Edge Davao 9 Issue 08 by Edge Davao The Business Paper

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

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EDGE DAVAO EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society Serving a seamless society

Years

Fear for the dirty river

Photo by Lean Daval Jr.

2 COVER STORY EDGEDAVAO

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diseases that can be obtained from bathing in the Davao River By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR. abf@edgedavao.net

HE quality of water in the Davao River in Davao City is degrading based on the latest water sampling results gathered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Board (DENR-EMB) XI. The DENR-EMB on Friday said that the degradation is due to the rise in the level of coliform bacteria. DENR-EMB XI Water Quality Management Area focal person Maria Socorro Mallare said Davao River’s pH level or the measure of acidity and temperature and total suspended solids are high. Mallare said the high coliform level was monitored in heavy populated areas where most of the residents do not have toilets or near subdivisions that do not have waste water treatment facilities. It is also high in areas near small agricultural farms, industrial companies, and backyard piggeries and poultries. The long drought has also contributed to the increase of coliform level of the river because more and more people go there to wash their clothes. Nitrates from detergent soaps are harmful pollutants. Areas in Crocodile Park, Bankerohan Bridge, Bolton Bridge and the mouth of Davao River have the highest coliform contamination. For her part, DENR-EMB RX environment officer Conrada Vinluan said that based on the latest water sampling results for 20142015, the total coliform bacterial count from human and animal fecal discharge and heavy metals already reached 16 million per 200mL particularly at the downstream portion of the Davao River. The acceptable coliform level is only at 100 most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliter. The phosphate and zinc content in the river also increased to 1 MPN per 100 ml from .02 MPN per 100 ml. Phosphate and zinc come from fertilizers and other farm implements used in agricultural areas. With the situation of the river, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued a warning to residents near the river against bathing in it. DOH XI senior health program officer Gloria Raut said bathing in Davao River poses danger to chil-

dren’s health as they might ingest contaminated water. Raut said children are prone to diseases due to their delicate immune system. “May mga virus diyan, may mga bacteria. Ang usual na nararamdaman ‘pag nakainom sila ng polluted water is diarrhea (The water abounds with virus and bacteria. Usually, the person who ingests polluted water will experience diarrhea),” she said. Skin rashes, sore eyes, cholera, typhoid fever, and polio are some of the diseases that can be acquired from bathing in the river. Due to the contamination of the Davao River, EDGE Davao searched the top eight diseases that can be obtained from polluted water.

Diarrhea According to livestrong.com, the most common result of a coliform bacterial infection is diarrhea. The bacteria shigella can cause dysentery, characterized by copious bloody diarrhea. The closely related E. coli bacteria are generally neutral, or even beneficial, but a few strains are pathogenic, and can cause diarrhea. Although most cases of E. coli infection result in mild, food-poisoning-like symptoms, E. coli can give rise to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a disease similar to dysentery, and is potentially life-threatening. Both shigella and pathogenic E. coli can be contracted from drinking contaminated water, or from eating food that either contains a large amount of contaminated water, or has been washed in contaminated water. Most cases of diarrheal shigella and E. coli resolve on their own after a short period, so antibiotics reserved for severe cases.

Gastroenteritis Vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea are all symptoms of gastroenteritis — commonly referred to as “food poisoning” — and can be caused by either eating or drinking coliform bacteria, especially strains of salmonella. Meat or poultry products are common causes of salmonella-induced food poisoning in the United States, but salmonella can also be contracted from contaminated

water — a major problem in other parts of the world. As gastroenteritis generally lasts just two to three days, antibiotics are of little use, but may be prescribed if there are complications, if the patient is already ill, or his immune system is compromised.

Typhoid Fever Although rare in developed countries, typhoid fever caused by the bacteria salmonella typhi remains a serious problem in the developing world. Typhoid fever is a systemic disease characterized by flu-like symptoms: headaches, abdominal tenderness, dry coughing, loss of appetite, and fever. Typhoid patients often exhibit a rashes or raised red spots, generally on the front of the chest, which fade after three to four days. If left untreated, typhoid fever is fatal in approximately 20% of cases. Like the other diseases caused by coliform bacteria, typhoid fever is contracted from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. A vaccine against the disease provides a high level of protection, and lasts for about three years. It is encouraged for anyone traveling to developing countries with high levels of typhoid fever, particularly if they plan to travel in areas with poor sanitary conditions.

Urinary Tract Infection Urinary tract infection (UTI) may be caused by pathogenic strains of E. coli and of klebselia, a similar coliform bacteria. As with the diarrheal diseases, UTI may be caused by drinking contaminated water, but are more often caused by direct contact with the bacteria. UTI primarily affect women, and are especially common in pregnant women, due to hormonal changes and physical pressure on the urinary tract. It is generally treatable with antibiotics, although the number of antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli is growing.

Skin infections The skin may get infected if it gets in contact with sewage contaminated water and painful and itchy rashes may develop. If the infection develops the area may

become hot and swollen and may start accumulating pus. Pus is the product of your bodies immune systems (often failing) attempt to destroy the multiplying bacteria. If left on its own, most minor skin infections can get better if just left clean and dry, but some may progress and can leave you feeling unwell feverish.

Eye infection or Sore eyes Sewage water contains bacteria and viruses that are can infect the eyes. The adenovirus found in sewages are know to cause nasty eye infections. When an eye is infected it becomes red and the conjunctiva, the tissue surrounding the eye, gets swollen. It also becomes watery. Tears are the body’s natural attempt to wash away infections. Eye infections are often very uncomfortable. The discomfort is often described as the feeling of having small grains of glass in the eye. Eye infections are easily treatable with eye drops, but if left untreated it can progress and become extremely unpleasant. If you have difficulty seeing/ reading normally out of the effected eye, or there is pain on movement then you should seek urgent medical attention. Often infection starts in only one eye but is easily spreads to the other eye.

E Coli E coli is spread by the ‘fecal-oral’ route. E coli contamination is not as harmful as the other diseases. The worst experience you may have is just loose bowel movement as there are only a few strains of E coli have the potential to cause significant harm.

Polio Virus The Polio virus can be transmitted through contaminated water and food or through direct contact with someone infected with the virus. Polio is so contagious that anyone living with a recently infected person is likely to become infected, too. People carrying the poliovirus can spread the virus for weeks with their feces. █

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EDGEDAVAO

4 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

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GROUNDBREAKING. PHINMA Properties president and chief executive officer Roberto M. Laviña (5th from left), vice president for Sales and Marketing Arthur A. Tuason (2nd from left), Business Development consultant Eduardo N. Paredes Jr. (3rd from left), Davao Sales head Rhoda B. Cua (5th from right), Davao project director Gene A. Arcena (4th from right), assistant director for Sales Rogelio M. Garcia (3rd from right), vice president for Urban Housing Division Raphael B. Felix

(2nd from right), assistant marketing manager Enriquez M. Moran (rightmost), project in-charge Deogenes L. Lesiguez (leftmost, and joint venture partner and land owner Vicente Mario H. Reyes (4th from left) lead the ceremonial shoveling for the topping off rites for Arezzo Place Davao’s first condominium building along Doña Pilar Avenue in Sasa, Davao City. PHINMA Properties planned to build 11 more condominium buildings in the property. Lean Daval Jr.

Rody: Distribute coco B levy fund to farmers

Agrarian reform beneficiaries seek government protection

By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

RESIDENTIAL candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte wants the government to distribute the overdue coco levy fund to coconut farmers. “The Supreme Court has said that the money belongs to the people. Matagal na yan. By this pronouncement, it should have been given to the rightful owners,” said Duterte during a meeting with farmers at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna Friday. Duterte said the money which was collected through a levy, must be immediately distributed to coconut farmers and growers. When asked to comment

on the statements of his opponent Senator Grace Poe and running mate Senator Chiz Escudero, Duterte just answered, “I’m sorry, I cannot join you.” “Kung sino man ang dinidepensa mo, dito ako sa mga tao (Whoever you are protecting, my heart goes out to the farmers),” he said. The camp of Duterte said around 25 percent or 3 million hectares of the country’s 12 million hectare agriculture lands are devoted to coconut. Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña said there are around 3.5 million coconut farmers across the country today — or close to 10 percent of the total 40 million labor force.

The coconut industry, he said, is among the Top 5 net foreign exchange earners, with an average of $760M per year. The Philippines, he also noted, contributes around 59 percent share in world coconut exports. Despite this, the Philippine government has no “clear vision and plan for the holistic development of the coconut industry.” And because of this, the disposition of the and utilization of P71 billion levy funds continue to be unresolved. “Our position is that we need to return coco levy funds to the rightful owners as it is only fair and just,” Laviña said. Laviña said, if Duterte is

elected, the money that cannot be returned — on account that beneficiaries cannot show proof, cannot be located, or have long passed away — will we be placed in a trust fund for research and development, scholarships, replanting and and other programs that will directly benefit the coconut industry. “We need to have a new Vision and Program for the revival of the coconut industry to bring equitable wealth creation, including restructuring Philippine Coconut Authority to also focus on other vegetable oil crops such as oil palm as complementary to coconut,” Laviña said.

omous Region for Muslim),” UBJP secretary general lawyer Naguib G. Sinarimbo told reporters during the European Union-funded training on political party development at the Pinnacle Hotel and Suites last Friday. Sinarimbo said the current

system is based on patronage politics where individuals closely associated with national politicians rule the autonomous region. “The people don’t even know who their representatives are because they were just appointed by the presi-

dent,” he said. Sinarimbo believes that there should be a shift to the parliamentary system of government to allow the equal representation of platforms and interests of the minorities. “With the parliamentary

Structural reforms in the ARMM pushed By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

HE United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) is pushing for structural reforms despite the absence of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. “I think there has been absence of a level playing field in the current political system of the ARMM (Autin-

F STRUCTURAL, 15

ENEFICIARIES of the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in Bukidnon are seeking protection from local authorities over continued harassment by a group of armed men preventing them from cultivating their lands. The farmers who grouped themselves as Bukidnon Landless and Actual Tillers Association (BUKLATA), are recipients of Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA) from the government-sequestered Bukidnon Farms, Inc. (BFI), a Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr.-owned 720-hectare coconut and cacao plantation located

in Barangay Base Camp, Maramag town. Rice farmer Ifraim Alayon said a group of “Lumads” or indigenous peoples (IPs), who are claiming that the land belongs to their ancestral domain and therefore not subject for distribution, have begun encroaching and occupying some lots that were not yet awarded since last year. Alayon said that the group even hired heavily-armed security guards firing shots at farmers and even killed one in October last year, and injured two others earlier this year. “We were tilling our lands here peacefully when the gov-

F AGRARIAN, 15

Agusan del Norte, Butuan now‘conflict manageable’

HE province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City are set to be declared as “conflict manageable and ready for further development”. It is fifth province in the region to be under such category and the seventh under the area of responsibility of the 4th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In a media advisory sent to media outlets here, the joint memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing declaring the province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City as “conflict manageable and ready for

further development,” will be held at the Provincial Training Center, Agusan del Norte Capitol Compound in this city at 10 a.m. Monday, (March 14). The first province to be declared under such category was the province of Dinagat in 2015. The island province has moved further to another level, making it the first province in the region to be declared as “insurgency free”. According to Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, commander of the 4ID “Diamond” Division of the AFP, this was followed by Surigao del Norte, Agusan del

F AGUSAN, 15

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EDGEDAVAO

6 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

EARLY DIP. A young boy takes an early morning dip at the beach front of Sta. Ana wharf yesterday. Authorities warned the public to shy away from swimming in Davao City’s beaches after the Department of Health (DOH) 11 and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

11 confirmed that the coliform content of the Davao River and other body of waters surrounding Davao City are much higher than the normal. Lean Daval Jr.

