Edge Davao 9 Issue 280

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

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Mayor Sara says ‘resignation’issue a thing of the past

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

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adlopez0920@gmail.com

AVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday clarified she will not comment on the revived issue of resignation from her post.

FROM PORT TO BAYWALK. A scavenger pedals an improvised bicycle cart towards the main gate of Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Monday afternoon.

The city government of Davao through the City tourism Office (CTO) is planning to develop Sta. Ana Port into a Baywalk to strengthen the tourism industry in the city. Lean Daval Jr.

WAR VERSUS TERRORISTS

President Duterte vows: “I will not allow civilians to be killed”

By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS / MINDANEWS

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RESIDENT Duterte on Sunday said military operations against terrorist groups are focused only on “selective targets” because “I will not allow civilians to be killed in the process.”

Duterte’s statement came 11 days after a yearold baby girl was killed and an 11-year old boy injured in Basilan during military operations in pursuit of the Abu

Sayyaf, for which the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) chief apologized.

At the press conference before departing for Myanmar Sunday afternoon, Duterte said it has taken time for government to crush the terrorist Abu Sayyaf, Maute group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) because it has “to go into selective targets” and that if they are in the midst of or near populated areas, “we

just cannot do it.”

“Matagal na sana itong natapos” (this would have been finished) if there were no civilians “but just like the communists, every time that they (terrorists) are cornered, they mix with the the people” and when they do that, “we have to stop operations,” he explained.

“That is (why) it takes us time to do it because we try to avoid hitting civilians,” Duterte said, adding that

only when the terrorists are “grouped in the mountains and are ready for the offensive and that is where we also marshal our troops and our weapons to challenge them.

But once the battle is over and they begin to merge and run to their habitations and houses, the offensive stops and I will not allow civilians to be killed in the process.”

“Ano ba namang kasalanan ng bata, pati mga babae, matatanda? (What is the fault

of children, women and the elderly?), so it behooves on the government to just lunukin na lang nila yang sayang yung panahon na yun (accept the fact that it was time wasted) because it ‘aint the right thing to do,” Duterte added.

Year-old girl killed Reacting to Duterte’s latest pronouncement, Amirah Lidasan, spokesperson of

FWAR, 10

The issue is again highlighted when President Duterte, during his state visit to Myanmar on Sunday tackled it in a speech in front of the Filipino community.

The City Information Office on Monday said Mayor Sara is no longer interested on the issue that happened in the past.

“I don’t want to comment on something that happened in the past and is not relevant today,” the CIO said, quoting Mayor Sara in a statement.

The issue was again revived in Myanmar on Sunday.

The President himself told the Filipino community in said country that Mayor Sara attempted to resign when she submitted a resignation letter last July 1.

“Ayaw na kasi magtakbo yan.

Sabi niya, nababastos lang ako sa pagka-mayor ko,” the President said.

The President said he told Mayor Sara he will not run for president if she will not run for mayor of Davao.

He added that the mayor was pressured – the reason why she was forced to run for the said post.

“Na-pressure siya. Marami nang pumasok. Na-pressure siya kaya tumakbo,” the President said.

The President added that after taking her oath last June 30, Mayor Sara filed a resignation letter.

“Alam mo pagka-July 1, nagfile ng resignation,” he said, adding that the resignation letter is still in the file of Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go, the Special Assistant to the President.

In July last year, Mayor Sara dismissed the issue on resignation, saying the same was untrue and purely based on rumors.

The mayor, after the inauguration of President Duterte, filed a leave from office until July 22.

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Davao’s Nagayo kids rule Melbourne US Kids Golf local tour

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STATE VISIT. President Duterte, on Sunday afternoon, delivered his departure message at the Davao International Airport. The President is now on two-day state visits in Myanmar and Thailand to strengthen bilateral relations, trade and investments. Lean Daval Jr.

Pres. Duterte unfazed by impeach complaint

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NFAZED by the impeachment complaint filed against him, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will go “by the rules of destiny” that he will leave the presidency if it’s his time to go.

In his press conference at the Davao International Airport before departing for Myanmar on Sunday, the President said he welcomes the impeachment complaint filed against him by Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano on March 16 citing various cases, and efforts to sue him at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged involvement in the Davao Death Squad.

“I welcome both developments. They can do their worse; I can do better in my performance as a worker in government. This is democracy,” he said.

The Prresident brushed aside criticisms against his anti-drug campaign and reiterated that he will deliver on his promise to fight corruption, drugs, and criminality.

“Impeachment? If part of my destiny, it’s my destiny to go. Ganun lang yan, palad-palad lang (It’s just that, it’s a matter of destiny). Maybe, God gave me only two years, six months, one year and a half to be President in this

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21 BIFF men killed in anti-terror fight G

OVERNMENT troops scored a big victory in the fight against terrorism with the killing of 21 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the past few days in Central Mindanao, military officials said on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Arnel de la Vega, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Division and chief of Joint Task Force Central (JTF-C), said that 26 other BIFF members were also wounded following air strikes and ground combat opera-

tions conducted from March 13-16 in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

“The deployment of blocking forces proved effective in preventing the terrorists from escaping the mass offensives,” he said in a statement.

The BIFF, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has pledged allegiance to international terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2014.

No casualties from gov-

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Palace pays tribute to late Sen. Shahani

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

M

adlopez0920@gmail.com

ALACAÑANG on Monday paid tribute to the late Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani.

“The Palace is saddened by the news of former senator and career diplomat Shahani’s passing this morning,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella said in a statement.

Abella said Shahani served the nation well as Senator of the Republic and worked tirelessly in the executive branch in various capacities under different administrations.

“Our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the former Senator.

She was a profound humanist and her voice will be missed,” he added.

Shahani, 87, died at around 2:40 a.m. on Monday, March 20.

She was suffering from cancer of the colon.

She has three children with writer Ranjee Shahani; namely Ranjit, Chanda and Lila.

Her family announced that her wake will begin on Wednesday, March 22, at the Funeraria Paz in Sucat, Parañaque.

Shahani is the younger sister of former President Fidel V. Ramos. She served as senator from 1987 to 1988.

Members of the Senate on Monday expressed grief over the death of Shahani.

Senator Grace Poe, in a statement said the Filipino nation lost a formidable advocate

of women’s rights, a staunch environmentalist and a seasoned diplomat.

“From her extensive career in the foreign service to her stint in the Senate, Manang Letty demonstrated how public service should be: sincere, dynamic and exemplary,” Senator Poe added.

Senator Franklin M. Drilon also issued a statement, joining the nation in mourning the passing of Seantor Shahani whom she described as a “celebrated legislator, diplomat, writer and academician’ and represented the very best of Filipina skill, intelligence and determination.

“I will be forever proud that during my time as Senate

President in the 16th Congress, I led the chamber in honoring the life and works of Senator Ramos-Shahani with Senate Resolution No. 87, which she personally received from us,” Drilon added.

Shahani also served as the Philippine envoy to Australia, Romania, Hungary, and Germany and to the United Nations.

She also served as foreign affairs undersecretary and chair of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.

From 2001 to 2004, Shahani headed the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

organized drug groups or syndicates that were previously dismantled under the national government’s “war against illegal drugs.”

Citing their monitoring, he said some members of the previous syndicates have since regrouped and resumed their illegal activities.

He cited the case of the

two drug groups based in Pikit, North Cotabato that were “dismantled” in an operation last Friday.

The crackdown led to the recovery of around PHP1.725 million worth of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and the arrest of 11 leaders and members of the Padian and Guimadel groups.

“These (emerging drug groups) are the focus of our campaign right now. We’re presently validating some intelligence information on the other groups that have emerged in some areas in Region 12,” he said in a radio interview.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the

PDEA-12 shifts focus on‘emerging drug groups’

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HE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12 has shifted its operations on new illegal drug groups that reportedly emerged these past months in parts of the region.

Gil Cesario Castro, PDEA Region 12 director, said Monday the “emerging drug groups” are mainly remnants of major

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Palaro host Antique gets P10-M PSC aid

EXPLAINING PSC ROLE. Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey tackles the role of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) during the Directional Meeting with local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao, March 16, at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites in Davao City. Photo by Davao Sports Writers Association (DSA).

Davao’s green warriors garner Lunhaw Awards

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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REEN warriors of Davao City were recognized in the 5th Lunhaw Awards at the Royal Mandaya Hotel last March 17.

Lunhaw Awards is a recognition given to individuals, groups and institutions for their efforts in helping keep the city clean, green and sustainable.

The environmental advocates range from young students, individual farmers in both rural and urban setting to associations and big private establishments from all over the city.

This year’s winners were St. Francis of Assisi Family Farmers’ Association and Alex Betarmos, for the organic agriculture category; Marilog High School of Agriculture’s Path to a Brighter Future Organic Agriculture Program for the education and advocacy; Toril Kalambuan Association’s Upcycled Handicrafts for pollution control; Dacudao National High School’s Forest Park for forest-based initiatives; and

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SM Lanang’s Sustainability Program for green building/ urban greening.

Special awards were also given to Pamulaan Center for Indigenous People’ Education for Sustainable Design, Matina Aplaya Fisherfolk Association for Marine Resource Management, Toyota Davao-Catitipan Earth Charter for Green Building Design and Kenaniah Farm for Organic Agriculture.

Marciano Ibañez bagged the Green Champion Award for his tireless advocacy and efforts to educate Davao’s half-million residents living in the riverbank communities on climate change mitigation while Engr. Eliza Madrazo was also given special recognition for her leadership of the CENRO. This year, new special recognition for adopting Permeable Pavement designs for the green establishment’s parking spaces, driveways, walkways and plazas were also given to Toyota Davao-Catitipan Work-

FDAVAO, 10

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HE Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Board has approved a P10-million cash assistance to the Province of Antique to beef up its hosting of the 2017 Palarong Pambansa slated April 23 to 29.

PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey bared this over the weekend after gracing the Directional Meeting with local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao held Thursday at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites here.

Maxey said, “The PSC Board is giving assistance to Antique province to help defray operational expenses being a first-time host of the

60th edition of the Palaro.”

The commissioner from Davao City also repeated the information to media practitioners covering the grand opening last Sunday of the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet in the Mati City Centennial Sport Complex.

Maxey who delivered an inspirational message during the opening said that Antique’s hosting is a welcome development since the administration of President Duterte also pushes for equal opportunities in the countryside.

He added that Antique, being a Palaro host first-timer, needs all the help it can get for

a successful hosting of the annual school-based sportsfest for elementary and secondary athletes.

Meanwhile, Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) national deputy training director Henry Daut said that they have yet to wait for the confirmation of Department of Education (DepEd) sports development head Dr. Cesar Abalon on the conduct of Sports Mapping Action Research Talent Identification (Smart ID) testing among Palaro 2017 medalists.

“Dr. Abalon, during our evaluation in Antique, was also interested in holding the a Smart ID testing in the Palaro. We have yet to hear from

him if it pushes through. We are just preparing for if and when it continues as planned,” Daut said, adding that they might only conduct the Smart ID testing for two days after the games so as not to disrupt the focus of the athletes.

He also said, “Hindi kasi pwedeng ma-stress ang mga bata. Maganda rin kung maituloy ang plano para magkakaroon tayo ng point of comparison o barometer sa mga batang i-tetest sa mga regions.”

PSI recently launched its Smart ID Train the Trainers Program in Mindanao last month in Tagum City. PSC-PSI PR

nity or co-owned by the couple in equal shares.

The bill seeks to replace the regime of absolute community with that of total separation of property.

Alvarez said the certain provision of the law fails to address the complicated realities of marriages on the rocks.

“The State must recognize that these realities are, in fact, burdensome and detrimental to the relations of less-than-ide-

al families and marriages. The contestation of property in the face of a growing rift only breeds resentment,” Alvarez said.

The bill retains the provision of the Family Code allowing future couples to enter into a marriage settlement for a “regime of absolute community, conjugal partnership of gains, complete separation of property or any other regime.”

