ENHANCED CAPABILITY. A ship carrying a multi-billion dollar underwater cable which was connected to the Globe Telecommunications Power Feed Equipment Site in Davao City that will link to four territories in Indonesia, Guam, Hawaii and Los Angeles docks at the seafront in Talomo on Friday during the Southeast Asia-United States Cable Landing Ceremony. The new cable system will be fully operational by yearend. Lean Daval Jr
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Serving a seamless society
NEWS
AMRECO bucks WESM scheme
By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ HE Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AMRECO) and the AMRECO Power Supply Aggregation Group Corporation (AMRECO PSAGCORP) have expressed their opposition to the upcoming implementation of Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) Mindanao.
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FASTEST EVER Globe SEA-US cable in Davao to provide fastest internet By JECIA ANNE OPIANA
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LOBE Telecom has successfully landed the Southeast Asia-United States (SEA-US) submarine cable system that hopes to provide richer and enhanced international connectivity to businesses in Davao and the rest of the country—a first in Mindanao. The SEA-US cable connected to the Globe cable station landed in Barangay Barangay Talomo by ship where the Power Feed Equipment necessary to run the system is also located. The
first cable to land in Mindanao is expected to ease the country’s dependence on international cable systems routed only through Luzon area. “The cable is physically connected to the
shore and the building and then connected to the transmission equipment whereby all data signals will be transmitted from US to Mindanao, directly,” explained Arlene Jallori-
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Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella previously explained in a press conference that WESM works by providing a venue for efficient scheduling, dispatch, and settlement of energy withdrawal and injections in the Mindanao Grid. In a press conference during the AMRECO Regular Membership Meeting in Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao City on Friday, AMRECO president Sergio C. Dagooc said its 27 member cooperatives will not participate if DOE will insist to rollout WESM on June 26, 2017.
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SO THE PEOPLE MAY KNOW. A signage is mounted at the entrance of Sta. Ana Port informing the public of an ongoing rehabilitation project in the area which is being undertaken by the city government of Davao. Lean Daval Jr
Officials told: Keep graduation simple E
DUCATION officials in Cotabato City on Friday reminded school principals and supervisors as well as Parents Teachers Associations to make graduation rites simple but meaningful. Dr. Concepcion Balawag, Cotabato City schools division superintendent, said that graduation rites should be simple and without much fanfare, not expensive and must not be wasteful. Balawag said all school officials must comply with the Department of Education (DepEd) order on graduation rites for elementary and high
school levels. Pompous graduation ceremonies are too much to carry for parents considering the high cost of living nowadays, she said, telling graduating students that a school uniform as graduation attire will do. Balawag’s directive came as some parents have complained to local radio stations about planned excessive graduation programs in some public elementary schools. According to Balawag, school officials who allow, or worst, encourage excessive graduation ceremonies will be dealt with accordingly. (PNA)
Troops rescue kidnapped tugboat captain in Basilan
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URSUING government troops on Saturday rescued the skipper of the tugboat towing a cargo vessel hijacked by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits two days ago off Basilan province. Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, confirmed to the Philippine News Agency that Aurelio Agacac is now in the custody of the troops after he was rescued at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Basakan in the coastal town of Hadji Mohammad Ajul. Agacac is the skipper of M/T Tug R9 towing the cargo vessel, Super Shuttle RoRo 9. “He (Agacac) was rescued. Of course, we are still looking for the other kidnapped victim. Operation continues relent-
lessly,” Uy said. On Thursday, the Abu Sayyaf bandits hijacked M/T Tug R9 and forcibly took Agacac, along with his chief engineer, Laurencio Tiro, in the vicinity of Sibago Island, Hadji Mohammad Ajul town. Uy did not provide further details on the circumstances that led to the rescue of Agacac, but said they beefed up their operation following the brazen attack of the Abu Sayyaf on Thursday. Earlier, operating troops from the 19th Special Forces Company of the 4th Special Forces Battalion killed an Abu Sayyaf member, Jaudi Salupuddin, during a hot pursuit operation in Tuburan town following
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PA troopers lauded for fending off NPA attacks By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ
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adlopez0920@gmail.com
TOP military official in Eastern and Central Mindanao lauded the bravery of soldiers who defended communities in the midst of series of attacks staged by the communists New People’s Army rebels in the provinces of Davao Oriental, North Cotabato and Bukidnon. Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division personally commended the officers and men of various army units in said provinces for their courage and valor in securing communities and residents. “We cannot allow the NPA bandits to sow fear among
the people,” Valencia said in a statement to the media here on Friday. He specifically mentioned troopers of 67th Infantry Battalion in Davao Oriental; the 39th Infantry Battalion in North Cotabato; and 60th Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon – the army units who recently engaged NPA rebels in their respective areas of operations on Thursday, March 23. One soldier was killed during the attacks while three others were wounded, the army’s statement said. The first encounter took place at around 9:15 a.m. Thursday when 60th IB troopers and NPA rebels belonging
to Guerrilla Front 55 engaged in a 45-minute firefight in Barangay Cayaga, San Fernando, Bukidnon. No soldier was hurt during the encounter but the army believed the rebels suffered heavy casualties as they fled away from the encounter site. The second and third encounters happened at around 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively, when combined elements of 67th IB and 66th IB encountered a group of NPAs belonging to Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) 8 in Sitio Maglahos, Barangay PM Sobrecary, Caraga, Davao Oriental. The army said that the
9:30 a.m. encounter happened when the soldiers chanced upon a group of rebels that triggered a five-minute firefight in SitioMaglahos. Two soldiers were hurt during the IED explosion identified as Corporals Zhelmer Roquero and Hansen Dave Pajarillo, the army said. Then, at the 11:30 a.m., another encounter followed when the NPAs detonated an improvised explosice device against the reinforcing troops of 67th IB that also triggered 30-minute firefight in the same village. One soldier, identified as Sgt Leo Lugo, was killed during
and penned by Justice Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe, the Court held that “the distasteful act by Judge Arabiani of making a drawing of a vagina and penis, and thereafter showing it to an employee of the court of which he is an officer constitutes sexual harassment. It is an act that constitutes a physical behavior of a sexual nature; a gesture with lewd insinuation.” The Court found that Judge Arabiani “deliberate utilized this form of expression, i.e., drawing, to maliciously convey to [the fe-
male court employee] his sexual desires over her.” Thus the Court ruled that Judge Arabiani‘s drawing the female and male genitals and showing the drawing to the said employee cannot be classified as a mere display of sexually offensive pictures, materials, or graffiti, which is a light offense under Section 53 (C) (4), Rule X of CSC Resolution No. 010940. ”Instead it held that Judge Arabiani’s misbehavior should be classified as an analogous case (Section 53 (B) (5)) of ver-
bal abuse with sexual overtones under Section 53 (B) (4) of CSC Resolution No. 01-0940, qualifying it is a less grave offense which carries the penalty of fine or suspension of not less than 30 days and not exceeding six months for the first offense and dismissal for the second offense. As it was Judge Arabiani’s first sexual harassment infraction, the Court imposed upon him the penalty of suspension for the period of six months,” it added. The Court also sternly
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Sulu judge suspended for sexual harassment
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HE Supreme Court suspended for six months without pay Judge Bensaudi A. Arabiani, Jr. of the Fourth Shari’a Circuit Court in Maimbung, Sulu for sexual harassment classified as a less grave offense under Section 53 (B) (5), Rule X of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Resolution No. 01-0940, otherwise known as the “Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases.” In an En Banc decision promulgated on February 21, 2017
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Kidapawan opens Mt. Apo to summer climb enthusiasts
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HE city government here has opened the northern trails to Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak at 9,692 ft. above sea level, for treks to its summit this summer season. This came about as the city’s Protective Area Management Board (PAMB) announced on Saturday the reopening of Mt. Apo for trekkers starting next month. “The PAMB, through Resolution 2017-01 officially opens Mt. Apo for trekkers, which was closed after the widerange bush fire occurred in the peak during the ‘Holy Week trek’ in March last year,” an official PAMB statement said. Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the development is seen to accelerate the influx of both foreign and domestic climbers, boosting the locality’s tourism and generating big profits for local micro-entrepreneurs. The mayor batted though
for the strict implementation of trekking regulations set by the Mt. Apo-PAMB to ensure safety and prevent the natural degradation of the highlands. Last year, unregulated intrusion by climbers on the southern slopes of Mt. Apo resulted in a vast bush fire that took several weeks to contain. “We will never commercialize Mt. Apo, thus we are bound to maintain strict imposition of rules,” Evangelista said. The mayor has tasked the city tourism office to strictly monitor and regulate the number of trekkers to the summit. During summer, Mt. Apo attracts an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 climbers. Joey Recimilla, city tourism officer, said they are set to conduct training workshops to all mountain guides and travel agencies starting next week to enhance their capability in offering services and welcoming tourists. (PNA)
NOT CONVINCED. Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) president Sergio Dagooc expresses his group’s concerns to the proposed Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) during a news conference at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr
CAFGUS RELEASED NPAs free militiamen in Davao Oriental A
Gensan fisherman rescued off PNG after 56 days adrift at sea
By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ
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adlopez0920@gmail.com
WO members of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit previously captured communists New People’s Army rebels were released Friday afternoon, March 24 in Barangay Don Salvador Lopez, Mati City.