Comelec to open bidding for vote receipts thermal paper

New homes, new hopes, new beginnings

266 MVP homes turned T over to typhoon victims I

T has been more than three years now since Typhoon Pablo wreaked havoc in the three towns of Davao Oriental – Boston, Baganga and my hometown, Cateel. Although the scars of the monstrous disaster are still visible, victims of Typhoon Pablo today along with their families are gradually moving forward from their dreadful experience dealing with the aftermath of most disastrous typhoon ever to hit them. The wounds caused by Typhoon Pablo are slowly heal-

ing. People are getting back to their lives. Those who lost their homes get new ones. The farms destroyed by the strong winds are replanted again. Alternative sources of living are introduced. Those who are jobless are taught with new livelihood trainings. Many, especially those who benefited so much from the different aid and assistance given to victims, now somehow considered Typhoon Pablo as a blessing in disguise. I’ve seen so many changes from what was used to be ground zero to

well-rehabilitated towns now. Three years after the massive catastrophe, blessings still pour in in these three towns of Davao Oriental. Very recently, the MVP Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility consortium of the companies led by businessmen Manuel V. Pangilinan, formally turned over 266 housing units to the families who were left homeless in Baganga. Coming from a heartbreaking disaster, I witnessed how all these beneficiaries beamed with joy and deep gratitude as they accepted their new typhoon-resilient homes they can now finally call their very own. Others wept unabashedly admitting they have better homes now compared to the

ones destroyed by the killer typhoon. The village is now known as MVP Tulong Kapatid Homes and it is located in Barangay Lambajon. It is situated in a five-hectare resettlement site provided and developed by the provincial government. I am so impressed to see that the design of the housing units exceeded the usual specifications for social housing. These houses are structurally designed to withstand up to 250 kph winds. Aside from typhoon resilient houses, the village now also boasts of a community clinic, paved subdivision roads, as well as electrical and water services. Now,

F266 MVP, 15

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is opening the bidding for the supply of some 1.1 million thermal paper rolls to be used in the May 9 polls. In its Invitation to Bid, the Comelec-Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) is looking for a qualified supplier that will provide the poll body with the thermal paper rolls for an approved budget for the contract (ABC) of Php85.8 million or Php78 per roll. The bidding documents are now available for

Php50,000 until April 5 at the BAC Office at the Palacio del Gobernador Building in Intramuros, Manila. “Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedure using a non-discretionary ‘pass/fail’ criterion as specified in the Government Procurement Act,” it said. The Comelec-BAC added, “Bids received in excess of the ABC per item shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.” The Pre-Bid Conference

FCOMELEC, 15

DCWD collection centers open on March 16,17

AVAO City Water District announces that its Victoria Plaza, Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premier collection centers will be open during the holidays on March 16 and 17, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM to accept payment of water bills. However, its Bajada, Matina, Maa and Toril offices will be closed on said dates relative to the declaration of March 16 and 17 as special non-working holidays for 79th Araw ng Dabaw and Araw ng Pasasalamat, respectively. Moreover, the Barangay Session Hall in Calinan will be closed on March 17 and will be accepting payment of water bills on March 18 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The water utility also ad-

vises that due dates for water bill payments falling on said holidays remain as scheduled. General manager Edwin V. Regalado assures the general public that DCWD’s technical or field and Central Information Unit (CIU) / Call Center operations will not be disrupted on said dates to ensure continuous water service and offsite customer assistance. DCWD customers may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or contact the CIU / Call Center through the 24-hour hotlines 297-DCWD (3293), 09277988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for queries and further updates. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

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Water service interruptions in several areas March 17

AVAO City Water District advises of two sets of water service interruption to give way to separate service improvement projects. First set is on March 17 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Affected are some Catalunan Pequeño areas: SAMULCO Village and Sitio Cawa-Cawa and some Mintal areas: NPC Village, Palm Street, Yellow Bell Street and Doña Aurora Street. This water service interruption will give way to the tapping of the water distribution system to the existing 100mm diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipeline for the Camella Cerritos expansion in Mintal by the Engineering and Construction Department (ECD) crew. Second set is also on March 17 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM affecting the entire Small Village in Purok 21, Mintal. The ECD crew will tap the newly installed 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline to the existing 4-inch diameter PVC pipeline for the mainline improvement at the said affected area.

Once completed, both projects will allow for accommodation of additional service connections. DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruptions. 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 to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 09277988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

Political leaders in Davao support Marcos’candidacy

N the third day of his Unity Caravan in Mindanao, political leaders of Davao Region have declared their support to the vice presidential bid of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. Among the local officials of Davao del Norte and Davao Del Sur who welcomed the lawmaker included Davao Del Norte Rep. Anton Lagdameo, who’s the constant companion of Marcos in his campaign sorties in the country, PBA partylist official Jericho “Koko” Nograles, Panabo City Mayor James Gamao, former Davao Del Norte Rep. Antonio “Tony Boy” Floirendo, among others. Thousands of people, showing Bongbong Marcos and ALDUB streamers, lined the streets in Davao City waiting for the motorcade to show

their support. ALDUB is short for Alyansang (Rody) Duterte-Bongbong. Marcos thanked the people of Davao for their warm welcome and show of support to his campaign. “Ako po ay labis na nagpapasalamat sa inyong pinakitang pagsuporta sa akin. Ito po ang nagbibigay sa akin ng inspirasyon at lakas upang mas lalo pang pagbutihin ang aking kampanya na pag-isahin tayong lahat dahil uunlad lamang ulit ang ating bansa kung tayo ay magkakaisa sa pagtulong sa kapwa at sa bansa,” he said. On Wednesday, Marcos went around several towns and cities in North Cotabato, particularly in Makilala, Kidapawan, Matalam, Kabacan and Midsayap—areas where Ilo-

F POLITICAL, 15

USD 1-M prize on emerging tourism destinations up for grabs

WO emerging tourism destinations are set to each receive an award of USD 500,000 to develop and create a digital marketing campaign to showcase their destination to a global audience. This comes after travel association Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in partnership with the world’s largest travel site TripAdvisor, joined to search for emerging destinations to take part in the PATA CEO Challenge 2016. The PATA CEO Challenge, launched in 2015, is an awards program that embraces the uniqueness and diversity of different heritages, cultures, customs and nature of world destinations. This involves the selection of lesser known destinations

that are ready to be discovered, enjoyed and recognized for their authenticity and beauty. Last year, the province of Albay was awarded the PATA CEO Challenge 2015 Top Destination in the category of Regions/States/Provinces. The PATA CEO Challenge 2016 is open to all regions, states and provinces. This year the rules have been amended to include those smaller nations that currently attract less than 100,000 international visitor arrivals in a calendar year. PATA Mario Hardy, in a statement, said that the contest was an amazing opportunity for emerging destinations to enjoy a major boost to their marketing campaigns. “Once again PATA and Tri-

FUSD, 15

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 7

Rody: I’m with Alan through thick and thin By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.

abf@edgedavao.net

RESIDENTIAL bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte assured his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano that he will not to be abandoned despite the drop in the latter’s ratings on the latest survey. “Kasama ko siya. Walang iwanan (I am always with him. I won’t abandon him),” Dutete said in a statement. Duterte said both of them will work harder together to boost Cayetano’s survey ratings. “Kailangan naming kumayod pa ng husto, kailangan lalo pang magpursige ni Alan (We have to work harder, Alan

has to work harder),” he said. The mayor clarified that he remains a hundred percent supportive of Cayetano despite a controversial statement he made when he was campaigning in the Ilocos region. He said he was only invited there by a close supporter of the Marcos clan. Duterte said he has nothing but good words for Cayetano describing him as “the most decent person to have entered politics.” Duterte earlier told that voters who will not be voting for Cayetano as their vice president should forget about voting for him as well.

In the latest surveys, Cayetano trailed behind other vice presidential candidates, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Bongbong Marcos, at Leni Robredo. Duterte’s ranking, meanwhile, improved the most in the February to March surveys. Earlier, Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines Inc. president Nicco de Jesus said surveys do not really influence the choice of the voters. De Jesus said that the things that can influence the voters are issues, emotions and feelings, and programs that can resolve problems of the country.

He said whatever the media reports on television, radio broadcast, newspapers, and online news pages on who are the leading candidates in the survey are, has no bearing in the minds of the people. De Jesus said that based on the research of the World Association on Public Opinion Research (WAPOR) published at wapor.org, the proportion of the voting population during the conduct of the surveys do not have huge effect during the election. He said the other factor that can make a candidate can win is the debt of gratitude of the people.

EDGEDAVAO

8 ECONOMY

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Malaysia to fete Davao IT expert By CHENEEN R. CAPON

crc@edgedavao.net

AVAO-BASED information technology expert Xavier Eric B. Manalastas, chief operating officer and president of NextBPO Solutions will be awarded with citation on Golden Globe Tigers Award for Excellence & Leadership in Outsourcing in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia next month. Slated on April 11 at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Center Hotel &Residences, Manalastas said the “Golden Globe Tigers Awards aims to recognize “TIGERS” across leadership levels in individual and organization that aim at believing that excellence is infinite and perfection has no limit and targets are milestones not an end of the journey.” “The Golden Globe Tigers Awards is the highest recognition individuals and organizations can aim to achieve because they believe that perfection has no limits,” Manalastas wrote in a press release. The “Golden Globe Tigers Award for Excellence & Leadership in Outsourcing” will recognize the most eminent Professionals for their superlative achievements in their respective fields,he added. He was told that the awards are intensely re-

searched. “The research cell consists of Post Graduates in History & Management with over 5 years research experience posts their studies. It is the iconic job of the research cell to produce a shortlist of Individuals who are doing extraordinary work and track the record of their achievements. The shortlist is then reviewed by a Jury comprising of senior professionals from across the globe, he added. Meanwhile, the NextBPO Solutions is a customized outsourcing specialist based in the Davao City. Two years ago, the firm provided talents for the creation of online game Erectus with The Netherland-based developer Maata Games BV. Maata Games BV an online game named Erectus™ last year which is about the “dramatic encounter between the Homo sapiens and Homo erectus that happened on earth 130.000 years ago.” Apart from game development, the NextBPO Solutions also sealed a partnership New Zealand’s largest website development company ZEALD (www.zeald.com) last year for the establishment of its

SECOND HAND. A pedestrian passes by a display of different knock-off brands of rubber shoes sold at the sidewalk along Magallanes Street yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

FMALAYSIA, 15

PSEi sustains rally Friday, Coloma: Next admin can strengthen AMLA advances to near 7,100 A

OCAL equities sustained its rally during Friday’s trading, joining other Asian bourses after European Central Bank (ECB) reduced benchmark rate. The barometer Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) advanced 50.56 points or 0.72 percent to 7,098.64 from previous day’s 7,048.08 close. Analyst said the ECB’s decision to reduce eurozone interest rates boosted the local

market. At home, Jonathan Ravelas of Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. said domestic interest rates are still seen to move sideways in the near-term. All counters finished in the green, led by mining and oil that surged 2.52 percent. Volume of transactions reached 1.47 billion shares valued at Php9.18 billion. Advancers dominated decliners, 113 to 61, while 42 issues unchanged. (PNA)

PALACE official on Friday said further improvement in the Philippines’ money laundering law can be introduced by the next administration. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. declined to comment on the case being investigated by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) regarding the alleged laundering of about USD 81 million in February 2016 but assured that the Council is

doing it responsibilities. ”It is best that we await the findings of the AMLC. The next administration and the incoming Congress will have the opportunity to act on possible legislation that could strengthen government’s capability to stop money laundering activities,” he added. The money laundering was discovered through several accounts opened at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Jupiter branch in Makati City.