The proposed amendment provides: “In the absence of a

marriage settlement, or when the regime agreed upon is void, the regime of total separation of property as established in this Code shall govern.”

“This system provides that each spouse shall own, dispose of, possess, administer and enjoy his and her own property, without need for consent of the other. Additionally, separate earnings shall be owned by each spouse separately,” Alvarez explained. (PNA)

fice (IPHO) chief, said studies are underway for the implementation of the initiative in the province in coordination with its 11 city and municipal governments.

He said the initiative mainly involves the establishment of the province’s own outpatient treatment and after care center for drug dependents.

Members of the local gov-

ernment’s Technical Working Group (TWG) on the Surfacing Personalities Involved in Illegal Drugs (SPIDs) recently visited the center, which is the only government facility of its kind in Davao City, he said.

The facility is managed by the DOH in Region 11.

“We consider it the most appropriate option for the province in terms of the reha-

bilitation and treatment of the identified SPIDs,” said Aturdido, who heads the TWG. The official said the planned facility will mainly handle the counseling of residents with drug use problems to enable them to cope and manage with their cravings for prohibited drugs and relapses.

He said it would teach

Alvarez wants amendment to‘conjugal assets’sharing

H

OUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has filed a bill proposing a complete separation of property to prevent “bitter” property feud between estranged couples.

Alvarez filed House Bill No. 5268 which seeks to amend Article 75 of Title IV of the Family Code mandating that in the absence of a marriage settlement, all properties brought into the marriage shall be governed by the system of absolute commu-

SoCot to replicate DOH’s drug rehab program in Davao City

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HE provincial government of South Cotabato is planning to replicate the Department of Health’s (DOH) outpatient treatment and after care program in Davao City for the rehabilitation and treatment of the province’s surfacing drug personalities.

Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., Integrated Provincial Health Of-

Comelec sees 5-M voters in barangay, SK elections

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MUSICAL PRODUCTION. Something Wonderful, Something Musical 3(SWSM3) director Ces Hidalgo (right) and Musikademy music director Bong Aviola, promote during the Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City on Monday

the upcoming production of the third edition of SWSM which is slated on April 1 at SM Lanang Premier cinema 6. Lean Daval Jr.

FSOCOT, 13

ITH only over a month before the end of the voter registration nationwide, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is still hoping to meet the 5 million additional registrants for this year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

“Although we hope na we can meet that number, we don’t expect naman na lahat yun mag-register,” said Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez.

But, he noted that the figure was based on statistical data.

“Yung numbers na sinabi namin, expectation ‘yan based sa statistical data,” he said.

The poll body official explained that it would still be the decision of the public if they want to register or not.

“Pero ultimately the decision to register is really personal to the voter,” Jimenez said.

Earlier, the Comelec said that they looking to register additional 5 million voters for the October 23 elections, including 3 million for the village polls and 2 million youth voters.

There were around 54 million registrants for the May 2016 national and local elections.

The voter registration period started in Nov. 7, 2016 and will run until April 29, 2017.

Applications are accepted in Office of the Election Officers (OEOs) in cities/municipalities all over the country, from Mondays to Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on April 13 and 14. (PNA)

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City wants to make wharf into baywalk

By JECIA ANNE OPIANA

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HE City Tourism Office of Davao City, in an attempt to strengthen the tourism industry, is now working to transform the Sta. Ana Wharf into a Baywalk.

CTO chief Gene Rose Tecson revealed told reporters at the regular Kapehan sa Dabaw in SM City Davao on Monday that among the developments that will be introduced at the wharf include the planting of trees, grasses and the development of a promenade area that will become a venue for various recreational activities.

It will also serve as a park where stalls and souvenir

shops will be established to cater to tourists and visitors.

“We’re going to transform it into a Baywalk. Right now, the area has been cleared in preparation for the project,” Tecson said.

The CTO will also elevate portions of the Wharf especially those that are flooded during high tide.

“We fill the area by one meter and in the middle, we will create small interconnecting islands,” she added.

Tecson said the plan is expected to be implemented by May of this year.

She also told reporters that the project is in line with

the terms and reference of the city’s master plan for tourism with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Tecson also reported that CTO has been in full blast on promoting the Visit Davao Fun Sale in cooperation with private sectors.

VDFS is aimed to strengthen the visitor and tourist traffic in Davao City, especially in preparation for the upcoming Kadayawan Festival in August.

CTO, she added, is aiming to turn this year’s Kadayawan Festival into an international event.

Land strategic business units (SBUs) with income contributions of 21%, 7%, 7% and 1%, respectively.

For the period ending December 31, 2016, the company incurred a non-recurring loss of P347 million (versus the previous year’s loss of P602 million), which mainly resulted from the mark-to-market

revaluation of the Power BUs’ consolidated dollar-denominated assets and liabilities refinancing costs and goodwill impairment, partly offset by the net forex (foreign exchange) gains from revaluation of dollar-denominated assets and liabilities. Adjusting for these one-off’s, AEV’s core

Aboitiz Equity Ventures grows full-year profit by 27% to P22.5 billion in 2016

SUCCESSFUL CELEBRATION. City Tourism Office head GeneRose Tecson says the recently-concluded Araw ng Davao festivity was a success based on the number of domestic and foreign tourists arrival in the city. She also bared during yesterday’s Kapehan sa

Dabaw at the annex of SM City Davao the various short term programs of the city government, to include the proposed transformation of Sta. Ana Port into a tourist destination. Lean Daval Jr.

China cites PH’s key role in RCEP A

VISITING high-level Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Wang Yang has underscored the crucial role that the Philippines will play in the proposed China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

In his meeting with Duterte Cabinet officials led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III in Davao City, Vice Premier Wang also expressed China’s support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is commemorating its 50th anniversary this year.

According to the Department of Finance (DOF), Vice Minister Wang emphasized during that meeting last week in Davao City that China considers the ASEAN as a “diplomatic priority” and that the Philippines, as chair of the ASEAN this year, will “make a big contribution in the regional cooperation.”

“Secretary Dominguez responded that together with China, the ASEAN can lead growth in the regional economic front that is not only a rapid one but inclusive to all members of society,” the DOF said.

In that meeting, Dominguez also shared the Duterte administration’s optimism on the early conclusion of the talks on the China-led RCEP. “We look forward to continue the discussions on the

promotion of free trade partnership via the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership where China is also taking the lead. We are very much optimistic for its early conclusion which would help us further diversify our export markets,” Dominguez said at the meeting.

Vice Premier Wang cited “the Philippines’ irreplaceable role in the discussions of RCEP and highlighted that ‘ASEAN centrality’ will be crucial in the conclusion of the agreement,” the DOF said.

According to the ASEAN website, the RCEP negotiations were launched by leaders from the 10 ASEAN member-states (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam) and six ASEAN free trade partners (Australia, People’s Republic of China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand) during the 21st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2012.

Its membership of 16 Asian countries account for almost half of the world’s population, almost 30 percent of global GDP and over a quarter of world exports.

It covers trade in goods and services, investment, economic and technical cooperation, intellectual property rights, competition policy, and dispute settlement, among other issues. It does not cover

labor, environment and stateowned enterprises.

Dominguez said earlier the Duterte administration’s move towards greater integration with other Asian economies would lead to substantial investment inflows this year, as well as rapid tourism growth and robust exports that would benefit not only big businesses but micro and small enterprises as well.

He pointed out that “the stronger linkages we now forge with our development partners and regional neighbors will provide new drivers for the growth of our domestic economy.”

According to Dominguez, the latest round of high-level dialogues between the Philippines and China has paved the way to “a decisively progressive and productive” cooperation between the two countries.

Vice Premier Wang had met with President Duterte in Davao City and separately discussed with Dominguez and other Cabinet officials the progress of the cooperation between the two countries on implementing the Philippines’ large-scale infrastructure projects through Chinese grants and concessional loans.

Dominguez and China Commerce Vice Minister Fu Ziying, who is also China’s International Trade Representative, also formalized in Davao City an agreement on the conduct

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A

BOITIZ Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) saw its consolidated net income increase by 27% year-on-year (YoY) from P17.7 billion in 2015 to P22.5 billion in 2016.

This translates to P4.02 in earnings per share. Power accounted for 65%, followed by the Banking and Financial Services, Food, Infrastructure, and

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RoRo shipping service to ply Mindanao-Indonesia route

By Walter I. Balane/MindaNews (SECOND OF 2 PARTS)

I

SAVING FOR THE FUTURE. Philam unit director Charito Azarias discusses Philam Life’s live ready campaign which aims to encourage Filipinos to start planning on saving for their future financial needs. Azarias graced yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

PH to deepen partnerships with Myanmar, Thailand: Rody P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte and his official delegation departed on Sunday, March 19, for his back-to-back official visits to the countries of Myanmar and Thailand.

In his departure speech, Pres. Duterte underscored the importance of his trips in strengthening partnership and cooperation with the two nations particularly in economic, trade and investment, education, defense, and combatting transnational crimes such as terrorism, piracy and illicit drug trade.

“I leave today for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the Kingdom of Thailand. These Official Visits form the final leg of my introductory trips to my colleagues and friends in ASEAN,” he said.

He noted that his visits are timely as the Philippines prepares to host the 30th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila this April.

Upon the invitation of the Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw, Duterte will first visit Myanmar from March 19 to 20 and is expected to have bilateral talks with the Myanmar President who will also host a

state banquet in honor of the visiting head of state.

“Myanmar is our ASEAN neighbor and friend with whom we’ve had relations for more than six decades now. My visit will underscore our commitment to deepen partnership with Myanmar towards a brighter and better future,” Duterte said.

He said bilateral trade and investment will be the key area of discussion since Myanmar’s economic development is recognized as one of the fastest in the region while the Philippines is expanding businesses with its neighboring countries.

Mutually beneficial sectors of growth such pharmaceuticals, food and beverages will also be discussed.

Duterte is also scheduled to meet with other high-ranking government officials in Myanmar including State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

From Myanmar, the President will proceed to Thailand for another official visit from March 20 to 22.

Duterte said he will be

holding a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to discuss strengthening defense relations, intensifying trade and investment, and enhancing education, cooperation, among others.

The Chief Executive is also scheduled to meet with several members of the corporate sector in Thailand to discuss economic opportunities in the Philippines.

The President will be meeting the Filipino community in both Myanmar and Thailand.

He said he will thank them for their support and apprise them of the significant developments happening in the country since he assumed the presidency.

Campaign vs corruption, drugs and criminalityPrior to his departure, the President answered several queries from the media on some pressing issues in the country today.

On the impeachment case filed against him, the President brushed off the issue saying that he would rather focus on performing his duties and complying with his promises to the people such as eradicating

corruption, illegal drugs and criminality.

“I welcome both developments. They can do their worst. I can do better in my performance as a worker in government, period. This is a democracy,” he said.

“I will deliver on my promises. Listen to me, even if it could cost me my life, my honor, and the presidency. Kaya kong bitawan lahat ‘yan, mawala sa akin, but I will comply with my promise,” he added.

He also said that there will be improvement in the area of law and order warning drug lords and criminals to stop their illegal activities once and for all to avoid having trouble with the government.

The President’s official delegation includes acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director Isidro Lapeña, and Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Vicente Sotto III. (PNA)

growth rate at 6.0 to 7.0 percent.

In 2016, SCG Philippines’ revenue grew by 10 percent to around P10 billion.

In the same year, the Thai company invested some P60 million here to boost the production capacity of its ceramic subsidiary Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. Aside from Mariwasa, SCG’s subsidiaries here include United Pulp and Paper

Company Inc., SCG Trading Philippines Inc., Green Siam Resources Inc., Green Alternative Technology Specialist Inc., SCG Marketing Philippines Inc., and CPAC Monier Philippines Inc. Burnawit added that SCG has introduced new products for sustainable infrastructure in the Philippine market.