CAFGU members Rene Doller and Carl Mark Nucos were captured by NPAs last February 14, 2017 in Barangay Don Mariano Marcos, Lupon, Davao Oriental. Doller, 34, and Nucos, 24, belong to CAFGU unit under
the 72nd Infantry Battalion operating in the area. Both were captured at a checkpoint mounted by the NPA rebels in Don Mariano Marcos. The release last Friday was facilitated by the group
Exodus for Justice and Peace led by Bishop Bishop Hamuel Tequis and Reverend Jurie Jaime. Davao Oriental Board Member Louie Rabat also witnessed the release together
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that will be regulated by the Vice Regulaton Unit (VRU) once it becomes official on April 3 this year,” said retired Col. Voltaire Engracia, who replaced Dr. Domilyn Villareiz as the head of the Anti-Smoking Task Force. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio earlier announced
she is signing an Executive Order creating the VRU on April 3. By that time, the VRU will be operational. The VRU will regulate various city ordinances pertaining to the liquor ban, selling of liquor to minors and the anti-smoking campaign. The mayor earlier iden-
tified some of the establishments known to be violating the anti-smoking and liquor ban ordinances. She also warned various establishments to observe the ordinances if they do not want their establishments to face the consequences.
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Davao to firm up drive on anti-smoking in villages HE city’s newly-appointed anti-smoking czar will bring the campaign on anti-smoking in rural barangays in the renewed drive to bring down the number of smokers and improve the health of the people. “The anti-smoking campaign will be part of the vices
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US LINK. Guests check the Southeast Asia-United States (SEA-US) submarine cable system map of territories where Globe Telecommunications Power Feed Equipment Site in Talomo, Davao City is connected during a ceremony on Friday. Lean Daval Jr
FILIPINO fisherman has been rescued in Papua New Guinea after drifting at sea for 56 days, but his uncle died during the ordeal, a report said Saturday. The men left General Santos in the southern Philippines in January but hit bad weather and were swept out to sea, the PNG Post Courier reported after a fishing boat spotted Roland Omongos, 21, on March 9. The newspaper, citing local police, said the pair had no food and the survivor’s uncle died. It said Omongos kept his body for as long as possi-
ble but was forced to throw it overboard when it started to decompose. He survived on two five-litre containers of water and was found weak and distressed by the Bermadethe Marie which was journeying from Wewak to Rabaul, a town on the Papua New Guinean island of New Britain. Omongos has been examined by doctors and is being held on the boat in Rabaul while arrangements are made for his return home, the Post Courier added, giving no further details. (AFP)
Army troops drive rebels away from NorCot village
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OVERNMENT forces drove away communist rebels who occupied a remote uptown village in North Cotabato following a brief clash, the Army said Saturday. “Government forces have retaken the village of Camutan in Antipas town, which the NPAs (New People’s Army) occupied for a day,” 1Lt. Silver Belvis, speaking for the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, said. Antipas Mayor Egidio Cadungon said the rebels have fled and that all civilians earlier reported trapped, have been accounted for. Belvis said the village had been recovered at about 5 p.m. Friday and residents have been told to return home. No civilian was harmed, and no government troop was hurt in a brief firefight Thursday night, Belvis said. The local government of Antipas had started sending back to their communities about 80 families who fled when the rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 73 arrived and tried to convince males to join their ranks. In a similar incident, the 27th Infantry Battalion also occupied a remote village in Tab-
lu, Tampakan, South Cotabato after the NPA fled to the borders of Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato Saturday morning. The villagers can return home, said Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Leander, 27th IB commander. More than 50 families fled Friday morning after about 50 guerrillas harassed a militia detachment in Barangay Tablu. There was no casualty on the government side. Quoting villagers, Leander said at least four NPA attackers were seen carried by fleeing guerrillas following an Army operation. But Leander admitted they could not confirm the report. “Barangay Tablu is now peaceful. The rebels have fled to the other side of the mountains,” Leander said, referring to the NPA strongholds in the mountains of Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur. Mila Lorca, South Cotabato provincial disaster risk reduction officer, said the displaced families, now at the Tampakan town gymnasium, reside near the militia base camp near Sagittarius Mines Inc., a mining firm. (PNA)
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DSWD welcomes increase in free medicine allocation
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HE Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) free medicine program for indigents or “Libreng Gamot Para sa Masa” (Lingap sa Masa) will likely get more funding. “We have received word from Malacañang that President Rodrigo Duterte will increase (the program’s funding) by another half million,” Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said in a press briefing held at the DSWD central office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City Friday. The Lingap sa Masa, which aims to help the poor obtain prescription medicine, has a P1 billion fund from the President’s Socio-Economic Fund from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR). The program has been piloted by DSWD field offices under the Protective Service Bureau (PSB). As of March 22, a total of 984 indigent Filipinos have availed of medicine under the program.
Lingap sa Masa is being implemented in selected hospitals, among them the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UPPGH) in the National Capital Region; Jose B. Lingad Memorial Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga; Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City; Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City; Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City; and the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City. PSB director Ma. Alicia Bonoan said that program beneficiaries are inpatients and outpatients who are assessed as poor or disadvantaged; those listed in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction; those in crisis situations; government employees, contract workers or service workers working in the government; and beneficiaries of soldiers and policemen who were killed or wounded in the line of duty. (PNA)
FLOURISHING TRADE. Vendors peddle sunglasses, goggles and other items for sun protection to beach goers at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr
Ocampo should render a public Globe to customers: Shift apology: Mindanao power coops to LTE-capable devices G
LOBE Telecom is urging mobile customers to shift to LTE-capable devices and use LTE sim cards amid its ongoing rollout of LTE sites using the 700 megahertz (MHz) frequency band. Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group Joel Agustin explained that migration to LTE leads to improved customer experience as the network provides superior streaming of multimedia content on demand and also supports the company’s initiative to improve the state of Internet in the country through strengthening its network capacities. “As more and more customers are now using sophisticated mobile apps and cloudbased services, Globe continuously ramps up network investments to stay ahead of our customers’ bandwidth re-
quirements. However, a significant number of our customers continue to be serviced by our 3G network. We strongly advise these customers to use LTE-capable devices so they can also experience better Internet experience,” Agustin said in a statement. Globe has been aggressively using its spectrum resources that include the 700 MHz band, which further bolstered the company’s network capacities. To date, the company deployed almost 800 LTE sites using the 700 MHz band which were deployed mostly in Metro Manila and other highly-populated areas where majority of customers using LTE-based handsets are located. Some of the most popular LTE-capable devices that support the 700 MHz band include Samsung devices Galaxy J7 Prime, J7, S7, A5, J5, J5 Prime,
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By JERMAINE L. DELA CRUZ
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HE Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AMRECO) lashed out at Philippine Electric Market Corporation president Melinda L. Ocampo for her prejudiced assertion against electric cooperatives. In a press conference during the AMRECO Regular Membership Meeting in Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao City on Friday, AMRECO president Sergio C. Dagooc identified the statement of Ocampo in a previous media briefing in Davao City as the “declaration that the government must ensure there is ‘discipline among electric cooperatives’”. According to Dagooc, the news article from which the quote was taken from meant the PEMC president asked the government to have a policy on the cooperatives partici-
pating in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to ensure that payments are made to generators. At present, as stated in Republic Act 9136, WESM is solely operated by PEMC. “Imparting general statements presenting the entire electric cooperatives all over Mindanao in a bad light is biased and unfair, when in fact the problem pertains only to a selected few,” AMRECO said in a press statement. The AMRECO president stressed the amount stated in the bilateral contracts between its member cooperatives has long been paid by its consumers thus, he stressed it is inappropriate to label and flag statements as the PEMC generally flagged electric cooperatives’ financial capacity for spot market. Dagooc further stressed
resistance to the management of Philippine Electric Market Corporation (PEMC) in Mindanao as he described its Ocampo as “inconsiderate”. “Ang ilang president (Melinda L. Ocampo) dili considerate sa amoang mga problema nga gipaabot sa ilaha. Naexperience namo na sa Mindanao Electricity Market (MEM). Gikonsulta mi pero bisan period o comma sa among gisuggest, wa nila giapil sa final na rule,” he said. AMRECO stressed if WESM would be implemented in Mindanao, it should be operated by Mindanaoans or else, its 27 member cooperatives will not participate in its implementation on June 26, 2017. According to the Department of Energy, WESM will be a system for effecting purchases through bids to
buy and sell electricity as a commodity. Decreasing the price of power that consumers pay for is the sole goal of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which has been operating in Luzon since June 2006 and in the Visayas since December 2010. However, this idea was opposed by AMRECO and its member cooperatives stating that there are certain provisions in the rules of WESM that should be revised first such as adding a section specifically addressing the issues and concerns in Mindanao particularly unutilized bilateral contracts and the lack of energy reserves. On Friday, the cooperative crafted a proposal to transfer the operation of WESM in Mindanao from PEMC to PSAGCORP to be submitted to the Department of Energy.