RCBC said it has launched its own investigation on the case, which involved funds obtained by hackers from the US dollar account of Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh’s central bank, with the Federal Reserve of New York in February 2016. The money was placed in several accounts with the RCBC Jupiter and was consolidated through an account reportedly owned by businessman William Go, owner of DBA Centurytex Trading. Four individuals, identified

as Enrico Teodoro Vasquez, Alfred Santos Vergara, Michael Francisco Cruz and Jessie Christopher Lagrosas, are now under investigation by the AMLC. They own the RCBC accounts in Jupiter branch that received the questionable funds last February 4. Reports by a national daily, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), said about USD 25 million was transferred to Vasquez’ account, USD 19.99 million in Vergara’s, USD 6 million in Cruz’ and USD 30 in Lagrosa’s. (PNA)

Suspects in P300-M PSE scam file counter-affidavit

FORMER employee of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) who is suspected to be involved in the about Php 300-million investment scam, filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday. Jose Cecilio Penaflor and his brother, Angelo, together with their legal counsel, appeared before DOJ Assistant State Prosecutor Rodan Parocha for the conduct of the preliminary investigation on the complaint for estafa filed against them by Joyce Lim Haw. However, Parocha clarified that only Haw filed the complaint at the DOJ for his Php 10-million investment,

where the Penaflor brothers allegedly promised him to invest in the stock market. The other complainants in the so-called Php 300-million PSE investment scam of the Penaflor brothers, Parocha said, who earlier appeared at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), had already filed their complaint before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Jose Penaflor was released for further investigation after he was arrested by the NBI last February. He was a former assistant head of the market education section of the PSE. Parocha set the next preliminary investigation on March 25, 2016. (PNA)

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EVENT 9

EDGEDAVAO

DanRich, Puppeteer Wanlu, homegrown fashion, and mall-wide sale this Araw ng Dabaw week at Abreeza Mall

AVAOEÑOS, get ready to catch one of today’s hottest showbiz love teams, feast your eyes on stunning locally-designed fashion, enjoy a fun-filled day with amusing puppets, and score loads of great discounts at your favorite stores as Abreeza Mall kicks off its Araw ng Dabaw festivities! From March 14

to 20, Abreeza Mall holds its annual week-long Araw ng Dabaw Sale, giving shoppers up to 70% off on great finds mall-wide. On March 16 at 4pm, the stars of ABS-CBN’s Be My Lady, real-life couple Daniel Matsunaga and Erich Gonzales, will be bringing kilig to Davao’s showbiz fans as they share the stage at the Activity Center. From March 18 to 19, Abreeza Mall partners with the Philippine Women’s College of Davao and the Davao Fashion Design Council to present the first-ever Fashion Weekend Davao, which is envisioned to be Davao and Mindanao’s premier fashion event and lifestyle platform. A local celebration of Design Week Philippines,

Fashion Weekend Davao is set to present a series of runway shows. On March 18 at 3pm, Luxe Retail will showcase looks from Abreeza Mall’s premier fashion brands; at 5pm, New Generation will shine the spotlight on Davao’s emerging designers; at 7pm, The New Establishment will parade pieces by the Davao Fashion Design Council. The fashion smorgasbord continues on March 19 with Generation Next, the PWC Fashion Design graduation show at 3pm. Furthermore, vignette exhibitions featuring award-winning Davaoeño designers, local textiles, green fashion, a pop-up retail space, and more will be on display from March 16 to 20 in various locations around the mall.

On March 20, delighting kids and their families will be the World Puppetry Day celebration at the Activity Center. This wholeday treat includes a puppet show by Talentadong Pinoy Hall of Famer Puppeteer Wanlu at 3pm, as well as an exhibit of puppets from Southeast Asia, a book reading using puppets, a puppetry workshop for children, and photo opportunities with the puppets. For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

10 THE ECONOMY

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

DOLE-Coke partnership pushed A

NOTHER livelihood opportunity program awaits women OFWs, especially those staying for good in the country, as the Department of Labor and Employment and the Coca-Cola Far East, Limited (CCFEL) launched, through the signing of a memorandum of understanding, a joint initiative, the Women REACH! Program, or “Women Entrepreneurs Reintegrated and Economically Active at Home”. Baldoz signed the MOU with CCFEL President and General Manager Diego Eduardo G. Carillo and Public Affairs and Communication Director Atty. Adel A. Tamano at the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City. Gilda Custodio-Maquilan, CCFEL Sustainability and Community Affairs Manager; Rebecca J. Calzado, Administrator, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; Cho-

na M. Mantilla, Director, National Reintegration Center for OFWs; Ahma Charisma L. Satumba, Director, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns; and Juan Carlos Dominguez, Human Resource and Corporate Affairs, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Inc. signed the MOU as witnesses. The Women REACH! Program was conceived by the DOLE and Coca-Cola as a public-private partnership venture under the DOLE’s Assist WELL Program. “Women REACH! is for the economic empowerment of Filipino women migrant workers, especially domestic workers and caregivers returning from overseas work,” said Baldoz. Baldoz initiated in 2014 the Assist WELL Program, a convergence of reintegration assistance and services, through Department Order

FDOLE-COKE, 17

Marcos:Infra to solve OFW, unemployment problems

ICE presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. said the next administration should focus in infrastructure development to address the unemployment problem and the impending exodus of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from the Middle East. Marcos said a good first step for infrastructure development is the implementation of foreign-assisted projects that have not been completed, especially those funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), World Bank - International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Fund, and Asian Infrastructure Investment Fund. "A number of these for-

eign-assisted infrastructure projects have incurred delays in their completion and implementation due to technical and administrative problems. Steps should be initiated in resolving the projects’ backlog," he said. Most of these foreign-assisted ventures are the construction of bridges, roads, irrigation systems, flood risk management, and other big ticket projects, which according to Marcos, could have already jumpstarted economic growth had they been completed on time. “Infrastructure development is a good way to boost the economy, address the unemployment problem and

FMARCOS, 17

P90M spent on projects in GSC, South Cotabato

ROUND P90 million worth of development projects were implemented last year in this city and parts of South Cotabato through the efforts of the province’s second congressional district office. Paulo Jay Acharon, chief of staff of South Cotabato second district Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr., said the funds went to various basic services and construction of vital infrastructure facilities. He cited projects for social, educational medical and employment services, and infrastructure projects like road concreting, installation of water systems and the construction of multipurpose buildings. “These are projects that were identified as top priorities. and endorsed for funding and implementation by the

recipient-communities,” he said at the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting in Koronadal City. South Cotabato’s second congressional district covers this city and the municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi and Tampakan. Acharon said funds for the projects came from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Public Works and Highways’ South Cotabato-II District Engineering Office. He said the DSWD released around P10 million worth of medical, food, educational, burial and transportation assistance for the area.

FP90M, 17

FESTIVITIES. Colorful buntings add up to the festive mood along San Pedro Street as the 79th Araw ng Davao celebration opened Saturday night graced by Presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte

and his running mate Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. A large number of tourists are expected to arrive to witness the city’s annual celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

Drought risk expands in Region 1, CAR, NIR S OIL across Region I (Ilocos), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Negros Island Region (NIR) may further dry up during the 10-day period ending Sunday (March 20) this year. Latest data indicate such possibility as State-run Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) expects rainfall in those regions to range from zero to 25 mm only during the period. The regions will likely average a mere zero to three days of rain 0.1 mm or more, PAGASA continued. PAGASA forecast such ranges, which are the lowest among regions then, expecting generally fair weather to prevail in the country "apart from isolated rain showers and thunderstorms." "A strong El Nino condi-

tion is currently on-going in eastern and central equatorial Pacific," PAGASA also said, citing the natural phenomenon that's causing rainfall shortage, drought and dry spell nationwide. Across Region I, PAGASA said flue-curing of tobacco leaves is on-going while irrigated rice and corn are in flowering and maturing stages. In CAR, PAGASA said on-going agricultural activities are harvesting of crops and drip irrigation in areas planted to strawberry and other cash crops. Farmers in NIR are harvesting vegetables while irrigated rice and corn there are in the flowering and maturing stages, PAGASA continued. Forecast rainfall range in Region 1, CAR and NIR for the 10-day period is what PAGA-

SA also expects in Region VI (Western Visayas) where soil is likewise parched already and can dry up further. However, PAGASA forecast Region 6 to likely have a higher average one to four rainy days then. PAGASA data for the 10day reference period further show soil is also already dry across regions 4-B, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 as well as Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and National Capital Region (NCR). The agency forecast higher rainfall ranges of zero to 50 mm in regions 4-B, 7 and 10, zero to 75 mm in regions 11 and 12 as well as NCR, zero to 145 mm in Region 9 and zero to 150 mm in ARMM, however. Average number of rainy days there can range from zero to three days in Region

4-B, one to four days in Regions 12, two to four days in regions 7 and 10, two to five days in Region 8 as well as two to six days in Region 9, Region 11 and ARMM. Soil in other regions of the country is a combination of either wet and dry, moist and dry or wet, moist and dry conditions at present, noted PAGASA. According to PAGASA, weather systems that'll affect the country during the 10day period are the northeast monsoon, easterlies and ridge of the North Pacific high-pressure area. "The northeast monsoon will continue to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over extreme northern Luzon," PAGASA said, describing possible conditions during the reference period's early part. (PNA)

PEAKER Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. today proposed the submission by all Cabinet Secretaries of a brief report on their respective accomplishments and challenges hurdled while in office during the past six years. The Speaker said the brief report would not only be a record of the Cabinet officials' achievements but also be a good source of information for the people and serve as guideline for the officials' successors. The brief report should also identify problems faced by these Cabinet officials and their departments in implementing plans and programs, as well as recommendations on how these difficulties could be avoided in the future, ac-

cording to the Speaker. "So I'm calling on all department Secretaries to make a report of their six years of tenure as heads of their respective department. They can attune it to the President if they want to, but what we want is something that will be useful for the future, for everybody, and for their successors. It is their own viewpoint and their own estimation of the challenges they faced and the accomplishments they made," the Speaker added. The Speaker noted that some Cabinet members only get their record of achievements and programs mentioned in the President's State of the Nation (SONA) for maybe two paragraphs. But with their own report, they can

properly highlight their key accomplishments as well as all the challenges they had faced, according to the Speaker. "These highlights will serve as our own record of what happened in the past six years. The Cabinet secretaries will write these highlights not from the point of view of the President but from their own points of view, and I think it will be very helpful to everybody," Belmonte said. The Speaker raised the proposal about the report submission by Cabinet Secretaries as he noted that this Aquino administration is very unusual in the sense that virtually all its Cabinet members, with the exception of one or two, have occupied their positions for the entire length of the chief

executive's administration. "Therefore, they have a track record that they can be proud of. So, instead of the President making an annual report, I suggest that each Secretary, now that he still has a few months in office, review his performance over the last six years and come out with a relatively comprehensive, though not bulky report, on the accomplishments of his department, what changes for the better were they able to do, problems that were encountered and also suggestions for the future. I think it will be a good thing," Belmonte said. Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Speaker's proposal was practicable and workable.

Cabinet submission of report card sought S

FCABINET, 17

11 BIGGER PICTURE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

The burns legacy Text and photos by HENRYLITO D. TACIO

T was only 4:30 in the morning when my sister Elena, then 12, woke up. She was very excited as she would be going for a field trip with her classmates. She had to cook rice, which she would bring for her group. She didn’t want to disturb our parents, myself and other siblings. I can cook rice myself, she said. That was what she did. After putting rice and water in the kettle, she put it at the top of an earthen stove with opening only at the center where firewood is placed. Then, she poured some kerosene into the firewood. With a match, she lighted it. She saw the firewood burning but a few second later, the fire expired. But she already ran out of kerosene. She tried looking and saw a can, which she thought contained kerosene. Elena immediately poured what she thought was kerosene into the dying fire and before she knew it a big fire was created. It was not kerosene, after all, but gasoline. Totally shocked, she stood still as the gasoline slipped from her hand. It splashed and went all over her feet. Accidentally, the fire caught her. It was at this moment that I came to her rescue. I went down to quench my thirst that early morning and saw my younger sister engulfed by fire. Having undergone first aid training during my high school days, I immediately grabbed the wet blanket left by my

Degrees of burns (from the net) mother in a basin the night before and wrap her with it. Our whole family woke up as Elena cried in pain. Seeing what had happened, my parents and I brought my sister – still wrap with blanket on and conscious – to the nearest hospital. At the emergency room, a doctor treated my sister. “If you were not around,” the doctor told me, “it would have been worse. Good to know you’re familiar with what to do. Thanks for doing the right thing.” It took my sister three months to fully recover. Today, Elena, now 42, is completely healed. However, there are still some white spots that remained in her legs, as if to remind her of

the past that almost cost her life. In the Philippines, March is observed as Burn Injury Prevention Month to build awareness about burn injuries and their prevention. The editorial of Manila Bulletin some years back is a great reminder: “Burns are among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can bear. Getting burned is a traumatic experience not only physically but psychologically, as well. Rehabilitation from the injury takes a long period of time.” There are four classifications of burns: thermal, chemical, radiation and electrical. Chemical and electrical burns are self-explanatory. Thermal burns come from heat, which includes scalding hot liquids. R a -

diation burns come from radioactive metals as well as the sun. Sometimes, abrasions are called friction burns. However, burns are classified based upon their depth, according to Dr. Ben Wedro, who practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The first-degree burn is least serious since only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through. The skin is usually red and often there is swelling. Pain sometimes is present. “Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires

emergency medical attention,” the Mayo Clinic advises. When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. There is severe pain and swelling. “If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately,” the Mayo Clinic reminds. For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns, take the following action: 1. Running cool water over a burn may alleviate some of the pain. 2. Mild burns may be treated with burn creams. Don’t use butter.

