Room I was staying in was modern and spacious, with a comfortable king-sized bed, separate bathtub and shower areas, luxury toiletries by Than, a lounge area, dining table, and a massive 60” LED TV. The internet connection at the Marriott was also fast and reliable en-

suring that I can do any work concerns efficiently and hassle-free. But who would want to spend all their time cooped up in their room right? Beyond rooms, the West Wing is a culinary destination with a unique tea and whisky bar called “Still” on the ground floor and a 140-seater Chinese Restaurant, Man Ho, which offers Cantonese dishes expertly prepared by Industry Veteran Chef Law Wing Wui who previously launched Man Ho restaurants at JW Marriott Hotels in Shanghai and Seoul. But since I had to work a little during my stay at the Marriott, I became a regular fixture at the West Wing’s stare-of-the-art Executive Lounge where breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktails were served. What I loved about spending time here were the intimate reading nooks and private meeting facilities which helped me meet my deadlines in relative privacy. It also helped that the lounge faces the adjacent Villamor Golf course (attention to all golfers who need a quick break). Families who just want a break from Davao life, will also love the fact that the Marriott Manila is just a short walk away from Resorts World’s Newport Theatre and Mall where one can catch the latest theatre productions as well as shop for the latest fashions and trends. For those who want to do even more shopping, the Marriott Manila is just a short traffic-free ride to SM’s Mall of Asia complex thanks to the new NAIA Expressway. In their press releases, the

Afternoon tea at Still with Marriott Manila’s Michelle Garcia.

The new Executive Lounge at the West Wing covering almost the entire 2nd floor where guests can indulge on all-day complimentary snacks, private checkin and concierge services, and work or play with a breathtaking view of the golf course. Marriott Manila promises to excite Philippine tourism with its rooms and premier dining facilities. And I can agree with that as it delivers comfort, luxury, great food, and a wonderful travel expe-

rience all in spades. To know more about Marriott Hotel Manila, visit www. manilamarriott.com, or follow facebook.com/marriotthotelmanila and Twitter @ marriottmanila.

EDGEDAVAO

A4 INdulge! TRAVEL MERMAID A1

coconuts, Anahaw-like leaves and even the café’s bamboo walls just for photography’s sake. It was fun and we all didn’t expect to find these here. I’ve always seen this place but never really went inside because (again) I’m always in a hurry to arrive in Dahican to surf. The Davao Oriental Welcome Park has a decent comfort room, no tissues though but it’s clean, has a huge

mirror to freshen up and great food. We were supposed to visit Mt. Hamiguitan too but unfortunately, a landslide happened the night before due to the strong rains. It was still being cleared when we arrived in Banaybanay. I think it may be a good thing so that I’ll have more reasons to go back. What started as mainly mall-wide sale events, the Visit Davao Fun Sale is now the biggest tourism event in Davao Region, already in-

cluding the following: Mati (Davao Oriental), Mt. Apo (Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur), Island Garden City of Samal (Davao del Norte) and Davao City. On its fourth year, VDFS will run from April 16 to May 31, 2017 featuring discounted offerings in airfare, accommodation, tours, dining, shopping, beauty and wellness, as well as fun events in sports, arts, and nightlife. Organized by the Davao Fun Sale Execom in part-

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We almost overlooked this one out because at first glance, the concrete coconuts look normal. After we took a photo, they actually look interesting enough to be on Instagram! Try to stop by the park next time and take photos other than the Davao Oriental sign. Photo by Christine Joice Cudis. nership with the Department of Tourism. The VDSF is also co-presented by the City Government of Davao, AirAsia, Bonamine, BPI Cards, Cebu Pacific, and Tanduay. A deep thanks for making this happen! Hang around next week

as I resdiscover Mati City and visit Pusan Point and Aliwagwag Falls for the first

time. Visit my blog: www. millennialmermaid.com for more photos and stories!

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO ARAW NG DAVAO SUPPLEMENT

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

WATER SOURCE. Photo shows the Tamugan River in Barangay Tawantawan in Davao City that will provide 300 million liters of water per day to the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of the DCWD that will be undertaken by Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Photo by Apo Agua)

APO AGUA A joint venture that will provide 300 million liters of potable water daily to Davao City

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

adlopez0920@gmail.com

OURCING out of potable water for the tens of thousands of consumers of Davao City is nearing fulfilment as Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. is going full swing on its preparatory operations that will include pre-construction works by the middle of this year.