HE ongoing Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in China is tackling an issue of widespread concern. Globalization must not be reversed, Zhou Wenzhong, BFA’s secretary general, told Xinhua, adding that the forum will strengthen the case for more inclusive globalization. The four-day conference, under the theme of “Globalization and Free Trade: The Asian Perspectives,” runs until March 26 in Boao in China’s southernmost province of Hainan. “The forum will focus on how developed and developing economies should cope with globalization,” he said.
table outcome of rising productivity and technological advances, has driven the world economy and poverty alleviation over past decades, Zhou said. It has also accentuated the imbalance between growth and distribution, capital and labor, and efficiency and fairness, he added. Protectionism is gaining ground. In 2016, Chinese exporters suffered a record number of 119 trade remedy investigations initiated by 27 countries or regions, 32 more than in 2015. The root cause lies not in globalization itself but in an anachronistic global governance system, Zhou said, adding that anti-globalization will
only aggravate global economic woes. How a country accommodates people and industries which are on the losing end of globalization decides its integration with others, said Yao Zhizhong, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Generally speaking, globalization is beneficial to emerging economies, and its progress hinges on the management of negative effects, he said.
nual report. Asian economies’ interdependence in trade and investment has decreased, with a likely retreat in integration of the manufacturing network and financing, according to Lin Guijun, vice president of the University of International Business and Economics. The biggest hurdle is the lack of a sense of community, Lin said. The financial crisis that wreaked havoc in Asia’s economy two decades ago should serve as a grave reminder that the regional community must unite together when facing a crisis, Zhou said. More regional cooperation and integration will help Asian
Remittance firms asked Boao forum to rally support for globalization to make their fees public T
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ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas-regulated remittance service providers, other than banks, are now required to post their domestic remittance fees in conspicuous places within their premises and their websites. This after the central bank’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) decided to level the playing field for all players, the BSP said in a statement issued Friday. This move was initially required from banks, through Circular No. 928 Series of 2016 issued on Oct. 24 last year. The circular said all fees related to domestic remittance transactions should be
“charged upfront from the sender/remitter’s end, with appropriate disclosure to the sender/remitter of the components of the fees being changed”. ”The intention is to improve the transparency of remittance charges and enable consumers to determine the most cost-efficient means of sending remittances,” the BSP said. ”This is in line with the objective of the BSP to foster a robust consumer regulatory environment to enable citizens to make wiser financial decisions and to contribute actively to the promotion of financial stability.” (PNA)
No more losers Globalization, an inevi-
A lesson of history As anti-globalization rears its head, East Asia is suffering setbacks in economic integration, according to the BFA an-
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DBM leads gov’t dialogues in Davao D
EPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno welcomed on Wednesday, March 22, over 100 representatives from government agencies, civil society, academe, and business sector participating in the Philippine Open Government Dialogues kick-off program in Davao, City. This is the first in the series
of public consultation workshops entitled “Co-Creating the 4th Philippine Open Government Partnership National Action Plan”, which aims to engage various sectors in crafting a new action plan that will be responsive to the needs of the Filipino people. The public consultations feature sessions on the Philippine Development Plan, the na-
tional budget, and orientation on the different mechanisms or windows for participation that citizens can tap to better engage the government. Meanwhile, new features of the consultation process include crowdsourcing and social media campaign. The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a unique international initiative aimed
at securing concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, increase civic participation, fight corruption, and harness new technologies that strengthen governance. OGP was founded in 2011 by eight governments - Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. At present,
the OGP has grown in number, with a total of 75 member countries. The next Open Government Dialogues will be held in Cebu City (April 25), Baguio City (May 5), and in Manila (May 19). The series of regional consultations will conclude with the submission on June 30, 2017 of the final PH-OGP National Action Plan. Imple-
PH delegation off to Tokyo for proposed infra funding
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UNFAZED. A manicurist and her customer brave the searing heat, ignoring the effects of too much exposure to the sun such as heat stroke, at the Rizal Park in Davao City on Saturday. Lean Daval Jr
PEZA seeks investors for basic commodities
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HILIPPINE Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito B. Plaza said PEZA is focusing on investors who can put up basic industries for basic commodities, crops, and steel industries which the country does not have. She said the country is now known as an “imported-dependent” country, something she gathered from a dialog with PEZA industries because everything they need, like raw materials for the manufacture of their products, have to be bought abroad. She said the Philippines is presently importing from the US steel, which is a major component of industrialization. “We are focused on maxi-
mizing exportation and minimizing importation by developing basic crops industries like steel, and others,” she added. Plaza referred to basic crops as rice, sugar, tobacco, cacao, vegetables and abaca. The Philippines can have the advantage of becoming a distribution hub for industries to distribute their products all over the world, being located in the center of Asia and the Pacific, she said. The two-day summit aimed to help PEZA identify potential economic zones of municipalities, cities, and provinces by bringing together executives from local government units (LGUs), landowners, business chambers, and industries.
Plaza explained that among PEZA’s mission and function is to spread development to the countryside by building ecozones where industries are to be located, and that they are engaged in partnership with landowners and investors. She said another mission of PEZA is to make all lands productive, to enhance the purpose of every land, and that there will be no “idle” lands. Plaza said PEZA is doing an inventory of the Philippine islands and inviting investors to convert the islands into capital cities and also to make the country an international tourist destination. The next eco-zone workshop will be with the line
agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to address road networks, infrastructure, airports, seaports, railways; the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and PEZA Institute for the labor force. Plaza said investors look at additional incentives that LGUs provide, the peace and order situation and the presence of graft and corrupt practices among LGU executives. Investors look specifically at the President, his character, commitment, and credibility, Plaza added. “President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is known to the world as full of courage, possessing credibility, not corrupt, sincere, and dedicated as a leader,” Plaza said. (PNA)
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Business Club, Ishikawa said the Japan international Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently working on the feasibility study on the Central Zone of Mega Manila Subway Project. The project aims to ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region (NCR) and
nearby provinces by building subway infrastructure passing through San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Quezon City, FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) in Taguig, and Dasmariñas in Cavite. The Central Zone of the project pertains to the Metro Manila portion of the infra-
structure. Once feasibility study is completed, JICA will be presenting the study to the Philippine government. In October 2015, a pre-feasibility study or an information collection survey for this project was completed. (PNA)
JICA feasibility study on Mega Manila subway finished in July
FEASIBILITY study on the country’s first subway infrastructure is expected to be finished by July this year, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa said. During the General Membership Meeting of the Makati
mentation of the National Action Plan is targeted to begin on July 2017. For more information on the PH-OGP, visit www.dbm. gov.ph and www.gov.ph/governance. For social media updates, visit the Good Governance PH page on Facebook. For Secretary Diokno’s welcome address, visit http://www.dbm. gov.ph/?page_id=19469. (PR)
CABINET-LEVEL delegation led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III will fly to Tokyo next week to discuss with Japanese officials a prospective list of big infrastructure projects that the Philippines could implement possibly in tandem with Japan. The March 27-28 session, the first to be held under the Joint Committee on Philippines-Japan Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation, follows the successful official visit of President Duterte to Japan last year and the reciprocal visit made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the Philippines in January. In Minister Abe’s visit to President Duterte’s home city of Davao two months ago, he committed a total of one trillion yen in official development assistance and investments to the Philippines within the next five years. A formal invitation to the Joint Committee meeting was sent to Dominguez by Dr. Hiroto Izumi, the special advisor to Prime Minister Abe. Izumi has asked Dominguez to co-chair the Joint Committee with him. Besides Dominguez, the Philippine delegation also includes Senator Alan Peter Cayetano; Secretaries Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Benjamin Diokno of the Department of Budget and Management, Alfonso Cusi of the Department of Energy and Ernesto Pernia of the Na-
tional Economic and Development Authority. Joining this group are Vivencio Dizon, President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Undersecretary Cesar Chavez of the Department of Transportation; and Charge d’Affaires Eduardo Martin Meñez of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. The Dominguez-led delegation is expected to present the Philippines’ medium term development plan and update Japanese officials on the country’s macroeconomic situation during the Joint Committee meeting. This team is expected to discuss a potential list of Philippine infrastructure projects for possible Japanese financing with high-ranking officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Ministries of Foreign Affairs; Health, Labor and Welfare; Finance; Economy, Trade and Industry; Internal Affairs and Communications; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and Land Infrastructure and Transport. Set for discussion during the meeting are possible cooperation agreements between the two countries in the areas of infrastructure; energy; support for Mindanao; public safety, which includes counterterrorism and the anti-illegal drugs campaign; environment and agriculture; disaster prevention; information technology; and human resource development. (PR)
HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the P1.47-billion initial public offering (IPO) of local investment holding firm Pure Energy Holdings Corp. (PEHC). SEC documents showed that PEHC will offer 930 million primary shares with an option to sell 46.5 million shares more for P1.62 per piece. It targets to use the expected proceeds from the sale of primary shares to fund the cash portion of hydropower projects, pre-develop joint-venture 20 mini hydropower projects totalling 70.8 megawatts, and for its operat-
ing and working capital over the next three years. PEHC currently has three subsidiaries, including REDC and Pure Geothermal which are holding firms in the business of renewable energy; and Pure Water, a holding company of businesses that act as bulk water provider, distribution utility and wastewater treatment service provider. The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) expects six to eight companies to go public this year. Construction materials retailer Wilcon Depot Inc. is the first company in the country to launch an IPO this year on March 31. (PNA)
SEC approves Pure Energy’s P1.47-B IPO T
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EDITORIAL
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Intergenerational responsibility
NOTHER Earth Day commemoration went by on Saturday and hopes are pinned on the younger generation to take part in efforts to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Youth participation is essential to the campaign against climate change, as today’s youngsters are bound to become tomorrow’s leaders. However, the participation of the youth should not end at mere ceremonial switching off lights during Earth Hour. This is but a way of making them aware of the need to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, which is among the climate change-driving greenhouse gases. This brings us to the concept of intergenerational responsibility as enshrined in the case of Oposa v. Factoran which placed the Philippines on the world map as a country of laws that looks at novel concepts in protecting its future. The case proved that the country has strong environmental policies and progressive courts carrying out the function of the state as parens patriae. Consistent with the fundamental law of the land, progressive legal mechanisms were instituted by government to protect the country’s
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resources through Republic Act (RA) 8749, or the Clean Air Act of 1999, RA 9275, or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004; RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.These, along with laws on forestry, land-use plan and management, and mining, form the core of our utmost regard for the environment. These laws recognize the impacts of a degraded environment to the health and well-being of the people and the economy. Under the present administration, several mining firms have been shut down to underscore the seriousness of the government drive to protect the environment from abuse. The country also became a signatory to the Paris Climate Change Agreement and that should send a strong message to the youth following the concept of intergenerational responsibility. Aside from serious government initiatives, it is also imperative that investors in extractive industries like mining and logging are guided and conscious in recognizing the responsibility of sustaining our abundant resources to provide ecosystems services for future generations.