These new products include SCG Portland Cement, a fiber cement which is a new

trend for sustainable construction, and is used in international infrastructure such as Kizuna Bridge in Cambodia, Luang Prabang Airport in Laos, Sakura Tower in Myanmar, and Dusit Thani Hotel; SCG Smartwood, a fiber cement wood substitutes, which is more durable and less prone to shrinkage, warping, and bending; and SCG Smartboard, which is used for walls and floors. (PNA)

SCG optimistic in PH operation with robust GDP

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HAI firm Siam Cement Group (SCG) is optimistic in its business operations in the Philippines with the country’s robust economic growth and construction sector.

SCG Philippines Country Director Phaskorn Buranawit told reporters that the company’s projected growth for the next three years is the same with forecasted gross domestic product (GDP)

nstitutional, governance problems According to the MinDA website, the DGB, as one of three pilot areas for the ASEAN RORO Network Initiative, was initially pushed in 2012 by the private sectors in the three cities.

Policy restrictions in Indonesia like Bitung Port’s status, however, hampered the launch. In 2014, the Indonesian Ministry of Trade officially identified Bitung Port as an international port, allowing entry of food and beverages, electronics and garments.

Montenegro told MindaNews the problem has been addressed by greater private and public sector coordination.

Under the ASEAN Single Aviation Market, BIMP-EAGA is pushing for the revival of air connectivity within its focus areas to increase not only tourism arrivals but also trade activity within and beyond the sub-region.

Various airlines have previously serviced the route such as Bouraq Airlines (2002), Merpati Nusantara (2005) and Sriwijaya airlines (2006), which have ceased operations due in part to the companies’ financial and operational losses, according to the MinDA website.

There were on and off availability of chartered flights after the suspension of regular flights.

Two of the players included Mid Sea Express, an Indonesian air carrier and Wings Air, a subsidiary of the Indone-

sian carrier’s Lion Air. In his April 2016 dissertation titled “Trade Governance Model in the BIMP EAGA,” Soehardi, an Indonesian doctorate student at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City, found that connectivity management in transport infrastructure is an important consideration among traders.

“The current condition of BIMP EAGA trade governance is marred with institutional and governance problems,” he wrote in his conclusion.

He added that it created difficulties and cumbersome engagements with small and medium traders in BIMP-EAGA corridors.

He identified six attributes with “availability of ships/ planes as the major indicator.”

The others include sufficient cargo ships and airplanes to ferry goods from one country to another and that a sufficiently equipped port of entry as a good indicator of trade governance.

No connectivity, no tourists Retired government employee Virna Gomez of Davao City said that as a traveler she looks for destinations that do not only have commercial appeal.

“There are also those who look for historical and cultural purposes. This is the kind that we can see in Indonesia, for example,” she said.

For her, the idea of connecting Davao and General

FRORO, 13

APEC business council wants liberalization more inclusive

A

SIA Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has called for more inclusive trade liberalization that will contribute to economic and social development among countries in the Asia Pacific region.

ABAC Philippines Chair Tomas Alcantara said more than communicating the benefits of pursuing open trade, impacts of this global development must be broadly felt by stakeholders.

“The legitimate objectives of globalization, namely dismantling barriers to trade thereby allowing consumers access to better and cheaper products and services are laudable. But an equally important objective of globalization must center on enabling a more socially inclusive growth and development,” said Alcantara.

“We in business must work with our governments to develop policies that support continuing worker skill development and greater access to technology that enable for example, our MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enteprises) to produce competitive prod-

ucts and services and profitably offer them to established value chains and bigger markets,” he added.

ABAC also welcomed the entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) under the World Trade Organization (WTO), which will further facilitate movements of goods and reduce costs of trade.

“Anything that facilitates trade and makes it less costly is certainly a welcome development. Consumers will benefit from more diverse, cheaper, and better quality goods,” said Alcantara.

After two-thirds of WTO members ratified the TFA, the new trade pact became effective last month.

The TFA is projected to reduce global trade cost by an average of 14.3 percent, while adding 2.7 percent annually to exports growth.

“Most importantly, the TFA should offer great opportunities especially for small firms and those from developing economies, to expand their participation in global markets by reducing red tape, costs and technical barriers to trade,” the ABAC Philippines head noted.

(PNA)

7 SUBURBIA

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

Security measures up for DAVRAA 2017 S

ECURITY preparations for the 2017 DAVRAA sports event that is expected to see the attendance of more than 7,000 athletes and participants is all set.

DAVRAA 2017 is scheduled March 19 to 24 in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The events and facilitating committees together with the security committee on Saturday assured the public that security forces are intact.

Tight and strengthened security measures will be enforced during the week-long DAVRAA sports event, the committees pointed out.

The over-all security of the event is headed by Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (DOPPPO) Provincial Director PSSUPT Harry Espela.

While the police secure the urban areas, the military will concentrate in the outskirts of the city as part of the committee’s tightened secu-

rity measures and enhanced monitoring.

Troops from the military will also complement police personnel at the checkpoints.

The Philippine Coast Guard, on the other hand, will patrol coasts and seas surrounding the city.

“The security measures were already in place since March 13, 2017. Security personnel have already been deployed in all playing venues and billeting areas,” said retired army Major Hermie Montelebano, a member of the Security Committee.

Spectators who attended the opening program on Sunday, March 19 at the Mati Centennial Sports Complex were advised not to carry backpacks.

Other measure included in the security plan is to tap Civil Disturbance Management (CDM), Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), Explo-

sive Ordnance Disposal Team using K9 units, the Quick Reaction Team and the emergency medical teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Ready for any emergency, medical teams are on standby in all playing venues. Nurses from the Department of Edu-

cation will lead the emergency team consisting of personnel from the Red Cross, members of the Davao Oriental Rescuers and Monitoring, Inc., and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, among many others.

Charliemagne Bagasol, operations officer and member

WORLD-RENOWNED malacologist and biogeographer, with expertise in Southeast Asian malacofauna, Dr. Thomas von Rintelen of the Natural History Museum in Berlin, Germany will arrive in Butuan City to give a talk on the existing knowledge of the distribution of freshwater snails and shrimps in the Caraga region

and Mindanao.

The lecture-seminar on “Biodiversity and Origin of Southeast Asian Freshwater Snails and Shrimps” which is set on April 3, 2017 at the Audio Visual Room (AVR) 2 of the Department of Agriculture in Caraga region will be spearheaded by Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) Biodiversity Infor-

matics and Research Center (BIRC).

“As an institution concerned with the protection of the environment and an advocate for social transformation, we also intend to hold the activity to provide a venue for discussions on significant social issues about the freshwater snails and shrimps present in the

region,“ said Dr. Marites Sanguila, BIRC coordinator and professor.

No registration fee will be collected. “You may contact Elsie Perez at 085-342-1830 local 4022 for queries about the activity or send an email biodiversity@urios.edu.ph.

We are expecting for your active participation,” added Sanguila. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

clashed with fleeing elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the village of Pidsandawan at about 3 a.m.

Outnumbered, the BIFF dispersed and fled toward the Liguasan marshland, leaving behind five firearms, Encinas said.

Firearms recovered were a Garand rifle, Carbine rifle, M-79 grenade launcher and

two 12-gauge shot guns and bomb making devices.

Last week, the Army launched air and ground assaults in the villages of Tee and Andavit, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao after BIFF Commander Bungos and a Jemaah Islamiya senior leader were sighted.

Rajah Buayan town is adjacent to Datu Salibo within the vicinity of the 220,000

hectares Liguasan marsh.

Encinas said the focused military operations left at least 10 BIFF killed, including a suspected foreign terrorists whose identity is still being validated.

Encinas said information from villagers and troops on the ground said the BIFF immediately buried their fallen comrades a day after the offensives. (PNA)

of the medical and emergency response committee said that an advanced medical post at the city health office will operate 24 hours for 8 days.

The post, he added, will address minor emergencies while patients with critical cases will be rushed to the nearest hospitals.

Meanwhile, an Incident Command Post (ICP) has already been activated manned

by Engr. Edwin Barrera, head of communications services committee.

Barrera said the establishment of the structure of incident command system will not only ensure the security and safety of the more than 7,000 delegates but will also help secure the entire population of the Mati City.

The incident command system, he added, is a management system designed to execute effective incident management should an incident occur.

Through the combined efforts of various personnel from concerned departments and agencies, the Incident Command System will ensure that the key and urgent concerns associated with an incident will be addressed. (Karen Lou Deloso/PIO DavOr)

Asian malacofauna expert to visit Butuan Local leaders, NGO tie up for peace in NorCot A Army recovers BIFF guns after brief clash in Maguindanao

S

OLDIERS serving as blocking force of military offensives against outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao clashed Saturday with the lawless elements in Rajah Buayan town, the Army reported on Sunday.

Capt. Arvin John Encinas, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion

SITE VISIT. Officials from the local government of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur visit the Nuevo Iloco Farm to Market Road in Mawab town, one of the subprojects of the Philippine Rural Development in Compostela Valley, a province known for its best practices in the PRDP implementation in Davao region.

(PPDO/IDS ComVal)

L

OCAL leaders in North Cotabato and a non-government organization (NGO) have partnered to push for peace in communities rocked by armed hostilities in the area.

Local and provincial leaders in North Cotabato and officials of Balay Mindanao Foundation, Incorporated, an NGO based in Cagayan de Oro City, gathered in Aleosan town late last week to commence dialogues to achieve understanding and peace.

“Choose peace always, and in every opportunity that we have, we have to talk and listen to each other, and make peace as everyone’s business,” Ernesto Anasarias, founding director of Balay Mindanaw, told local leaders that include barangay, municipal and provincial officials.

Dubbed “Hisgutanay” (Visayan term for talks), the gathering was held at the rooftop of Aleosan Municipal Hall with North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza, Aleosan Mayor Vicente Sorupia and North Cotabato board member Rosalie Cabaya gracing the event.

Anasarias said “Hisgutanay” is focused on community peace conversation aimed to hear from barangay leaders and their issues and concerns on the peace process between the government and rebel groups.

Anasarias urged barangay chairpersons and council members to conduct dialogues to secure peace,

particularly in conflict-affected areas.

He stressed that dialogue “is always the best platform to listen to grievances and in looking for answers to end disputes.”

Anasarias said he is much aware and appreciative of the peace initiatives of the North Cotabato provincial government in settling land conflicts and “rido” (family feud).

“We wanted to reaffirm the efforts of the provincial leadership in terms of peace building and quest for genuine peace,” he added.

Mendoza emphasized the importance of consensus building among barangay leaders as a tool to address peace and conflict issues.

“We have to build common trust through dialogues as we listen to each other’s sentiments,” she said.

Clan wars and land dispute involving local residents have affected the peace and development of remote places like Barangays Tapudok, Pagangan, Bagolibas, Lawili and Dungguan.

Anasarias urged residents to work together in the quest for peace even though they have different views for the sake of the communities.

Rochelle Y. Mordeno, executive director of Balay Mindanaw, said the barangay and grassroots leaders must be actively involved to achieve sustainable peace in the community. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

8 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

EDITORIAL

S

How to avoid impeachment

HE asked for a reason why and a basis for her to be impeached.

For the benefit of the doubt, let’s just say Vice President Leni Robredo does not know the meaning of betrayal of public trust.

Many people now believe that the problem with the Vice President is she opens her mouth apparently without thinking and reviewing. So whatever is fed to her, she swallows it without masticating.

When she did that video purposively for a foreign audience, she clearly did not bother to check the facts and just read the script and tried to look good before the camera.

But there’s not a drama to that. She had the chance to edit, delete and re-shoot the video. She can do another take and correct the wrong parts after many had called her attention to it after the same has been posted on social media.

Did she bother? Not again.

She took it hook, line and sinker.

EDGEDAVAO

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ANTONIO M. AJERO Editor in Chief

NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO Managing Editor

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That’s the problem when you have a leader who is not thinking.

Or even listening.

Look, what do you call it when somebody backbites her own country, and her own government before the international community?

Let’s put it simply. What do you call it when a woman tells her neighbor how bad her husband and her household is?

VP Robredo had already embraced the confines of betrayal before she even realizes it.