“Acquisitions of permits are almost complete and by the middle of this year Apo Agua will proceed with its preconstruction operations,” said Cirilo C. Almario III, general manager of Apo Agua. The company will undertake most of the P12-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of the Davao City Water District. The project will tap the water resources of Tamugan River. The works will include the construction of weir and intake structure, raw water transmission lines, water treatment plant, hydroelectric power plant and treated water transmission lines. Apo Agua is investing P10 billion to complete the construction works while the DCWD is pouring some P2 billion for the laying of new giant pipes from its reservoirs down to its distribution lines in various areas of Davao City. Apo Agua is a joint venture of Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and JV Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC). AEV holds 70 percent stake of the venture, 30 percent for JVACC. The joint venture had already signed a Bulk Water Purchase Agreement

with the DCWD to provide 300 million liters per day (300 MLD) of potable water in a period of 30 years to DCWD consumers in Davao City.

Efficient water sourcing Almario described the joint venture project as the most efficient and effective sourcing of potable water for Davao City consumers. DCWD is currently dependent on ground water sources tapped through electric-powered pumps, he added. The system, he said, is expensive and can be affected during power interruptions. The DCWD reportedly spends close to P400 million is electric bills annually in pumping out water from the Dumoy aquifers. This much can be saved by DCWD annually once the bulk water project starts. With such limited system of sourcing out water, only

61% of population of Davao City is serviced by the DCWD while water production in the city only increased by 3.5 percent per annum over the past five years. Davao City is growing fast as investments are pouring in since last year and the demands for potable water also increase. Ground water is not a sustainable source to cope with the increasing demands given that it will recede fast over years of consumption. Apo Agua offers more sustainable option to source out potable water for Davao City as its main source, the Tamugan River, regularly registers a 12 cu.m./sec water flow, a volume enough to supply the number of liters of water stipulated in the agreement. The project, Almario said will start from the construction of a weir in Barangay Tawantawan. A weir is a low

PLANT PERSPECTIVE. Photo shows the perspective of the water treatment that will be constructed by the Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Photo by Apo Agua) dam that will be built across Tamugan River to raise the level of water for its diversion towards an intake facility and the water treatment plant. Strong flows of waters from the weir down to the intake facility will also be utilized to operate a 2MW hydroelectric power plant that will energize the water treatment plant. “The project will have its own source of power via a hydroelectric plant that will be utilized in the process of treating the sourced out water before releasing it towards the reservoirs of DCWD,” Almario said. A total of eight reservoirs of DCWD will be served by Apo Agua – to include the reservoirs in Calinan, Tugbok, Talandang, Mandug, Panorama, Panacan, Indangan and Cabantian. The reservoir in Panora-

ma, that supplies most of the heavily populated areas in Davao City will receive more of the supply of water from Apo Agua – or 220 MLD while the rest will be supplied with 80 MLD. 2019 target Full project construction will commence by the last quarter of this year until its target completion by 2019. “Only a few documents are permits are being processed right now. Upon completion of these permits by June or July, we will immediately proceed with the pre-construction works and full construction work of the project,” Almario pointed out. The project Environmental Compliance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was already approved last week.

This March, it is expected that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City will compete its two public hearings while the City Planning and Development Office has already endorsed the application of Apo Agua to the Davao City Local Zoning Board. Permits and certifications from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Reform are also being processed and expected to be completed by June of this year. “We are optimistic that all the requirements will be completed by mid 2017. This project is very important as this will solve the problems of DCWD,” Almario said. The project, he added, will allow service coverage of DCWD to expand to address the non-covered demands and provide the consumers with high-quality treated water.

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 â&#x20AC;¢ TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

BDO... FROM 7

EDGEDAVAO

BDO CCO, which houses some of the Bank’s major business segments such as consumer lending, leasing and finance, and remittance, is a recipient of the Best Commercial Development, Best Office Development and Best Office Architectural Design awards in the Philippines Property Awards 2015. Meanwhile, at the regional real estate event Southeast Asia Property Awards 2015, BDO CCO was Highly Commended in the Best Commercial Devel-

opment and Best Office Architectural Design categories. The Bank’s Ortigas building is part of the grand development plan for the 2-hectare prime commercial property located at the corner of ADB and Julia Vargas Avenues, which also includes the expansion of the upscale shopping mall The Podium, a second office tower and possibly another mixeduse edifice with hotel and service apartment components. (PR)

graduation or completion. Anchored on this year’s graduation theme, “Sabay-sabay na Hakbang Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan,” the DepEd is stressing the importance of collaborative efforts of the stakeholders and learners in achieving the shared vision of quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.