3. Any burn that encircles a body part (such as a wrist or finger), or any significant burn to the face, should be evaluated by a physician. 4. Cover burns with sterile bandages to keep them clean and dry.

5. If blisters form, don’t open them.

“Minor burns usually heal without further treatment,” the Mayo Clinic points out. “They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help.” The third-degree burn is the most serious burns as it involves all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn. For major burns, emergency medical help is needed. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

* If safe, approach and remove person from source of injury (that is, fire) or remove offending substance (examples: put out fire on burning clothes or washing away acid burns with water). there is * If bleeding (especially from associated injury and the burn itself), apply pressure to the wound by pressing over it with a clean cloth or dressing and maintain the pressure till the bleeding stops or till the medics arrive.

* If there has been crushing or blast injury and the person is trapped or if there is associated spinal cord injury (person conscious but cannot move or feel his limbs or abnormal lie), do not move the victim. * Keep the person warm because in major burns, body heat is lost rapidly. This can be done with a clean sheet or blanket.

* Raise burned areas above the level of the heart if possible. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Types of burns (from the net)

* Protect the victim from drafts and keep the victim dry.

EDGEDAVAO

12 VANTAGE

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

EDITORIAL Davao’s positive vibes

AVAO City officially turns 79 years old on March 16, 2016. Republic Act No. 7685 declares March 16 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the City of Davao to be known as “Araw ng Dabaw.” This year, by virtue of Proclamation no. 1234, the Office of the President has declared Thursday, 17 March 2016, as a special (non-working) day in the City of Davao. It is no secret that Davao is one of the emerging cities of the Philippines in terms of business and investment, tourism, recreation, settlement and retirement. Through the years, it has risen to become the melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures and a convergence of business ventures. Not only that, it has seen the increase of expatriates settling in the city either as residents, long staying tourists, businessmen or students. Davao City has seen nationals from Taiwan, China, Korea, Japan and now, India as a growing addition to its amalgamation of happy and content residents.

EDGEDAVAO

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When the city celebrates its foundation anniversary this week, expect the streets to be flooded again with happy faces from its locals, expats and visitors alike. Considerably not as outrageous as other celebrations in the country owing to the discipline being instilled by the local government like the imposition of alcohol limitations, smoking prohibitions on public places, firecrackers and other excesses, the celebration of the Araw ng Davao remains one of significance, and respected for its simplicity and austerity yet heartwarming and unifying atmosphere. Lost in its essential festivities are high-strung, noise-making revelries and outlandish parties. Rather, the depiction of people’s unity and a common resolve to keep the city peaceful and progressive far outweighs the euphoria of excessive merry-making. This is Davao--simple yet meaningful and sincere in its expression of thanksgiving for an existence marked with a strong resolve towards happy coexistence among its peoples. Keep the positive vibes, Dabawenyos.

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Araw ng Davao Special

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR. Davao’s smiles reverberate during the annual Araw ng Davao celebration. Lean Daval Jr.

Spreading positive vibes

S2 Araw ng Davao special

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Alien contributions (UNBEKNOWNST to most Dabawenyos of today are the contributions of foreigners to the socio-economic development of Davao City and neighboring areas in Region 11 which used to be the undivided Davao Province. As a special feature in the celebration of Araw ng Davao marking the 79th founding anniversary of Davao as a chartered city, Edge Davao has commissioned journalist-historian Antonio V. Figueroa to write articles on foreigners, chiefly from the Middle East, who settled in Davao and started many ventures that helped shape Davao’s future as the virtual capital of Mindanao.—The editor)

Lebanese-Syrians in Davao BY ANTONIO V. FIGUEROA

HE influence of Middle Eastern immigrants in the city is an understated fact. Especially in relation to the rise of Davao region as center of Manila hemp, also known as abaca, the role of a Lebanese-Syrian who opened the first abaca plantation in town before the Americans arrived is hardly recognized and honored. (Syria was created as an independent state before World War II after the creation of the League of Nations. It used to be part of the Ottoman Empire, which was subdivided by the French and British after the Turks, who originally ruled it, were forced to flee as a result of a British-Arab backed rebellion. The nations created, as a result, Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon. Prior to its establishment, Syria was part of Greater Lebanon.) Some of these emigrants, who were born in Christian Lebanon, later applied for naturalization, bought properties, opened local enterprises, and became significant figures in the fields of business, particularly in cinema operation, and socio-civic engagement. Today, their heirs are into trucking, building rentals, and other diversified investments.

‘Father of Davao planters’ The first person to open an abaca plantation in Davao was Juan Awad, a young, itinerant merchant from Mount Lebanon, Syria, who arrived in the city in 1893 and was later recognized, albeit unofficially, as “the father of all the Davao planters.” Family tradition says he reached Philippine shores a year earlier in Bacolod before deciding to travel south to confirm prospects of good business. The bucolic town of Davao so impressed him that he sought colonial help and secured a Spanish grant of 1,500 acres, the equivalent of 607 hectares. The grant was a wild country known as Belen (after the Hispanized ‘Bethelehem’), today’s Lapanday, situated 19 kilometers from the mouth of

Dr. Najeeb Mitry Saleeby, Anthony B. Sasin, and Col. Thomas Edgar Clifford Davao River. The fine bottom land was good for planting abaca, and Awad observed “the character of the rich alluvial deposit and of the sub-irrigation [needed] to be secured from the abrupt rise of the low mountain range that sheds its water like the eaves of a roof on the rich hemp lands.” Over time, the Lapanday plantation became the largest hemp forest in the district. It was described as ”a magnificent sight to ride through… where stalks look more like trees than ordinary hemp” and the fields compared to “the giant red woods of California alongside the scrub oaks of a forgotten New England farm.” Awad’s partners When the Americans arrived, Awad had the good fortune of linking with a naturalized American born in a Protestant home in Lebanon, Syria in 1870. Najeeb Mitry Saleeby, author of ‘Studies in Moro History, Law, and Religion’ and ‘The History of Sulu,’ was first assigned in Cotabato in May 1901, as a captain and assistant surgeon of the United States Volunteers (USV), serving the position until Feb. 1, 1903. On June 30 that same year, he was appointed superintendent of schools,

served as a member of the legislative council for the Moro Province, and was later connected with the Bureau of Science at Manila, in the Division of Ethnology. It was during this time Awad teamed up with Saleeby as plantation partner. To his credit, Saleeby introduced new and profitable methods in hauling and stripping the hemp. Their partnership prospered with the acquisition of Padada Plantation in 1908. Awad, the first man to own a multi-story edifice in Davao, was also assisted in the joint venture by his brother, Rafael, who joined him in the Lapanday project. The details of Rafael’s involvement, though, are obscure. What is confirmed, though, is that he married a Lebanese woman with whom he sired three boys—one is Nabih—and four girls. Lebanon-born Nabih, who also wedded a Lebanese, stayed the longest in Davao. He had three sons and a baby girl, who was stillborn. Born in Lebanon in 1924, he arrived in the country in 1936 but returned to his birthplace in 1948, the only time he visited his Middle East home. He applied for Filipino citizenship after the war but his dream to be naturalized was denied due

to insufficiency of evidence that would establish his capability to read and write a major dialect. He appealed his case but was not sustained. (The Nassers, as erroneously claimed in some accounts, are not note related to the closely-knit Middle Eastern clan in Davao and are not from Lebanon.)

Other Middle Easterners Three decades since the arrival of Awad, relatives bearing the surnames Borghailys (Aburjaily) and Sasins arrived in Davao. The newcomers, finding extensive opportunities in town, engaged in merchandising. Salim Borghaily, the earliest to arrive, opened Borghaily Hermanos Store in 1929. Brisk business and a peaceful environment encouraged him to try his luck. When his wife died, he went home to Lebanon with his Davao-born daughter but returned to the city after the war. Rashid Borghaily, meanwhile, travelled to Davao to take over Salim’s business. His initial venture encouraged his elder brother Jose to join him. Later, Charlie Sasin, a nephew, added his name to the list of Lebanese migrants who found success in Davao while helping expand the iconic Borghaily

Store. It did not take long before Charlie’s brother Kamal and nephew Najib Borghaily showed up to join the trading firm. It was Charlie who managed the first Borghaily branch at Santa Ana. The store was smaller compared to the original enterprise, but it was popular among the elite because of the fine Middle East textiles, silks, and laces it exclusively sold. Charlie and uncle Rashid later became naturalized Filipinos. Rashid took a Lebanese as wife, while Charlie wedded a Filipina who bore him four children. One of Sasin’s son, Anthony, a basketball star during his college years at the Ateneo de Davao, went on to become vice-president of ANFLOCOR Group of Companies. When war broke out, Charlie joined the local guerrilla movement. It was while conducting an operation at Peñaplata that he met Col. Thomas ‘Jock’ Clifford, the American military officer who helped liberate the city. They became good friends so much so the American officer protected Charlie from dubious claims he was collaborating with the Japanese. Following Clifford’s death, Sasin was handpicked to handle the distribution of goods placed under the control of

the Philippine Constabulary Auxiliary Unit (PCAU). Against the rubbles of war, Borgailys Store was restored. Habib, who had arrived in Davao from Lebanon, took over the management of the revitalized merchandising after his brother Najib opened his own Manila business. For his part, Charlie decided to venture into movie house business by opening his first movie house, the Universal, on San Pedro, directly competing with the Liberty theater owned by the pioneering Carriedo family. █

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Araw ng Davao special

Slow Internet

Holding Davao back from greatness BY JULIA JASMINE M. STO. ROMANA CAMPAIGNER FOR INTERNET RIGHTS

E Dabawenyos have much to be proud of. Compared to most cities in the Philippines, we have less traffic, cleaner water, better peace and order, and a more functional local government. That’s why it’s no surprise that early this year, Davao City once again landed in the Tholon’s list of top 100 outsourcing destinations. What made our presence in the list more notable was our dramatic rise from #69 in the list to #66. Davao City even managed to beat cities like Perth in Australia, St. Louis, Missouri, and Seoul. Tholon cites the city’s position as an educational hub in the region and the development of capable ITeS infrastructure as reasons for Davao’s dramatic rise in the list. But when I look at the current state of the Philippines internet structure, I can’t help but wonder what our ranking would have been if our internet is comparable of that of our ASEAN neighbors. Would we have made it to the top 10? Would there be more Philippine cities in the list? How much progress would we have made if we had the same internet quality and access as most Asian countries in the world? It’s common knowledge that the Philippines is one of the biggest users of social media in the world. And results from surveys done by WeAreSocial show that we are also the fastest growing users of broadband and mobile internet. But our internet services still hasn’t caught up to our growing needs. When commercial internet was introduced back in 1997, the average internet speed was 56 kbps. Fast forward to 2016. And based on Akamai’s State of the Internet 3rd quarter report for 2015 our average speed is at 2.8Mbps with 1.3 million

unique users, compared to the global internet speed of 5.1 Mbps. This speed is embarrassing compared to the average speed enjoyed by Vietnam ( 3.4mbps, 3.5 million users), Indonesia (3mbps, with 6 million users) , Malaysia (4.9mbps, 2 million users), Singapore (12.5mbps, 1.7 million users), and Thailand (8.2mbps, 3.2 million users). Not only do we have one of the slowest internet speeds in the world, our internet is also one of the most expensive. Based on individual pricing reports submitted to Numbeo, a 10mbps connection in the Philippines costs between P2,000 to P2,700. Malaysia pays between P1,500 to