House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez said he is looking at the possibility of filing impeachment complaints against Robredo for betrayal of public trust.

Senate President Aquilino “Koko” L. Pimentel III likewise said there is a greater likelihood that Robredo would get impeached noting it takes only the signatures of 100 congressmen to bring any impeachment complaint straight to the Senate and begin a trial.

VP Robredo asked for it, she will most likely get what she deserves.

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EDGEDAVAO

N

OT too far away from Ateneo de Davao is a street that carries the name Padre Faura, which is familiar to people visiting the Roxas Night Market (which the terrorists bombed on September 2, 2016).

It’s the street that passes by a hotel owned by a labor union. As to who adopted the name, for what reason, and who inspired its espousal, there’s no clear identification.

Two clues, however, provide inspiration how the street name could have come about. First, Fr. Federico Faura (1840-1897), the founder of the Observatorio Meteorologico de Manila (Manila Observatory) who pioneered the study of earthquakes in the country, was a Jesuit. And second, the street that bears his name is just a stone’s throw from Ateneo de Davao, a Jesuit university.

Who is Padre Faura? Born in Artes, Barcelona, Spain, on December 30, 1840, he entered the Society of Jesuits (SJ) on December 16, 1859 and was later sent to the country on October 20, 1866, to teach at the Ateneo Municipal in Manila. Six years later, he returned to Spain for his theological studies and ordination as priest but was back in the Philippines in August 1878.

Actually, the initiator of the Manila Observatory was Fr. Francisco Colina, SJ, who commenced scientific work and was the institution’s first director.

W

ithout water, there is no thing as life. Because water is life in itself. As such, blue has become the new green!

On March 22 – the day our editor-in-chief Antonio M. Ajero was born!

– the Philippines will celebrate the World Water Day. This international event was designated by the United Nations General Assembly. It is held annually “to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and to promote the sustainable management of freshwater resources.”

It has been 24 years since the first celebration was held on March 22, 1993. Since then, the celebration highlights a specific aspect of freshwater or corresponds to a current or future challenge.

In the Philippines, the celebration lasts for at least one week by virtue of Executive Order No. 258 issued in 1996, adopting the Philippine Water Week.

This year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) leads a week-long effort to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining reliable and effective treatment of wastewater, which has the potential to be an incredibly valuable resource. This year’s theme is “Water and Wastewater.”

According to Nonita Caguioa, the environment assistant secretary for staff bureaus, the theme aims to high-

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

VANTAGE POINTS

The street known as Padre Faura

But it was Fr. Faura who is honored as founder, according to priest-scientist Fr. Saderra Maso, SJ, due to four reasons.

First, due to Fr. Faura’s enduring influence in his work at the Observatory; second, for being the first to predict typhoons in the Philippines and the Far East; third, for exerting effort in having the observatory recognized as a public utility; and for being instrumental in making MO, as the institution is fondly called, an official state weather service.

Fr. Faura’s first storm forecast took place a year after returning to the Philippines. On July 7, 1879, he predicted a typhoon would pass over northern Luzon, accurately calculating its existence, duration, and course.

It was the first time a storm was foretold. His second prediction, however, was earlier by two days before the typhoon made its landfall.

Manila Nostalgia, in its 2015 online post, said: “These successful predictions aroused the interests of a number of merchants of the city, who subscribed money to enable him to continue his valuable work on a larger scale. In 1880, when cable connections between Hong Kong and Manila were established, the merchants of the former colony requested that [his] prediction be sent to them, and their request was… granted. For some time the Jesuit meteorologist

FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa had been working on a barometer… specially designed to foretell the approach of baguíos.”

In 1886, two years after the MO became the official weather bureau of the colonial administration, the priest-scientist, who also a teacher of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Ateneo Municipal, invented the ‘Faura barometer,’ which became an indispensable weather instrument for sailors and navigators passing the Philippine Sea and China Sea. He died on February 23, 1897, less than two months after he tearfully heard the shots that signaled the execution of Rizal from the Central Tower of the observatory, calling his friend’s death as a “great

mistake.”

Another fact that tightly links Ateneo de Davao to MO and Fr. Faura is Fr. Daniel J. McNamara, SJ, later the rector of the Davao Jesuit community, who was assigned at the local Jesuit university in 2010 as part of the congregation’s reshuffle. Before he was assigned in Davao City as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Fr. McNamara was a professor of the Department of Physics of Ateneo de Manila University and science director at the Manila Observatory.

A Doctor of Philosophy in Astro-Geophysics from the University of Colorado, USA, he is the lead investigator of the Philippine MAGDAS (Magnetic Data Acquisition System) Project, an initiative done in collaboration with the International Center for Space Weather Science and Education of Kyushu University. As a scientist, he supervises researches on ionosphere, magnetosphere, and the sun, and conducts studies on the applications of Clifford algebra in physics.

Elsewhere, at the Bankerohan Public Market area, another indisputable link to Manila Observatory is United States-trained Fr. Miguel Selga, SJ, the MO director from 1926 to 1945.

Accordingly, Fr. Selga already knew that, as a scientist, he would spend most of his time in Manila, now under American rule. To learn English and complete his Jesuit studies and as-

tronomical training, he went to the US and enrolled at the Lick Observatory in California, USA. When the first signs of World War I broke out, Fr. Selga was summoned to Manila in August 1915, a year before was to acquire American citizenship.

His new assignment was to replace Fr. Robert Brown, a Briton who was recalled to England, at the observatory.

Aside from being a lead scientist at the MO, he also taught Meteorology at the University of the Philippines (192427). His efficient administration was greatly recognized.

James J. Hennessey, in ‘The Manila Observatory’ (1960), published in Philippine Studies, wrote: “Under Father Selga as director the Observatory continued to enjoy great prestige and to contribute service of great practicality. This was in large measure due to the efficiency of [his] administration.

He was efficient despite innumerable outside calls on his time… He felt that his position demanded his very presence in times of catastrophe, when volcanic eruptions or earthquakes had caused panic. His presence, he believed, quieted fears and encouraged provincial officials in their work of salvage and reconstruction. This personal interest in everyone’s safety made him a familiar and popular figure.”

Such legacy, though, is forgotten outside the world of science and the academe.

ter covers 71% of the world’s total surface. This represents a volume of 1,400 million cubic kilometers, according to United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Unknowingly, 97.5% is too salty to be consumed or used for industrial or agricultural purposes. Fresh water represents 2.5% of the water total.

“Water is the most precious asset on Earth,” points out Sandra Postel, director of the Global Water Policy Project based in Amherst, Massachusetts.

“It is the basis of life.” She believes water problems will be right there with climate change as a threat to the human future.

“Although the two are related, water has no substitutes,” Postel says. “We can transition away from coal and oil to solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. But there is no transitioning away from water to something else.”

Without water, there is no food.

After all, 70% of global water use is accounted for by agriculture. About 20% goes to industry. And the remaining 10% is being used by households (for drinking, cooking, washing clothes, bathing, etc.).

The Philippines was one of the countries identified by a recent report released by World Resources Institute (WRI) to experience water stress. It is defined as “the ratio between total water withdrawals and available renew-

able surface water at a sub-catchment level.”

Of the 161 countries surveyed by the American think tank, the Philippines was ranked 57th under the “business-as-usual” scenario. The country got a score of 3.01 which, according to the study’s water stress threshold levels, is “high.” The ratio of withdrawals to available water is 40-80%.

The study went further, predicting the degree of water shortage for 3 specific sectors: industrial, domestic, and agricultural. Agriculture got the highest score of 3.26, followed by industrial sector (2.96) and domestic use (2.92). The last two sectors were classified under the “medium to high,” which means the ratio of withdrawals to available water is 20-40%.

While there is still enough water for every Filipinos these days, the water scarcity will be felt by 2040 -- that’s 25 years from now. “These country-level water stress projections are intended to provide useful information about potential future water situations that can help drive improved water management at the international scale,” notes the WRI study.

Water is fundamental for life and health. “The human right to water is indispensable for leading a healthy life in human dignity,” the UN Committee on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights said. “It is a pre-requisite to the realization of all other human rights.”

The new green

light the symbiosis between water and wastewater in the quest for sustainable development.

“Treated wastewater can act as a drought-resistant source of water especially for agriculture and industry, source of nutrients for agriculture, soil conditioner and source of energy or heat,” Caguioa said. “In effect, wastewater management is a key to poverty reduction for it sustains ecosystems services. It improves food security, health and ultimately the economy.”

If untreated, Caguioa pointed out, wastewater can cause environmental damage and serious health problems.

Wastewater contains a number of pollutants and contaminants such that when discharged to freshwater bodies and marine waters without being treated, can cause water pollution that is harmful to aquatic life. “When discharged on lands, wastewater can leach into underground water tables and potentially contaminate aquifers and underground water,” said a statement from the environment department.

Wastewater is also a big health issue as it carries and transports a myriad of diseases and illnesses. The World Health Organization reports that about 2.2 million people die each year worldwide from water-related diseases, mostly children in developing countries.

During his time, historian Thom-

THINK ON THESE!

Henrylito D. Tacio

as Fuller declared: “We only learn the value of a glass of water when the well runs dry.”

I am sure no one will debate with Fuller now (if someone did have when he was still alive). As Father Dave Domingues pointed out in his editorial in one of the issues of issue of World Mission: “(Fuller’s) statement captures, in a nutshell, the experience of many people in the world today who only value the simple things in life when they can no longer have them. And failure to value simple commodities, such as fresh water, usually leads us to a wasteful use of it – unconscious that water is life!”

Earth is a water world as wa-

9

10 NEWS

LUNHAW AWARDS ’17. Forester Martin Obrero (left), one of this year’s Lunhaw Awards judges, explains the ecological advantages of permeable pavements while discussing with Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) acting

WAR... FROM 1

Suara Bangsamoro told MindaNews that Duterte’s “all-out war policy and order of military airstrikes did just that — affected civilians, killed civilians including children.”

A year-old baby girl, Nurmayda Abbi, was killed in a military operation on March 8, in Barangay Tum-os, Tabuan Lasa, Basilan, purportedly to arrest Abu Sayyaf members with standing warrants.

The baby was hit on the right side of her head and “immediately died due to indiscriminate firing,” Suara Bangsamoro said. Bullets also hit the stomach of an 11-year old boy.

Suara Bangsamoro said the raid was done early in the morning, right after the Fajr prayer (pre-dawn prayer for Muslims), and targeted Hadji Billamin Hassan, identified by the military as a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with standing warrant for arson. Another resident, Nuruddin Musaddul Muhlis, 33, was also killed.

According to a report of Suara Bangsamoro, Hassan was not an Abu Sayyaf member. It said Hassan “shouted at the raiding team identifying himself as an MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front member) and informing them that children were hit and there were other casualties due to the indiscriminate firing.”

Karapatan in a statement said Hassan was a former Bayan Muna coordinator in Basilan and an MILF member “who advocated for peace and worked for the Bangsamoro Development Agency.”

Suara Bangsamoro quoted witnesses as saying Hassan was dragged toward the dock, hands tied behind his back, and his dead body found by relatives “in the military detachment in Brgy. Tabuk, Isabela City.”

A press release from WestMinCom dated March 8 but e-mailed to the media evening of March 9 mentioned nothing about civilian casualties. It said four “notorious” members of the Abu Sayyaf, “including the kin of top leader Isnilon Hapilon,” Ustadz Mobin Kulin, a.k.a Mulawin, were killed in the joint conduct of law enforcement operations of the Joint Task Force Basilan and the police in Basilan early morning on March 8.

ABS-CBN News quoted Galvez as saying the military was running after a certain Moblin Kulin alias Mulawin, an alleged Abu Sayyaf member who had a standing arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

He said Kulin was killed but troops failed to recover his remains.

Galvez, the report said, tagged Hassan as a member of Abu Sayyaf, but Hassan’s family denied this.

Hassan’s family, along with the relatives of other victims, filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on March 14.