“It emphasizes the significance of unity in forging a better and progressive future for the Filipino youth,” Briones said. The graduation rites are scheduled on or before April 7, 2017. However, for schools divisions with an extended school year, the schools should be guided by their approved revised school calendar. (PNA)

cussed in details, the provision of the Joint Memorandum Circular 2016. Topics on the local competitiveness framework, as well as results of 2016 competitiveness rankings of CMCI were also discussed. “With the revised standards, the applicant will only have to undergo three steps. These are, file, pay, and claim,” How said. This is the first leg of the caravan. The succeeding schedules are as follows: March 2 in

Digos City, March 3 in Tagum City, March 7 in Malita, March 9 in Davao City, and March 14 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province. Meanwhile, DTI-Davao Oriental Provincial Director Jose L. Calub said BPLS is among the strategies used to increase the competitiveness of the region. Davao City placed fifth in the Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City category. (DTI11/ MAB/JMM)

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COMPETITIVE EDGE 13

Holcim PH, Robinsons Land ink cement supply deal until 2019

ONSTRUCTION solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. is set to support the expansion of leading real estate developer Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), providing cement to build 44 of its projects nationwide until 2019. Holcim Philippines will supply 19 million bags of its general purpose cement Excel, masonry cement Wallright and high-performance infrastructure cement 4Xfor the construction of RLC projects such as office and residential buildings, malls and hotels in key urban areas in the country. Holcim Philippines led by Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sapna Sood held a signing ceremony with RLC officials head-

ed by President and COO Frederick Go on 20 February 2017. Go expressed his appreciation for Holcim Philipines’ sustained support to RLC’s growth and the quality of products and service it provides, noting in particular the construction solution provider’s strong focus on safety. “We are very happy to be a customer of Holcim Philippines. The partnership has been ongoing for many years and I hope that it will last for many more. We trust your plant is operated with the highest quality standards,” he said. Sood also thanked RLC for consistently trusting Holcim Philippines with its cement requirements for its projects.

Holcim Philippines COO Sapna Sood and Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) President and COO Frederick Go (third and fourth from left, respectively) shake hands during the ceremonial signing of the cement supply agreement for the real estate company’s projects on 20 February. With them, from left,

“I can assure you the service we will provide will meet your requirements and support your growth not just through bags of cement but also through solutions for your building needs,” she said.

About Holcim Philippines Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading construction solution companies in the country. The Company has a wide range of innovative construction solutions that help homeowners to large- contractors in their building needs. With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental and Davao, mobile concrete ready-

mix facilities and an aggregates business backed by a strong nationwide network of dealers, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country. Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System). Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 90 countries with over 100,000 employees.

are Holcim Head of Institutional Sales Edwin Villas, Holcim Head of Sales William Sumalinog, RLC Engineering Manager Joesan Buenaventura, RLC Senior Vice President for Project Office Manny Arce and RLC Project Director for Robinsons Hotels & Resorts Bernard Mariano.

14 HEALTH EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Rabies still a health threat Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

AST summer, eight-year-old Raymond found a sick puppy lying in front of their yard seemingly needing some help. He decided to bring in the puppy inside the house so he could feed the animal. Unexpectedly, the puppy bit his fingers and right hand. The bites were not very severe but with some bleeding. He told his parents about the incident, but they did care at all. The puppy died the following day. The father dumped the dead body in garbage nearby. They forgot all about it until two months later when Raymond developed fever, muscular aching all over his body and intense pain in his right arm. He was brought to the hospital but by this time he had trouble drinking water. In fact, he trembled just even seeing anything with water. Five days after admission to the hospital, Raymond died. He was a victim of rabies, a viral infection of the brain to which all mammals, including human beings, are susceptible. While Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan are considered rabies-free, the disease is still a serious health threat in the Philippines. In 2015, some 783,879 cases of animal bites have been reported. This was 10% higher than in 2014, which recorded a total of 683,802 cases of animal bites. Records from the Department of Health (DOH) showed a total of 1,713 human deaths caused by rabies were recorded from 2010 to 2016. That’s an average of 245 deaths every year! In Davao City, about five deaths caused by bites of rabid animals were recorded in 2013. “The city has the highest record in the region because it has also the highest population compared to other provinces in the region,” the rabies program manager of the regional office of the health department was quoted as saying. Davao region is composed of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and the newly-created Davao Occidental. It has 6 cities: Davao, Digos, Tagum, Panabo, Samal, and Mati. Davao, however, is not included the among the areas with high incidence of rabies. Dr. Ernesto Villalon III, of the health department’s rabies prevention and control program, identified these provinces as having high number of rabies cases: Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Camarines Sur, Tarlac, Quezon, Isabela, Batangas and Bukidnon. “Rabies is considered a neglected disease that is 100 percent