Not only do we have one of the slowest internet speeds in the world, our internet is also one of the most expensive

P1,900. Indonesia only pays around P1,500. The same connection in Thailand doesn’t even reach the 1,000 peso mark (P800 – P900). And in Vietnam, users pay less than P600 for 10Mbps. Singapore, which has the highest average speed pays only around P1,400 for the same connection and those rates are expected to drop with news of a 4th ISP entering the market. Recently there have been a series of news stories of how the 3G mobile data speeds in the Philippines is actually faster than those of Japan and Hong Kong. Though technically true, the story doesn’t accurately reflect

what most internet users are experiencing and didn’t illustrate how far behind we actually are compared to our Asian neighbors. The data was based on a report released by Open Signal where they compared mobile data services in Asia. For 3G Globe has a 79% coverage with 1.6 MBps while Smart has 85% coverage with average speeds of 1.4mbps. What the reports have neglected to mention that is that Japan and Hong Kong are no long investing in infrastructure for 3G because most of them are already on 4G. 3G coverage in Japan peaks at 42% while Hong Kong’s 3G coverage is 47%. It’s a different story when you look at 4G. In Japan, their 3 networks cover over 90% speeds of 10-19 mbps. In HongKong, they have over 85% with speeds from 12 to 24 mbps. In the Philippines, our 4G LTE penetration for both carriers is less than 40%. Smart’s coverage is at 38% with maximum download speed of 7mbps. Globe has 48% coverage with download speeds of4MBPs. I’m not downplaying what our city has achieved. In fact, I think it’s miraculous that 10 Philippine cities made it to the list. But I can’t help but wonder how much higher we would have ranked our internet speed was comparable to that of our Asian neighbors. Would we have ranked higher? Would more Philippine cities have made it in the list? How would this affect our local economy, education, politics, and society? It’s clear that the internet has done a lot of good. According to the Pew Research back in 2015, most Filipinos perceived that the internet had a positive effect on education and the media. We can see that social media has encouraged more political discourse and encouraged a new generation of voters to take a more active part in the political process. We’re seeing more and more tools that encourage political transparency and decision making (open data, online government transactions). But unless there’s serious internet reform in the Philippines, I guess we’ll never know how much further we could have gone. █

S4 Araw ng Davao special

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

Spreading positive vibes

THE FINALISTS. Keena Dacubor Shandia Tunguia Joenica Roque Elda Aznar Jovilyn Gavan Angelica Almaden Kathleen Beniga Thea Elipio Ma. Karis Del Corro Mary Chelsie Delmar Alyza Theodoro Lucille Gokotano Ariesha Dimaano Mithilaya Miclat Dane Sillo

FOR THE KIDS. The Araw ng Davao celebration is always a fun-time for the children.

TRADITIONAL DANCES. Year in and year out, colorful cultural dances always are a hit in the Sayawan sa Da’n.

Photos by Lean Daval Jr.

CIVI PARADE. Local establishments take part in the annual civi parade.

UNIFIED TRIBES. Davao’s colorful tribes provide a thriving positive vibe.

HAPPY 79TH ARAW NG DAVAO!

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

EDGEDAVAO “I grew up with an ambition and determination without which I would have been a good deal happier. I thought a lot and developed the faraway look of a dreamer, for it was always the distant heights that fascinated me and drew me to them in spirit. I was not sure what could be accomplished with tenacity and little else, but the target was set high and each rebuff only saw me more determined to see at least one major dream to its fulfillment.” -- Earl Denman, Alone to Everest

*** IETTRE Tielhard de Chardin once told the following story: A group of mountain climbers took off to scale the heights. After some hours of walking, they got about halfway up and soon split up into three groups. They were all refreshing themselves at a chalet. One group was sorry it had undertaken such a strenuous trip fraught with dangers and disproportionate to the expected enjoyment. So disheartened and tired, this group turned back. The second group was happy it was here in the clear mountain air and with the sun tanning them. So they spread their limbs out on the mountain grass and heartily ate the tasty sandwiches they had brought along. Some broke out into song and breathed in the freedom of the heights. They were content and happy right here. Why move on higher? So they stayed right there. It was only the third group of real mountain climbers who took off for the summit, which they had kept before their eyes from time they left the

HE media called him “Senator”, “Patriot”, and “Statesman”, “Super Lawyer”, “Wonderful Preacher”, etcetera. Indeed, he was all of that. But, to me Jovy was more than all the hallelujah’s that were thrown his way. He was a human being – subject to the flights of optimism and to the depths of pessimism which ordinary mortals are heirs to. I was privileged to witness that optimistic quality of Jovy’s persona one turbulent night while we were on a small plane flying back home to Manila from

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

The will to succeed

VANTAGE POINTS 13

valley bot- THINK ON THESE! tom. That was their goal and they relished tightening every muscle to attain it. “In life as we climb to our goal, at Henrylito D. Tacio times we be- henrytacio@gmail.com long to one of these three moods,” Chardin conclude. It is our will to succeed that gives us motivation to go on -- to reach the goal we want to have. Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish-born scientist, inventor, engineer and innovator who is credited with patenting the first practical telephone, was one such believer. “I had made up my mind to find that for which I was searching even if it required the remainder of my life,” Bell said. “After innumerable failures I finally uncovered the principle for which I was searching, and I was astounded at its simplicity. I was still more astounded to discover the principle I had revealed not only beneficial in the construction of a mechanical hearing aid but it served as well as means of sending the sound of the voice over a wire. He discovered another thing that came out from his investigation: “When a man gives his order to produce a definite result and stands by that order it seems to have the effect of giving him what might be termed a second sight which enables him to see right through ordinary problems. What this power is I cannot say; all I

know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.” Of course, you must heard of George Herman “Babe” Ruth, Jr., an American professional baseball player whose career in Major League Baseball spanned 22 seasons, from 1914 through 1935. At one time, when William Moulton Marston asked him what the most exciting moment of his career was, he replied that it was during one game in the World Series. Babe Ruth was in a slump, his team was behind and two strikes had been called on him. The crowd started to boo. His desire to win rose to the emergency. He pointed to a distant spot in the field and yelled at the hooting fans, “I’ll knock it out there for you.” He hit the next ball where he said he would. It was the longest home run ever made at Wrigley Field. When Marston asked him what he thought about when the ball was pitched, he answered: “What’d I think about? Why, what I always think about: just hittin’ the ball.” Ruth’s reply reminded me the words of Paul Graham. “Being strongwilled is not enough, however,” the English computer scientist said. “You also have to be hard on yourself. Someone who was strong-willed but self-indulgent would not be called determined. Determination implies your willfulness is balanced by discipline.” In one of his speeches, British Prime Minister Winston S. Church reminded the audience not to give up:

“Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never -- in nothing, great or small, large or petty -- never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Mario Andretti has this thought: “Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.” Sarah Dessen, author of Keeping the Moon, has some suggestion. “If you try anything, if you try to lose weight, or to improve yourself, or to love, or to make the world a better place, you have already achieved something wonderful, before you even begin,” she wrote. “Forget failure. If things don’t work out the way you want, hold your head up high and be proud. And try again. And again. And again!” Asked by a fellow pianist if he could be ready to play a recital on short notice, Jan Paderewski replied, “I am always ready. I have practiced eight hours daily for 40 years.” “I wish I had been born with such determination,” the other said. “We are all born with it,” Paderewski answered. “I just used mine.” The words of Joseph Hill “Joss” Whedon, an American screenwriter and film and television director, came into my mind: “The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn’t look like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, he’s going to keep digging, he’s going to keep trying to do right and make up for what’s gone before, just because that’s who he is.”

COMMENTARY

believe that to some extent, he succeeded in calming down our apprehensions in that regard. Also, I personally saw Jovy’s exhibiting signs of despondency, at least, on one occasion in the privacy of his home office in Pasig. Informed that some of his important political allies had abandoned him for better pastures, Jovy’s already shrunken shoulders – from the injuries he suffered in the Plaza Miranda grenade bombing in 1971 – shriveled even more. Happily, Jovy was not one to allow sorrow to cramp his active life of ser-

vice to our people for long. Hence, after prayer, he bounced back and resumed his leadership role, although, no longer in the political arena, but in the wider and more challenging field of spreading the word of God as a layman. That was Jovy to me: an ordinary mortal whose head knocked at the clouds but whose feet were firmly planted on the ground.(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Aquilino Pimentel, Jr. of Cagayan de Oro City was OIC Local Governments Secretary in post-EDSA Philippine, served as Senator and later as Senate President).

Jovy Salonga: Man

NENE PIMENTEL a political sortie in the Visayas in 1992. As the plane waszigging-and-zaggingthrough the dark clouds, I heard Jovy who was seated in front of me whistle a happy tune from one of Mozart’s famous concertos. Obviously, he was trying to make our spirits soar above the mortal concerns we had with our flight safety that was being threatened by the environmental turbulence buffeting our plane. And I

14 MOTORING EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

Meet the 2016 Porsche Cayenne D

IE-HARD Porsche fans must have screamed in horror when the Cayenne first launched in 2002. But over the years, it has become accepted, turning into one of the brand’s best-selling models and unashamedly the reason why Porsche could make even better 911’s. Some 13 years and a model generation later, Porsche has tweaked and polished the formula delivering the same technical tour-de-force you’ve come to expect out of Stuttgart’s stable. And just as fans have warmed up to it, Porsche plops in a diesel; a diesel-powered Porsche SUV? Sacrilegious? Hardly. As a company, Porsche has always valued technical engineering and know-how. Though they’ve been stubborn with the whole rear-engine, rear-wheel drive formula for quite some time, they have tried a lot of things from a front-mounted V8 grand tourer, a loony twin-turbo all-wheel drive sports car in the 1980’s, and more recently, a big, honking sedan with plug-in hybrid tech. In all these cases, technology is the main driver of performance. The Cayenne Diesel is pretty much the same thing. Despite shared underpinnings with other members of the Volkswagen family, the Cayenne gets its own unique exterior treatment. The low hood line and rounded headlights clearly identify it as a member of the Porsche family; ditto the curved and sculpted lines at the side and rear. Like the sports cars whose heritage it’s tapping on, it’s clean and clear of any tacky handles and creases. It’s all about the smooth, flowing lines. The minor revisions, done in 2014, add even more presence thanks to the new bumpers with modified air intakes. The striking four-quadrant LED daytime running lights further