Galvez apologized to the parents of the baby girl and the boy. “We are deeply sorry for the loss of the child, that is why we apologize to the family. We will assist the other child in the medication in the hospital,” Zamboanga Today Online quoted him as saying.

Galvez visited the boy at the hospital and vowed to cooperate with the CHR in its investigation.

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay, said, “sorry doesn’t cut it.”

provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and North Cotabato, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

Castro acknowledged that

there are still numerous drug supplies proliferating in the region as seen with the emergence of the new drug groups.

But he assured that the agency and the Philippine National Police are determined to

No solution Karapatan said the baby was “the first child killed under the Duterte regime” during military operations.

Palabay said soldiers involved

PDEA-12... FROM 2

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

Pres... FROM 2

executive director Chinkie Peliño-Golle the recent 5th Lunhaw Awards held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel last Friday. Obrero and Golle were among the guests of yesterday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at the Annex of SM City Davao. Lean Daval Jr.

in the March 8 incident should be “prosecuted and punished.”

Drieza Liningding, executive director of the Marawi City-based Moro Consensus Gorup told MindaNews on Sunday that they welcome the President’s statement and “hope government agents conducting operations will respect basic human rights.”

But Liningding, an avid supporter of Duterte, maintains “the military option will never work.”

Liningding on March 14 posted a statement addressed to Duterte a day after the air strikes against alleged members of the BIFF in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao that awakened residents at 2 a.m. and forced them to flee. “Mr. President,” Liningding wrote, “you of all people should know that military solution will never work in the Bangsamoro. It will only worsen the situation and produce more extremists from our ranks.”

“There is a solution that is more effective and that is the shift to federalism,” he said.

According to Lidasan, Duterte “should listen more to the reports of human rights organizations than his bloodthirsty security advisers and Defense Chief.”

She said more civilians will be affected and more cases of human rights violations will be filed against his military and police if Duterte does not lift his “militaristic policy” in dealing with the Moro.

The Duterte administration is attending to the implementation of peace agreements with two Moro revolutionary groups — the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF. “All-out war”

Duterte in a midnight press conference after a joint command conference in Malacanang on January 29-30 ordered “full press operations” against the terrorist groups.

Asked in the same press conference if they were waging an “all-out war” against terrorists, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana replied, “you can say it is an all out war” noting that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and 40 of his people from Basilan were reportedly with the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur “with the intention of organizing the ISIS-connected group.”

In a statement on January 31, Lorenzana urged the public to cooperate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “to avoid any untoward incident or injury” as he declared the “all-out operations” against terrorists in Mindanao “in full swing.”

He said the AFP “will use its ground, air and sea assets against our enemies and leave them no room for escape.”

Duterte is the fifth President since Fidel Ramos to attempt to crush the Abu Sayyaf and the second President to attempt to deal with the BIFF and Maute Group.

Before his January 2017 order to go after the terrorists, Duterte in late August ordered the military and police to “seek out the Abu Sayyaf and destroy them.”

“Seek them out in their lairs and destroy them… Ang mga Abu Sayyaf destroy them, period,” he said in a midnight press conference on August 24-25, hours after the Abu Sayyaf was reported to have beheaded an 18-year old male resident of Sulu. The son of a court stenographer was kidnapped by the terrorist group on July 16. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

expose and eventually dismantle these groups.

He said they have been closely coordinating their operations with local police units, which had resumed their anti-drug campaigns after a brief

break to give way to the PNP’s “internal cleansing.”

Since Castro assumed as regional director last Jan. 17, PDEA-12 has already netted around PHP4 million worth of illegal drugs, mostly shabu. (PNA)

country? Fine. Basta let it be said na hindi ko binigay ang ipinangako ko. Ganun lang ang buhay (that I did do what I promise. That’s life),” he said.

Last March 16, Alejano filed the impeachment complaint against Duterte on the following grounds; culpably violating the Constitution; engaging in bribery; betraying the public trust; and committing graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

Duterte said there’s no let up in campaign on drugs for as long as the drug addicts will not give up on drugs and there are erring Filipinos who do not understand the role of government.

“Kaya (That’s why) drop the shabu if you want to be alive. If you don’t want to be in trouble with government, stop trafficking. I will not be for a moment, be out of focus on that,” he said.

Duterte denying having any involvement in the calls to impeach the Vice President Leni Robredo and insisted he is already “beyond politics” to

do anything of that sort.

“Never didanything and I will not do anything about it.

Magtanong kayo kugn sino pagtanungan ninyo. I never lifted a finger against any body. Tapos ako nyan. I’m beyond politics…. I do not want to tinker with it. I just want to focus on my job as a — which you have given me.”

I just want to focus on my job which you have given me,” he said.

He said he will not be surprised but will not speculate either whether Robredo had anything to do with the impeachment complaint against him.

“I will not be surprised if she is there or I will not also speculate if she is not there.

Kasi hindi ako nakikialaam sa buhay nya. Sana ‘wag nyang pakialaman ang akin but sa trabaho okay lang. Wala yan sa akig impeachment. I got by the rules of destiny… what gave me the Presidency was pure destiny,” he said. (Antonio L. Colina IV/ MindaNews)

ernment troops were recorded, de la Vega said.

De la Vega said that government troops also recovered five improvised explosive devices (IED) and numerous bomb-making components during the offensive operation.

The recovery from the area of manuals for IED-making indicate that the slain terrorists are giving instructions on how to assemble explosive devices and launch bomb attacks, he said.

The official said the military offensives were directed against the group of Muhammad Ali Bin Abdulrahman, alias Muawiyah, a foreign terrorist; Salahuddin Hassan, a local terrorist and bomber trained by the latter; and Esmael Abdulmalik, alias Abu Toraype, the Dawlah Islamiyah Maguindanao founder and a BIFF brigade commander.

“Validations are being made on the ground on persistent reports that these terrorist (leaders) were killed

in the well-planned, well-coordinated and well-executed massive air and ground operations,” de la Vega said.

He said those killed in the military operations were also “cohorts” of slain Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, who was killed by members of the elite Special Action Forces of the Philippine National Police in January 2016 in Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) commander, said the deliberate military operations delivered a “crippling blow” against foreign and local terrorists holed-up in some parts of Central Mindanao.

“With the recent successful operations, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) has dealt a severe blow on the reported ISIS cell in Central Mindanao. We are also confident that their bomb making capability was seriously degraded if not negated,” Galvez said. (PNA)

shop, Kisan Lu’s Amiya Resorts and Residences and SM Lanang Premier.

This year’s winners and special awardees were carefully chosen after three days of ground validation by a panel of judges composed of natural farming and businessman Andry Lim, architect Ronnie Uy, and Forester Martin Obrero.

Lunhaw Awards is an annual multi-sectoral award-giving body organized by the city Agriculturist’s Office (CAO), City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), Davao City Water District (DCWD) and the Interface Development Interventions (IDIS).

of preliminary feasibility studies for the proposed Davao City Expressway and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges Project through an exchange of letters after last Friday’s meeting between Philippine and Chinese officials at the Marco Polo Davao Hotel.

Secretary Ernesto Pernia of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Minister Fu also signed the

Six-Year Development Program (SYDP) that “aims to steer and promote the stable and orderly development of economic cooperation between the two countries.”

The SYDP also aims to “enlarge the scope and enhance the level of cooperation between, and drive sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in, the two countries,” according to the DOF. (PR)

21 BIFF... FROM 2

Davao... FROM 4

China... FROM 5

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Rediscovering Davao Oriental:

MATI CITY LAST WEEK, I was invited to one of the biggest tourism events in Davao Region, the Visit Davao Fun Sale. As it celebrates its 4th year, we were thrilled to get to experience Davao Oriental in a different way than I normally would.

This time, we stayed in the city for a longer time before heading to the blue waters of Dahican to enjoy some sea and sand time.

TOP: Christine Joice Cudis and me being touristy with the iconic Sleeping Dinosaur. Best time to take photos is during the late morning around 12 noon when the sun is high and shining on the water.

CENTER: My favorite display in the Subangan Museum is DavOr the sperm whale who was beached on the shores of Gov. Generoso back in June 2010. The story of how DavOr ended up in the museum is an amazing one.

Worth a trip to check this out personally. Photo by Christine Joice Cudis BOTTOM: Another favorite display of mine inside the museum is the different wood species found in Davao Oriental. Quite interesting especially if you’re curious about trees and the wood industry.

Photo by Christine Joice Cudis

The Sleeping Dinosaur You know you’re near Mati City if you’re on the zigzag roads in the hilly Brgy. Badas. This is also where you can find the iconic set of hills positioned like a Sleeping Dinosaur. There is a little stopover that has a shed and concrete slabs where you can take photos with the Dino behind you.

Despite passing by this more times than I can count, I always take a photo whenever I bring first timers to the area. Like a wave, each photo I take is always different. Sometimes the Dino is brown when it’s summer season but since it’s been raining, the Dino is well-watered so it’s bright green.

It was almost noontime when we arrived so the light was shining perfectly on the ocean. The bright blue hues could clearly be seen from where we were. Always such a beautiful sight for me.

Mati City Cheap and delicious food – these are things that I make me go back to Mati City. A trip to will never be complete without a taste of Seaside Restaurant’s empanadas. It’s amusing how pasalubong from Mati City always translates to a box of freshly cooked emapanadas.

Located conveniently on Quezon Street (a few meters away from the city’s bay walk) where I fondly call Mati’s food capital

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Coca-Cola Celebrates Women’s Month

By BAI FAUZIAH FATIMA SINSUAT AMBOLODTO Photos by LEAN DAVAL JR. COCA-COLA PHILIPPINES celebrates Women’s Month with over 5,000 women micro-entrepreneurs at the University of Southeastern Philippines Grounds.

Aside from the festivities, a parallel event at the Marco Polo Hotel Ballroom took place – MOU Signing of CocaCola Philippines and the Congressional Spouses Fondation, Inc. “The Coca-Cola System globally supports the celebration of the International Women’s Day. As an organization, we will continue to help empower women both inside and outside our Company.” Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo emphasised.

Headed by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and in the roster of activities for the 80th Araw ng Dabaw, the event’s theme “We Make Change Work for Women Micro-Retailers” highlights the impact of Coca-Cola in helping women achieve success in the field of business.

The daylong event included a number of Entrep Booth activities and program that included a series of exciting raffle, entertainment and messages from Coca-Cola and government heads.

Philippine Commission on Women Commissioner Dr. Rowena Burden gave a beautiful Women’s Month Celebration

message. Tagum City Council of Women, Inc President Mrs Alma Uy also gave an inspiring message to the delight of everyone.

In behalf of our beloved Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, TESDA Director-General / Secretary Guiling “Gene” Mamondiong read the message

that had everyone in attendance hyped, inspired and motivated.

Coca-Cola targets empowering 200,000 Filipino women micro-entrepreneurs by the year 2020. This is through the Coca-Cola 5by20 Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program.

This year, the Company aims

to help 40,000 women achieve business success -- reiterating their global commitment to the economic empowerment of women.

Coca-Cola Philippines 5by20 Lead and Sustainability Manager Gilda Maquilan emphasized, “Coca-Cola is helping women micro-entrepreneurs by setting up partnerships, particularly with government agencies and micro finance institutions that would help them overcome bar-

EDGE DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

riers and challenges in achieving business success.”

“This year, as we are celebrating Women’s Month, we are doubling our efforts to bring the STAR Program to more women micro-entrepreneurs”, CocaCola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs Atty. Adel Tamano said.

5by20 aims to empower 5 million women within its val-

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AirAsia partners with VDFS 2017 Launches direct flights to Cebu, Caticlan, Clark and Puerto Princesa

By KENNETH IRVING ONG AIRASIA SIGNED ITS SUPPORT FOR THE VISIT DAVAO FUN SALE (VDFS) 2017 last March 9 in simple ceremonies. Present for the contract signing were AirAsia’s CEO Captain Dexter Comendador joined

by Department of Tourism XI regional director Roberto Alabado III, and Visit Davao Fun Sale Execom chair Benjamin Lizada.