fatal but 100 percent preventable,” said Health Secretary Jean B. Rosell-Ubial. “Usually, rabies is eventually fatal once the rabies virus reaches the spinal cord and brain,” says The Merck Manual of Medical Information. The virus, however, takes at least 10 days – usually 30-50 days – to reach the brain (depending on where the bite is). “During that interval, measures can be taken to eradicate the virus and help prevent death,” the Merck manual claims. Despite the enactment of Republic Act 9482, otherwise known as the Rabies Act of 2007 which seeks to eradicate rabies in the Philippines by 2020, the health department laments that rabies remains a public health problem in the country.

Bullet shape The virus that causes rabies belongs to the group of viruses with a distinct “bullet” shape. It is usually introduced into humans through the bites of infected animals but other means of transmission are possible. Aside from dogs, other animals which can transmit rabies are cats, bats, and foxes. Domesticated animals like cattle, carabao, pigs, goats, and horses also have rabies. Rabies rarely affects rodents (such as mice and rats), rabbits, or hares. Birds and reptiles do not develop rabies. “The domestic dog is the most important reservoir of the virus,” says Dr. Mary Elizabeth Miranda, leader of the rabies research program of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. In fact, 98 percent of rabies cases are attributed to dog bites. Contrary to common belief, puppies – upon birth – are not infected by rabies. Dr. Lester L. Quiano, a veterinarian who used to write a column for a national daily, explained: “Puppies could only acquire the disease as young as three months because at this stage, they start to lose their maternal immunity. (At birth, the puppy sucks the first flow of milk containing colostrum, which gives protection to the puppy until three months of age. After this, the protection will start to dwindle).” Saliva is the culprit A dog can be infected with rabies if bitten by a rabid animal. “When a rabid animal bites a dog, it will take 10 to 80 days for the virus to multiply in the dog’s body, after which, it will show clinical

signs of rabies infection,” Dr. Quijano wrote. “During this stage, the dog shows excitement and unusual restlessness, and will bite into any moving object. It’s not the bite but the saliva. “The bite of any rabid animal is not the cause of the spread and infection of rabies,” corrects Dr. Silvius Jude B. Alon, a veterinarian who used to work with a Davao-based non-government organization. “It is the saliva of the affected animal. The bite is just an instrument so that the saliva with rabies virus can be transferred to any victim.” Though bites are the usual form of transmission, rabies can also be contracted if open wounds

or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and mouth come into contact with saliva from a rabid animal, or if an infected person kisses a partner. In rare cases, victims contract it from inhaling the air-borne virus – in caves inhabited by rabid bats, for example – or by drinking unpasteurized milk from a rabid animal. Among Filipinos, rabies remains a highly-misunderstood disease. Many, especially those in rural areas, still believe that garlic and a few drops of vinegar can cure rabies. Others believe that a quack doctor have the power to eliminate the virus from the body with the use of a stone or by sucking with the use of a carabao horn. Signs and symptoms Dr. Rubina O. Cresencio, a veterinarian with the Bureau of Animal Industry, said that there are some signs to know whether an animal is rabid or not? A dog, for instance, is rabid when when it shows any of the following clinical signs: sudden behavioral change (sudden anorexia, signs of apprehension or nervousness, irritability, hypersensitivity), hydrophobia (fear of water), muscle paralysis, and nervous signs. “The early stage of rabies usually lasts 2-3 days or sometimes only a few hours,” says Dr. Cresencio. This includes changes in attitude and behavior or temperament, dilated pupils and slight rise in body temperature.