ORTY-FIVE individual teams and nine celebrity racers will troop to the Clark International Speedway on March 19 as the country’s biggest motorsports event kicks off for Season 3. Fueled by the best-selling vehicle in the coun-

punctuate the front-end. On all four corners, it appears it’s sporting small alloy wheels, but those are actually 19-inchers shod with 265/50R19 Goodyear Eagle F1 SUV tires. Ever since the Panamera, Porsche has hit sort of a cabin renaissance, coming out with interior that finally befit their price tags. The Cayenne has that high-quality look and feel as well. With an overall length of 4,855 millimeters and a wheelbase of 2,895 millimeters, it’s abundantly spacious inside given Porsche has resisted the temptation to add a token third row. The luggage space is also huge (maximum of 1,728 liters) and can swallow pretty much anything you put in there. Like any other modern Porsche, the Cayenne features a high center tunnel that engulfs the shifter all the way to the touchscreen infotainment system. The endless array of buttons may look confusing at first, but given how the buttons are all clustered by functions, it’s surprisingly easy to understand. The rest of the driving environment tells the same story. Despite the tall seating, the driver is treated to a sports carlike driving position because of the supportive seats, 918 Spyder derived small three-spoke steering wheel, and the trademark five-tier layered instrument cluster. The ignition on the left-hand side completes the feel. Of course, when it comes to cranking this particular Porsche to life, twisting the ignition won’t result in a burly exhaust note or a cacophony of flat-6 power. Instead, you get a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 with 245 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. From the outside, it’s already smooth and quiet, but inside, it’s even more so; a testament to the Cayenne’s excellent NVH insulation. Despite

try, the 2016 Vios Cup promises more wheel-to-wheel action. Apart from the growing number of racers, this season sees an all-new racing category and possible new venues. This year, Toyota is adding the Super Sporting Class to the

having to pull 2,110 kilograms, it feels surprisingly lithe. Zero to 100 km/h comes in at a un-SUV-like 7.3 seconds. The bigger news though is in-gear acceleration: 80 to 120 km/h is done in just 5.3 seconds. The 8-speed automatic is unobtrusive and extremely quick to respond, challenging any notions that a two-ton SUV can’t be sporty. Average fuel economy is 6.64 km/L in heavy and 12.5 km/L in light traffic. Great in a straight line, Porsche seems to have made a pact with a higher force and have transformed the Cayenne Diesel into a proper cornering machine. It feels smaller than its size suggests and on more than one occasion, it belittles its girth with great agility and poise during cornering. You think SUVs don’t handle? The Cayenne easily disproves this with its commendable steering feel and handling precision. In addition, the ride doesn’t seem to suffer even one bit. It feels plush and smooth through

any terrain making it the perfect Porsche to tackle Manila’s roads. With a standard torque split of 40-percent front and 60-percent rear (it can transfer available torque to the set of wheels with the most traction), it’s one all-weather capable automobile. Plus, it’s not a pretentious SUV that can’t offroad. Looking at the buttons near the shifter reveals something of an off-road command center that changes mapping to all relevant systems including ride height and power distribution all at the touch of a button. Designed as an integral part of the Porsche family, only time will tell if it’ll reach the same cult status as its sports car brothers; but the immediate concern for the Cayenne’s critics should be laid to rest. Critics should put cynicism aside and look at it for what it is: a ground-breaking, mud-plowing, and surprisingly practical sports car. Of course, some will never accept

a sports car that doesn’t have the driven wheels at the back along with a two-seater, twodoor layout. But Porsche has

always gone against the grain. The Cayenne has become the quintessential “up yours” in the face of traditionalists.

existing Sporting and Promotional Classes. The Super Sporting Class is reserved for the Top 20 racers from all categories based on overall scores from previous races. This class is intended not only to even out the playing field, but highlight the

continuously improving skills of the said racers. All drivers in this new category are B-License holders. Apart from more pedal-tothe-metal racing, the Vios Cup is attracting more racers. For the Super Sporting Class, B-License racer Keith Bryan Haw joins the roster as a first-time Vios Cup participant. In addition, celebrities, some new and some returning will make up a good portion of the Promotional Class. This year, fans can expect Arci Munoz, Megan Young, and Jericho Rosales to join Derek Ramsey, Fabio Ide, Jinno Rufino, Joyce Pring, Sam YG, and Phoemela Baranda. With a goal of promoting motorsports at the grassroots level, this year, a new set of rules have been added to improve safety protocols on the race track. Furthermore, a new prize structure will be implemented.

Apart from trophies for the Top Three finishers in each category, the top three in the Sporting and Super Sporting Class get cash prizes as well. The cash prizes is as follows: Sporting Class (per heat), First Place – P 25,000, Second Place – P 15,000, and Third Place – P 10,000; Super Sporting Class (per heat), First Place – P 50,000, Second Place – P 35,000, and Third Place – P 15,000. The Overall Champion for the Sporting Class gets P 150,000 with the second and third places getting P 100,000 and P 50,000 respectively. Meanwhile, the Super Sporting Class Champion gets a brandnew Vios 1.5 G M/T while the second and third getting P 200,000 and P 100,000 respectively. “This March 19, we are all set to kick-off the first race this year; the fun shall continue at

the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. With new celebrities and some familiar faces that will make up the third season, to a possible new venue outside Luzon, and more competitive drivers, I am confident that this racing program will further boost the popularity of local motorsports,” says Mr. Satoru Suzuki, President of Toyota Motor Philippines. The 2016 Vios Cup is done in partnership with Bridgestone and Rota and is supported by Motul, TRD, Brembo, Denso, AVT, OMP, and Tuason Racing. 2016 Toyota Vios Cup Race Calendar Round 1 - March 18, 19 (Clark International Speedway) Round 2 - May 21, 22 (Filinvest) Round 3 - September 9-11 (Bacolod City) Round 4 - November 4-6 (TBA)

Toyota Vios Cup Season 3 kicks off March 19

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

Agusan... FROM 4 Sur, Surigao del Sur and then Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. Under the area of responsibility of the 4ID, which include the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Camuigin; the declaration of Agusan del Norte under the said category will be the seventh, Lactao

said. Lactao, who is due for promotion to the national AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo before this month’s end, hoped that the province of Bukidnon will get the same declaration before the end of his term as the commanding general here. (PNA)

will be held on March 23 at 10 a.m. at the Comelec Session Hall, also at the Palacio del Gobernador Building. Submission of bids shall be on April 5 at 9 a.m. at the BAC Office with the opening scheduled at 10 a.m. on the same day at the Personnel Department Conference Room, also at the Palacio del Gobernador Building.

“Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives, who will choose to attend,” said the Comelec. The bidding will be conducted after the Supreme Court unanimously voted last Tuesday to direct the Comelec to issue receipts to voters on Election Day to serve as the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPAT). (PNA)

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Petition for Approval of Sale and Transfer of Unit with Renewal of a Certificate of Public Convenience to operate a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular Service.

Comelec... FROM 6

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Case No. 2016-XI-00320 (2009-XI-00347) GENEROSO D. BULADACO, Petitioner-Vendor MARIA RUTH DOYUGAN VALIENTE, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by GENEROSO D. BULADACO in favor of MARIA RUTH DOYUGAN VALIENTE of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ-DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: DARONG and for cargoes as dual service from said route to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate is still valid and subsisting up to October 7, 2019. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 5, 2016 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 7th day of March 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communication LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD Regional Office No. XI Davao City

Case No.2016-XI-00298 (2010-XI-00867) RODULFO M. BARSALOTE, Petitioner-Vendor MARLON D. BARSALOTE, Petitioner-Vendee

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - --x

NOTICE OF HEARING Petitioners request authority for the Approval of Sale and Transfer executed by RODOLFO M. BARSALOTE in favor of MARLON D. BARSALOTE of a Certificate of Public Convenience with Equipment issued in this case authorizing the operation of a PUJ DUAL Ordinary Regular service on the route: TIBUNGCO VIA R. CASTILLO and for cargoes as dual service from said place to any point in Region XI with the use of ONE (1) unit, which Certificate will expire on December 18, 2016. In the same petition filed on March 1, 2016, petitioners likewise request authority to extend the validity of said certificate to operate along the same route with use of the same unit previously authorized. NOTICE, is hereby given that this petition will be heard by this Board on APRIL 4, 2016 at 09:00 a.m. at this office at the above address.

At least, TEN (10) days prior to the above date petitioner shall publish this Notice once in a one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Mindanao

Parties opposed to the granting of the petition must file their written opposition supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the petitioner, and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time. This petition will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and the documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

WITNESS the Honorable BENJAMIN A. GO, CESO V, Regional Director, this 2nd day of March 2016 at Davao City.

TERESITA DELA PEÑAYÑIGUEZ Chief Transportation Development Officer

EDGEDAVAO

NEWS 15

Structural... FROM 4

266 MVP... FROM 6

Agrarian... FROM 4

Political... FROM 7

system in place, candidacy will be no longer personality based but platform and advocacy based,” he said. “There will be better chances of representation, as well as increased stakeholders participation in the decision making,” he added. At present system, the ARMM has its own set of regional legislators, but their functions as lawmakers are limited. Sinarimbo lamented that the national congress still holds the ball as to how much will be the region’s budget. “They still dictate how much of the national income will go to ARMM and which projects should be prioritized,” he said. While the proposed law is still pending in Congress, formation of political parties which will represent the true interests of the people is necessary for the implementation of structural reform. The Germany-based international non-government organization Konrad Adenauer Stiftung partnered with the Institute for Autonomy and Governance the implementation of the EU-funded Democratic

Party Development (DEPAdev) Bangsamoro to help train in political party formation. They will conduct of a total of 23 series of training for political party development in Mindanao. KAS country representative Benedikt Seemann said the 550,000 euro project “serves as a vehicle to develop political party within Bangsamoro area” which was intended for the stalled BBL. Seemann said the project, which was launched last January, aims to invite existing groups in the proposed Bangsamoro territory to form polical party. He said political movements or civil society groups of women, youth, indigenous people, and Muslims can become political parties. The project is one of the efforts of the European Union to promote the continuation of the peace process in Mindanao. Aside from Davao, the group will be also conducting training in General Santos City, and some areas in South and Central Mindanao which will be participated by different groups and CSOs.

ernment started awarding us the title in 2006. But everything has changed when out of nowhere a group of men identifying themselves as “lumads” showed up,” Alayon said. Buklata president Irene Sanchez said that the government, after a thorough evaluation, distributed the land at one-hectare per beneficiary who were mostly displaced workers of the defunct Bukidnon Farms, Inc, which was among those sequestered by the government after President Ferdinand Marcos was ousted in 1986. According to Sanchez, since the displaced workers

were priority beneficiaries of the sequestered land, their entitlement was recognized, including those who have yet to receive the CLOAs. Sanchez also belied the claim by the Lumads that the certificates of land ownership were fake because the Land Bank and the provincial treasurer of Bukidnon accept payments for real property taxes. Based on the documents, since 2006, around 256 hectares were already distributed to beneficiaries, while the rest is still on the process of distribution by the Department of Agrarian Reform office, Sanchez said. (PNA)

pAdvisor are working together to support new and emerging tourism destinations and I look forward to meeting the winners in London later this year, “ Hardy said. He also stressed that the effective use of digital media was an essential ingredient in any successful marketing campaign. TripAdvisor’s Head of Destination Marketing for Asia Pacific Sarah Mathews, for her part, said that the challenge reinforced the company’s commitment to supporting and

shining light on destinations to enable traveler discovery. “TripAdvisor recently announced newly-redesigned destination pages to help global destination marketing organizations find new opportunities to reach TripAdvisor’s community of millions of travelers,” Mathews said. “The new features allow them to complement the site’s user-generated content with their own, with added insights on great things to see and do in-destination,” she added. (PNA)

offshore project support team here in Davao City. Under the service agreement signed by the two companies recently, Next BPO Solutions formed a dedicated team for Zeald for the roles such as web designers, web developers, online marketing

specialists, project coordinators and technical support staff. Manalastas said the NextBPO Solutions team is expected ro grow further as it plans to partner with US based Hewlette-Packard for skills outsoucing.