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Courses for
CHARITY
ONE THING THAT CAN MAKE THOUGHTFULLY PREPARED FOOD EVEN BETTER IS WHEN IT IS PLATED FOR A GOOD CAUSE. This was the premise of the two-day charity dinner featuring Chef Sharwin Tee of Lifestyle Network’s Curiosity Got the Chef fame and the student chefs of ICHEF, the hospitality arm of the Joji Ilagan Foundation. It turns out that Davao not only had the stomach for giving but it was something they ravenously took to. Personalities from different sectors such as the government, civic and business communi- welcomed the guests on ties happily showed both nights, she graciousup in full force for ly reminded the crowds the 4-course dinner that were rapt with anwhich would benefit ticipation for the meal the Divine Mercy to start that all the trimPhilippines Arch- mings of the event - from diocese and Ahon the tablescapes to the inPhilippines, a char- gredients used - were all ity that builds public locally sourced and were libraries. The former a true showcase of local is a cause chosen by talent. It was a sumptuJoji Ilagan-Bian and ously executed coup by the latter was read- Bian and the young hosily suggested by pitality upstarts nurtured Chef Sharwin as it is in their schools. a foundation he perChef Sharwin sonally supports. who is known to patronize The new Grand Lobby of the International Management School, another division of the Bians’ educational institutions, provided the elegant setting for the event. As Nicole Hao Bian, Vice President for Educational Development, formally
local Pinoy flavors while providing a fresh take on their usage in dishes took to using familiar flavors of the South that included the famous local produce such as durian and pomelo, world-famous cheeses from Malagos and fresh fare from Citra Mina
TOP LEFT: Strong enablers Nicole Hao Bian and Joji Ilagan Bian with Stephanie Ong. TOP RIGHT: Hands on VP Nicole Hao Bian with key members of the ICHEF team.
ABOVE: Chef Sharwin Tee and the ICHEF team. LEFT: Citra Mina tuna belly with spiced coffee rub on a bed of mountain rice. BOTTOM: This writer with tablemates during the 4-course charity dinner. and spun them to create dishes that would create quite an impression with the diners. They would be introduced by ingenious names such as “Puto Pao” and “Kape at Gatas,” to name a few. Leading an army of skilled chefs-intraining and assisted by a select group of local chef instructors, he would also make a show of their skills by serving “Sinigang Soup Spaghetti” using freshly made pasta and ending the meal with choux pastry in the form of cream puffs with marang cream filling. This sort of so-
cial event, dinners that seem to extend the giving to very worthy recipients beyond the ones who partook in the food themselves, is not usual fare for us here in Davao. We come together for food, surely, but don’t find many occasions that do it to give back. It was inspiring and something that could be done more of especially since we Davaoeños never pass up the chance to try something new. To gather in the name of giving felt really good and added a new layer to the gastronomical enjoyment.
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Bamboo and Kapuso stars rock Abreeza Mall
ABREEZA MALL was the place to be for crowd-pleasing entertainment during the Araw ng Dabaw weekend as the Kapuso network’s rising teen sensations and an enduring figure in the OPM rock scene took over the Activity Center to party with Davaoeños.
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On March 16, two of GMA-7’s bright young love teams turned up the kilig for their Davao-based fans in a free show. Derrick Monasterio and Bea Binene, who collectively go by the moniker “DerBea,” and Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix, known to their fans as “BiGuel,” made the crowd swoon with their song numbers, dance performances, and easy interaction with fans—not to mention their undeniable chemistry as onscreen couples. On March 17, Filipino rock icon Bamboo Mañalac electrified the audience with a free concert spanning timeless singles from his days as vocalist of Rivermaya such as “Awit ng Kabataan” and “Himala,” to hits he scored while fronting the band Bamboo such as “Hallelujah” and “Tatsulok,” to new cuts from his latest solo album under PolyEast Records, Bless This Mess. Customers who bought copies of Bless This Mess got to pose for a photo with the energetic rock star after the concert. Besides the celebrity shows, Abreeza Mall made sure its Araw ng Dabaw celebration consisted of diverse events to satisfy the tastes and whims of various customers. It kicked off its Araw ng Dabaw lineup with the Mutya ng Davao 2017 Pre-Finals Night on March 10. From March 11 to 15, the Araw ng Dabaw edition of the Mindanao Trade Expo showcased well-made products and quality services by Mindanao’s micro, small, and medium enterprises. From March 18 to 19, auto enthusiasts got to ogle restored vintage rides from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s in the 2017 Old School Retro Car Show
organized by the Davao Classic & Sports Car Club. And from March
13 to 19, the mall-wide Araw ng Dabaw Sale offered shoppers crazy
discounts that surely put them in a celebratory mood.
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NE morning in Manay’s remote barangay Taocanga last December, villagers woke up to see a strange site that put their village in the spotlight for once. In front of them, a caravan of vehicles has arrived unannounced. In no time at all, representatives from 43 national agencies and provincial offices emerged from the vehicles and engaged the residents in a wide-ranging ‘consultation’ that was to last the whole day. Leading the way was Davao Oriental governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang himself who made sure representatives of the armed forces, the Philippine National Police and several NGOs were also there to speak their piece and to share their expertise. As it turned out, it was no consultation per se but the unveiling of services in the manner of a ‘one stop shop’ by the line agencies right at the residents’ doorstep. The Department of Agriculture distributed seeds, fingerlings and
N
AMES of places, as a matter of tradition, consensus, by virtue of law, or honoring somebody, can be changed overnight. In fact, many of the towns that now comprise the five provinces of Davao region were, over a period of time, known by their old names. The change in placename is more often due to changes in the socio-political landscape. For instance, American Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison, on Feb. 23, 1921, issued Exec. Order No. 8, creating the municipal district of Saug with five barrios (villages) under it. Twenty-seven years later, President Elpidio Quirino issued Exec. Order No. 156 on July 9, 1948 creating Saug as a regular town with New Leyte as its new name. Curiously, in another order, No. 173, was issued on Sept. 13, 1948, the town’s name was reverted to its old appellation. But the change of name did not stop there. On June 20, 1957, through the initiative of the migrants, the town, under Republic Act (RA) 1675, was renamed Asuncion, after Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion (Our Lady of the Assumption), now a town of Davao del Norte. Mabini, a municipality of Compostela Valley, on the other hand, was originally known as Cuambog, named after a tree species. Under Exec. Order 596, a fiat signed by President Quirino on May 23, 1953, it was created
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‘Serbisyo caravan’ shaping up as a catalyst in bringing government closer to the people farming equipment. The Department of Agrarian Reform and several lawyers from the public attorney’s office addressed the issue of land and property conflicts and the acquisition of land titles. The Department of Education distributed food packs. The Philippine army cooked rice porridge or lugaw. The Philippine National Police distributed medicine. Medical doctors performed minor surgeries, examined residents and provided prescriptions as well as advices. The Department of Health stressed the need for residents to observe hygiene and sanitation. Individual households were told to put up their own toilets even as barangay officials were instructed to make sure every body complied. Representatives from the engineering office examined the existing water system and came up with their recommendation. Similarly, issues connected to the road access were evaluated and re-
REVERSED PUNCH (GYAKU ZUKI)
Jimmy K.Laking
ported to the provincial governor. The Department of Labor and Employment discussed livelihood programs and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority invited the youth to avail themselves of the short courses it has to offer such as carpentry, masonry, ba-
sic electrical course and automotive to name a few. The Land Transportation Office dwelt on the advantages for motor and vehicle drivers to acquire licenses and how to acquire them. The Philippine Army and the PNP tackled the issue of peace and order. The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process discussed the ongoing peace talks between the government and the various armed groups. The list could go on. And what initially shaped up as a purely government undertaking, turned out as a community undertaking as the various NGOs and organizations like the Guardians and the Nagkahiusang Lingkod Bayan ng Davao Oriental came out in full force. Dayanghirang said the community’s reaction was one of relief and happiness as the caravan provided the answers and solutions to their concerns on the spot. More importantly, it saved the residents valuable time and expenses that could have
been spent in travelling to the capital to transact business. But most telling of all, the caravan has breached the barrier separating villagers and those in governance. Dayanghirang said that if anything, the caravan had shown that there is no need in “killing each other” if the root cause of insurgency such as lack of development and lack of services in the countryside is addressed. “Hence, whether we like it or not, it is our responsibility in government to serve the people,” he said. The Davao Oriental governor said that by uplifting the economy, by cutting down on poverty and by improving the condition of the rural areas, the government will be able to render irrelevant the attraction of insurgency. “That is the bottom-line,” he said as he expressed confidence that serbisyo caravan will be further strengthened and replicated in other areas as a catalyst in bringing government closer to the people. (JKL)
ble) endemic to Davao region. But there are more. Gov. Generoso, named after a prewar Davao leader, was erstwhile known as Sigaboy. Tagum City used to be called Magugpo by its original settlers. Sawata, a former rebel hotbed, is now the town of San Isidro, Davao del Norte. The defunct town of Kaputian, now part of the Island Garden City of Samal, was known in Spanish times as Cervera. Carmen, Davao del Norte, before its creation as a town, was known to everyone as Ising, which is now the name of a barangay under it. Malalag, Davao del Sur, was known in missionary accounts as Mercedes, while Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, was known in Spanish times as Trinidad. The old town of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, on the other hand, was known to the Bagobo settlers as Labo, meaning ‘marsh.’ Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, was known to the Tagacaulo tribe as Talagutong. Lupon, Davao Oriental, in ancient times, was called Sumlug. Moreover, Boston, Davao Oriental, was erstwhile known as Dakung Banua prior to its creation as municipality during the early American occupation. Before it became Montevista, it was known as Camanga. Davao City, as a town, was formerly known as Nueva Bergara, while the undivided district of Davao was called Nueva
Guipuzcoa. In Congress, there is a move to change the name of the province of Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro, obviously due to the presence of gold rush in 10 of its 11 municipalities. This piece of legislation was first filed in 2001 but after five congresses it did not prosper. The National Historical Commission frowns on moves to change names because it distorts history. In 2002, the local government of Monkayo, Compostela Valley Province, wrote the Commission, then an institute, to return the town’s spelling to Moncayo, but it was turned down because the request, even if granted, does not in any way alter the history of the town. Changing historical names is serious business. RA 1059, signed on June 12, 1954, expressly cites the prohibitions, as follows: “The naming of sitios, barrios, municipalities, cities, provinces, streets, highways, avenues, bridges, and other public thoroughfares, parks, plazas, public schools, public buildings, piers, government crafts and vessels, and other public institutions and places after living persons is hereby prohibited, except when it is a condition in a donation in favor of the government. Any ordinance or resolution adopted contrary to the provisions of this Act shall be null and void.”