In humans, rabies symptoms can take weeks or months to appear. This presents a real problem when treating the disease because by the time symptoms have developed it may be too late to prevent death. When an infected animal bites a person, the virus travels along the nerves to the central nervous system where it incubates for up to three months. In this period the victim shows no signs of illness. At the end of the incubation period, the virus multiplies rapidly, spreading to the brain and throughout the body, even to the eyes and extremities like hair follicles. Initial symptoms, in what doctors refer to as the “prodromal stage” of the disease, may be mild. They last from two to ten days and include a slight fever, headache, nausea and persistent loose cough. There may be pain, itching, tingling or a sensation of cold at the bite site. Then, in the “acute neurological stage,” symptoms become more and more frightening. For the next two to seven days, the patient becomes nervous, agitated, restless and irritable, and may salivate excessively. As the virus replicates in the brain, the victim experiences eye problems (like enlargement of the pupils), weakness of the facial muscles and hoarseness. In one out of six cases, there’s hydrophobia. “In this stage, there is forceful, painful muscle spasms of the throat, which expel liquids administered orally,” says Dr. S.N.

Madhusudana, associate professor of the Department of Neurovirology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience in Bangalore, India. Finally, the virus overwhelms the brain and central nervous system. The patient falls into a coma, becomes paralyzed and dies. Actually, a person dies of rabies because of the overwhelming viral infection of the brain or central nervous system.

Vaccinations Don’t ever wait for symptoms to appear or that’s already too late. So, if you think you are bitten by a rabid animal, “you must get a series of shots to prevent the infection from taking hold,” suggests Minnesota-based Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. But before doing, you must know if the animal really has rabies. But if you can’t find the animal, “it may be safest to assume that the animal has rabies.” However, some factors should be considered like the type of animal and the situation in which the bite occurred. Generally, rabies vaccine – which is made from killed rabies virus – as a pre-exposure treatment is given to people who are at high risk of exposure which include veterinarians, animal handlers, rabies laboratory workers, spelunkers, and travelers who are going to areas where rabies is common. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says pre-exposure for rabies vaccination is three doses given at the following times: dose 1, as appropriate; dose 2, 2-7 days after dose 1; and dose, 21 days or 28 days after dose 1. “Anyone who has been bitten by an animal, or who otherwise may have been exposed to rabies, should clean the wound and see a doctor immediately,” CDC points out. “The doctor will determine if

they need to be vaccinated.” A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get 4 doses of rabies vaccine: one dose right away, and additional doses on the third, seventh and fourteenth days. “They should also get another shot called rabies immune globulin at the same time as the first dose,” CDC says. But like any medicine, a vaccine is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. “The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small,” the CDC claims. “Serious problems from rabies vaccine are very rare.” Among the mild problems are: soreness, redness, and swelling or itching where the shot was given (30%-74%) and headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and dizziness (5%-40%). Moderate problems include hives, pain in the joints and fever (about 6% of booster doses). Among the severe allergic reactions may include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and weakness. These would start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. If this happens, bring the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor. It is high time to end rabies in the Philippines. “Prevention of human rabies must be a community effort involving both veterinary and public health officials,” said the United Nations health agency. “Rabies elimination programs focused mainly on mass vaccination of dogs are largely justified by the future savings of discontinuing prevention programs. However, until canine (dog) rabies is eliminated or at least well controlled, safer and more economical post-exposure treatments for humans are a desirable alternative to the use of nerve tissue vaccines.”

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EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Jung, Arriba top Phoenix Open By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

njb@edgedavao.net

AVAO-BASED Korean expat Jung In Kyu and businessman Boy Arriba were the big winners in the 9th Phoenix Open Golf Tournament on Saturday at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club. Jung fired a gross 31 in the Stableford system of scoring to run away with the overall individual gross title while Arriba scored a net 42 to pocket the overall net crown of the tournament that attracted over 200 golfers. The other winners were Boy Tan for Class A gross, Rodolfo Luna for Class A net, Eugene Chiong Jr. for Class B grss, Louie Rabat for Class B net, Mark Villorente for Class C gross, Louie Brodeth for Class C net, Vic Rosario for Class D gross, and Ed Camacho for Class D net. In the team event, Davao Korean Golfers Association (DKGA) 1 composed of Kim Il Gyu, Lee Bong Hee, Han Duk Gi, Lee Jae Un and Park Kway Youl won the title over Eaglemasters. The Partner Division crown went to Lito Bario and Boy Arriba who bagged his second title in the tournament with a combined 79. Joe Marfori and King Rivas finished second with a 77 besting via