USD... FROM 7

Malaysia... FROM 8

homeowners consider their new community as the new foundation of their hopes and dreams. As someone who came from the same typhoon-stricken area, it is truly inspiring to see how this solid partnership between the MVP Tulong Kapatid and the provincial government led by Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon turned this catastrophe into a great opportunity to help alleviate the lives of the victims who once lost hope after the tragedy and built them not only durable homes but resilient community. I can now imagine these new homeowners who come from different typhoon-stricken parts of Baganga now living together in one community sharing new hopes, new dreams, and new beginnings. In her speech during the turnover ceremonies, I saw how deeply grateful Governor Cora was to all the stakeholders especially to Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan for building a project that gave hope to the whole community. She shared the same joy and happiness with the new homeowners. She urged the beneficiaries to make their new commu-

nity a model of the building-back-better principle and a great foundation for moving forward. In the aftermath of Typhoon Pablo, Governor Malanyaon spearheaded the “Building Back Better” program that would serve as guiding principle for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the three hard-hit towns. Partnership with private institutions like the MVP Group of Companies is part of this program. With its positive impact and result, “Building Back Better was later acknowledged by the United Nations as ‘best in disaster response’. More than three years have passed now and our three towns along with our people are getting up, moving forward from the ruins of Typhoon Pablo. There are so many things and so many people to be grateful to. And that include all those who helped rehabilitate and reconstruct these three towns – the government, NGOs and private groups. They built not only houses, but they also cemented the hopes and dreams of the people who are once tested by the rage of nature. OLAN EMBOSCADO

cano migrants settled---and received warm welcome by local officials and residents, especially in Kabacan town where around 65 percent of residents were of Ilocano descent. Meanwhile, he opined that protest votes will help win candidates in the May elections. According to the lawmaker these votes will represent young voters or those who are expressing oppositions over wrong actions and bad things that are happening in the society. Based on some surveys conducted in universities and colleges, Marcos and his tandem, presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago are always on top. “Nakakapagtataka nga bakit hindi dahil sila pinakamalaki 45 percent nga kapag sinusurvey ang mga eskwelahan laging kaming dalawa ang nangunguna at sa palagay ko ‘yan ang protest vote na nararamdaman ngayon sa kampanya,” he added.

He is convinced that such votes would also benefit his fellow senator. “Para sa akin kay Senator Miriam ‘yan. Alam no naman kapag siya ang nagsalita walang kinikilingan, walang kinatatakutan at kadalsan ‘yung kanyang inisip ay tama naman. Kaya’t yung boto nya, lalo na yung mga kabataan ay kadalasan ay aktibista yan, at kadalasan ang nagpoprotesta kapag may nakikitang mali o masamang nangyayari. That she is a beneficiary of that,” Marcos added. Asked on how they would take advantage of the protest votes, the independent vice presidential bet said they will just continue to talk about their advocacies. “Continue to say our message and consistent with that message that we want unity we want progress, we want people to come together, and work for the betterment of the lives of the Filipino people and for the Philippines,” he added. (PNA)

Ricaforte claimed that the police officers barged inside his home and ordered all to drop. “At gunpoint, they ordered me and my family to drop, even my grandchildren were not spared,” he said. After he introduced himself as a retired police officer, the raiding team apologized and went to Manalasal’s house nearby. On Friday morning, police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), together with Army’s 5th Special Forces and Special Action Force of police also raided the house of a village chair and

seized two hand grenades and 9mm pistol from him. Senior Supt. Roberto Badian, acting city police director, identified the village official as Datu Tua Pangilan, chair of Barangay Tamontaka 2, Cotabato City. But Pangilan denied he owned the gun and described the raid as “politically motivated.” “The grenades and gun were all planted, you know its election time,” he said. The suspects are now detained at CIDG office and Cotabato City Police Office. (Ferdinandh Cabrera)

Maguindanao... FROM 21

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

It’s TIME to CHANGE THE GAME.

Your ads come to life with vivid, clear, crisp colors. Get the value for your money and don’t settle for an awful copy on a badly printed space. Advertise wisely.

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DOLE-Coke... FROM 10

139-14 to address the needs of repatriated migrant workers. The Assist WELL Program involves DOLE agencies lead by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), and the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB, which supervises the DOLE’s 36 Philippine Overseas Labor Offices. It was strengthened in January this year through Administrative Order No. 21 Series of 2016 to further establish a more cohesive and synchronized convergence of DOLE agencies in providing Assist WELL services. The “WELL” in Assist WELL stands for welfare, employment, livelihood, and legal services. The Women REACH! Program, a combination of the Coca-Cola 5by20 initiative that seeks to empower five million women entrepreneurs worldwide within the Coca-Cola system by 2020, has a two-tier set of target beneficiaries. The first set shall be women OFWs who are already engaged in sari-sari store, grocery store, carinderia, food stall, bakery, or restaurant business. They will automatically qualify as training scholar under the Coca-Cola 5by20 Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program. The second set of beneficiaries will be women OFWs who are interested in setting up micro-enterprises of their choice and inclination, other than those enumerated in the first tier. They will be invited for an orientation session where they can sign up for training in any of the offered courses at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Women’s Center, including the Basic Entrepreneurship and Gender Sensitivity course, which the CCFEL will co-develop with the DOLE.

Under the DOLE-CCFEL partnership, the latter will allocate 10,000 slots for women for its 5x20 STAR program and slots for women migrants who may wish to engage in other micro businesses but who will first be trained in Basic Entrepreneurship and Gender Sensitivity course. For the latter, through its Assist WELL Program, the DOLE shall provide support for the livelihood component, such as livelihood starter kit, or legal and welfare assistance, as necessary. The DOLE will profile and identify beneficiaries and organize them for the orientation and training sessions. The CCFEL will also provide beneficiaries access to Coca-Cola sales distributors and products; and refer them to partner microfinance institutions for small business loans. Baldoz said women OFWs, who are of legal age with basic literacy skills on reading, writing, and basic mathematics, could avail of the program. “They must be committed to allocate time and complete the training course at the TESDA Women’s Center, or in any TESDA or DOLE Regional Office,” she said. Interested training applicants must also have the willingness to undergo the application process with partner microfinance institutions that can help them grow or set-up their respective business, she said. Both the DOLE and Coca-Cola will nominate a program coordinator for the smooth implementation of the Women REACH! Program. Baldoz expressed optimism that the program will support the reverse migration advocacy of the government, especially of vulnerable OFWs. “The Women REACH! Program supports our reintegration program, where we provide a package of services and mechanisms implemented by government and its socials partners to facilitate the productive return of Filipino workers upon completion of overseas employment,” the DOLE Secretary said. (PNA)

the impending arrival of our OFWs displaced from the Middle East and elsewhere,” he pointed out. Marcos said that the government should, as early as now be thinking about alternative measures for workers who have been displaced or even for those who will not be given a chance to work abroad. The senator also pointed out that the government should be looking inward to develop opportunities for workers in the country instead of shipping them out in the first opportunity. “The sad thing about it is that we are always looking for opportunities elsewhere, but very seldom have Pinoy skilled workers simply just looked around and found op-

portunities to exercise their skills in their homeland,” he lamented. Marcos said that there should be more efforts to retool and educate Filipino workers so that they will be able to find opportunities in industries that need a strong workforce as well as a review of salaries for these industries to make sure that they have competitive salaries. “If our government can provide growth opportunities here, in the Philippines, I am sure that our skilled workers will be the missing link to catapult our economy to its full potential. As it stands, other countries benefit from their skills because our government does not see what they can do for the country,” he said.

Marcos... FROM 10

NEWS 17

HIGHWAY TROT. Members of the Davao Horse Club in Davao City attract the attention of residents and commuters as they pass the Davao-Cotabato highway in Digos City en route to their trail ride in the mountains of Davao del Sur on Saturday, 05 March 2016. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas

Inter-Agency TF enforces security measures on energy facilities for polls T HE Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF), headed by the Department of Energy (DOE), enforces security measures to ensure power supply adequacy reliability during the local and national elections in May. Following the issuance of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10067, concerned members of the IATFSEF are deputized to provide sufficient personnel to secure power assets nationwide, implement clearing of trees, infrastructures and any obstructions beneath the transmission facilities, safeguard the area of the transmission Tower No. 25 located along the Agus 2-Kibawe

138kV line enabling rehabilitation to proceed, and provide pertinent information to cause prosecution of violators of the election code. The IATFSEF, in close coordination with COMELEC, notes that these measures are in response to the earlier bombing incidents and rightof-way issues compromising the power supply security in Mindanao grid that caused the isolation of Agus 1 and Agus 2 Hydro Power Plants, depriving Mindanao customers with 82 megawatts of generation capacity, resulting in power trippings and rotating outages in some provinces. “The Government, through the IATFSEF, is in full force to implement all neces-

sary measures to ensure sufficient supply of electric power ahead of the critical election period,” said Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada, emphasizing that the immediate repair and restoration of Tower No. 25 will help stabilize the power supply in Mindanao in time for the elections. The IATFSEF assures the public that it is exhausting all legal means for the speedy resolution of the nationwide transmission concerns beyond the election period to ensure sustained economic growth for the entire country. Furthermore, Secretary Monsada also calls on the public and local government units as well as the private sector for their continued

cooperation and vigilance in ensuring security and integrity of all energy facilities. Likewise, all electricity consumers are encouraged to observe energy efficiency and conservation in their day-to-day activities. It may be recalled that the IATFSEF was formed to prevent any similar untoward incidents to occur in the future and to facilitate immediate restoration of the damaged transmission Tower No. 25, which was aggravated by the denial of the claimants of the property, where the power assets are located, to allow the restoration team to conduct preventive maintenance and rehabilitation of the affected transmission facilities. (PNA)

HE local government is strictly implementing the “no pass, no entry” regulation for both local and national candidates to campaign into the transitory sites in this city.

Ma. Socorro Rojas, city social welfare and development officer, said the regulation is for the purpose of setting a schedule and to properly inform the internally displaced persons (IDPs) they have vis-

CHED and TESDA delivered P7 million and P5 million, respectively, for college and technical-vocational scholarships for “poor but deserving students,” he said. Acharon said the DOH released a total of P4 million in assistance for the indigent patients at the city hospital and the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital. In terms of infrastructure, he said a total of 32 multi-purpose buildings, five road concreting, and five water system projects were implemented in the area. South Cotabato Gov. Daisy

Avance-Fuentes, who heads the PDC, lauded the office of Rep. Acharon for lobbying with various national government agencies for the implementation of the said projects. She also recognized the efforts of the second congressional district office for properly reporting its accomplishments to the council. “These reports are vital to ensure transparency in governance and at the same time for the people to know about the different projects and services of the government that were delivered,” she said in a statement. (MindaNews)

itors. Rojas said the purpose of the regulation is also to regulate the entry of visitors into the transitory sites. The city government still maintains 12 transitory sites housing 2,900 families displaced during the 21-day September 2013 siege. The transitory sites are located in Barangays Tulungatung, Upper Calarian, Rio Hondo and Mariki in the first district and in Barangays

Kasanyangan, Mampang and Taluksangay in the second district. Rojas said political parties that wish to campaign inside the transitory sites must inform them three days ahead of the scheduled date through a written communication. The campaign for the national candidates is from February 9 to May 7 while the local candidates from March 25 to May 7. (PNA)

"I think that's a good idea because you could condense that by taking from the annual reports submitted to the President on your accomplishments. Take the highlights, condense them, then consolidate them," said Del Rosario, during his recent farewell courtesy visit on the Speaker.

The Speaker initially raised his proposal about the Cabinet Secretaries' accomplishment report during the visit wherein Del Rosario thanked the House of Representatives for all the support and assistance it extended to him during his DFA stint. (House of Representatives)

Zambo implements‘no pass, no entry’in transitory sites

P90M... FROM 10

Cabinet... FROM 10

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 8 â&#x20AC;˘ SUNDAY - MONDAY, MARCH 13 - 14, 2016

SALES TEAM. FTC Group of Companies president and CEO Ian Cruz (right) meets with his sales team pushing the Aeon Towers project now under full swing construction for its turnover date in December late this year. Below, photo os the sixth level construction being finalized for casting.