Not their original names
into a town and given the name Doña Alicia, after the President’s wife, who was killed by the Japanese during the liberation of Manila. Later, on June 12, 1954, it was rechristened as Mabini under RA 1007, signed by President Ramon Magsaysay. Originally known as Kialeg, then a barrio of the municipality of Bansalan, in Davao del Sur, Magsaysay was given its present named under RA 2106, which took effect on April 3, 1959. Eight years later, by virtue of RA 4976, the erstwhile rustic village was elevated to full-fledged town on June 17, 1967, bringing with it several communities from its mother municipality. Natives used to call the place Cabinuangan in tribute to the binuang tree (Octomeles sumatrana) that grew abundantly on ranges that straddle the area. When the new settlers, mainly families of migrant loggers, started opening a settlement in the area, they pushed for its creation into a town. It was under RA 4756, approved on June 18, 1966, that it eventually became a municipality and was renamed New Bataan, presumably with the Bataan Death March as inspiration. When it was created as a town under Presidential Decree 1247 on Nov. 25, 1977, Maragusan, a former barangay of Mabini, Compostela Valley Province, was called San Mariano,
FAST BACKWARD Antonio V. Figueroa after Don Mariano Marcos, the father of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. It was later reverted to its old name under RA 6678, effective Oct. 12, 1988, due to political reasons. Laak, when it was created as a town of the province of Davao del Norte on April 4, 1979, by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 23, it, bore the name San Vicente, after Davao governor Vicente Duterte, the father of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. When the province was divided into two under RA 8470 on Jan. 30, 1998, the town was placed under the new province of Compostela Valley, this time carrying its old name Laak, which is after a small, thornless bamboo (Bambusa philippinensis Gam-
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the IED attack while another, identified as PFC. Rodulfo Bascon was wounded. The army said the casualties were immediately airlifted to Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City for immediate medical treatment. Air Force helicopters also supported the engaged troops by delivering rocket fires towards the withdrawing NPA rebels. The fourth encounter on
Thursday took place at around 7:20 p.m. when the joint Army-PNP team composed of troops of 39th IB and the Cotabato Police Public Safety Company (PPSC) responded to the reported NPA presence in Sitio Malapangi, Barangay Camutan, Antipas, North Cotabato. The NPAs who belong to Guerrilla Front 53 fled after the 10-minute encounter, the army reported. Valencia said the NPAs in
Antipas, particularly in Barangay Camutan were forcing the residents to join their movement. Due to fear, around 237 families from the area and neighboring barangays evacuated to the town center of Antipas. Pursuit operations are being conducted by various army units in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Bukidnon and North Cotabato, Valencia added.
the hijack incident in the neighboring municipality of Hadji Mohammad Ajul. “He was fatally wounded when he was turned over, prompting the military to evacuate him to the nearest medical station. However, he expired along the way,” Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said. Petinglay said Salupuddin was among those involved in the hijack of M/T Tug R9. The troops also recovered an M-16 rifle with two short magazines of ammunition and a motorized banca used by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the kidnapping. On Friday, the military also recovered one colored light blue motorboat locally known as “bote-bote” with a 10-person capacity, and one yellow outrigger-type motorboat with a four-person capacity at Sitio
Kapago, Barangay Candiis, Tuburan. Both boats were positively identified as the ones used in the hijacking of M/T Tug R9 and their engines were already removed. Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom commander, said a pursuit operation is still ongoing in coordination with the police forces in Basilan province. “WestMinCom is doing its best to rescue all the kidnap victims within our area of operations. However, this is one challenge that your Armed Forces cannot address alone. We need the help and the support of every peace-loving Filipinos in this fight,” Galvez said. “As of this report, Westmincom troops are working doubly hard to track and rescue the remaining sailor (Tiro) and the other kidnap victims. We will use all means to rescue the re-
maining hostages.” Prior to the hijack on Thursday, troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under the Joint Task Force Basilan and members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) launched an assault against the Abu Sayyaf in Tuburan town. At least one Abu Sayyaf member identified as Bistahan Nisalun, alias Upang-Upang, was killed during the assault in Barangay Lahi-Lahi, Tuburan. He was a known follower of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Abdullah Indanan alias Abdullah Jhovel or Guru, Petinglay said. The Philippine military is operating on a six-month deadline imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte to finish off the Abu Sayyaf, which has carried out a string of maritime kidnappings over the past year. The deadline will lapse on June 30. (PNA)
with Rodulfo Doller and Mary Ann Nucos, the family members of said militiamen. The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao Region, in a copy of the release order sent to the media, said the release is NDFP’s favorable response to the widespread
appeal of the families of the paramilitary men. Well-meaning parties and individuals who helped facilitate the release of the paramilitary men were also recognized in said release order. The order was signed by Rubi del Mundo, representa-
tive of NDFP in Southern Mindanao. The order added that Doller and Nucos exhibited remorse for their offenses and voluntary desistance from committing further crimes against the people and the revolutionary forces.
Engracia said he has not seen the EO yet as it is still being formulated. However, he said, he knows that the action officer of the VRU will be named on that date. He said the VRU will be like an umbrella organization
that will take care of all these ordinances. The VRU will have the power to conduct raids and close establishments, he added. Engracia said he will focus on information and education in the barangay level. He said stores in the rural areas are lo-
cated close to one another and there are no designated smoking areas. “The barangays will play an important role as they will be able to (identify) Designated Smoking Areas (DSA),” he said. (Lovely Carillo, PNA)
countries achieve their development goals, he said, calling BFA a platform for deliberation on Asia’s path of integration. Asia, with its vitality and vision, will inject momentum into the globalization drive, he added, citing a prediction by the International Monetary Fund that Asia will account for two thirds of world economic growth within the next four years.
Embrace globalization, Chinese way At the end of 2016, the
BFA held a conference in Melbourne, Australia to explore the future of globalization. Participants agreed that globalization should be more inclusive to benefit groups marginalized in this process. “The Belt and Road Initiative, in a sense, is China’s answer to such globalization,” Zhou said. The initiative was proposed by China in the hope of creating a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes. Participants in the initiative will merge in a community of
shared destiny, he added. The initiative has won support from over 100 countries and international organizations, with nearly 50 cooperation agreements signed. It has added a new dimension to the solution of integration by stressing infrastructure and connectivity on the basis of free trade and investment, Lin said. The value of infrastructure projects rose 47 percent in 66 countries and regions that fall under the initiative in 2016, according to accounting firm PwC. (PNA/Xinhua)
event. “Art is a reminder that God forgives us. The cup of coffee, on the other, reminds us how senior citizens, retires comfortably when it’s time to rest. That
one cup of coffee is a proof of freedom and liberation from hardships. I want all artists to be SS members so when the time comes, they are financially and socially secured,” Valdez added.