countback the pair of Jing In Kyu and Lee Bong Hee. Tan scored 28 for the Class A gross besting via countback Leo Yap. Luna fired 32 points to beat runner-up Roderick Lo (31) in the Class A net. Chiong scored a 29 for the Class B gross plum beating Patrick Tan (27) while Rabat had a 41 to edge Joy Manulid (40) in a close battle for the Class B net. Villorente scored 22 to win the Class C gross crown over Danny Briones (21) while Brodeth had a 37 to nip Dodge Manubay for the Class C net. In Class D, Rosario’s 18 beat on countback Jay Matalines while Camacho had a 38 to take the Class D net over Rolly Lazate (35). In the Media division, Imee Garcia (16) won the gross title by countback over Conrado Bernal (16) while Roger Garcia (26) took the net title over Tomas Inigo (23). Jeremiah Co scored the lone hole-in-one in the tournament sinking it in the 11th. Tony Batao won longest drive while the other individual stroke awards went to Ting Castillo (most accurate), Secretary Manny Pinol (nearest the pin) and Leo ap (eagle on par 5).

With Pacquiao-Khan off, Horn back in the picture

uco events have not given up on Australian Jeff Horn fighting Manny Pacquiao after it emerged announcements around the Filipino boxing great’s planned bout with Amir Khan were premature. Pacquiao reneged on Horn and their April encounter to instead pursue a lucrative fight with Englishman Khan in the United Arab Emirates, revealing on Twitter that the pair were in negotiations. But that prospect is off, according to Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum. “It’s kaddish for the UAE deal. It’s dead,” said Arum, who has joined forces with Duco to

HE Philippine Olympic Committee, since time immemorial, has made the Olympic Charter as its shield in defending itself from government intervention. I don’t find anything wrong with that at that time when sports leaders were indeed true gentlemen and ladies. But times have changed. These days, a position in the POC would mean travel privileges at the expense of taxpayer’s money. Gone are

help promote Horn and New Zealand’s WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. “I’m talking to him about another proposal for another fight, not Khan. Khan won’t be Manny’s next opponent.” Arum said Pacquiao was likely to look at fighting in June or July. Duco, the Auckland-based promoters of the Horn-Pacquiao fight, said on Wednesday they would not comment on developments around the Filipino’s next fight. But Arum said Duco has never conceded the fight with Horn, slated for Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, was off.

TEAM CHAMPION. The DKGA 1 team composed of Korean golfers won the team title.

Pacquiao, Nietes head Elorde awardees E

lorde Hall of Fame honorees Manny Pacquiao and Donnie Nietes will be honored with an Award of Distinction while three boxers will share the highest honors as Boxers of the Year during the 17th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Memorial Awards and Banquet of Champions on March 25 at The Tent of the Manila Hotel. Pacquiao, the current WBO World welterweight champion, and Nietes, the WBO world lightweight champion, will be honored for their continuing feat as world champions even after they have already been enshrined into the Elorde Hall of Fame. Pacquiao was inducted into the Elorde Hall of Fame in 2012 after he won seven straight world crowns, which he accumulated in a 10-year campaign starting 2000. At the end of that period, he received the honor

MANNY PACQUIAO. Hall of Fame

as boxer of the decade from the four major boxing organizations – the WBO, IBF, WBC and IBO – as well as the Boxing Writers of America and Yahoo, ESPN, and The Ring Magazine. Nietes became world champion in three divisions – the minimum weight, light flyweight and superflyweight – retaining all these titles against the very best in each division for seven years starting in 2007 and was inducted into the Elorde Hall of Fame in 2015. The Award of Distinction, one of the major awards of the Elorde Awards Night, is conferred to a Filipino boxer who have already been enshrined to the Elorde Hall of Fame and became world champion for seven consecutive years, matching the feat of Da Flash who was, in addition, enshrined separately into the International and World Boxing Hall of Fame

as the undefeated world junior lightweight champion for seven consecutive years, from 1960 to 67. The main awards of the Elorde rites and Banquet of Champions, also held to celebrate the 82nd birth anniversary of Elorde, is the conferment of the Boxer of the Year awards to the world champions of 2016 – IBF world flyweight champion Johnriel Casimero, IBF World superflyweight titleholder Jerwin Ancajas and WBO world bantamweight king Marlon Tapales. The other major highlight of the Elorde Awards, to be presented by the Elorde family led by Da Flash’s wife Laura, is the casting of the fists, a ceremonial casting of the fists of current and former Filipino world champions still alive. They will form part of a rich, extensive collection of memorabilia of Filipino