“AirAsia has supported the Visit Davao Fun Sale since it was first launched and now on its 4th year, we are adding more routes to Davao,” said Capt. Comendador in his welcome address.

The world’s best low cost carrier for eight consecutive years also launched its new desti-

nations across the Philippines for the summer season with flights from Davao to Clark, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay/ Caticlan starting on April 22.

NOW SHOWING

March 20 – 21, 2017

LOGAN Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R16

1:15 | 4:05 | 6:55 | 9:45 LFS

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Emma Watson, Dan Stevens Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

G

11:20 | 2:00 | 4:40 | 7:20 | 10:00 LFS

GET OUT Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

R13

11:45 | 1:45 | 3:45 | 5:45 | 7:45 | 9:45 LFS

KONG: SKULL ISLAND Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson Guaranteed Seating & One Time Viewing Only

PG

12:00 | 2:30 | 5:00 | 7:30 | 10:00 LFS

“Davao is an important gateway to Mindanao and we are thrilled to bring Davao much closer to Northern Luzon via Clark, to Visayas via Cebu and to the best

Coca-Cola A2

ue chain by 2020. To date, it has impacted the lives of over 80,000 women nationwide.

More so, women micro-entrepreneurs will undergo mentoring from the Kapatid Program of the Department of Trade and Industry and the civic group of GoNegosyo.

The Women’s Month activity was supported

by Davao City government leaders, TESDA, PCW, DOLE, DTI, Congressional Spouses Foundation, GoNegosyo, Tagum City Council of Women, First Community Cooperative and the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners. Also in support were Procter & Gamble, Unilever and Suy Sing Commercial Corporation (leading one-stop grocery distribution company in the Philippines).

STAR Program has 300 accredited facilitators teaching and training women retailers to become better entrepreneurs.

The program is implemented in over 47 locations nationwide and has reached more than 80,000 women.

island destinations Boracay and Palawan” said Comendador AirAsia will fly from Davao to Cebu two times a day, to Boracay daily, to Palawan at three times

weekly, and to Clark at four times weekly.

“We feel strongly about supporting the growth and development of cities outside Metro Manila by providing

more options and added convenience for travelers to fly to their desired destinations without going to the main airport in Manila.” Comendador added.

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because this is the street where almost all the must-try food establishments are located. You can buy an empanada for Php10 a piece and Php160 for 15 pieces.

A few notable stops aside from Seaside Restaurant is Ciangi’s, Chika Deli and Paseo where lot of little food stalls to choose from: great desserts like homemade mango float for Php25, fruit shakes at Php35 and more. I’ll have to dedicate

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

another separate story about food in Mati City because there’s just a lot of delicious cheap thrills you can find in just one area.

Subangan Museum It was my second time to be here. I love visiting museums because there’s just so much to learn about every place. You can never stop learning and it’s always refreshingly fun to do so.

There’s a saying that you never learn the same things from reading a

The mandatory group shot outside the museum. I love how the interior and exterior was designed, clearly good for photo taking, I must say. book twice. I thought I won’t learn anything new in the museum because I’ve been here. I learned that Subangan actually means east in Mandaya (this is a rough translation, I hope I heard it right).

Turns out that there were a few new additions to the place, like the Typhoon Pablo display where you could see phoI love that the museum really had authentic tribal outfits that you can tos from different places try on when you visit. Here is Christine Joice Cudis trying her best to look in Davao Oriental that the part.

were hit by the typhoon.

There was also a video inside this room where a compilation of all that had happened can be watched. This display is found at the ground floor just beside the entrance.

The doors to the Typhoon Pablo display is quite noticeable because of its intricate wooden design.

Actually, all of the museum is designed so thoughtfully. A beautiful combination of art and

great taste in design, I must say. I’m no architect but my sister is so maybe that gives me a little eye for design.

We also got to try on Davao Oriental native tribal outfits. The museum had an assortment of outfits with different sizes so each person can get a feel of wearing tribal clothing.

Subangan Museum is located along the highway leading to Dahican if

you’re coming from Mati city. The entrance fees are P100 for foreign nationals, P50 for locals, P30 for residents, P20 for senior citizens and students outside Davao Oriental and P10 for students and children within Davao Oriental.

Next week, I’ll talk about our trip further up to Pusan Point and Aliwagwag Falls. Visit my blog: www.millennialmermaid.com for more photos and stories!

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Carlos Palanca Awards issues call for entries

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HE Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. has announced its call for entries to the 67th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. This year’s competition is also accepting submissions to the Novel and Nobela categories, which are offered only every two years.

Established in 1950 in honor of Don Carlos Palanca Sr., the Palanca Awards aims to continue developing Philippine literature by providing incentives to writers and serve as a repository of our literary treasures for generations to come.

The regular categories for this year are as follows: Novel and Nobela categories English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, Oneact Play, and Full-length Play;] Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula; Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.

Young writers below 18 years old may also begin crafting their entries to the Kabataan Division with the theme “How can the youth contribute to building interest in Philippine culture and literature?”

(Kabataan Essay) and “Paano makaaambag ang mga kabataan sa pag-

sulong ng interes sa kultura at panitikang Pilipino?” (Kabataan Sanaysay).

The contest is open to all Filipino or former Filipino citizens of all ages, except current directors, officers, and employees of the Palanca Foundation.

Published/produced works, which were first published or first produced between 01 May 2016 to 30 April 2017, and/or unpublished/ unproduced works may be entered in the contest. Contestants may submit only one entry per category. The deadline of submission is on April 30, 2017.

For official contest rules and forms, visit the Palanca Foundation offices at Unit 603, 6th Floor Park Trade Centre Bldg., 1716 Investment Drive, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City or at Unit 3G, OPL Bldg., 100 C. Palanca St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, or download from the CPMA website <www.palancaawards.com.ph>.

Winners will be awarded at a special ceremony to be held on September 1, 2017. For inquiries and other concerns, participants may contact the CPMA Administrator Ms. Leslie Layoso through email at cpawards@palancaawards. com.ph or at (632) 5110003 / +639108878552.

(PR)

SME cross border business matching launched in PH C

HINA’S Vice Premier Wang Yang and Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez launched the SME cross border business matching forum last March 18 at the Manila Hotel.

The forum was aimed to reinvigorate the Philippine-China commercial ties.

The move will also solidify and operationalize the Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed during the visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Beijing last October 2016, The cross border business matching was also facilitated in partnership with the Bank of China (BOC), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the International Chamber of Com-

merce of the Philippines (ICCP).

Sec. Lopez and Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Yang personally graced the event to underscore both governments’ strong support for SME development initiatives and for the renewed commercial engagements between the two countries.

The business matching sessions brought together more than 600 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Philippines and China representing industries such as agriculture, fisheries, food processing, furniture, tourism, real estate, construction, construction equipment and building materials, iron and steel, e-commerce and information technology, textiles and garments. (PR)

Smart maintains growth in mobile data business

S

MART Communications has sustained its growth in mobile data business as it posted revenues amounting to P25.5 billion in 2016, increasing by 26 percent from the previous year’s P20.2 billion.

Its mobile revenues rose by 42 percent year on year to P17 billion.

The telco company has been meeting the demands of its subscribers for data services due to availability of more smartphones, data offers bundled with popular digital content and services, and upgrade on its mobile network.

“The shift to data and digital services continues to gain momentum. With access to PLDT’s extensive fixed line

network, Smart is rolling out the country’s fastest mobile Internet network to address the growing demand of our subscribers for data services at home, their schools and offices and while on the go,” Eric R. Alberto, PLDT executive vice president and chief revenue officer said in a statement.

Smart has heightened its expansion of LTE and 3G data networks within three years through utilizing lowband frequencies such as 700 megahertz (MHz) for high speed LTE services.

The network rollout program has been completed in Metro Davao where subscribers now consistently enjoy average data download speeds of over 20 megabits per second (Mbps). The LTE

post-harvest and processing equipment, hatcheries and nurseries.

He added that deployment is the main approach to address concerns on natural resources like watersheds, inland water bodies, coastal areas and coral reefs with sufficient “extension” services.

Moreover, Carlos explained that technology transfer by extension is the most dominant pathway for most PCAARRD funded technologies since its major components are knowledge-based tools and cultural management practices rather than readily marketable technology inputs or products.

Carlos stressed that extension pathway is the most effective and efficient technology delivery system where the modalities encompass training, or-

ganizing, technical assistance, critical input subsidies for science and technology (S&T) based enterprise development, process documentation and sustainability planning.

For the commercialization pathway, Carlos, explained the establishment of a one-stop hub for technology owners and generators, investors, end-users and other stakeholders to facilitate the commercialization of technologies in the AANR sector.

He mentioned the ongoing construction of the Innovation and Technology Center, where the media conference was conducted, to become the one-stop hub and the knowledge hub of the agency in compliance to Philippine Technology transfer Act of 2009 (Republic Act 10055). (PNA)

upgrade is now underway in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, where improvements in data speeds are being experienced in areas where new LTE facilities have already been installed.

Higher data speeds of 80 to 90 Mbps have been registered in selected areas where LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) facilities have been activated.

LTE-A can deliver higher data rates by combining two or more frequency bands using carrier aggregation technology.

“Our LTE roll-out highlights the opportunity for people to experience significantly much better internet service by shifting to LTE smartphones, particularly those devices that use the 700 Mhz

frequency,” Alberto stated.

Meanwhile, the mobile data usage of Smart subscribers improved to 148,000 terabytes last year, 49 percent higher than the 2015 figure.

Alberto also said the rise in mobile data traffic highlights the popularity of data usage as well as the potential to grow mobile data revenues particularly mobile Internet.

Data revenues accounted for a third of the wireless business’ revenue mix last year, from only a quarter in 2015, as it edged out voice calls and text messaging as the largest revenue source for the wireless business for the first time.

About half of Smart’s 63 million subscribers already own smartphones by end of 2016. (PNA)

DOST-PCAARRD redefines technology transfer in agri-aqua sector PhilHealth interactive voice

D

EPLOYMENT, extension and commercialization are the strategies embarked by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) for the Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (AANR) sector, according to an official.

Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, director, Technology Transfer and Promotions Division of DOST-PCAARRD discussed the strategies that redefine technology transfer in the country’s AANR sector during a recent media conference at the Innovation and Technology Center of DOST-PCAARRD in Laguna.

Carlos considered non-market and market considerations in technology

transfer where deployment and extension are resorted when utilization and adoption are influenced by non-market consideration and commercialization when technologies can reach users and adopters more efficiently through market systems.

During extra-ordinary circumstances like disasters and natural calamities seeking for food and production input technologies as well as during pest and disease outbreaks needing bio-control technologies and disease resistant varieties or breeds, deployment pathway is used, according to Carlos.

Deployment is also the pathway used for technologies that are not easily available for farmers and fisher folks due to cost such as machineries,

response system opens

T

HE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has launched an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to accommodate basic inquiries from the public.

PhilHealth spokesperson, Dr. Israel Francis Pargas, said the launch of the IVRS is the agency’s response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for customer satisfaction in the delivery of government services.

The IVRS, a landline telephone-based system designed to manage a large number of calls, was acquired by PhilHealth to provide its members and stakeholders more avenues where they could ask about their health insurance

benefits and raise other concerns.

“It will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during system upgrade or routine maintenance of the system,” said Pargas.

The public can contact PhilHealth by dialing (02) 441-7442, where an interactive voice prompt will guide them through the inquiry system, he said, adding that callers may inquire about their PhilHealth membership and contribution status, or verify claim benefits without leaving their homes or offices.

Under the system, PhilHealth members can check their PhilHealth ID Num-

FPHILHEALTH, 12

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Land degradation imperils food production Aboitiz...

Text and Photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

E

VERY time it rains, the battle keeps going on but Filipinos completely ignore it. People protest only when there are floods and lives are lost. Media see the bigger picture but neglect what they consider as trivial.