Sena added that while the motive of the advocacy was to promote Filipino craftsmanship through visual arts, it will also aid budding artists to save for their future through SSS. (PR)
Troops... FROM 2 NEW DCPO HEAD. Senior Superintendent Valeriano De Leon interacts with reporters during a news conference in this undated photo. De Leon formally assumed the helm as
FASTEST... FROM 1
acting Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director from Senior Superintendent Michael John Dubria in a ceremony in Camp Catitipan on Friday afternoon. Lean Daval Jr
na, Vice President for International Facilities Investments of Globe Telecom on Friday, March 24. The SEA-US cable system consortium will link five areas and territories that include Manado (Indonesia), Davao (Philippines, Piti (Guam), Oahu (Hawaii, US) and Los Angeles (California, United States). “Mindanao is definitely in the international cable system map with its state of the art 100G technology,” added Jallorina. Undeniably faster than
International cable systems landed in Luzon that only had 10G technology. Costing around USD $250 million, the 14,000-kilometer cable system will consist of two fiber pairs with an initial design capacity of 20 terabits per second and will use the latest submarine fiber-optic technology with 100 gigabits per second transmission equipment per pair. The project, once completed, will address ICT requirements of major trade and
industry centers in Mindanao region. “Nowadays, the primary source of information is the internet. The City Government of Davao is happy with this development. This will benefit Davao city and the whole country,” said Councilor Bernard Al-ag, representing the city council. The project has been going on for two (2) years and is expected to take full blown implementation by the end of the second quarter this year.
“As long as there are still provisions on the department circular that they issue that is detrimental to the interest of the consumers, we continue to oppose it,” stressed Dagooc. On the mandatory registration of electric cooperatives under WESM, the AMRECO president said they will contest that in a proper forum stressing that it is “unconstitutional” to force electric cooperatives to buy from the WESM when they prefer to purchase from their contracted power plants. Dagooc questioned certain provisions of WESM such as the operating expenses of market operators which will be paid by all member consumers of the cooperatives. He told reporters that WESM has set a price ceiling of P62/kwh. Meaning, those in the market could sell as much as P62/kwh instead of P5/kwh stated under bilateral contracts. Another issue he raised was the clearing price in which the highest bid on the day will be set as the standard price for the rest of the electric
cooperatives. Engr. David Tauli, president of Mindanao Coalition of Power Consumers said the existence of WESM would only change the pricing mechanism of electric cooperatives. “WESM will change bilateral contracts to its highest bid. P4.20/kwh generating average but if WESM is implemented it will become P6.00/ kwh. Total effect is P15B per year will be added to the consumers,” he said. However, in a previous statement from DOE Undersecretary Fuentebella, WESM provides a platform for a much faster way to trade power because there is a bidding every five minutes that allows for the buying and selling of electricity, which prioritizes the cheapest energy mix of renewable and non-renewable. On the part of Nolie C. Namocatcat, president of Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc., he will only agree on the implementation of WESM in Mindanao if and only certain provisions in the rules of WESM will be revised by adding section specifically
addressing the issues and concerns in Mindanao. “Duna’y capacity sa Mindanao na wa mabaligya. That’s uneconomical. And there are contracts with cooperatives which cannot be utilized. That’s uneconomical. Naa sad problema sa Mindanao ngadto sa power generator wala pa’y reserved requirement,” he pointed out. Namocatcat urged DOE to address these issues through a Department of Energy Circular.
PEMC to PSAGCOPR AMRECO also stressed if WESM would be implemented in Mindanao, it should be operated by Mindanaoans. At present, as stated in Republic Act 9136, WESM is operated by a private, independent body called Philippine Electric Market Corporation (PEMC) headed by Melinda L. Ocampo. The cooperative has formulated a proposal to transfer the operation of WESM in Mindanao from PEMC to PSAGCORP to be submitted to the Department of Energy.
warned Judge Arabiani that a repetition of the same or any similar act will be dealt with more severely. In the same decision, the Court also penalized several members of Judge Arabiani’s staff as follows: Rahim A. Arabiani, Junior Process Server, and Abudaraji G. Bakil were suspended for six months without pay with a stern warning that
similar acts would be dealt with more severely for Abudaraji’s irregular act of punching Rahim’s bundy card on three occasions; both were also reprimanded and sternly warned for failing to comply with Judge Arabiani’s memorandum requiring them to explain the subject incidents in writing. Rodrigo Ramos, Jr., Clerk of Court, was reprimanded and
sternly warned for violation of reasonable office rules and regulations (refusal to leave his bundy card or Daily Time Record on the designated rack despite Judge Arabiani’s orders) as well as suspended for six months and one day without pay for frequent unauthorized absences and loafing or frequent unauthorized absences from duty during regular office hours. (PNA)
AMRECO... FROM 1
Sulu... FROM 2
CAFGUS... FROM 3
Davao... FROM 3
Boao... FROM 4
SSS... FROM 14
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Globe... FROM 4
Grand Prime, A7, A5, J2 Prime, J2, Note 4, Note 5, A9 Pro, A3, A8, S6 Edge and J1 Ace; Motorola Moto G4 Plus, Moto Z, Moto G 4, Moto Z Play; Apple devices iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone SE, iPhone 6 Plus; Huawei devices Mate 9, P9, Honor 6X, P9 lite, Mate 9 Pro; Mate 8, P9 Plus; Xiaomi devices Redmi Note 3 and Xiaomi Mi Note 2; Oppo F1 and Oppo F1s; Sony devices Xperia XA, Xperia XZ, Xperia XA Ultra, Xperia X, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z3, Xperia M4 Aqua, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia X Compact and XPeria E5; Asus devices Zenfone 3 Max ZC520TL, Ze-
nfone 3 ZE552KL, Zenfone 3s Max ZC521TL, Zenfone 2 ZE551ML and Zenfone 3 Max ZC553KL; Lenovo devices P2, HTC 10, HTC One, HTC Desire 10 Pro; LG devices G5 and G4 and Google devices Pixel and Pixel XL; among others. It has also activated over 1200 additional LTE sites using the company’s additional spectrum allocation in the 2600 megahertz band. Globe plans to deploy more LTE sites this year through the company’s additional frequency spectrum assets to further accelerate its network build and stay ahead of the competition. (PNA)
is free of charge. The market access platform is set to revolutionize the way hard-to-find and artisanal Filipino products are sold in the local market. The design-led concept store will bring together a specially-curated line-up that ranges from food, apparel, accessories, home décor, gadgets and gift items. “This is Robinsons way of featuring world-class locally-made quality products by our MSMEs. Go Lokal! supports Filipino entrepreneurs into their initial foray into more mainstream markets making them more accessible to both local and foreign consumers. The diverse product line of Go Lokal! brings together the best products that the Philippines has to offer,” said Mr. Johnson
Go, General Manager of Robinsons Department Store. “Ultimately, it’s all about accessibility and opportunity for MSMEs, both of which you need to be successful in retail. Go Lokal! is one way for DTI and Robinsons Department Store to give assurance to these business owners that they have support from both the government and the private sector so they may profit from ventures that they are passionate about,” Robinsons Department Store President and COO Robina Gokongwei-Pe said. Portion of Go Lokal! revenues will go to various corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of Robinsons Department Store including the government’s drug rehabilitation program. (PR)
DTI... FROM 14
EDGEDAVAO
NEWS 13
CDO bishop calls for Filipinos to reflect on the environment A
said Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro. Using the simple action of turning off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message about the need for decisive climate change solutions, Earth Hour has grown in the past decade from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney.
The Philippines has been championing the switch-off since 2008 and has topped global participation records from 2009 to 2012, earning the country the title of “Earth Hour Hero Country.” Archbishop Ledesma said those who will observe Earth Hour can reflect on the environment as “a gift from God,” that
people are asked to be “stewards of the gift,” and the environment is “meant for all generations.” “Also we can reflect that the church herself is also for integral human development,” said the prelate, adding that part of the church’s role is “to take care of our relationship ... with God [and] creation.” (UCAN)
STUDY on young adult fertility and sexuality has linked early sex among millennials and early exposure to the Internet and social media. Commission on Population executive director, Dr. Juan Perez III on Thursday, said that one out of three girls and boys who are 15 to 19 years of age have engaged in premarital
sex.
Speaking at the launch of Book 4 of the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) Study at the Main Library of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, Perez said that based on regional studies, those who have access to Internet and pornographic materials, smoke, drink alcohol and use drugs
at a young age have the tendency to engage in premarital sex. He further pointed out that boys do it for the sexual act while girls do it for love; and their trysts occur mostly at home and in dormitories, often without protection against pregnancy or communicable diseases. Perez observed a high incidence of teenage pregnancy in urban areas,
as well as the regions of Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras, and Caraga in Mindanao. “Every year, 209,000 or more than 10 percent of childbirths in the country involve women less than 20 years old,” he said, citing dropping out of school as among the factors that lead to teenage pregnancy. (PNA)
good working relationship with his Japanese counterparts being a ranking member of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). “As we know, Japanese volleyball players are not the tallest or the strongest, but they are the fastest and most disciplined. I hope we could absorb those traits and use them when we compete in the AVC Asian Senior Women’s Championship and the SEA Games this August.” Suzara was also instru-
mental in bringing noted Japanese trainer Shun Takahashi and Hiroshima Oilers libero Yuri Fukuda to the country when they powered the PSL Manila squad in the prestigious FIVB Women’s Club World Championship last year. Led by head coach Kiyokazu Yamamoto, Kobe Shinwa will parade middle blocker Yu Moriwaki as its tallest player at 5-foot-7 and libero Manaka Fukui as its shortest at 5-foot2. Still, this squad will surely be a force as it finished fifth
place in the tough All-Japan University Women’s Volleyball Tournament; fifth in the Western Japan University Volleyball Tournament; and third in the Kansai Area University Volleyball League. “We are pleased to participate in the final round of the Philippine Superliga by showing our best level of volleyball in celebration of our 130thanniversary,” said the team in a press statement. “And as we play with both heart and harmony, we look forward to having more
friends and fans from the Philippines to join our circle of “shinwa.” But Suzara said winning over the Japanese is very possible. “Last year, nobody thought that RC Cola-Army would win over our foreign guest team in Est Cola, which is the national juniors team of Thailand,” he said. “I think nothing is impossible. Our coaches would surely take this as a challenge and prepare their respective teams to defend our homecourt.”