DONNIE NIETES. Hall of Fame

greats. The boxers, led by Pacquiao, whose fists will be cast into immorality this year are former WBO bantamweight titlist Gerry Penalosa, former WBC lightweight champion Rolando Pascua, former IBF world super flyweight titleholder Tacy Macalos and former IBF world flyweight king Dodie Boy Penalosa. Eleven Philippine champions of Class of 2016 as well as regional and international champions from the major boxing organizations in 11 divisions of the same year will also be honored in the Awards Night where special citations will be given to the best promoter (Jim Claude Manangquil), best referee (Danrex Tapdasan), best trainer (Jhun Agrabio), most promising boxer (Aston Palicte) and and best fight of the year (Kenny Demecillo and Rambo Lagos).

ASTON PALICTE. Most Promising Fighter

Problematic Olympic Committee (POC)

the days when sports leaders travel and pay for it themselves. Yes Sire, those days are indeed gone. You know of any sports leader travelling at their own expense? Who is ashamed of using public funds to travel, specially abroad? Because he or she thinks that the budget allocated for him or her would be instead allocated to an athlete? I’m just asking but I know these are questions rarely being asked. Pretty sure, you’ve read

CLEAN SLATE

By MOSES P. BILLACURA of the millions and millions of the reported unliquidated expenses by the POC under the watch of Peping Cojuangco.

At least P65 million in unaccounted funds, according to the national papers. It’s unfortunate, that those allegations were never answered by the POC which we expect to be issuing an official statement specially that public funds are involved. Philippine Sports Commission Ramon Fernandez has made it clear that if National Sports Association officials, who are members of the POC, cannot properly address the whereabouts of the tax-

payers’ money, the PSC will see them in court. Instead, Peping responded with mudslinging and accused the PBA legend Fernandez as a “game fixer”. What we expected from Peping was a statement of the whereabouts of the millions of pesos that have remained unaccounted for as of today. Yes, at least P65 million. Oh my Lord! Of course, we expect commissioner Fernandez to spearhead a legal team

to file cases against the POC and NSA leaders. Libel case against Peping? Forget it Comm.Ramon, instead focus on the unaccounted funds so they will know that you are indeed serious in protecting public funds, and if necessary, recover it. *** Happy birthdays to cousins med rep Happy Antonio and UP-Min’s Karen Gillian Au Flores, SM City’s Apol Legario and Columbia Computer Football Club’s Walter Ravanes.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 275 • TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

SMASHING DEBUT

RESTED. Top gunner Francis Gabriel Escandor was used sparingly against Ormoc to prepare for the Laguna game. Lean Daval Jr.

Blue Knights rout Ormoc in SM NBTC opener By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

ADDU Eliminations Schedule: March 13, at Palm Coast Marina 9:30 am – ADDU vs. Ormoc City NHS 7:30 pm – ADDU vs. St. Benilde-Laguna March 15, at MOA Arena 11:30 am – ADDU vs. STI-Malolos

TENEO de Davao University opened its campaign in the 2017 SM NBTC National Finals on a high note, hacking out a convincing 80-33 demolition of Ormoc City National High School at Palm Coast Marina. The Blue Knights, reigning

Davao City champions, went all guns ablaze right from the start of the match with the local champions from Ormoc. Coach Miggy Solitaria had the luxury of resting his big guns Francis Gabriel Escandor and Axel Doromal for the bigger game against Laguna’s St. Benilde in the nightcap of their doubleheader. The Blue Knights are playing St. Benilde as of presstime. The Blue Knights are bunched in Group 4 in Division 2 along with STI-Malolos (Bulacan), St. Benilde International School-Calamba (Laguna), and Ormoc City National High School.

Group 1 has St. Joseph College (Olongapo), St. Jude College (Cavite), St. Louis College (Mandaue) and Notre Dame of Midsayap (Kidapawan). In Group 2,

BLUE KNIGHTS IN MANILA. The Ateneo Blue Knights upon arrival for the SM NBTC Finals.

t h e teams are De La Salle Lipa (Batangas), University of St. La Salle (Bacolod), Langatian National High School (Dipolog) and Isabela Colleges (Cauayan).

Group 3 will pit St. Roberts International School (Iloilo), Assumption Montessori (CDO), La Finn’s Scholastica (La Union) and Jesus The Loving Shepherd (Naga).