Unknowingly, the enemy imperils the country’s food security. It jeopardizes the livelihood of people who depends on agriculture. But most importantly, the future of the next generation is at stake.

The enemy: soil erosion. Rev. Harold R. Watson, recipient of the 1995 Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding, deplored: “Soil erosion is an enemy of any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country and conquering it because it’s an enemy you cannot see vividly.”

While some sceptics believe climate change as hoax, soil erosion is a reality. The Washington-based Worldwatch Institute considers soil erosion as “a silent crisis.”

Watson explained, “(Soil erosion) is a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”

Dieldre S. Harder, a researcher with the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA), seemed to agree. Surface runoff, as she called soil erosion, “is the most serious type of land degradation in the Philippines.”

Recent studies show soil erosion affects 63%-76% of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares. This is particularly true in the uplands, where 74% of the area is cultivated for subsistence farming.

“Available estimates indicate that the total degraded area in the Philippines is around 11.45 million hectares in the uplands or 38% of the country’s land territory, affecting around 33 million Filipinos,” wrote in her newly-published report, “Drivers and constraints to household adoption of sustainable land management based on farmers’ survey.”

The report was part of the cross-country research project, “Sustainable Land Management: Adoption and Implementation Constraints,” which was conducted with support from EEPSEA and the ELD (Economics of Land Degradation) Initiative.

In terms of severity, 5.2 million hectares and 8.5 million hectares of the country’s total arable lands are severely eroded and moderately eroded, respectively, according to the report.

In 1989, the World Bank estimated the annual value of on-site fertility losses due to unsustainable upland agriculture in the country to be around US$100 million – that equal to one percent of Philippine gross domestic product per year.

In lowland agriculture,

degradation is due to chemical use. “Since the Green Revolution in the mid- 1960s, intensive crop cultivation has resulted to increasing nutrient deficiency leading to a decline in fertilizer use efficiency over time,” Harder wrote. “Intensification of agricultural land use without compensating investments in soil structure and fertility can lead to land degradation.”

In another report, “Review of policies and programs: Reforms needed for the stronger implementation of sustainable

land management,” written by Samuel M. Contreras and Florentino O. Tesoro, it was noted that land degradation comes in various forms.

“Land degradation is also occurring in terms of reduced vegetative cover and loss of habitats, soil pollution and water degradation,” Contreras and Tesoro wrote in their collaborative report.

As cited by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO0, land degradation is said to be caused by: deforestation, shortage of land due to increased population, poor land use, insecure land tenure, inappropriate land management practices and poverty.

“The multi-stakeholder nature of land utilization and the lack of a comprehensive land use policy framework in the country have resulted in the continued negative environmental effect on land,” the two authors deplored. “This is on top of the confusion created by inconsistent laws on land utilization and the unabated conflicts among different sectors due to competing land use.”

If the problem is not solved, food insecurity is looming. “We are hardly aware of this enormous loss which is progressively eroding away our most fertile soil and thus our ability to produce food for an expanding population,” the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) noted in a pastoral letter more than two decades ago. “Any comprehensive land reform must address this most serious threat to our food supply.”

Land degradation makes farmlands infertile. Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf, authors of Soil Erosion: Quiet Crisis in the World Economy, argued that erosion affects crop production in two ways. “The loss of topsoil reduces the inherent productivity of land, both through the loss of nutrients

FROM 5

net income amounted to P22.8 billion, which was 25% higher than last year.

“Through our value creation efforts, we are poised to take advantage of the tailwind our growing economy brings. The gains we recorded over 2016 affirm the soundness of our business strategy of creating a diversified income stream,” said Erramon I. Aboitiz, AEV President and Chief Executive Officer.

“This year, the Group will take even more deliberate steps in bringing progress to communities in line with our strategic objectives,” Aboitiz added.

and degradation of the physical structure,” they explained.

“It also increases the costs of food production,” they added. “When farmers lose topsoil, they may increase land productivity by substituting energy in the form of fertilizer. Hence, farmers losing topsoil may experience either a loss in land productivity or a rise in costs of agricultural inputs. And if productivity drops too low or agricultural costs rise too high, farmers are forced to abandon their land.”

Recognizing the threat of land degradation to food security, the government launched several national sustainable land management (SLM) programs in 2015 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Among those that were promoted were the organic farming technology (which was supported by the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010), adoption of agroforestry or tree-based farming system popularized by the World Agroforestry Center, and the establishment of conservation farming villages (CFV) in selected areas of the country.

“While the three SLM technologies have been able to provide long-term environmental and economic benefits, adoption has been slow and limited,” wrote Harder in her report.

She cited the case of organic farming. “Available data shows that the cumulative production area certified under organic management is around 14,140 hectares or 0.12% of the total agricultural area in the country,” he reported. “This is still way below the national target of 5%.”

For agroforestry, the study was done in Claveria, Misamis Occidental. “Constraints to adoption include topography, credit sourcing from traders/ middlemen and profitability of annual cash crops,” Harder wrote. “Results indicate that

trees are less likely to be grown in flat areas, which are devoted mainly for cash crop cultivation.”

In Ligao, Albay, some farmers adopted the contour farming technology. “Topography also affects adoption decisions, as contour hedgerows are most likely to be applied on steep cultivated parcels to control soil erosion,” Harder wrote. “Lack of access to markets prevents farmers from doing contour farming due to lack of knowledge on SLM practices.”

Meanwhile, the report of Contreras and Tesoro recommends several policies that can be implemented to make SLM successful in the country.

For one, it suggested that a unified land use law be made.

It must “address the complexities of problems on land use and land-related issues.” Once realized, “this will provide the strong foundation for the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of municipalities and cities.”

Another suggestion: strengthen SLM within the framework of existing laws.

While waiting for the enactment of a strong land use policy law, “the Department of Interior and Local Government should monitor the integration of SLM provisions in the municipal CLUP as well as implementation of SLM projects.”

Establishment of more SLM technology demonstration farms is another doable suggestion. These technologies should be specific natural and human environments (that is, land use, nature of degradation being addressed, rainfall pattern, soils, land forms, tenure status and land holding.

More importantly, forest boundary must be delineated.

“To reduce land conflicts and conflicting land uses as well as encroachment and illegal occupancy of forestlands, a law defining the final forestland limits should be enacted,” Contreras and Tesoro suggested.

Strategic Business Units Power Aboitiz Power Corporation’s (AboitizPower) income contribution to AEV increased by 14% YoY, from P13.5 billion to P15.4 billion. On a standalone basis, AboitizPower’s income performance recorded a 14% YoY increase, from P17.6 billion to P20.0 billion.

The generation business accounted for 82% of earnings contributions from AboitizPower’s business segments, recording an income share of P16.3 billion for 2016, up 17% YoY. The growth was largely driven by Therma South’s new contribution.

The power distribution group’s earnings share for 2016 decreased by 4%, from P3.8 billion to P3.7 billion.

This is equivalent to 18% of earnings contributions from AboitizPower’s earnings.

Banking & Financial Services Union Bank of the Philippines’ (UnionBank) income contribution to AEV increased by 92% YoY, from P2.5 billion to P4.9 billion.

On a stand-alone basis, UnionBank and its subsidiaries recorded a net income of P10.1 billion for 2016, almost double the P5.3 billion posted in 2015.

The surge in net income was largely attributable to the profits from securities sold in the second half of the year to support the Bank’s loan growth strategy which accounted for P3.8 billion. The remaining increase is attributable for the

growth of recurring revenues (net interest income and fees), which accounted for 76% of total operating income.

Food AEV’s food subsidiaries Pilmico Foods Corporation, Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corporation, and Pilmico International Pte Limited’s total earnings and income contribution slightly increased, posting a 1% growth YoY in net income for 2016 at P1.7billion.

Feeds Philippines’ income contribution to Pilmico increased by 13% to P963 million on the back of strong volume growth. Despite lower margins brought about by depressed selling prices, the Flour segment’s income contribution was slightly higher by 1% YoY to P557 million on better performance of Flour’s by-products.

On the other hand, Feeds Vietnam and Farms reported a decrease in income contributions mainly driven by lower prevailing selling prices. Feeds Vietnam dropped to P90 million with the decline in selling prices and volume.

Infrastructure AEV’s investment in infrastructure, Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc.’s (RCBM) income contribution to AEV increased by 700% YoY from P194 million to P1.6 billion. RCBM only started contributing last mid-September of 2015. As compared to proforma 2015 full year accounts, operating profit of RCBM was ahead due to higher selling prices and lower variable costs.

Land AEV’s land subsidiary, Aboitiz Land Inc.’s (AboitizLand) total earnings and income contribution to AEV decreased by 65% YoY, from P536 million to P188 million.

AboitizLand posted a revenue of P2.4 billion in 2016, 7% lower YoY. The drop in NIAT (net income after tax) was mainly due to deferred industrial business unit revenue recognition, planned increases in operating expenses intended for the organization’s future growth. (PR)

PhilHealth... FROM 11 bers (PIN) and latest posted premium contributions to the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), while non-members may inquire about enrollment procedures and requirements.

Employers on the other hand, may inquire about PhilHealth Employer Numbers, their employees’ PINs and payment schedules.

The PhilHealth IVRS can also accommodate queries on online services such as E-registration, Health Care Institution Portal, Electronic Premium Remittance System and Member Inquiry. Callers may leave their feedback, suggestions or complaints on the benefit packages or services, as well as on hospital and doctors’ services and em-

ployers. They may rate their experiences in using the IVRS through the customer service satisfaction survey that is embedded in the system.

To effectively use the IVRS, a caller must be ready with his or her PIN, which is required to access records. The call will be terminated after three invalid PINs are entered into the system.

Queries requiring database access, such as claims verification and information on contributions, will be addressed from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend and holiday callers may leave their names, contact numbers, concerns or nature of calls and brief messages so they can be assisted the next working day. (PNA)

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

SoCot... FROM 4

NPAs have to stop attacks if they are interested in peace: AFP

and instruct the SPIDs in the prevention and management of relapses; develop new social networks and peer-group programs that will operate in a self-help orientation under professional supervision; provide services to increase their self-reliance and integration into society through educational, vocational, and social programs; enable them to identify and alleviate high risk factors of drug use problem; and, assist them to develop positive social support system.

It will also spearhead the development and introduction of skills training for service providers and families of the SPIDS in dealing with high risk factors; development of community-based treatment services for accessible facilities with quality services and support groups to assist them in the recovery process and maintenance of abstinence;

and, coordinate and collaborate with partner agencies to sustain and improve its services, he said.

To fast track the program’s implementation, the official said they are currently assisting the province’s 10 towns and lone city in the activation of their own TWGs on the SPIDS based on the mandate given by the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council.

The council had directed the 11 local government units to issue executive orders (EOs) for the creation of the TWG and the appointment of its head and secretariat.

Aturdido said only Koronadal City and the municipalities of Polomolok, Sto. Niño and Tupi have not yet issued the EOs. The other municipalities have yet to appoint the head of their TWGs and members of the secretariat, he added.

(PNA)

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

NEWS 13

I

F they are really sincere in resuming peace negotiations, then the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels should stop making unprovoked attacks against civilian and military targets.

“If the NPAs are really sincere and one with the National Democratic Front (NDF) in their

intent to resume the talks with government, they should start manifesting their intention by putting a stop to their terroristic activities which continue to harm our citizens and halt development in the communities,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said Sunday.

He made this statement as insurgents continue to conduct arson and harassment attacks against legitimate business operators and government troops despite the announcement of the Government of the Philippines and NDF pronouncement on restarting peace talks in The Netherlands.

Several NPA arson attacks were recorded by the AFP last week, including the torching of a commercial transport bus in Makilala, North Cotabato last March 13 and gutting of delivery van owned by Fighter Wine Company in San Fernando, Bukidnon, also in the same day.

(PNA)

Santos to Bitung is welcome news, especially for cargo shipping. She said it would open up opportunities for local people to trade in the sub-region. She would also be interested to explore the tourist attractions there. She, however, hoped that a comfortable passenger shipping service should be offered side by side with the cargo ships.