BISHOP in the southern Philippines has called for reflection on Laudato si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, during the observance of Earth Hour on March 25. “Earth Hour is a very good way to remember that we are all stewards of the environment,”
Study links early teenage sex to access to Internet: Popcom
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Japanese... FROM 15
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 284 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 26 - 27, 2017
JAPAN LECTURES. Dr. Akiko Fukushima, Professor at the School of Global Studies and Collaboration in Aoyama Gakuin University recently delivered lectures in Manila on Japan’s role in peacebuilding and security in the Asia Pacific region. (Photo Credit: Foreign Service Institute, DFA)
Japan’s Security Strategy lectures
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R. Akiko Fukushima, Professor at the School of Global Studies and Collaboration in Aoyama Gakuin University, was recently in Manila to deliver two lectures on Japan’s role in peacebuilding and security in the Asia Pacific
region. The lecture entitled “Japan’s Proactive Contribution to Peace” took place on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at the Brother Andrew Gonzales Hall, De La Salle University-Manila. This was followed by a
Power interruption on March 26 in areas of Bajada, Lanang, Sasa
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AVAO Light and Power Co. Inc. will implement a 10-minute power interruption on March 26, Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m. affecting customers connected to its Gaisano, Victoria and Pampanga Substations. This short service disruption is part of the upgrading works of Davao Light’s 138 kV line along diversion road due to the Maa bridge expansion project of the DPWH in the said area. Specifically affected are customers from corner C.M. Recto going to Bajada up to El Bajada Hotel including Jacinto, Magsaysay Ave., Villa Abrille, de Guzman St., F. Torres St.,
Dona Vicenta, Marfori, Circumferential road, Bacaca, and El Rio Subd. Also included are those along Sasa from Damosa up to crossing diversion road in Panacan. Davao Light apologizes for the inconvenience of this scheduled power interruption. But it will exert all efforts to restore electric service as scheduled or earlier. However, there may be instances where restoration may extend beyond the schedule due to unavoidable circumstances. Please contact our 24/7 Call Center Service at 2293572 for any power interruption that will fall outside the given indicated schedule. (PR)
SSS backs mandatory display of Pinoy artworks in companies
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HE Social Security System will support the call for mandatory display of Filipino artworks in business establishments, Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Amado D. Valdez said Friday. During SSS’ 152nd art exhibit, Art Discovery and Learning Foundation, Inc. President Fernando B. Sena has called for the mandatory display of artworks of Filipino artists in government and private establishments in the country. “We are asking for the support of SSC Chairman Valdez in lobbying this idea of directing all establishments in the country such as hotels, hospitals, malls and government offices to display and buy artworks of Filipino artists especially those who are starting in this financially-challenging world of artistry,” Sena said. “Of course we are grateful to establishments that have al-
lowed budding artists to exhibit their works to the public, but, we are also asking for further support to promote and market their creations,” Sena added. Responding to the call, Valdez said the SSS is in full support of Sena advocacy to showcase the talents of Filipino artists so they may develop their talents and at the same time, promote art within the lower and middle level of society. SSS recently held its monthly art exhibit dubbed with the theme of “Simplicity” featuring the masterpieces of the artists of Freedom Art Society. “Contrary to its title, today’s showcase is more than just a simple display o artworks that convey meaningful and intricate messages. Thru this, our featured artists wish to share the goodness and beauty of the visual arts through their paintings,” Valdez said during the
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round-table discussion, which was attended by security and defense scholars from different universities in the Philippines. On Thursday, March 16, 2017, the lecture on “Japan’s Proactive Contribution to Peace in an Increasingly Insecure
World” was given at the Foreign Service Institute, Department of Foreign Affairs. In these lectures, Dr. Fukushima gave an overview of Japan’s National Security Strategy (NSS) and described how this shapes Japan’s responses
to trends and challenges in the regional security environment. Released in 2013, the NSS had three main objectives: first, to strengthen deterrence and prevent threats from directly reaching Japan; second, to improve the regional security en-
vironment by promoting and enhancing trust and cooperative state relations; and lastly, to improve the global security environment and contribute to building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous international community. (PR)
EPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with Robinsons Department Store, launched its first Go Lokal! store in Robinsons Place Manila on March 24. Go Lokal! is a public-private collaboration between DTI and local retailer partners. Among its partners, Robinsons Department Store, an affiliate of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.,is the first to launch the project in a mainstream outlet. It serves
as incubation, marketing, and branding platform for the best of Philippine micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) products including next generation One Town One Product (OTOP) offerings. Go Lokal! stores showcase modern and indigenous quality products crafted, designed, and created by innovative Philippine MSMEs. It can be found in consumer-frequented locations as a mainstream distribution channel for world-class Filipino
products while offering value for money for targeted consumers and tourists. “DTI is excited to open its first mainstream Go Lokal! store with Robinsons Department Store as its dynamic partner in this effort of maximizing market access and providing exposure to our MSMEs. Go Lokal! is truly a vibrant model for MSME development and inclusive business. We are happy that committed partners like Robinsons have taken on this
challenge. We look forward to opening more outlets in their malls and department stores across the country,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. The trade chief also said that aside from providing market access for MSME products, the Go Lokal! program is a platform for new entrepreneurs to test the marketability of their products without the fear of losing rental and commercial costs because their experience
Water Supply System (WSS): Sasa Kms. 11, 12 and 13, Vicente Pichon Subd., Mahayahay Settlers, Airview Heights, Suhai Village, Mercedes Village, San Lorenzo Ruiz Village, BAT Compound, Cabayugan I, II and III, Nelia Ville I and II Subd., Landmark Village II and III, Doña Socorro Village, Bayview Village, Doña Caridad Subd., De Guzman Village, Delbros Village, PMPC Village, San Miguel Village, EMMA Village, Celedonia Village, Don Ramon Village, Benjamin Hills, Veterans Village, St. Michael Village, Doña Mercedes Village, Pizzaro Village, Malupiha Homeowners Assn., Doña Consuelo, Luzville Subd., Sarmiento Subd., Bugac-Ilang, Amparo Village, Upper Manggahan, Manggahan Village, Cal Village, Peña Village, Vicente Gloria Compound, SAPAHA, Sunrise Village, Panacan Relocation, Brgy. Panacan, Ilang, Bunawan, Mahayag, Tibungco, and Lasang, Tibungco Public Market, Tambongon, Sto. Niño Awad, Sto. Niño Hudson, Sagrada, St. John, San Jose Village, San Juan, San Antonio Village, RUC XI Panacan, Camp Panacan, Panacan Public Market, DPWH Depot, Purok Bangoy, Inabangga, Muslim Village, Central Ilang, Panacan
Valley, and Budbud Bunawan.
Street (from corner San Pedro Street to Duterte Street), and immediate environs. This water service interruption will give way to the tapping of the newly installed 2-inch diameter Polyethylene pipeline to the existing 6-inch diameter Centrifugally Cast Iron pipeline at San Pedro Street for the new service connection of Sarzal Corporation. The DCWD management asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. They are also advised to store enough water whenever they can as water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise. The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial for the latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 0927-7988966, 09255113293, and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)
DTI, Robinsons launch first Go Lokal! store D F DTI, 13
Water service interruptions in city parts March 26, 27, & 28
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AVAO City Water District advises of four separate sets of water service interruption. The first three sets will cause low water pressure to no water due to Davao Light and Power Company’s 15-minute power interruptions affecting DCWD’s Cabantian Production Well Nos. 1 and 2 and all production wells under Panacan Water Supply System on March 26 and 27, 2017. First set is on March 26, 2017 from 12:01 AM to 3:00 AM. Affected are these Cabantian areas: Cabantian Road (from Deca Homes to Cabantian Reservoir), Northcrest Subd., Suraya Homes, Kasilak Village, Forestal Road, Ananda Marga, Green Orchard Village I, II and III, Dacudao Village I and II, Canaan Village, Purok 39, Arendain Village, Leonora Garden Heights, D’Achievers Village, Amakan Village, Mountain View Village, Cabantian Elementary School, Purok 32, RDL Staff House, Hidalgo Subd., and Celerina Heights Second set is on March 26, 2017 from 12:01 AM to 3:00 AM and on March 27, 2017 from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Affected are all these areas served by Panacan
Third set is on March 27, 2017 from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM. Affected are these Cabantian areas: Deca Homes, Chula Vista Subd., Emily Homes, Holy Trinity Village, Countryville Executive Homes, Dela Peña Street, Bacahoa Village, Remedios Heights, Emilia Homes, Cecilia Heights, Priscilla Estates, Country Homes Subd., Greenland Subd., and Victors Executive Homes and Communal areas: portion of Ciudad Esperanza, Victors Subd., Puroks 1, 2, 3, lower Purok 4, 5 and 6, Green Valley, Ilumina Estates, Communal Barangay Hall, Communal Elementary School, Blue Diamond Village, Aspen Heights, and Catitipan Homeowners Assn. Although the power cuts causing the water service interruptions are shorter in duration, DCWD needs additional time for re-switching on of the affected facilities, pressure build up, and line delivery, thus the longer duration of water service interruptions. Fourth set is on March 28, 2017 from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Areas with no water are San Pedro Street, Ilustre Street, Pelayo Street, Duterte Street, portion of Quirino
VOL. 9 ISSUE 284 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 26 - 27, 2017
EDGEDAVAO
PRESIDENT’S MEN. The Malacanan Kamao flash the fist bump sign with team officials and supporters including Special Assistant to the President Secretary Bong Go, Presidential Assistant for Sports Glenn Escandor and PMS official Asistant Secretary Joseph Encabo.