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Davao Light brings SMILE in Cleanergy Park D

AVAO Light and Power Co. brought around 200 grade school students from the St. Mary’s Initial Learning Experience (SMILE) to the Cleanergy Park at Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City last February 19, 22 and 23. Accompanied by their parents, the pupils who came in 8 batches toured the various amenities of the Cleanergy Park that included the Automated Weather Station and Learning Center, Nursery Botanical Garden, Pawikan Sanctuary Viewdeck, Mangrove Boardwalk and the best place forkids - the holding area or the playground. The young ones with the help of their parents and teachers also planted mangrove seedlings along the seashore. “We always believe that learning does not only happen inside the classroom

and that experience is still the best teacher. By visiting the Cleanergy Park, our younger learners will have more appreciation in the environment and in wildlife conservation. They also got a chance to help Mother Nature by planting mangrove seedlings by themselves.” shared Teacher Krispy Arenga, SMILE Kinder Adviser and Coordinator of Student Activities. “Everyone is welcome to visit the Cleanergy Park. This is also an avenue for us to educate the people, most especially the kids, on the importance of preserving the pawikans and its habitat.” said Fermin Edillon, Davao Light’s Community Relations Manager. Should you want to schedule a visit at the Cleanergy Park, kindly contact Davao Light’s Reputation Enhancement Dept. at 2293572. █

EDUCATIONAL TOUR. Davao Light and Power Co. Community Relations Manager SMILE. Davao Light and Power Co. Community Relations Manager Fermin Edillon together Fermin Edillon and St. Mary’s Initial Learning Experience (SMILE) School Assistant with the students and teachers from St. Mary’s Initial Experience (SMILE) give their wacky Directress Ms. Julie Anne B. Litob give their radiant smiles together with the pose at the Mangrove Boardwalk. students and parents in the Cleanergy Park’s Weather Station and Learning Center during the educational tour and mangrove planting last February 19, 2016.

LEARNING CENTER. Davao Light and Power Co. Community Relations Manager MANGROVE PLANTING. The SMILE Learners give their charming pose during the Fermin Edillon shows and explains about the preserved pawikan eggs and mangrove planting last February 19, 2016 at the Cleanergy Park, Sitio Punta Dumalag, Brgy. hatchling in the Learning Center of the Cleanergy Park to the SMILE Learners. Matina Aplaya.

USAID turns over health training models in Davao

ANILA, March 1, 2016 — In a recent visit to Davao City, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines’ Mission Director Susan Brems handed over new health training models to the Department of Health-Davao Region and Brokenshire Memorial Hospital in support of the shared U.S.-Philippines goal to improve the delivery of health services in the region.

Department of Health-Davao Region, represented by Regional Director Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., receives maternal, newborn, child health, and family planning anatomical training models from U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Jhpiego through the MindanaoHealth Project.

The models will make training, post training evaluation activities, and supportive supervision sessions more interactive than traditional training methods that simply use illustrations or photos. “These tools will improve the quality of training, expand access to maternal and child health services, and ultimately promote stable and prosperous homes and communities throughout the region,” said Director Brems.

The ceremony was held at Brokenshire Memorial Hospital, a private medical institution, where Director Brems was also briefed about the hospital’s teen health program. The Brokenshire Hospital Program for Teens, implemented by the hospital’s Women’s Center and supported by USAID’s MindanaoHealth project, was launched in September 2015. It has served 92 young people by providing information about fertility, sexuality, and reproductive health.

Bottom left: Brokenshire Hospital Resident-inCharge of the Program for Teens Dr. Tessa Mae Bonguyan (right) shows USAID Philippines’ Mission Director Susan Brems the Program for Teens Operational Guide. (Photos: MCossid/Jhpiego)

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Mamasapano candidate, City village chair arrested P

OLICE arrested a candidate for councilor of Mamasapano, Maguindanao and his wife following an anti-illegal drugs operation on the suspects’ home Friday night. A village chair in Cotabato City was also arrested for explosive and gun possession in a separate raid. The raiding team, composed of Police Special Weap-

ons and Tactics and Cotabato City police, raided the house of Mamasapano council bet Brahim Manalasal and his wife Bainot in Virgo Subdivision, Cotabato City at about 9 p.m. and seized unlicensed high powered firearms that included a Bush master, a Baby M-16 Armalite Rifle, a cal. 45 pistol and 9mm pistol. Aside from firearms, the raiding team also confiscated

six sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. Manalasal’s wifeBainot denied they owned the illegal drugs. Manalasal also claimed the firearms were licensed and that he had obtained a gun ban exemption issued by an Army intelligence unit and duly signed by officers due to threats to their lives. But police questioned Manalasal’s gun ban exemption since it is the Commission on Elections, not an Army intelligence officer that can allow the exemption.

He said an armed group in Mamasapano which he did not name threatens his family. He said his wife’s brother, a police officer, was killed in what he described as an emerging family feud. Bainot Manalasal said they need to have guns for self defense as she showed authorities her business permits. Earlier, the police erred in raiding the house of retired Police Inspector Solomon Ricaforte whose house was beside the residence of Manalasal.

FMAGUINDANAO, 15

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORP. De Guzman St., Davao City Telefax (082)225-4473

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALE All unredeemed items pawned during the month of October 2015,if not redeemed/renewed on February 29, 2016 will be put on Auction Sale March 1, 2016 at 9:00 A. M. to 5:00 P.M. Pahibalo nga ang tanang wala malukat nga prenda sa bulan Oktobre 2015, kung dili malukat sa Pebrero 29, 2016 isubasta sa bulan sa Marso 1, 2016 sa alas 9:00 sa buntag hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon.

DAVAO HELEN’S PAWNSHOP CORPORATION

Davao City: 252 San Pedro St., 167 San Pedro St., G/F Victoria Plaza Bajada 120-B Lapu-lapu St., Agdao 75C R. Magsaysay Ave., 2nd Level Gaisano Mall Bajada, Gaisano Grand Mall of Toril G/F NCCC Bldg., R. Magsaysay Ave., Centerpoint Plaza Matina Fronting San Pedro College Guerrero St., Carlson Bldg., Lapu-lapu St.,Agdao NCCC Mall Matina Saavedra St., Toril

Gaisano South Citimall, Ilustre St., Km. 13 Panacan Boulevard Buhangin Cabantian Cabaguio

Davao del Norte: Gaisano Mall, Panabo Davao del Norte Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Tagum City Davao del Sur: Gaisano Grand Mall of Kidapawan

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EDGEDAVAO Sports 23

For everything to become possible, the country faces a daunting task of hurdling the Manila leg of the qualifier, where it faces France and New Zealand in Group B during the initial part of the meet starting on July 5.

EYES ON THE US Gilas on track of battle with US squad in Rio Sharapova fires back at critics

F Gilas Pilipinas goes to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, it faces the prospect of going up against powerhouse United States following the draw of lots held in Mies, Switzerland, late Friday night (Manila time)

Following the draw ceremony, winners of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade (OQT1) and Manila (OQT2) will be joined by the US, Venezuela, China, and Australia in Group A. Group B on the other hand,

will have the likes of Argentina, Spain, the host country, Lithuania, Nigeria and the winner of the OQT3 in Serbia. For everything to become possible, the country faces a daunting task of hurdling the Manila leg of the qualifier,

where it faces France and New Zealand in Group B during the initial part of the meet starting on July 5. The top two teams in each group will play in the semis before slugging it out for the lone Asian spot in the Rio Games.

ORMER Davao City Mayor lawyer Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio will be gracing the “Tapang at Malasakit Para sa Pagbabago Bike Ride” on March 13, Sunday in Davao City. “Atty. Duterte-Carpio is our guest speaker. Right now, we have more than 200 registered riders already,” said Salvador “Jun” Paholio Jr., interim president of the organizing Citywide Cycling Association of Davao (Cicad).

Among the early groups joining the advocacy ride are from the Terrain Challenge 611, South Davao Mountain Riders, Mumho Riders, Davao Livestrong Riders, Firefly Folding Bike Club, Pinaccle Hotel Bikers and Cicad. The 22-kilometer ride is in support to the presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Rody Duterte. A free t-shirt printing will also be conducted today (March 12) from 10 AM to 5

PM at the Cicad office, Alley ground floor, Jaltan Building II, Magallanes St. All types of bikes can join with no entry fee. There will also be free porridge and raffles. Riders must assemble at the Rizal Park at 5 a.m. on March 13 while gun starts at 6 a.m. Riders will start pedaling from Rizal Park, San Pedro St., Bolton St. extension, Magallanes (Pichon St.), turn

right Quimpo Boulevard, SM Davao, turn right McArthur Highway in Matina, Bankerohan bridge, Quirino Avenue, turn left Gaisano Mall in Bajada, proceed to Lanang, turn right at corner Lanang-R. Castillo St. (gasoline station), proceed to Carpenter, Agdao, Magsaysay Park, Boulevard, San Pedro and back to Rizal Park. For more information, call or text no. 09989931954.

ORDAN Spieth holed three shots from off the green and made the cut with one shot to spare on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) in the Valspar Championship. Now he has to figure out how to catch up to Steve Stricker and Will MacKenzie. Stricker, playing for only the fifth time this year, holed

out from the 10th fairway for eagle and made a 60-foot birdie putt across the fourth green for a 5-under 66 that gave him a share of the lead with MacKenzie, who had a 67. They were at 5-under 137, one shot ahead of Bill Haas (67), Graham DeLaet (66) and Daniel Berger (68). Spieth is just happy to

be joining them. He opened with a 76 and was in danger of missing the cut, especially when the wind began to pick up just as he was starting his second round on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook. And then he hooked his tee shot on the par-5 opening hole into a bush, had to take a penalty shot and made bo-

gey on the easiest hole on the course. “I’m walking off that green going, ‘Oh, boy. We can either somehow flip this one around today or ... I don’t want that to be the key of me not being able to be here for the weekend.’ I thought it was really strong what we did after that,” he said.

Inday Sara to grace‘Tapang at Malasakit Para sa Pagbabago’Bike Ride March 13

Stricker grabs lead, Spieth survives cut J

ARIA Sharapova posted a letter to her fans on Friday (Saturday, Manila time) on her Facebook page, four days after the Russian tennis star said she failed a doping test at the Australian Open in January for the little-known meldonium. The former world No. 1 took full responsibility for her mistake when she made the announcement at a news conference Monday in Los Angeles. The 28-yearold player could face a lengthy ban from the International Tennis Federation, possibly ending her season and preventing her from competing for Russia at the Rio Olympics. Sharapova received notice last week that she tested positive for meldonium, a blood flow-promoting drug she has been taking for 10 years for numerous health issues. Meldonium was banned at the start of the year because it aids oxygen uptake and endurance, and several athletes across international sports have already been caught using it. Sharapova and all players were notified of the changes in the WADA banned substances list in December. Sharapova said she simply missed the change, neglecting to click on the link. In the letter, Sharapova wrote: To My Fans: I want to reach out to you to share some information, discuss the latest news, and let you know that there have been things that have been reported wrong in the media, and I am determined to fight back. You have shown me a tremendous outpouring of support, and I’m so grateful for it. But I have also been aware that some not all, but some in the media distort, exaggerate and fail to accurately report the facts about what happened. A report said that I had been warned five times about the upcoming ban on the medicine I was taking. That is not true and it never happened.

That’s a distortion of the actual “communications,” which were provided or simply posted onto a webpage. I make no excuses for not knowing about the ban. I already told you about the December 22, 2015 email I received. Its subject line was “Main Changes to the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme for 2016.” I should have paid more attention to it. But the other “communications?” They were buried in newsletters, websites, or handouts. On December 18, I received an email with the subject line “Player News” on it. It contained a newsletter on a website that contained tons of information about travel, upcoming tournaments, rankings, statistics, bulletin board notices, happy birthday wishes, and yes, anti-doping information. On that email, if a player wanted to find the specific facts about medicine added to the anti-doping list, it was necessary to open the “Player News” email, read through about a dozen unrelated links, find the “Player Zone” link, enter a password, enter a username, read a home screen with more than three dozen different links covering multiple topics, find the “2016 Changes to Tennis Anti-Doping Program and Information” link, click on it and then read a page with approximately three dozen more links covering multiple anti-doping matters. Then you had to click the correct link, open it up, scroll down to page two and that’s where you would find a different name for the medication I was taking. In other words, in order to be aware of this “warning,” you had to open an email with a subject line having nothing to do with anti-doping, click on a webpage, enter a password, enter a username, hunt, click, hunt, click, hunt, click, scroll and read. I guess some in the media can call that a warning. I think most people would call it too hard to find.

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