“It would be an entirely different set of expectations from passengers,” she added.

But she said the prospects of local tourists like her to go to Indonesia will not depend only on the availability of flights or shipping services.

“We will be encouraged to travel if there are budget fares available such as the promotional peso-fare package (offered by a Philippine airline), she said.

She said that for tourists it all redounds to affordability of travel cost and availability of hotels that cater to backpackers.

“We must also have more of those hotels so that we also draw tourists from Indonesia to our shores,” she added.

Unlike archipelagic Indonesia, she said, Malaysia seems to be a more attractive destination because you can take a bus or a train in going from one destination to another.

“But I like to go to Bali and Yogyakarta, given the chance,” she said.

Gomez, who in 2010 set up a small travel agency to keep herself busy, said she rarely get bookings for travel to Indonesia or Malaysia.

she said, could help tourism and trade but it should be backed by physical connectivity.

Assistance has been extended to micro, small and medium enterprises to help them compete in the ASEAN market.

But Montemayor said connectivity will their chances.

She said the ease of travel due to the Davao-Manado flights enabled business to pick up, although not as fast as expected.

“When it happened, the flights were already suspended,” she said.

She argued that it’s not entirely for the lack of attractions but that other destinations just had the edge in the competition.

“The challenge is how to build up the market and prove to the airlines that it’s worth the risk,” she said in the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Davao last month.

in June 2012. She was then a member of a 40-person delegation of the university chorale who performed there for the Philippine Independence Day celebration organized by the Philippine Consulate.

The group flew with Wings Air, an Indonesian airline serving the route with a 70-seater aircraft.

Joanna said they traveled to another city and country but felt like she was home. “I felt like we were closely related in culture and language (separated only by the seas).”

Indonesian food, she added, is familiar although a lot spicier. The style of the houses and buildings was also similar.

In 2012, she compared Manado to Cagayan de Oro City. She said Manado folks were hospitable and were fond of Philippine tourists.

She was saddened that there are no more regular flights serving the route.

“I hope it will be revived.

It’s good to connect with our neighbors. There were differences but there must be more similarities. It’s worth exploring,” she added.

RoRo... FROM 6

’Get acts together’ Businesswoman Mary Ann Montemayor said this should not be a cause for discouragement.

She said the nature of BIMP EAGA is really “going slow” and small, not grand, so hard work is needed to push ahead.

But Montemayor, who sat at the BIMP EAGA Tourism Council from 1998 to 2008, said private and public sectors should get their acts together.

“By all means, the impasse should be broken. It’s impossible to do trading without connectivity,” she added.

Any aggressive marketing,

Like home Joanna Ruth Paloma, an English teacher at Bukidnon State University, recalled fond memories of her visit Manado

14

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SPORTS15

EDGEDAVAO

DAVRAA OPENING. Young athletes along with their coaches, trainers and the events officials wear their colors as they gathered at the Mati City Centennial Sports Complex in Davao Oriental on Sunday for the opening of the Davao

Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) meet. These young sports people are vying for a spot for this year’s Palarong Pambansa which will be held in the province of Antique. ARMANDO B FENEQUITO JR.

MEN FROM THE PALACE S Malacanang Kamao is sixth team in Araw hoops

Go saves day for Duterte cagers

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO

M

njb@edgedavao.net

ALACANANG Kamao will be the sixth team in the 80th Araw ng Davao Inter-Commercial Basketball League which gets going on Thursday.

With the men from the Palace joining the expanded league, the cast of six teams is now complete.

Team coordinator Rico Biliran has yet to provide the line up of the Malacanang Kamao although tournament director Cholo Elegino has confirmed the participation of the Palace squad.

Defending champion The Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO De La Salle University Green Ar-

chers will be the top favorite with tough challenge coming from UAAP squads University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and National University Bulldogs, Montana Pawnshop of Davao and Pacman Warriors of Gen. Santos City.

Elegino earlier extended invitations to Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas and Adamson University but all three declined at the last minute despite showing interest in coming over to play.

DLSU, the reigning UAAP champions are arriving on Tuesday, two days before the

start of the tournament to be held at the Davao City Recreation Center.

There are some changes in the line-up of the Green Archers. Top scorer Jeron Teng, son of Dabawenyo PBA legend Alvin Teng, will not be around as he has graduated.

Likewise, Thomas Torres, another DLSU graduate, is out of the squad.

However, coach Aldin Ayo is not fazed. He has some new faces who are out to fill the void left out by the two mainstays.

Aljun Melecio and brothers Prince and Ricci Rivero are expected to fill in the

shoes of Teng and Torres.

Fiery Cameroonian slotman Ben Mbala will also be back in the fold.

Former Ateneo de Davao coach Miggy Solitaria has also joined the bench and will officially serve as one of Ayo’s regular assistants.

The tournament will have two groups playing single round robin. The top teams after the eliminations square off for the championship.

The tournament is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas 11 under SBP Board of Trustee member and Presidential Assistant for Sports Glenn Escandor.

Generika-Ayala semis bid still alive BLASTING THROUGH. Generika’s Rosalie Pepito scores on a spike against Sta. Lucia’s defense.

Games Thursday, March 23: (FilOil Flying V Center) 5 pm – Generika - Ayala vs Petron 7 pm – Sta. Lucia vs Foton

T

HE door of the semifinals remains slightly open for Generika-Ayala to enter as it destroyed Sta. Lucia, 25-21, 25-13, 25-16, in the Belo Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference on Saturday at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

After a sluggish start, the Lifesavers waxed hot in the second and third sets to blast the Lady Realtors and improve its chances in the next round of this prestigious women’s club tourney backed

by Mikasa, Senoh, Asics and Mueller with TV5 as official broadcast partner.

The Lifesavers now fashion a 2-2 win-loss card and a victory over unbeaten Petron in the final playing day of the eliminations on Thursday will give them a fighting chance to make it to the next round.

Only the top three teams will advance to the semifinals where they will face a guest team from Japan in a single-round robin that will determine the victor in this ultimate battle that also has UCPB Gen as official insurance provider and Gold’s Gym as official fitness partner.

“Although it would take a miracle for us to get in (the semifinals), we’re very optimistic we can make it,” said Generika-Ayala coach Francis Vicente, who is also the head coach of the national women’s team in the 29th South-

east Asian Games and the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship.

“Maganda ang inilalaro ng mga bata. Alam ko na gagawin nila para makapasok sa semis.”

Angeli Araneta spearheaded the attack as she finished with 11 kills and a block for 14 points while skipper Gen Casugod and Mikaela Lopez delivered nine markers apiece for the Lifesavers, who obviously banked on their vast experience in putting away the young Lady Realtors.

Generika-Ayala started out slow as Sta. Lucia knotted the count at 19 and threatened to steal the first set away.

But a pair of unforced errors followed by an ace from Casugod doomed the chances of the Lady Realtors, allowing the Lifesavers to book an easy 25-21 victory in the opening set.

It was all Generika-Ayala from there as Araneta and Casugod conspired to post a 20-12 lead in the second set en route to a 25-13 set win.

“We had a slow start,” said Araneta, who was part of the Foton squad that ruled the PSL Grand Prix for two consecutive years.

“We just picked up the tempo in the second and third sets. Naging maganda ang compsure namin at nagtuloy-tuloy na.”

Ranya Musa, Janine Navarro and Rachel Austero tallied four markers apiece for Sta. Lucia, which remains at the bottom of the heap with a 0-4 mark.

ECRETARY Bong Go is used to being the country’s silent “lifesaver.”

That role, he polished playing basketall.

On Friday night, President Duterte’s chief aide played lifesaver again for his team, banking three straight buckets from beyond the arc to force a 93-93 deadlock in Game 8 of the Duterte-IBP Friendly Series at the Genesis 88 Gym. Team Duterte, which remained unbeaten and leads the series with 7 wins, was down by a huge 17-point deficit but patiently clawed its way back to life.

Go, who topscored anew with 48 points, sank six triples in the game but it was the last three straight that saved what could have been its first loss at the hands of the Legal Eagles.

Go teamed up with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Sec-

retary Mark Villar, Rep. Lord Velasco and Prresidential Assistant for Sports Glenn Escandor to carry the fight for Team Duterte.

With the spitfirish Go hitting his stride, Team Duterte slowly ate away the lead of IBP, which came out with a monster game and were on the threshold of tasting its first win in the series.

Armand Dioso, Chok Cadiogan and Gil Ciudadano paced with 25, 21 and 20 in that order for IBP. Eugene Labor had 17 for Team Duterte.

Go, who is averaging a 42.8 clip with at least 7 treys a game, stepped up big time for the undermannedTeam Duterte.

Six of the 7 games in the series were decided by less than 5 points. Three games ended with a hairline deficit.

PSC official challenges Davao athletes to become nat’l players

BY ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

P

HILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey encouraged all the young athletes competing in the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) to strive hard to play and be part of the national team.

In his speech during the opening ceremony of the DAVRAA meet at the Mati City Sports Complex in Davao Oriental on Sunday, Maxey said he usually noticed that most of the athletes playing in the re-

gional only to strive just to qualify for Palarong Pambansa.

“Don’t just eye for the Palaro but you strive higher excellence like playing for the national team,” he said.

“You can just imagine, if you play for the national team carrying the flag of the country,” Maxey added.

He said he wants to see atheletes from the region to be part of the national team so that the country will have the chance to compete with more international sporting events.

Maxey also assured that under the leadership of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the PSC will take care of all the athletes in the country.

In this week’s DAVRAA meet 4,720 will compete in Davao Oriental for the 35 sporting events to earn a spot to represent the region for this year’s Palarong Pambansa in Antique.

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 280 • TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 2017

AUSSIE CHAMPS

Davao’s Nagayo kids rule Melbourne US Kids Golf local tour

By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net

CHAMPS. Ella and Daniel Nagayo pose with their trophies and the organizer of the Melbourne US Kids Golf Local Tour at the Cheltenham Golf and Country Club.

TEEING OFF. Ella Nagayo at the tee.

P

ERTH, Australia – The golfing Nagayo siblings will be back in Pinehurst.

The Dabawenyo kids, now based in Melbourne on a golf scholarship, ruled the tough Victoria leg of the US Kids Golf that will determine Melbourne’s representatives to the World Championships at the home of junior golf in Pinehurst, North Carolina on August 3-6.

Alessandra Kristine “Ella” Nagayo ruled the girls 12-14 year od division while younger brother Daniel topped the boys 11-year old division of the Melbourne local summer tour on Sunday at the Cheltenham Golf and Country Club in Melbournee.

Ella, who played in Pinehurst last year representing the Philippines, had to do battle with archrival Sayumi Da Costa in a sudden death playoff in the Championship Round. She lost the sudden death but still emerged with more points over eventual second placer Da Costa in the seven-round eliminations to take the Pinehurst berth.

Daniel likewise finished second in the Championship Round but amassed more points in the

total after having banked in the first 6 rounds to punch a ticket to the World Championship.

In Australia, the US Kids Golf tour have local tours in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane every summer, winter and spring.

The summer tour was composed of 6 rounds and one championship round. To get invited to the US Kids World Championships, a player needs to play at least 4 rounds, be the Local Tour Champion and must score 84 or better in one round.

To determine the Local Tour Champ per age division, scores are added up from all rounds played.

Each regular round the first placer gets 30 points, second placer gets 20 points and third placer gets 10 points. The winners in the championship round will get double of the points from the regular rounds.

“After computing all the points accumulated during the regular rounds plus today’s round, Daniel and Ella got the highest points in their respective divisions.

Thus, making them Local (Summer) Tour Champions in their respective divisions,” said former city councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo, mother of the two kids.

“I’m so proud of Ella and Daniel. They really put in a lot of hardwork in practice and now, they finally reaped the fruits,” Nagayo, who recently moved in to Melbourne after she finished her term in the city council, said.

The victory will also mean the Nagayos will be representing Australia in the World Championships this year.

Some 1,500 kids from 50 countries are expected to vie for the World Championships.