Japanese squad completes PSL final round cast
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STRONG Japanese squad that once competed against Ateneo de Manila University will be flying over to serve as the fourth team in the final round of the Belo Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference starting Thursday (March 30) at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan. Kobe Shinwa Women’s University will be arriving on Tuesday (March 28) to grace a press launch before plunging into action against Foton, Cignal and unbeaten Petron in the final round of this club tourney bankrolled by Mikasa, Senoh, Asics and Mueller with TV5 as official broadcast
partner. A legitimate contender in the All-Japan Women’s University Tournament, the guest squad is tipped to march into battle with the signature speed, accuracy, skills and discipline of a Japanese team that would give local squads tough nights. Kobe Shinwa, in fact, gave the Lady Eagles a ringside view of Asian brand of volleyball when it faced them in a friendly match in Osaka last January. “This team is one of the best university teams in Japan,” said PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who enjoys
did not see action in the final period, scored 19 of Kamao’s 22 points in the third canto to keep his team in the game. He nailed three triples in a row and back to back transition pull-up jumpers to open the second half scoring spurt for the Kamao. The Warriors managed to sustain its 75-66 lead at the start of the final period and swatted Kamao attempts to recover to pull away with the win. With his remarkable showing, the Presidents closest aide left a clear imprint in the short but highly competitive league that he could made wonders for his team. Go outdueled Sen. Pac-
quiao and practically the rest of the Warriors in the first half where he amassed 26 points, accounting an early six treys compare to the Warriors lone triple couresty of Adrian Yusop. Rocky Acidre made 14 points for the Kamao who lost to University of the Philippines in their first outing. De Lasalle-TRMH defeated Montana Pawnshop, 8475, to move within the threshold of returning to the finals and take a crack of defending the title. The win solidified its place at the top of Group A with 2-0 card and a win against UP as of press time will formalize its entry to the finals.
HIGH... FROM 16
S
EN. Manny Paquiao was clearly not adept in plenary argumentation and debate. He was visibly upset by the interpellation of LP Sen. Franklin Drilon who quizzed him on his proposed creation of the Philippine Boxing Commission. Many netizens observed and suggested that the Pambansang Kamao should have instead spoken in Tagalog and not English in his sponsorship speech. But, regardless of his language handicap, Pacquiao’s intentions are clear: to focus positive government efforts on the plight of boxers who are enduring exploitation in the hands of unscrupulous people.
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He specifically mentioned the Games and Amusements Board, the regulatory government agency in charge of professional sports. The disquieting truth is that the good senator from Sarangani accurately pinpointed where the problem lies which, for decades, has been completely ignored by the authorities, including our lawmakers. So, in view of the exasperating GAB situation, the idea of creating a separate boxing body to focus mainly on boxers’ plight moved Pacquiao to submit his proposal. Unfortunately, the 8-division world boxing champ was not properly briefed by his office staff and subordinates who were not sports-oriented;
SPORTS15
DEFENDING CHAMPS. The De La Salle University Green Archers, representing The Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor’s Office, flash the fist bump with team officials and supporters including team owner Glenn Escandor and University of Mindanao president Willie Torres.
ALL-UAAP FINALS UP Maroons upset TRMH-CMO Green Archers to arrange finals By NEILWIN JOSEPH L. BRAVO njb@edgedavao.net
Bracket A *TRMH-CMO DLSU Montana Pawnshop Pacman Warriors
Bracket B *UP NU Malacañang Kamao *clinched finals berth
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W 2 2 1 W 3 1 0
L 1 1 2 L 0 2 3
HE Royal Mandaya Hotel-CMO De La Salle Green Archers failed to handle the more determined University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and dropped a heart-rending 79-73 decision on Saturday at the close of the eliminations in the 80th Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament. The Fighting Maroons led from start to finish and controlled the tempo with a slew of fastbreak outbursts to negate the tremendous advantage of the TRMH-CMO Green Archers in the paint. The Maroons thus finished the eliminations on top with a clean 3-win sweep. The Green Archers finished with a 2-1 card but still punched the second finals ticket. The Green Archers are seeking to retain the title they won last year against Goldstar Hardware while the Maroons will be gunning for their first. SLAM. Ben Mbala of TRMH-CMO De La Salle goes up for a slam. Lean Daval Jr.
Abolish the GAB
SPORTS KEN By RED C. LUMBA
that there was need to abolish the GAB first before his proposed bill can be tackled. I know of many shenanigans happening inside the GAB not only in boxing but also in other fronts. This is from way, way back. Now that Pacquiao is zeroing in on these, I am all
for it, including replacing the GAB with a new government authority that would cover all professional games and sports, including horse racing and cockfighting. If, and when, the GAB is abolished, Pacquiao can then introduce the creation of specialized divisions in the new agency fully equipped with legislated functions and responsibilities that will uplift the Filipino ring gladiators’ situation. We know where Manny is coming from. We know that many boxers are either unlettered or ignorant and this sad circumstance leads to their exploitation. Their tales of woe will make you cry.
Boxing, being a cruel sport where the protagonists need to hurt and render helpless their foes, has blessed some talented boxers’ whose families lived in penury before. However, there are more boxers today who are suffering because of physical injuries which Pacquiao, a bornagain Christian, wants the government to address properly. Over the years, the GAB has not been that diligent, to say the least. Unable to use their fists to gain glory, fame and fortune, these injured fighters have become victims of the sport they love and are now left on their own. Pacquiao’s legendary achievements is in a very big
way instilling hope and inspiration in many a boxing aspirant’s heart, including among martial arts fighters elsewhere. I am encouraging the good senator, whose ring exploits I have covered for many years, to move unrelentingly on and accomplish his mission. For I have noted that many senators before him assumed chairmanship of the games and sports committee but nothing productive happened during their respective stints. Get rid of the evils whose tribes have increased. Abolish the GAB! (Email your feedback to fredlumba@ yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
16 EDGEDAVAO Sports
HIGH PROFILE BATTLE Pacquiao Warriors beat President’s Malacañan Kamao in Araw hoops
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EC. Christopher “Bong” Go came out with a brilliant performance on his first appearance in the 80th Araw ng Davao Commercial League on Friday night. Go struck for 45 points, splashing e l e ve n tri-
ONE ON ONE. Boxing legend and Senator Manny Pacquiao of Pacman Warriors (left) guards Secretary Bong Go of Malacanang Kamao in this bit of action during the ongoing 80th Araw ng Davao Invitational basketball tournament. LEAN DAVAL JR.
ples, in the Malacanan Kamao’s 96-88 loss to Sen. Manny Pacquiao Warriors at the Davao City Recreation Center. While Kamao absorbed their second straight defeat, the sweet-shooting Special Assistant to President Rodrigo Duterte scored the league’s highest points made so far on a great display of shooting prowess in 30 minutes of action. Sen. Manny Pacquiao led the Warriors with 18 points and had his best passing game with several perfect dimes. Maglasang and Batiller pitched in 10 points apiece for the Warriors who bounced back after losing to defending champs De Lasalle University-TRMH in the opener to improve their record to 1-1. Hitting treys one after another, Go, who
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VOL. 9 ISSUE 284 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 26 - 27, 2017
DCWD rehabilitates water supply system, capacitates community for operation
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FTER completely rehabilitating Brgy. Marilog’s water supply system in December 2016, Davao City Water District is currently capacitating the recipient communities to efficiently operate and distribute water supply. The rehabilitated water supply system which costs PhP3.9 million now provides access to safe drinking water to the 234 households in Sitio Marahan and 116 households in Sitio Ladian. Classified as Level II water supply system which is a piped system with a communal water point serving around four to six households within 25 meters, the project also included the installation of 1,466 linear meters of 6-inch diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe, 1,176 linear meters of 4-inch diameter PVC pipe, 12 units of communal faucets, and one unit of 60-liter plastic container to be used in the water treatment. The project is the first gender-responsive infrastructure project under DCWD’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program which will help address the differing needs and challenges
DCWD crew and beneficiary members take a look at the newly constructed water treatment facility. The rehabilitated water supply system in Brgy. Marilog is now fully operational serving sitios Marahan and Ladian with safe drinking water. of men and women in the beneficiary community in relation to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH). In preparation for the turnover of the water supply system to Brgy. Marilog by the end of 2017, DCWD is currently implementing its community development program which will help the community better manage the water supply system. In said program, DCWD facilitated the formation of the organization in-charge of the
maintenance, conducted community assessments, and scheduled a series of capacity building trainings for the members of the community. This project is among the various undertakings of the water utility to support the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation by promoting WaSH and supporting partner communities both in rural and urban barangays. (Winston Ajero)